Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and Model SAAB 340B Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 28 (Monday, February 11, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7659-7661]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-2344]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0298; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-238-AD; 
Amendment 39-15369; AD 2008-03-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and Model SAAB 
340B Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Subsequent to accidents involving Fuel Tank System explosions in 
flight * * * and on ground, the FAA has published Special Federal 
Aviation Regulation 88 (SFAR88) * * * [which] required * * * 
[conducting] a design review against explosion risks.

The unsafe condition is the potential of ignition sources inside fuel 
tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result 
in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. We are 
issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 17, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 17, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; 
telephone (425) 227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 10, 2007 
(72 FR 69635). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products. The MCAI states:

    Subsequent to accidents involving Fuel Tank System explosions in 
flight * * * and on ground, the FAA has published Special Federal 
Aviation Regulation 88 (SFAR88) in June 2001.
    In their Letters referenced 04/00/02/07/01-L296 dated March 4, 
2002 and 04/00/02/07/03-L024, dated February 3, 2003, the JAA 
recommended the application of a similar regulation to the National 
Aviation Authorities (NAA).
    Under this regulation, all holders of type certificates for 
passenger transport aircraft with either a passenger capacity of 30 
or more, or a payload capacity of 7,500 pounds (3402 kg) or more, 
which have received their certification since January 1, 1958, are 
required to conduct a design review against explosion risks.
    This Airworthiness Directive (AD), which renders mandatory the 
modification [2762] of improving the sealing of Fuel Access Doors, 
is a consequence of the design review.

The unsafe condition is the potential of ignition sources inside fuel 
tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result 
in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. 
Modification 2762 includes removing the fuel tank access doors and the 
old type of clamp rings and gaskets, installing new, improved clamp 
rings and re-installing the fuel tank access doors, and doing related 
investigative and applicable corrective actions. Related investigative 
and applicable corrective actions include inspecting for corrosion of 
the wing skin panel, access door areas, and access doors; removing any 
corrosion found during the inspection; and replacing the access door 
protection plate with a new protection plate. Corrosion removal also 
includes inspecting the doubler flange and contacting Saab and doing 
repairs if the doubler flange thickness does not meet minimum 
specifications. Additional corrective actions include replacing 
conductive foil on the access door with an aluminum panel. You may 
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a Note within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 168 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 20 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $417 
per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs 
that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no 
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for 
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated 
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the 
U.S. operators to be about $338,856, or about $2,017 per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.

[[Page 7660]]

    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2008-03-18 SaaB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-15369. Docket No. FAA-
2007-0298; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-238-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 
17, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Saab Model SAAB SF340A and Model SAAB 
340B airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 004 
through 401.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Subsequent to accidents involving Fuel Tank System explosions in 
flight * * * and on ground, the FAA has published Special Federal 
Aviation Regulation 88 (SFAR88) in June 2001.
    In their Letters referenced 04/00/02/07/01-L296 dated March 4, 
2002 and 04/00/02/07/03-L024, dated February 3, 2003, the JAA 
recommended the application of a similar regulation to the National 
Aviation Authorities (NAA).
    Under this regulation, all holders of type certificates for 
passenger transport aircraft with either a passenger capacity of 30 
or more, or a payload capacity of 7,500 pounds (3402 kg) or more, 
which have received their certification since January 1, 1958, are 
required to conduct a design review against explosion risks.
    This Airworthiness Directive (AD), which renders mandatory the 
modification [2762] of improving the sealing of Fuel Access Doors, 
is a consequence of the design review.

The unsafe condition is the potential of ignition sources inside 
fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could 
result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. 
Modification 2762 includes removing the fuel tank access doors and 
the old type of clamp rings and gaskets, installing new, improved 
clamp rings and re-installing the fuel tank access doors, and doing 
related investigative and applicable corrective actions. Related 
investigative and applicable corrective actions include inspecting 
for corrosion of the wing skin panel, access door areas, and access 
doors; removing any corrosion found during the inspection; and 
replacing the access door protection plate with a new protection 
plate. Corrosion removal also includes inspecting the doubler flange 
and contacting Saab and doing repairs if the doubler flange 
thickness does not meet minimum specifications. Additional 
corrective actions include replacing conductive foil on the access 
door with an aluminum panel.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, unless 
already done, do the actions described in paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(f)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Do Modification 2762 and all related investigative actions 
and applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-57-031, 
Revision 02, dated September 28, 2005. Do all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Actions 
done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-57-031, 
dated September 4, 1996; or Revision 01, dated June 28, 1999; are 
considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this 
paragraph.
    (2) For airplanes identified in Saab Service Bulletin 340-57-
010, dated March 28, 1989, do the additional corrective actions 
described in and in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of that service bulletin.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: The MCAI does not require doing the actions of Saab 
Service Bulletin 340-57-010, which is specified in Saab Service 
Bulletin 340-57-031, Revision 02, as the appropriate source of 
service information for doing additional corrective actions for 
certain airplanes to completely address the unsafe condition. This 
AD requires accomplishing the additional corrective actions 
described in Service Bulletin 340-57-010 for certain airplanes.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. Send information to ATTN: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any 
approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards 
District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority

[[Page 7661]]

(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0168, dated 
June 15, 2007; Saab Service Bulletin 340-57-031, Revision 02, dated 
September 28, 2005; and Saab Service Bulletin 340-57-010, dated 
March 28, 1989; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Saab Service Bulletin 340-57-031, Revision 02, 
dated September 28, 2005; and Saab Service Bulletin 340-57-010, 
dated March 28, 1989; as applicable; to do the actions required by 
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Saab 
Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-581.88, 
Link[ouml]ping, Sweden.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information 
on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, 
or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 31, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-2344 Filed 2-8-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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