Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 59 (Wednesday, March 26, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15877-15879]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-6049]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0017; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-268-AD; 
Amendment 39-15444; AD 2008-07-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/
SF340A) and 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

[[Page 15878]]

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 [the] ground, the FAA has published Special 
Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (SFAR-88) in June 2001 [which] 
required [conducting] a design review against explosion risks.

* * * * *
    The potential of ignition sources (in certain fuel pumps, fuel 
switches, refuel shutoff valves, and optical sensors/mechanical 
switches), 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 April 30, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 30, 
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, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 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 January 14, 2008 (73 
FR 2192). 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 [the] ground, the FAA has published Special 
Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (SFAR-88) in June 2001 [which] 
required [conducting] a design review against explosion risks.
    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 (Joint 
Aviation Authorities) 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.
    As a consequence of the design review mentioned above, this 
Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires a modification to install 
extra protection of wiring installed in fuel tank conduits.

The modification includes an inspection for any damage of the wiring to 
the fuel pumps, fuel level switches, the refuel shutoff valves, and 
optical sensors/mechanical switches, and if any damage is found, 
contacting Saab for repair instructions and repair. These fuel pumps, 
fuel switches, refuel shutoff valves, and optical sensors/mechanical 
switches are potential ignition sources. 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 218 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 80 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 $0 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 $1,395,200, or $6,400 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.
    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

[[Page 15879]]

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:

2008-07-03 Saab Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-15444; Docket No. FAA-
2008-0017; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-268-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 
30, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/
SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in 
any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

Reason

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

    Subsequent to accidents involving Fuel Tank System explosions in 
flight * * * and on [the] ground, the FAA has published Special 
Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (SFAR-88) in June 2001 [which] 
required [conducting] a design review against explosion risks.
    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 (Joint 
Aviation Authorities) 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.
    As a consequence of the design review mentioned above, this 
Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires a modification to install 
extra protection of wiring installed in fuel tank conduits.

    The potential of ignition sources (in certain fuel pumps, fuel 
switches, refuel shutoff valves, and optical sensors/mechanical 
switches), in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result 
in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. The 
modification includes an inspection for any damage of the wiring to 
the fuel pumps, fuel level switches, the refuel shutoff valves, and 
optical sensors/mechanical switches, and if any damage is found, 
contacting Saab for repair instructions and repair.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, unless 
already done, perform Modification No. 3164 (right-hand wing) and 
Modification No. 3165 (left-hand wing) in accordance with Saab 
Service Bulletin 340-28-026, dated July 5, 2007. The modifications 
include the following actions.
    (1) Removal of the fuel pumps 5QM and 6QM, the fuel switches 
31EB, 32EB, 9QA, 10QA, 11QA, and 12QA, the refuel shutoff valves 
15QA and 16QA, and the optical sensors/mechanical switches 13QA and 
14QA.
    (2) Inspection of the wiring to the fuel pumps, fuel level 
switches, the refuel shutoff valves, and optical sensors/mechanical 
switches, and if any damage is found, contact Saab for repair 
instructions and repair before further flight.
    (3) Twisting of the fuel pump wiring, fuel level switches 
wiring, refuel shutoff valves wiring, and optical sensors/mechanical 
switches wiring.
    (4) Installation of a shrinkable tube to the fuel pumps wiring, 
fuel level switches wiring, refuel shutoff valves wiring and optical 
sensors/mechanical switches wiring.
    (5) Installation of fuel pumps, the fuel level switches, the 
refuel shutoff valves, and the optical sensors/mechanical switches.
    (6) Operational and functional test of the fuel measuring/
indicating system.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows:
    (1) The MCAI does not specify corrective action for the 
inspection specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD. This AD 
requires contacting Saab for repair instructions and repairing 
before further flight.
    (2) The MCAI does not include actions for optical sensors/
mechanical switches 13QA and 14QA; however, paragraph (f) of this AD 
includes modification of those optical sensors/mechanical switches.

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, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 
(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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0248, dated September 7, 2007, and Saab 
Service Bulletin 340-28-026, dated July 5, 2007, for related 
information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Saab Service Bulletin 340-28-026, dated July 5, 
2007, 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 March 17, 2008.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-6049 Filed 3-25-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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