[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 201 (Wednesday, October 18, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53869-53870]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-25602]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-67-AD; Amendment 39-9406; AD 95-21-19]
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 340B Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 340B airplanes, that requires
inspections to detect cracking of the beams located over the overwing
emergency exits, and replacement of the beam with a new beam, if
necessary. This amendment is prompted by a report that a batch of beams
with cracking may have been installed on these airplanes. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to prevent cabin pressure leakage,
consequent loss of cabin pressurization, and reduction of the load
carrying capability of the associated structure, as a result of cracked
beams.
DATES: Effective November 17, 1995.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 17, 1995.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from SAAB Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Linkoping, Sweden. This information may be examined at the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate,
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Quam, Aerospace Engineer,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)
227-2145; fax (206) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model
[[Page 53870]]
SAAB 340B airplanes was published in the Federal Register on July 21,
1995 (60 FR 37608). That action proposed to require a visual and dye
penetrant inspection to detect cracking of the subject beams located
over the left- and right-hand overwing emergency exits. That action
also proposed to require replacement of the beam with a new beam, if
any cracking is detected.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the two comments received.
Both commenters support the proposed rule.
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
The FAA estimates that 12 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 6 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor
rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $4,320, or $360
per airplane.
The total cost impact figure discussed above is based on
assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
95-21-19 SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-9406. Docket 95-NM-67-AD.
Applicability: Model 340B airplanes having serial numbers -324
through -341 inclusive, and having serial number -347; certificated
in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority
provided in paragraph (b) of this AD to request approval from the
FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current
configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions
necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such
a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair
remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent cabin pressure leakage and consequent reduction of
the load carrying capability of the associated structure, accomplish
the following:
(a) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, or within 18 months of the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Perform a detailed visual and
dye penetrant inspection to detect cracking of the beams located
over the left-hand and right-hand emergency overwing exits, in
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-53-047, dated December 14,
1994.
(1) If no cracking is detected, no further action is required by
this AD.
(2) If any cracking is detected, prior to further flight,
replace the beam with a new one, in accordance with the service
bulletin.
(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113,
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(d) The inspections and replacement shall be done in accordance
with Saab Service Bulletin 340-53-047, dated December 14, 1994. This
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. Copies may be obtained from SAAB Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft
Product Support, S-581.88, Linkoping, Sweden. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on November 17, 1995.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 10, 1995.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-25602 Filed 10-17-95; 8:45 am]
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