99-28248. Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and 340B Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 211 (Tuesday, November 2, 1999)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 59113-59114]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-28248]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 99-NM-199-AD; Amendment 39-11395; AD 99-22-17]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and 340B Series 
    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 SF340A and 340B series airplanes, 
    that requires removal of certain main landing gear downlock and brake 
    hydraulic swivel brackets and replacement with new, redesigned 
    brackets. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory 
    continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness 
    authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
    failure of the downlock or brake swivels. Brake swivel failure could 
    cause the loss of inboard or outboard brakes. Downlock swivel failure 
    could cause the loss of hydraulic fluid in the main hydraulic system, 
    as well as the loss of nose wheel steering operation, extension and 
    retraction capability of landing gear and flaps, and operation of the 
    propeller brake (if installed).
    
    DATES: Effective December 7, 1999.
    
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
    the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
    of December 7, 1999.
    
    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: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
    International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
    1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
    227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
    
    [[Page 59114]]
    
    Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
    directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and 
    340B series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on August 
    30, 1999 (64 FR 47146). That action proposed to require removal of 
    certain main landing gear downlock and brake hydraulic swivel brackets 
    and replacement with new, redesigned brackets.
    
    Comments
    
        Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
    in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
    to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
    
    Conclusion
    
        The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
    require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
    
    Cost Impact
    
        The FAA estimates that 200 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
    affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per 
    airplane to accomplish the required replacement, and that the average 
    labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
    $1,375 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD 
    on U.S. operators is estimated to be $299,000, or $1,495 per airplane.
        The 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.
    
    Regulatory Impact
    
        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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
    
    
    Sec. 39.13  [Amended]
    
        2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
    airworthiness directive:
        99-22-17 Saab Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-11395. Docket 99-NM-199-
    AD.
    
        Applicability: Model SAAB SF340A series airplanes, serial 
    numbers SF340A-004 through -159 inclusive, and Model SAAB 340B 
    series airplanes, serial numbers SF340B-160 through -339 inclusive; 
    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 request approval for an 
    alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
    this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
    the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
    addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
    eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
    address it.
    
        Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
    previously.
        To prevent failure of the main landing gear (MLG) downlock or 
    brake hydraulic swivels and consequent loss of certain hyraulic-
    fypowered operations, accomplish the following:
    
    Bracket Replacement
    
        (a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, remove 
    the MLG downlock and brake hydraulic swivel brackets and replace 
    with new, improved parts, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 
    340-29-009, Revision 02, dated July 2, 1999.
        Note 2: Accomplishment, prior to the effective date of this AD, 
    of the bracket replacement in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 
    340-29-009, dated August 20, 1992, or Revision 1, dated April 15, 
    1993, is considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements 
    of paragraph (a) of this AD.
    
    Alternative Methods of Compliance
    
        (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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International 
    Branch, ANM-116.
    
        Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
    
    Special Flight Permits
    
        (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
    Secs. 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.
    
    Incorporation by Reference
    
        (d) The replacement shall be done in accordance with Saab 
    Service Bulletin 340-29-009, Revision 02, dated July 2, 1999. 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.
    
        Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish 
    airworthiness directive SAD No. 1-145, dated July 2, 1999.
    
        (e) This amendment becomes effective on December 7, 1999.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 22, 1999.
    D.L. Riggin,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 99-28248 Filed 11-1-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
12/7/1999
Published:
11/02/1999
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
99-28248
Dates:
Effective December 7, 1999.
Pages:
59113-59114 (2 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 99-NM-199-AD, Amendment 39-11395, AD 99-22-17
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
99-28248.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13