97-4198. Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 36 (Monday, February 24, 1997)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 8161-8162]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-4198]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 96-NM-236-AD; Amendment 39-9944; AD 97-04-19]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 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 2000 series airplanes, that 
    requires a visual inspection to determine if rudder disconnection has 
    occurred, and replacement of the disconnect unit with a new disconnect 
    unit, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports that, due to 
    the existing design, the disconnect unit of the rudder disconnect 
    system inadvertently opened on some airplanes. The actions specified by 
    this AD are intended to prevent the disconnect unit from opening 
    inadvertently, which could lead to inadequate rudder control, if the 
    engine fails during take-off or go-around and if the airplane is at low 
    speed.
    
    DATES: Effective March 31, 1997.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
    the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
    of March 31, 1997.
    
    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: Ruth Harder, Aerospace Engineer, 
    Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
    1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
    227-1721; 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 SAAB 2000 
    series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on December 12, 
    1996 (61 FR 65369). That action proposed to require a visual inspection 
    to determine if rudder disconnection has occurred, and, if so, the 
    immediate replacement of the disconnect unit with a new unit.
        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 3 Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes of 
    U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take 
    approximately 7 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required 
    actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required 
    parts will be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. 
    Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is 
    estimated to be $1,260, or $420 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
    
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    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:
    
    97-04-19 SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-9944. Docket 96-NM-236-AD.
        Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, serial number 
    004 through 035 inclusive, equipped with a disconnect unit having 
    part number (P/N) 7327305-511 or -512; 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 the disconnect unit from opening inadvertently, which 
    could lead to inadequate rudder control, if the engine fails during 
    take-off or go-around and if the airplane is at low speed, 
    accomplish the following:
        (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
    a visual inspection to determine if rudder disconnection has 
    occurred, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-A27-020, 
    dated March 25, 1996.
        (1) If no disconnection has occurred, within 6 months after the 
    effective date of this AD, replace the disconnect unit with a new 
    disconnect unit, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-
    021, Revision 1, dated June 19, 1996. After replacement, no further 
    action is required by this AD.
        (2) If disconnection has occurred, prior to further flight, 
    replace the disconnect unit with a new disconnect unit, in 
    accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-021, Revision 1, dated 
    June 19, 1996. After replacement, no further action is required by 
    this AD.
        (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 inspection shall be done in accordance with Saab Alert 
    Service Bulletin 2000-A27-020, dated March 25, 1996. The replacement 
    shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-021, 
    Revision 1, dated June 19, 1996. 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 March 31, 1997.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 13, 1997.
    Darrell M. Pederson,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 97-4198 Filed 2-21-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
3/31/1997
Published:
02/24/1997
Department:
Transportation Department
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
97-4198
Dates:
Effective March 31, 1997.
Pages:
8161-8162 (2 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 96-NM-236-AD, Amendment 39-9944, AD 97-04-19
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
97-4198.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13