[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 79 (Friday, April 24, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20302-20303]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-10482]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-135-AD; Amendment 39-10485; AD 98-09-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 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 SAAB 340B series
airplanes, that requires an inspection to determine the serviceability
of the fire extinguisher of the forward lavatory waste bin, and
corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment also requires
installation of a placard adjacent to the fire extinguisher in the
forward lavatory waste bin. This amendment is prompted by the issuance
of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended
to prevent leakage of the fire extinguishing agent, which could prevent
proper distribution of the agent within the lavatory waste bin in the
event of a fire.
DATES: Effective May 29, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of May 29, 1998.
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
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and
SAAB 340B series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on
October 29, 1997 (62 FR 56137). That action proposed to require an
inspection to determine the serviceability of the fire extinguisher of
the forward lavatory waste bin, and corrective actions, if necessary.
The action also proposed to require installation of a placard adjacent
to the fire extinguisher in the forward lavatory waste bin.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the single comment received.
The commenter supports the proposed AD. However, the commenter
notes that unsafe condition addressed in this proposed AD may be more
generally present in the transport airplane fleet, and proposes a
number of requirements to address that problem:
--Since other installations with capillary tubes may be subject to the
same type of failure, the suggests that some sort of protection from
``kinking'' of similar capillary tubes should be required.
--A feature should be added to the fire extinguisher bottle to enable
more frequent inspection of lavatory fire extinguisher bottles and
their contents.
--The fire bottle should be inspected in place for proper pressure at
least every seven days and should be removed at least annually and
weighed.
--Engine fire bottles that are low in pressure result in an indication
to the flight crew; a similar indication may be needed for this
installation.
--A pressure indicator on the fire bottle should be a required item;
the commenter states that, currently, it has been removed on some
airplanes.
The FAA acknowledges the concerns of the commenter. The FAA has
determined that an unsafe condition exists, and that the actions
required by this AD are adequate in order to ensure the continued
safety of the affected fleet. While there may be merit to the
commenter's suggestions, this AD is not the appropriate context in
which to evaluate those suggestions. Since the suggested changes would
alter the actions currently required by this AD, additional rulemaking
would be required. The FAA finds that to delay this action would be
inappropriate in light of the identified unsafe condition. No change to
this final rule is necessary.
Conclusion
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.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 141 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 actions, and that the average labor
rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $16,920, or $120 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.
[[Page 20303]]
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:
98-09-06 SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-10485. Docket 97-NM-135-AD.
Applicability: Model SAAB SF340A series airplanes having serial
numbers -121, and -125 through -159 inclusive; and Model SAAB 340B
series airplanes having serial numbers -160 through -360 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 leakage of the fire extinguishing agent, which could
prevent proper distribution of the agent within the lavatory waste
bin in the event of a fire, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD in accordance
with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340-25-235, dated December 11, 1996.
(1) Perform an inspection to determine the serviceability of the
fire extinguisher in the forward lavatory waste bin, in accordance
with the service bulletin. If any discrepancy is found, prior to
further flight, accomplish the repair or replacement of the fire
extinguisher, as specified in the service bulletin.
(2) Install a placard adjacent to the fire extinguisher in the
forward lavatory waste bin 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, 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(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 actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service
Bulletin SAAB 340-25-235, dated December 11, 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.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed issued Swedish
airworthiness directive SAD No. 1-106, dated December 12, 1996.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on May 29, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-10482 Filed 4-23-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
