[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 102 (Thursday, May 28, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29094-29096]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-13822]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-211-AD; Amendment 39-10532; AD 98-11-05]
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 performing a one-time inspection of the dropout boxes of the
passenger oxygen system to detect discrepancies and determine whether
the system operates properly; correcting any discrepancy found; and
reworking or installing new components, if necessary. This amendment is
prompted by a report indicating that the oxygen system failed to
operate correctly after activation at a low cabin pressure due to the
incorrect installation of the oxygen masks or oxygen generators during
manufacturing. The actions specified by this AD are intended to ensure
that a sufficient supply of oxygen is provided to airplane passengers
in the event of rapid decompression of the airplane.
DATES: Effective July 2, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 2, 1998.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Linkping, 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
[[Page 29095]]
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 2000
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on May 22, 1997
(62 FR 27986). That action proposed to require performing a one-time
inspection of the dropout boxes of the passenger oxygen system to
detect discrepancies and determine whether the system operates
properly; correcting any discrepancy found; and reworking or installing
new components, if necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
One commenter supports the proposed AD; however, it notes that many
different types of failures were discovered upon review by the
Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is the airworthiness authority for Sweden.
Additionally, the commenter states that the repair work performed to
correct the errors also could be performed incorrectly. The commenter
requests that because of these two factors, the FAA should require
repetitive inspections in lieu of the proposed one-time inspection.
The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request to include
repetitive inspections in this rulemaking action at this point.
According to Saab, the problem was found to originate from the interior
supplier's repacking of the oxygen equipment after installing the
dropout boxes in the passenger service units. This finding led to
several improvements and related instructions by Saab and the interior
and systems suppliers regarding the packing method. These improvements
also included hands-on training. Saab is not aware of any further
problems occurring with the dropout boxes after implementation of these
improvements. Therefore, the FAA has determined that repetitive
inspections to ensure the continued proper functioning of the system
are not necessary.
The same commenter states that it is unacceptable to operate
aircraft with emergency equipment that would not work when needed, and
suggests that it would be prudent to periodically perform functional
tests of all the emergency equipment to ensure that it will work when
needed.
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 3 Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes of
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take
approximately 3 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 $540, or $180 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:
98-11-05 SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-10532. Docket 96-NM-211-AD.
Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, having serial
numbers -003 through -039 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 an insufficient supply of oxygen being provided to
airplane passengers in the event of rapid decompression of the
airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
a one-time inspection of the dropout boxes of the passenger oxygen
system to detect discrepancies and determine whether the system
operates properly, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-35-001, dated February
20, 1996.
(1) If the passenger oxygen system operates properly and no
discrepancy is found in this system, no further action is required
by this AD.
(2) If any discrepancy is found in the passenger oxygen system,
prior to further
[[Page 29096]]
flight, perform rework or install new components, as applicable, 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 2000-35-001, dated February 20, 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, Linkping, 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 in Swedish
airworthiness directive (SAD) 1-091, dated February 20, 1996.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on July 2, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 18, 1998.
John J. Hickey,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-13822 Filed 5-27-98; 8:45 am]
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