[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 119 (Friday, June 20, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33542-33543]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-15766]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-177-AD; Amendment 39-10048; AD 97-13-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 340B and 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 340B and Model SAAB 2000 series
airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection to determine if certain
switches are installed on the fire handle of the fire handle assembly;
and replacement of the fire handle panel with a new fire handle panel,
if necessary. This amendment is prompted by a report indicating that,
during manufacture, a batch of defective switches were installed on
certain fire handle panels on these airplanes. The actions specified by
this AD are intended to ensure the proper switches are installed in the
fire handle assembly. A defective switch in the fire handle assembly
could prematurely fail and, consequently, prevent the proper operation
of the engine fire protection system in the event of a fire.
DATES: Effective July 25, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 25, 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 (425)
227-1721; 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 340B and
Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register
on March 12, 1997 (62 FR 11392). That action proposed to require a one-
time inspection to determine the color of the switches installed on the
fire handle panel of the fire handle assembly. If a blue switch is
installed, that action proposed to require a one-time inspection to
verify the serial number of the fire handle assembly, and replacement
of the fire handle panel with a new fire handle panel, if necessary.
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 21 Saab Model SAAB 340B series airplanes of
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take
approximately 1 work hour 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 of Saab
Model SAAB 340B series airplanes is estimated to be $1,260, or $60 per
airplane.
[[Page 33543]]
The FAA also 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 of Saab
Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes is estimated to be $540, or $180 per
airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are 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:
97-13-01 SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-10048. Docket 96-NM-177-AD.
Applicability: Model SAAB 340B series airplanes, having serial
numbers 354 through 374 inclusive; and Model SAAB 2000 series
airplanes, having serial numbers 004 through 025 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 (c) 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 ensure the proper switches are installed on the fire handle
panel of the fire handle assembly, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
a one-time inspection to determine the color of the switches
installed on the fire handle panel of the fire handle assembly, in
accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin 340-26-016, dated November 9,
1995 (for Model SAAB 340 series airplanes), or SAAB Service Bulletin
2000-26-006, dated November 9, 1995 (for Model SAAB 2000 series
airplanes); as applicable.
(1) If all of the switches are green on the fire handle
assembly, no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If any blue switch is installed, prior to further flight,
perform a one-time inspection to determine the serial number of the
fire handle assembly, in accordance with the applicable service
bulletin.
(i) If no fire handle assembly has a serial number listed in the
service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD.
(ii) If any fire handle assembly has a serial number listed in
the service bulletin, prior to further flight, replace the fire
handle panel with a new fire handle panel, in accordance with the
applicable service bulletin.
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
a fire handle assembly, having any serial number identified in
paragraph B.(3)(g) of the Accomplishment Instructions of SAAB
Service Bulletin 340-26-016, dated November 9, 1995; on any
airplane.
(c) 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.
(d) 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.
(e) The inspections and replacement shall be done in accordance
with SAAB Service Bulletin 340-26-016, dated November 9, 1995, or
SAAB Service Bulletin 2000-26-006, dated November 9, 1995, as
applicable. 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.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on July 25, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 10, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-15766 Filed 6-19-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
