[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 119 (Friday, June 20, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33545-33547]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-16104]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-76-AD; Amendment 39-10052; AD 97-13-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 340B and SAAB 2000
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 340B and SAAB 2000 series
airplanes. This action requires an inspection of the fluorescent lamps
in the cabin area to ensure correct installation, and correction, if
necessary. This AD also requires an inspection of the lampholders to
identify any discrepancies and to ensure the security of the back
covers, and replacement of discrepant lampholders with new lampholders;
installation of retaining clips on certain Page Aerospace lampholders;
and reinspection of the lamps to ensure correct installation after
replacement or reinstallation of the lamps or lampholders, and
corrections, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports
indicating that loose back covers on the lampholders and incorrect lamp
installations have led to electrical arcing between fluorescent tube
pins and lampholders and consequent charring or melting of the affected
areas. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent such
electrical arcing, which could burn the surrounding area and lead to
smoke and fumes in the passenger compartment or lavatory area.
DATES: Effective July 7, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 7, 1997.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before August 19, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-76-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056.
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 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.
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: The Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is the
airworthiness authority for Sweden, recently notified the FAA that an
unsafe condition may exist on certain Saab Model SAAB 340B and SAAB
2000 series airplanes. The LFV advises of reports of fluorescent
lampholder charring due to the incorrect installation of fluorescent
lamps in their holders; this condition resulted in smoke emission. A
number of failures have occurred in airplanes equipped with Page
Aerospace lampholders, where loose back covers have led to electrical
arcing between the fluorescent tube pins and lampholders. Such
incorrect installation or a loose back cover, if not corrected, could
result in electrical arcing, which could burn the surrounding area and
lead to smoke and fumes in the passenger compartment or lavatory area.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Saab has issued the following service bulletins:
--Service Bulletin 340-33-047, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 340B
series airplanes);
--Service Bulletin 340-33-040, Revision 02, dated February 20, 1997
(for Model SAAB 340B series airplanes);
--Service Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 2000
series airplanes); and
--Service Bulletin 2000-33-009, dated June 19, 1996 (for Model SAAB
2000 series airplanes).
These service bulletins describe procedures for inspecting the
fluorescent lamps in the cabin area to ensure correct installation, and
making corrections, if necessary; inspecting the lampholders for such
discrepancies as discoloration, evidence of electrical arcing at the
light tube pins, and charring or melting; and ensuring the security of
the back covers of the lampholders. In addition, these service
bulletins describe procedures for replacing any discrepant lampholder
with a new lampholder; installing retaining clips on Page Aerospace
lampholders; and reinspecting the lamps to ensure correct installation
after replacement or reinstallation of the lamps or lampholders, and
corrections, if necessary.
The LFV classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued
Swedish airworthiness directive (SAD) 1-103R1, dated January 30, 1997;
SAD 1-113, dated May 26, 1997; and SAD 1-114, dated May 26, 1997; in
order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in
Sweden.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in Sweden and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LFV has kept the FAA informed of
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the
LFV, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent electrical
arcing between the fluorescent tube pins and the lampholders, which
could burn the surrounding area and lead to smoke and fumes in the
passenger compartment or lavatory area. This AD requires an inspection
of the fluorescent lamps in the cabin area to ensure correct
installation, and corrections, if necessary. This AD also requires an
inspection of the lampholders to identify any discrepancies and to
ensure the security of the back covers, and replacement of discrepant
lampholders with new lampholders; installation of retaining clips on
certain Page Aerospace lampholders; and reinspection of the lamps to
ensure
[[Page 33546]]
correct installation after replacement or reinstallation of the lamps
or lampholders, and corrections, if necessary. These actions are
required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletins
described previously.
Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action until final action is
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 97-NM-76-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
A copy of it, if filed, 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:
97-13-06 SAAB AIRCRAFT AB: Amendment 39-10052. Docket 97-NM-76-AD.
Applicability: Model SAAB 340B series airplanes, having serial
numbers -342 and -359 through -439 inclusive; and SAAB 2000 series
airplanes, having serial numbers -004 through -059 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
otherwise 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 (d) 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 electrical arcing between the fluorescent tube pins
and the lampholders, which could burn the surrounding area and lead
to smoke and fumes in the passenger compartment or lavatory area,
accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and
(a)(3).
(1) For all airplanes: Inspect the fluorescent lamps installed
in the ceiling/window of the lavatory and passenger compartment to
ensure correct installation; and inspect the lampholders for
discrepancies such as discoloration, evidence of electrical arcing
at the light tube pins, charring or melting, or insecure back
covers; in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-047, dated
May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 340B series airplanes); or Saab Service
Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 2000 series
airplanes); as applicable.
(i) If any lamp is installed incorrectly, prior to further
flight, install the lamp correctly in accordance with the applicable
service bulletin.
(ii) If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight,
replace the lampholder with a new lampholder in accordance with the
applicable service bulletin.
(2) For Model SAAB 340B series airplanes on which a Page
Aerospace lampholder having part number (P/N) D756-02-001 is
installed: Install a retaining clip in accordance with Saab Service
Bulletin 340-33-040, Revision 02, dated February 20, 1997.
Note 2: Installation of retaining clips on Page Aerospace
lampholders that was accomplished prior to the effective date of
this AD in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-040,
Revision 01, dated January 31, 1997, also is considered acceptable
for compliance with the requirement of paragraph (a)(2) of this AD.
(3) For Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes on which a Page
Aerospace lampholder having P/N C756-10-001 is installed: Install a
retaining clip in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-009,
dated June 19, 1996.
(b) Following the accomplishment of the requirements of
paragraph (a) of this AD: If any fluorescent lamp or lampholder is
replaced or reinstalled, within 7 days after accomplishing such
replacement or reinstallation, reinspect the lamp to ensure it is
still in the correct position, in accordance with Saab Service
Bulletin 340-33-047, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 340B
[[Page 33547]]
series airplanes); or Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May
16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes); as applicable. If
any lamp is installed incorrectly, prior to further flight, make
corrections to ensure correct installation in accordance with the
applicable service bulletin.
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
a fluorescent lampholder having Page Aerospace P/N D756-02-001 or
Page Aerospace P/N C756-10-001 on any Model SAAB 340B or SAAB 2000
series airplane, unless the lampholder has been modified in
accordance with the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) or (a)(3) of
this AD, as applicable.
(d) 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(e) 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.
(f) The modifications shall be done in accordance with Saab
Service Bulletin 340-33-047, dated May 16, 1997; Service Bulletin
340-33-040, Revision 02, dated February 20, 1997 (for Model SAAB
340B series airplanes); Service Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May 16,
1997; and Service Bulletin 2000-33-009, dated June 19, 1996 (for
Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes); 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.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on July 7, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 13, 1997.
S.R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-16104 Filed 6-19-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
