[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 144 (Monday, July 28, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40266-40267]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-19472]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-221-AD; Amendment 39-10089; AD 97-15-17]
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 replacing the Abex alternating current (AC) electric motor
with a new modified Abex AC electric motor having an improved fan. This
amendment is prompted by reports indicating that the integrated
hydraulic package (IHP) unit stopped functioning during flight because
the fan on the AC electric motor came into contact with the housing of
the motor due to inadequate clearance. The actions specified by this AD
are intended to prevent loss of IHP function, which, if combined with
other hydraulic system failures, could result in reduced
controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Effective September 2, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of September 2, 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 2000
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 30,
1997 (62 FR 23402). That action proposed to require replacing the Abex
alternating current (AC) electric motor with a new modified Abex AC
electric motor having an improved fan.
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.
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 2 Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes of
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take
approximately 8 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 $960, or $480 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:
97-15-17 SAAB Aircraft SB: Amendment 39-10089. Docket 96-NM-221-AD.
Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, serial numbers
-004 through -029 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
[[Page 40267]]
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 prevent loss of the integrated hydraulic package (IHP)
function, which, if combined with other hydraulic system failures,
could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish
the following:
(a) Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, replace
the Abex alternating current (AC) electric motor with a new modified
Abex AC electric motor having an improved fan, in accordance with
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-004, dated September 18, 1995,
including Attachment 1 (Abex NWL Service Bulletin 42103-29-232,
dated August 23, 1995) and Attachment 2 (Abex NWL Service Bulletin
4208901-29-232, dated September 15, 1995).
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
an Abex AC electrical motor, part number (P/N) 42103, Model HPS1VC-
02; or an Abex AC electrical motor, P/N 4208901, Model HPS1VC-01-01;
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 replacement shall be done in accordance with Saab
Service Bulletin 2000-29-004, dated September 18, 1995, including
Attachment 1 (Abex NWL Service Bulletin 42103-29-232, dated August
23, 1995) and Attachment 2 (Abex NWL Service Bulletin 4208901-29-
232, dated September 15, 1995). 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 September 2, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 18, 1997.
Gary L. Killion,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-19472 Filed 7-25-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
