[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 184 (Wednesday, September 23, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50753-50755]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25027]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-100-AD; Amendment 39-10778; AD 98-20-11]
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 repetitive detailed visual inspections of the
windshield wiper assembly for discrepant conditions, and corrective
actions, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended
to prevent failure of the windshield wiper assembly, which could result
in loss of visibility; or damage to the propeller(s), possible
penetration of the fuselage skin, and consequent depressurization of
the airplane.
DATES: Effective October 28, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of October 28, 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
April 21, 1998 (63 FR 19686). That action proposed to require
repetitive, detailed visual inspections of the windshield wiper
assembly for discrepant conditions, and corrective actions, if
necessary.
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 opposes the proposed rule. The commenter states that
the Saab Maintenance Review Board (MRB) report covers the items
addressed by the proposal during routine line checks. The commenter
believes such compliance is more than sufficient to address the unsafe
condition.
The FAA does not agree with the remarks of this commenter. The FAA
finds that actions performed during routine line checks are not
detailed enough to detect the type of defects (i.e., corrosion;
excessive wear; missing, loose, or broken parts; improper alignment;
and insecure attachment of the windshield wiper assembly) addressed in
this AD. This is further evidenced by the fact that failures have
occurred in service even though the routine line checks referenced by
the commenter were included in the current MRB report. The FAA finds
that no change to the final rule is necessary in this regard.
The manufacturer requests that the repetitive inspection interval
be increased from 1,000 to 4,000 flight hours. The commenter states
that the proposed interval is too conservative, even though the time
necessary to perform the inspection is less than one work hour. The
commenter bases its remarks on the fact that the SAAB 340 fleet has
accumulated 6,110,000 flight hours as of the end of December 1997 with
two known incidents. The commenter submits data that use vendor figures
regarding proven capability of the wiper system, and estimated hours of
usage of the wiper system. Based on that data, the commenter concludes
that the interval recommended for the general visual inspection in the
existing MRB task is a safe interval.
The FAA concurs. The FAA finds that the data submitted by the
commenter demonstrate that a repetitive inspection interval of 4,000
flight hours is sufficient to address the unsafe condition addressed by
this AD. The final rule has been revised accordingly.
The manufacturer also requests that the proposed rule be revised to
specify that repairs should be accomplished in accordance with Saab
Service Bulletin 340-30-081 (which is referenced in the proposal as the
appropriate source of service information for accomplishment of the
inspections) and with reference to the Component Maintenance Manual.
The FAA concurs with the commenter's request. The Saab service
bulletin includes an attachment (Rosemount Aerospace, Inc., Service
Bulletin 2314M-30-17, Revision 1, dated September 14, 1997); paragraph
II.B. of this attachment describes procedures for repair or replacement
of the windshield wiper arm assembly. The attachment also specifies
certain sections of the Component Maintenance Manual as a source of
additional service information. The FAA has determined that the
procedures specified in the attachment should be referenced in this
final rule for accomplishment of the repair, and has revised the AD
accordingly.
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
[[Page 50754]]
adoption of the rule with the changes described previously. The FAA has
determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden
on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 254 Saab Model SAAB SF340A and 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 is
estimated to be $15,240, or $60 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
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:
98-20-11 SAAB Aircraft AB (Formerly SAAB Fairchild): Amendment 39-
10778. Docket 98-NM-100-AD.
Applicability: Model SAAB SF340A series airplanes,
manufacturer's serial numbers 004 through 159 inclusive; and SAAB
340B series airplanes, manufacturer's serial numbers 160 through 399
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 failure of the windshield wiper assembly, which could
result in loss of visibility; or damage to the propeller(s),
possible penetration of the fuselage skin, and consequent
depressurization of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 total flight hours, or
within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later, perform a detailed visual inspection of the windshield
wiper assembly for discrepancies (corrosion; excessive wear;
missing, loose, or broken parts; improper alignment; and insecure
attachment), in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-081,
dated November 14, 1997, including Attachment 1, Revision 1, dated
September 14, 1997.
(1) If no discrepancy is detected during the inspection, repeat
the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight
hours.
(2) If any discrepancy is detected during any inspection, prior
to further flight, replace the windshield wiper assembly with a new
or serviceable windshield wiper assembly, or repair in accordance
with Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-081, dated November 14, 1997,
including Attachment 1, Revision 1, dated September 14, 1997. Repeat
the detailed visual inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed
4,000 flight hours.
(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 request
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
Secs. 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 340-30-081, dated November 14, 1997, including Attachment
1, Revision 1, dated September 14, 1997. The service bulletin
contains the following list of effective pages:
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Revision level shown on
Page No. page Date shown on page
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1-4..................................................... Original.................. Nov. 14, 1997.
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ATTACHMENT 1
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1-4..................................................... 1......................... Sept. 14, 1997.
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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 in Swedish
airworthiness directive 1-115R1, dated November 17, 1997.
[[Page 50755]]
(e) This amendment becomes effective on October 28, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 14, 1998.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-25027 Filed 9-22-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
