2016-00003. Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY:

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of ruptured horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots. This proposed AD would require a revision of the applicable airplane flight manual (AFM), repetitive inspections of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, and applicable corrective actions. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct damage of the de-icing boot; such damage could lead to a ruptured boot, severe vibrations, and possible reduced control of the airplane.

DATES:

We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 29, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: [phone].
• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Linköping, Sweden; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-8432; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone [phone]) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone [phone]; fax [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include “Docket No. FAA-2015-8432; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-100-AD” at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments.

We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov,, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0129, dated July 6, 2015 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. The MCAI states:

There have been some reported events of ruptured horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots. In-flight rupture of a de-icing boot will result in complete loss of the de-icing function within its associated zone. In addition, in some of these events, the de-icing boot had formed a large open scoop.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to severe vibrations, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.

To address this potential unsafe condition, SAAB issued Alert Operations Bulletin (AOB) No.12 and AOB No. 23 as a temporary measure, recommending performing a flap 0 landing in the event of a suspected rupture of the de-icing boot on the horizontal stabilizer.

In addition, SAAB issued SB 340-30-094 to provide instructions to inspect the affected de-icing boots.

For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires an amendment of the applicable Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and, pending the development of a modification by SAAB, repetitive inspections of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).

This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim action and further AD action may follow.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-8432.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics has issued Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015. The service information describes procedures for repetitive detailed inspections of the de-icing boots installed on the horizontal stabilizers, and repair and replacement of damaged de-icing boots.

Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics has issued the following AFMs, which describe performance limitations and general data:

• Saab AFM 340A 001, Revision 57, dated March 27, 2015.
• Saab AFM 340B 001, Revision 35, dated March 27, 2015.
• Saab AFM 340B 010, Revision 28, dated March 27, 2015.

This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD affects 92 airplanes of U.S. registry.

We also estimate that it would take about 6 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $46,920, or $510 per product.

In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about 6 work-hours and require parts costing $9,500, for a cost of $10,010 per product. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these actions.

Authority for This Rulemaking

Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.

We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect 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.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation:

1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;

2. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);

3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and

4. 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab Aerosystems): Docket No. FAA-2015-8432; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-100-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by February 29, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly known as Saab Aerosystems) airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.

(1) Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes, serial numbers (S/N) 004 through 138 inclusive, on which Saab Modification 1462 has been embodied in production, or Saab Service Bulletin 340-55-008 has been embodied in service, except those on which Saab Modification 1793 has also been embodied in production, or Saab Service Bulletin 340-55-010 has been embodied in service; and Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes, S/Ns 139 through 159 inclusive. Applicable Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes S/N 004-138, Post Modification No. 1462 but Pre Modification No. 1793, have a maximum flap setting of 35 degrees instead of 20 degrees, and horizontal stabilizer boots with spanwise tubes instead of chordwise tubes.

(2) Model SAAB 340B airplanes, S/Ns 160 through 459 inclusive.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30, Ice and Rain Protection.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by reports of ruptured horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damage of the de-icing boot; such damage could lead to a ruptured boot, severe vibrations, and possible reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

(g) Revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)

Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the “Abnormal Procedures” section of the applicable Saab 340 AFM to incorporate the revision specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD.

(1) For Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes, revise AFM 340A 001 by incorporating Revision 57, dated March 27, 2015.

(2) For Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 340B airplanes, revise AFM 340B 001 by incorporating Revision 35, dated March 27, 2015.

(3) For Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 340B airplanes with extended wing tips, revise AFM 340B 010 by incorporating Revision 28, dated March 27, 2015.

(h) Inspection/Replacement

Within 400 flight hours or 6 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection for damage of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 flight hours. If, during any inspection required by this paragraph, any damage outside the limits specified in Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015, is found, before further flight, repair or replace the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015. Repair or replacement on an airplane of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, as required by this paragraph, does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this paragraph for that airplane.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]. Information may be emailed to: [e-mail]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0129, dated July 6, 2015, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-8432.

(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Linköping, Sweden; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 29, 2015.

Philip Forde,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.