[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 95 (Wednesday, May 18, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-10233]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: May 18, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-NM-160-AD; Amendment 39-8903; AD 94-09-14]

 

Airworthiness Directives; SAAB Aircraft AB (Formerly SAAB-SCANIA) 
Model 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 340B series airplanes, that 
requires replacement of the existing actuator assembly on the motor 
operated fuel valve assembly with a new, improved actuator assembly. 
This amendment is prompted by electromagnetic interference (EMI) tests, 
which indicate that the actuator assemblies of certain fuel shut-off 
valves may fail to function after exposure to EMI, such as lightning or 
high intensity radiated fields. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent loss of function of the fuel shut-off valves, which 
could result in unchecked fuel leakage or fuel imbalance after fuel 
system failure.

DATES: Effective June 17, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 17, 1994.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from SAAB-Aircraft AB, Product Support, S581.88, 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: Mark Quam, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2145; fax (206) 227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is 
applicable to certain SAAB Model SAAB 340B series airplanes was 
published in the Federal Register on November 16, 1993 (58 FR 60413). 
That action proposed to require replacement of the existing actuator 
assembly on the motor operated fuel valve assembly with a new, improved 
actuator assembly, and accomplishment of a functional test of the 
engine fuel shutoff valve.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the two comments received.
    Both commenters support the proposal.
    One of the commenters points out that the current name of the 
airplane manufacturer is ``SAAB Aircraft AB'' rather than ``SAAB-
Scania'' as was referenced in the proposal. The commenter suggests that 
all references to the manufacturer be updated accordingly. The FAA 
concurs and has revised all references in the final rule to indicate 
``SAAB Aircraft AB.''
    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 adoption of the rule with the change previously 
described. The FAA has determined that this change will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.
    The FAA estimates that 6 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 $55 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the 
airplane manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, 
the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$990, or $165 per airplane.
    The total 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.
    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 14 CFR part 
39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

94-09-14 SAAB Aircraft AB (formerly SAAB-SCANIA): Amendment 39-8903. 
Docket 93-NM-160-AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB 340B series airplanes; serial numbers 
271, and 275 through 300, inclusive; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent loss of function of the fuel shut-off valves, which 
could result in unchecked fuel leakage or fuel imbalance after fuel 
system failure, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the engine left- and right-hand fuel shutoff valve, the interconnect 
valve, the crossfeed valve, and the de-fuel shutoff valve from a 
part number (P/N) AV16B2117B-2 (SAAB P/N 9303149-002) configuration 
to a P/N AV16B2117B-4 (SAAB P/N 9303149-004) configuration, by 
removing the existing actuator assembly, P/N 130001C, and installing 
a new, improved actuator assembly, P/N 130003N; and perform a 
functional test of the modified valves once they are installed; in 
accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin SAAB 340-28-016, dated October 
21, 1992.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a fuel shutoff valve assembly having P/N AV16B2117B-2 (SAAB P/N 
9303149-002) 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. 
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: 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 actions shall be done in accordance with 
SAAB Service Bulletin SAAB 340-28-016, dated October 21, 1992. 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, Product Support, 
S581.88, 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 June 17, 1994.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 22, 1994.
S.R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-10233 Filed 5-17-94; 8:45 am]
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