[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 201 (Wednesday, October 18, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53869-53870]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-25602]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-67-AD; Amendment 39-9406; AD 95-21-19]


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 340B 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 airplanes, that requires 
inspections to detect cracking of the beams located over the overwing 
emergency exits, and replacement of the beam with a new beam, if 
necessary. This amendment is prompted by a report that a batch of beams 
with cracking may have been installed on these airplanes. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent cabin pressure leakage, 
consequent loss of cabin pressurization, and reduction of the load 
carrying capability of the associated structure, as a result of cracked 
beams.

DATES: Effective November 17, 1995.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 17, 1995.

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: 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) 227-1149.

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 

[[Page 53870]]
SAAB 340B airplanes was published in the Federal Register on July 21, 
1995 (60 FR 37608). That action proposed to require a visual and dye 
penetrant inspection to detect cracking of the subject beams located 
over the left- and right-hand overwing emergency exits. That action 
also proposed to require replacement of the beam with a new beam, if 
any cracking is detected.
    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 proposed rule.
    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 as proposed.
    The FAA estimates that 12 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 6 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $4,320, or $360 
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 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 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

95-21-19  SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-9406. Docket 95-NM-67-AD.

    Applicability: Model 340B airplanes having serial numbers -324 
through -341 inclusive, and having serial number -347; 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 use the authority 
provided in paragraph (b) of this AD to request approval from the 
FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current 
configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions 
necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such 
a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent cabin pressure leakage and consequent reduction of 
the load carrying capability of the associated structure, accomplish 
the following:
    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD, or within 18 months of the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Perform a detailed visual and 
dye penetrant inspection to detect cracking of the beams located 
over the left-hand and right-hand emergency overwing exits, in 
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-53-047, dated December 14, 
1994.
    (1) If no cracking is detected, no further action is required by 
this AD.
    (2) If any cracking is detected, prior to further flight, 
replace the beam with a new one, in accordance with the service 
bulletin.
    (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, 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.

    (c) 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.
    (d) The inspections and replacement shall be done in accordance 
with Saab Service Bulletin 340-53-047, dated December 14, 1994. 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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on November 17, 1995.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 10, 1995.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-25602 Filed 10-17-95; 8:45 am]
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