[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 36 (Monday, February 24, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8161-8162]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-4198]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-236-AD; Amendment 39-9944; AD 97-04-19]
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 a visual inspection to determine if rudder disconnection has 
occurred, and replacement of the disconnect unit with a new disconnect 
unit, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports that, due to 
the existing design, the disconnect unit of the rudder disconnect 
system inadvertently opened on some airplanes. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent the disconnect unit from opening 
inadvertently, which could lead to inadequate rudder control, if the 
engine fails during take-off or go-around and if the airplane is at low 
speed.

DATES: Effective March 31, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 31, 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 (206) 
227-1721; 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 SAAB 2000 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on December 12, 
1996 (61 FR 65369). That action proposed to require a visual inspection 
to determine if rudder disconnection has occurred, and, if so, the 
immediate replacement of the disconnect unit with a new unit.
    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.

Conclusion

    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 3 Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take 
approximately 7 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 $1,260, or $420 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

[[Page 8162]]

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:

97-04-19 SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-9944. Docket 96-NM-236-AD.
    Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, serial number 
004 through 035 inclusive, equipped with a disconnect unit having 
part number (P/N) 7327305-511 or -512; 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 the disconnect unit from opening inadvertently, which 
could lead to inadequate rudder control, if the engine fails during 
take-off or go-around and if the airplane is at low speed, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a visual inspection to determine if rudder disconnection has 
occurred, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-A27-020, 
dated March 25, 1996.
    (1) If no disconnection has occurred, within 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD, replace the disconnect unit with a new 
disconnect unit, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-
021, Revision 1, dated June 19, 1996. After replacement, no further 
action is required by this AD.
    (2) If disconnection has occurred, prior to further flight, 
replace the disconnect unit with a new disconnect unit, in 
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-021, Revision 1, dated 
June 19, 1996. After replacement, no further action is required by 
this AD.
    (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 inspection shall be done in accordance with Saab Alert 
Service Bulletin 2000-A27-020, dated March 25, 1996. The replacement 
shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-021, 
Revision 1, dated June 19, 1996. 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 March 31, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 13, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-4198 Filed 2-21-97; 8:45 am]
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