[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 48 (Wednesday, March 12, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11392-11394]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-6083]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-177-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 340B and Model SAAB 
2000 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 340B and 
Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-
time inspection to determine if certain switches are installed on the 
fire handle panel of the fire handle assembly; and replacement of the 
fire handle panel with a new fire handle panel, if necessary. This 
proposal is prompted by a report indicating that, during manufacture, a 
batch of defective switches were installed on certain fire handle 
panels on these airplanes. The actions specified by the proposed AD are 
intended to ensure the proper switches are installed in the fire handle 
assembly. A defective switch in the fire handle assembly could 
prematurely fail and, consequently, prevent the proper operation of the 
engine fire protection system in the event of a fire.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 21, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-177-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from SAAB Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Linkoping, Sweden. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

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:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 96-NM-177-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 96-NM-177-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is the airworthiness authority for 
Sweden, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on 
certain Saab Model SAAB 340B and Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes. The 
LFV advises it has received a report indicating that, during 
manufacture, a batch of defective switches was installed in the fire 
handle assemblies on Model SAAB 340 series airplanes and Model SAAB 
2000 series airplanes. A defective switch in the fire handle assembly 
could prematurely fail and, consequently, prevent the proper operation 
of the engine fire protection system in the event of a fire.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Saab has issued Service Bulletin 340-26-016, dated November 9, 1995 
(for Model SAAB 340 series airplanes), and Service Bulletin SAAB 2000-
26-006, dated November 9, 1995 (for Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes). 
These service bulletins describe procedures for performing a one-time 
inspection to determine the color of the switches installed on the fire 
handle panel of the fire handle assembly. For cases where a blue switch 
is installed, the service bulletin also describes procedures for 
performing a one-time inspection to determine the serial number of the 
fire handle assembly; and replacement of the fire handle panel with a 
new fire handle panel, if necessary. The LFV classified these service 
bulletins as

[[Page 11393]]

mandatory and issued Swedish airworthiness directive (SAD) No. 1-080, 
dated November 10, 1995, in order to assure the continued airworthiness 
of these airplanes in Sweden.

FAA's Conclusions

    This airplane model is manufactured in Sweden and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LFV has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the 
LFV, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would require a one-time 
inspection to determine the color of the switches installed on the fire 
handle panel of the fire handle assembly. If a blue switch is 
installed, the proposed AD would require a one-time inspection to 
verify the serial number of the fire handle assembly, and replacement 
of the fire handle panel with a new fire handle panel, if necessary. 
The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the 
applicable service bulletin described previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 21 Saab Model SAAB 340B series airplanes of 
U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $1,260, or $60 per airplane.
    The FAA also estimates that 3 Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes 
of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would 
take approximately 3 work hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $540, or $180 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed 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 proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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:

SAAB Aircraft AB: Docket 96-NM-177-AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB 340B series airplanes, having serial 
numbers 354 through 374 inclusive; and Model SAAB 2000 series 
airplanes, having serial numbers 004 through 025 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 (c) 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 ensure the proper switches are installed on the fire handle 
panel of the fire handle assembly, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time inspection to determine the color of the switches 
installed on the fire handle panel of the fire handle assembly, in 
accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin 340-26-016, dated November 9, 
1995 (for Model SAAB 340 series airplanes), or SAAB Service Bulletin 
2000-26-006, dated November 9, 1995 (for Model SAAB 2000 series 
airplanes); as applicable.
    (1) If all of the switches are green on the fire handle 
assembly, no further action is required by this AD.
    (2) If any blue switch is installed, prior to further flight, 
perform a one-time inspection to determine the serial number of the 
fire handle assembly, in accordance with the applicable service 
bulletin.
    (i) If no fire handle assembly has a serial number listed in the 
service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD.
    (ii) If any fire handle assembly has a serial number listed in 
the service bulletin, prior to further flight, replace the fire 
handle panel with a new fire handle panel, in accordance with the 
applicable service bulletin.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a fire handle assembly, having any serial number identified in 
paragraph B.(3)(g) of the Accomplishment Instructions of SAAB 
Service Bulletin 340-26-016, dated November 9, 1995; 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, 
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.

    (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

[[Page 11394]]

a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 5, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-6083 Filed 3-11-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U