[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 119 (Friday, June 20, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33542-33543]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-15766]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-177-AD; Amendment 39-10048; AD 97-13-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 340B and 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 340B and Model SAAB 2000 series 
airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection to determine if certain 
switches are installed on the fire handle of the fire handle assembly; 
and replacement of the fire handle panel with a new fire handle panel, 
if necessary. This amendment 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 
this 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: Effective July 25, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 25, 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 (425) 
227-1721; fax (425) 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 340B and 
Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register 
on March 12, 1997 (62 FR 11392). That action proposed to 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, that action proposed to 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.
    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 21 Saab Model SAAB 340B series airplanes of 
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the required 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators of Saab 
Model SAAB 340B series airplanes is estimated to be $1,260, or $60 per 
airplane.

[[Page 33543]]

    The FAA also estimates that 3 Saab Model SAAB 2000 series 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 $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators of Saab 
Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes 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 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 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:

97-13-01  SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-10048. 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 a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) The inspections and replacement shall be done in accordance 
with SAAB Service Bulletin 340-26-016, dated November 9, 1995, or 
SAAB Service Bulletin 2000-26-006, dated November 9, 1995, as 
applicable. 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.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 25, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 10, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-15766 Filed 6-19-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U