[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 119 (Friday, June 20, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33545-33547]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-16104]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-76-AD; Amendment 39-10052; AD 97-13-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 340B and SAAB 2000 series 
airplanes. This action requires an inspection of the fluorescent lamps 
in the cabin area to ensure correct installation, and correction, if 
necessary. This AD also requires an inspection of the lampholders to 
identify any discrepancies and to ensure the security of the back 
covers, and replacement of discrepant lampholders with new lampholders; 
installation of retaining clips on certain Page Aerospace lampholders; 
and reinspection of the lamps to ensure correct installation after 
replacement or reinstallation of the lamps or lampholders, and 
corrections, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports 
indicating that loose back covers on the lampholders and incorrect lamp 
installations have led to electrical arcing between fluorescent tube 
pins and lampholders and consequent charring or melting of the affected 
areas. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent such 
electrical arcing, which could burn the surrounding area and lead to 
smoke and fumes in the passenger compartment or lavatory area.

DATES: Effective July 7, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 7, 1997.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before August 19, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-76-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056.
    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 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.

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: 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 SAAB 
2000 series airplanes. The LFV advises of reports of fluorescent 
lampholder charring due to the incorrect installation of fluorescent 
lamps in their holders; this condition resulted in smoke emission. A 
number of failures have occurred in airplanes equipped with Page 
Aerospace lampholders, where loose back covers have led to electrical 
arcing between the fluorescent tube pins and lampholders. Such 
incorrect installation or a loose back cover, if not corrected, could 
result in electrical arcing, which could burn the surrounding area and 
lead to smoke and fumes in the passenger compartment or lavatory area.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Saab has issued the following service bulletins:
--Service Bulletin 340-33-047, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 340B 
series airplanes);
--Service Bulletin 340-33-040, Revision 02, dated February 20, 1997 
(for Model SAAB 340B series airplanes);
--Service Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 2000 
series airplanes); and
--Service Bulletin 2000-33-009, dated June 19, 1996 (for Model SAAB 
2000 series airplanes).

    These service bulletins describe procedures for inspecting the 
fluorescent lamps in the cabin area to ensure correct installation, and 
making corrections, if necessary; inspecting the lampholders for such 
discrepancies as discoloration, evidence of electrical arcing at the 
light tube pins, and charring or melting; and ensuring the security of 
the back covers of the lampholders. In addition, these service 
bulletins describe procedures for replacing any discrepant lampholder 
with a new lampholder; installing retaining clips on Page Aerospace 
lampholders; and reinspecting the lamps to ensure correct installation 
after replacement or reinstallation of the lamps or lampholders, and 
corrections, if necessary.
    The LFV classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued 
Swedish airworthiness directive (SAD) 1-103R1, dated January 30, 1997; 
SAD 1-113, dated May 26, 1997; and SAD 1-114, dated May 26, 1997; in 
order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in 
Sweden.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in Sweden and are 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 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, this AD is being issued to prevent electrical 
arcing between the fluorescent tube pins and the lampholders, which 
could burn the surrounding area and lead to smoke and fumes in the 
passenger compartment or lavatory area. This AD requires an inspection 
of the fluorescent lamps in the cabin area to ensure correct 
installation, and corrections, if necessary. This AD also requires an 
inspection of the lampholders to identify any discrepancies and to 
ensure the security of the back covers, and replacement of discrepant 
lampholders with new lampholders; installation of retaining clips on 
certain Page Aerospace lampholders; and reinspection of the lamps to 
ensure

[[Page 33546]]

correct installation after replacement or reinstallation of the lamps 
or lampholders, and corrections, if necessary. These actions are 
required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletins 
described previously.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 97-NM-76-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

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.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, 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:

97-13-06  SAAB AIRCRAFT AB: Amendment 39-10052. Docket 97-NM-76-AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB 340B series airplanes, having serial 
numbers -342 and -359 through -439 inclusive; and SAAB 2000 series 
airplanes, having serial numbers -004 through -059 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 
otherwise 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 (d) 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 electrical arcing between the fluorescent tube pins 
and the lampholders, which could burn the surrounding area and lead 
to smoke and fumes in the passenger compartment or lavatory area, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and 
(a)(3).
    (1) For all airplanes: Inspect the fluorescent lamps installed 
in the ceiling/window of the lavatory and passenger compartment to 
ensure correct installation; and inspect the lampholders for 
discrepancies such as discoloration, evidence of electrical arcing 
at the light tube pins, charring or melting, or insecure back 
covers; in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-047, dated 
May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 340B series airplanes); or Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 2000 series 
airplanes); as applicable.
    (i) If any lamp is installed incorrectly, prior to further 
flight, install the lamp correctly in accordance with the applicable 
service bulletin.
    (ii) If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, 
replace the lampholder with a new lampholder in accordance with the 
applicable service bulletin.
    (2) For Model SAAB 340B series airplanes on which a Page 
Aerospace lampholder having part number (P/N) D756-02-001 is 
installed: Install a retaining clip in accordance with Saab Service 
Bulletin 340-33-040, Revision 02, dated February 20, 1997.

    Note 2: Installation of retaining clips on Page Aerospace 
lampholders that was accomplished prior to the effective date of 
this AD in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-040, 
Revision 01, dated January 31, 1997, also is considered acceptable 
for compliance with the requirement of paragraph (a)(2) of this AD.

    (3) For Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes on which a Page 
Aerospace lampholder having P/N C756-10-001 is installed: Install a 
retaining clip in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-009, 
dated June 19, 1996.
    (b) Following the accomplishment of the requirements of 
paragraph (a) of this AD: If any fluorescent lamp or lampholder is 
replaced or reinstalled, within 7 days after accomplishing such 
replacement or reinstallation, reinspect the lamp to ensure it is 
still in the correct position, in accordance with Saab Service 
Bulletin 340-33-047, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 340B

[[Page 33547]]

series airplanes); or Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May 
16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes); as applicable. If 
any lamp is installed incorrectly, prior to further flight, make 
corrections to ensure correct installation in accordance with the 
applicable service bulletin.
    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a fluorescent lampholder having Page Aerospace P/N D756-02-001 or 
Page Aerospace P/N C756-10-001 on any Model SAAB 340B or SAAB 2000 
series airplane, unless the lampholder has been modified in 
accordance with the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) or (a)(3) of 
this AD, as applicable.
    (d) 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (e) 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.
    (f) The modifications shall be done in accordance with Saab 
Service Bulletin 340-33-047, dated May 16, 1997; Service Bulletin 
340-33-040, Revision 02, dated February 20, 1997 (for Model SAAB 
340B series airplanes); Service Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May 16, 
1997; and Service Bulletin 2000-33-009, dated June 19, 1996 (for 
Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes); 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.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on July 7, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 13, 1997.
S.R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-16104 Filed 6-19-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U