[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 144 (Monday, July 28, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40266-40267]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-19472]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-221-AD; Amendment 39-10089; AD 97-15-17]
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 replacing the Abex alternating current (AC) electric motor 
with a new modified Abex AC electric motor having an improved fan. This 
amendment is prompted by reports indicating that the integrated 
hydraulic package (IHP) unit stopped functioning during flight because 
the fan on the AC electric motor came into contact with the housing of 
the motor due to inadequate clearance. The actions specified by this AD 
are intended to prevent loss of IHP function, which, if combined with 
other hydraulic system failures, could result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective September 2, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 2, 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 2000 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 
1997 (62 FR 23402). That action proposed to require replacing the Abex 
alternating current (AC) electric motor with a new modified Abex AC 
electric motor having an improved fan.
    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. 
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 2 Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take 
approximately 8 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 $960, or $480 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 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:

97-15-17  SAAB Aircraft SB: Amendment 39-10089. Docket 96-NM-221-AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, serial numbers 
-004 through -029 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

[[Page 40267]]

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 prevent loss of the integrated hydraulic package (IHP) 
function, which, if combined with other hydraulic system failures, 
could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish 
the following:
    (a) Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
the Abex alternating current (AC) electric motor with a new modified 
Abex AC electric motor having an improved fan, in accordance with 
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-004, dated September 18, 1995, 
including Attachment 1 (Abex NWL Service Bulletin 42103-29-232, 
dated August 23, 1995) and Attachment 2 (Abex NWL Service Bulletin 
4208901-29-232, dated September 15, 1995).
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
an Abex AC electrical motor, part number (P/N) 42103, Model HPS1VC-
02; or an Abex AC electrical motor, P/N 4208901, Model HPS1VC-01-01; 
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 replacement shall be done in accordance with Saab 
Service Bulletin 2000-29-004, dated September 18, 1995, including 
Attachment 1 (Abex NWL Service Bulletin 42103-29-232, dated August 
23, 1995) and Attachment 2 (Abex NWL Service Bulletin 4208901-29-
232, dated September 15, 1995). 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 September 2, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 18, 1997.
Gary L. Killion,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-19472 Filed 7-25-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U