[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 148 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41259-41260]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-20128]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-130-AD; Amendment 39-10095; AD 97-16-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series
airplanes, that currently requires inspections to detect improper
connections of the wire harness installation to the cartridges of the
fire extinguishers in the engine nacelles, correction of any
discrepancy, and modification of the wiring. This amendment adds a
revised modification of that wiring, which, if accomplished, would
terminate the inspections currently required by the existing AD. This
amendment is prompted by reports indicating that, due to the removal of
a certain clamp during maintenance, these fire extinguisher cartridges
still could be connected incorrectly after the modification required by
the existing AD has been accomplished. The actions specified by this AD
are intended to prevent incorrect wiring of the cartridges, which would
result in inability of the fire extinguishers to jointly discharge
extinguishing agent into a nacelle in the event of an engine fire.
DATES: Effective September 5, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340-
26-015, evision 1, dated December 8, 1995, as listed in the
regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of
September 5, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340-
26-012, evision 1, dated October 5, 1993, as listed in the regulations,
was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of
February 16, 1994 (59 FR 4575, February 1, 1994).
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Linkping, 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) by superseding AD 94-03-06,
amendment 39-8813 (59 FR 4575, February 1, 1994), which is applicable
to certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series airplanes, was
published in the Federal Register on April 9, 1997 (62 FR 17127). The
action proposed to continue to require repetitive inspections to detect
improper connections of the wire harness installation to the cartridges
of the fire extinguishers in the engine nacelles, and correction of any
discrepancies. The action also proposed to require a revised
modification of the wiring to one of the electrical connectors if it
exceeds a certain length. Accomplishment of the modification would
terminate the repetitive inspections of the wiring currently required
by AD 94-03-06.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the single comment received.
The commenter supports the proposed rule.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comment
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 235 Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B
series airplanes of U.S. registry that will be affected by this AD.
The actions that are currently required by AD 94-03-06 take
approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the previously required actions on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $77,760, or $360 per airplane. (At the time AD 94-03-06
went into effect, it was estimated that 216 airplanes would be
affected.)
The new actions that are required by this new AD will take
approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be provided at no
cost to operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the new
requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $84,600,
or $360 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
[[Page 41260]]
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 removing amendment 39-8813 (59 FR
4575, February 1, 1994), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), amendment 39-10095, to read as follows:
97-16-04 SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-10095. Docket 96-NM-130-AD.
Supersedes AD 94-03-06, Amendment 39-8813.
Applicability: Model SAAB SF340A series airplanes having serial
numbers 004 through 159 inclusive; and Model SAAB 340B series
airplanes having serial numbers 160 through 345 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 incorrect wiring of the wire harness installation to
the fire extinguisher cartridges in the engine nacelles, which would
result in the inability of the fire extinguishers to jointly
discharge agent into a nacelle in the event of a fire, accomplish
the following:
(a) Within 25 days after February 16, 1994 (the effective date
of AD 94-03-06, amendment 39-8813), perform an inspection to ensure
proper connections of the wire harness installation to the engine
nacelle fire extinguisher, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin
SAAB 340-26-012, Revision 1, dated October 5, 1993, or Saab Service
Bulletin SAAB 340-26-015, Revision 1, dated December 8, 1995. Prior
to further flight, correct any discrepancy found and modify the
wiring, in accordance with the service bulletin. After the effective
date of this AD, perform this inspection and correct any discrepancy
found, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340-26-015,
Revision 1, dated December 8, 1995.
(b) Repeat the inspection specified in paragraph (a) of this AD
immediately following any maintenance action during which both
electric connectors to either of the fire extinguishers in the
nacelle electrical bays are disconnected.
(c) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 hours time-in-service
after the effective date of this AD, or at the next scheduled
maintenance inspection after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs earlier:
(1) Conduct an inspection to ensure proper connection of the
wire harness installation to the fire extinguisher cartridges in
both engine nacelles, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB
340-26-015, Revision 1, dated December 8, 1995. If any discrepancy
is detected, prior to further flight, correct this discrepancy in
accordance with the service bulletin.
(2) After the inspection required by paragraph (c)(1) of this AD
has been accomplished, measure the total length of the wiring
harness from the clamp to connector 9WB-P2/10WB-P2, in accordance
with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340-26-015, Revision 1, dated
December 8, 1995. If the wiring harness has been modified with a
loop in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this
AD, or in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340-26-012,
Revision 1, dated October 5, 1993, before measuring, remove the loop
in the wire harness in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB
340-26-015, Revision 1, dated December 8, 1995.
(i) If the total length is 7 inches (180mm) or less, no further
action is required by this AD.
(ii) If the total length exceeds 7 inches (180mm), modify this
wiring in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340-26-015,
Revision 1, dated December 8, 1995. Accomplishment of this
modification constitutes terminating action for the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD, and no further
action is required by this AD.
Note 2: Accomplishment of this modification in accordance with
Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340-26-015, dated November 23, 1995,
prior to the effective date of this AD, is considered acceptable for
compliance with the requirements of paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(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 actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service
Bulletin SAAB 340-26-012, Revision 1, dated October 5, 1993, and/or
Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340-26-015, Revision 1, dated December 8,
1995. The incorporation by reference of Saab Service Bulletin SAAB
340-26-012, Revision 1, dated October 5, 1993, was approved
previously by the Director of the Federal Register, in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, as of February 16, 1994 (59
FR 4575, February 1, 1994). The incorporation by reference of Saab
Service Bulletin SAAB 340-26-015, Revision 1, dated December 8,
1995, is 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 the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on September 5, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 25, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-20128 Filed 7-31-97; 8:45 am]
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