[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 176 (Thursday, September 11, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47753-47754]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-23858]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-220-AD; Amendment 39-10121; AD 97-19-01]
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 a one-time inspection of the hydraulic tubes and electrical 
harness wires of the wing rear access door for chafing, leakage, or 
wear damage; repair of any discrepancy found; and modification of the 
wing rear access door. This amendment is prompted by reports of 
interference between the wing rear access door and the hydraulic tubes 
and electrical harnesses, and chafing damage to the hydraulic tubes. 
The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such 
interference or chafing damage, which could lead to failure of the 
number 2 hydraulic system or loss of certain electrical and landing 
systems, and resultant reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective October 16, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 16, 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 June 24, 1997 
(62 FR 34024). That action proposed to require a one-time visual 
inspection of the hydraulic tubes and electrical harness wires of the 
wing rear access door for chafing, leakage, or wear damage; repair of 
any discrepancy found; and modification of the wing rear access door.
    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

    The FAA estimates that 3 Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take 
approximately 4 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 $720, or $240 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

[[Page 47754]]

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:

97-19-01  SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-10121. Docket 96-NM-220-AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, serial numbers 
-004 through -030 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 damage to the hydraulic tubes and electrical 
harnesses, which could lead to failure of the number 2 hydraulic 
system or loss of certain electrical and landing systems, and 
resultant reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time visual inspection of the hydraulic tubes and electrical 
harness wires of the wing rear access door for chafing, leakage, or 
wear damage; in accordance with paragraph B. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-53-010, Revision 01, 
dated October 10, 1995.
    (1) If any chafing or leakage of the hydraulic tubes is 
detected, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a 
method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.
    (2) If any damage to the metal braid or wire insulation is 
detected, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with 
paragraph E. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-53-010, Revision 01, dated October 10, 1995.
    (b) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the wing rear access door and apply silicon tape to the electrical 
harnesses, in accordance with paragraph C. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-53-010, Revision 01, 
dated October 10, 1995.
    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
wing rear access doors, part numbers 7353500-713/-714 or 7353500-
715/-716, on any airplane, unless the part has been modified in 
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-53-010, Revision 01, 
dated October 10, 1995.
    (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. 
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.

    (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 inspection, modification, and certain repairs shall be 
done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-53-010, Revision 
01, dated October 10, 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.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on October 16, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 3, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-23858 Filed 9-10-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U