[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 79 (Friday, April 24, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20302-20303]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-10482]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-135-AD; Amendment 39-10485; AD 98-09-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series 
airplanes, that requires an inspection to determine the serviceability 
of the fire extinguisher of the forward lavatory waste bin, and 
corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment also requires 
installation of a placard adjacent to the fire extinguisher in the 
forward lavatory waste bin. This amendment is prompted by the issuance 
of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil 
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended 
to prevent leakage of the fire extinguishing agent, which could prevent 
proper distribution of the agent within the lavatory waste bin in the 
event of a fire.

DATES: Effective May 29, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 29, 1998.

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: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; 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 SF340A and 
SAAB 340B series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on 
October 29, 1997 (62 FR 56137). That action proposed to require an 
inspection to determine the serviceability of the fire extinguisher of 
the forward lavatory waste bin, and corrective actions, if necessary. 
The action also proposed to require installation of a placard adjacent 
to the fire extinguisher in the forward lavatory waste bin.

Comments

    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 AD. However, the commenter 
notes that unsafe condition addressed in this proposed AD may be more 
generally present in the transport airplane fleet, and proposes a 
number of requirements to address that problem:

--Since other installations with capillary tubes may be subject to the 
same type of failure, the suggests that some sort of protection from 
``kinking'' of similar capillary tubes should be required.
--A feature should be added to the fire extinguisher bottle to enable 
more frequent inspection of lavatory fire extinguisher bottles and 
their contents.
--The fire bottle should be inspected in place for proper pressure at 
least every seven days and should be removed at least annually and 
weighed.
--Engine fire bottles that are low in pressure result in an indication 
to the flight crew; a similar indication may be needed for this 
installation.
--A pressure indicator on the fire bottle should be a required item; 
the commenter states that, currently, it has been removed on some 
airplanes.

    The FAA acknowledges the concerns of the commenter. The FAA has 
determined that an unsafe condition exists, and that the actions 
required by this AD are adequate in order to ensure the continued 
safety of the affected fleet. While there may be merit to the 
commenter's suggestions, this AD is not the appropriate context in 
which to evaluate those suggestions. Since the suggested changes would 
alter the actions currently required by this AD, additional rulemaking 
would be required. The FAA finds that to delay this action would be 
inappropriate in light of the identified unsafe condition. No change to 
this final rule is necessary.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
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 141 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 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 is estimated to be $16,920, or $120 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.

[[Page 20303]]

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:

98-09-06  SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-10485. Docket 97-NM-135-AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB SF340A series airplanes having serial 
numbers -121, and -125 through -159 inclusive; and Model SAAB 340B 
series airplanes having serial numbers -160 through -360 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 (b) 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 leakage of the fire extinguishing agent, which could 
prevent proper distribution of the agent within the lavatory waste 
bin in the event of a fire, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD in accordance 
with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340-25-235, dated December 11, 1996.
    (1) Perform an inspection to determine the serviceability of the 
fire extinguisher in the forward lavatory waste bin, in accordance 
with the service bulletin. If any discrepancy is found, prior to 
further flight, accomplish the repair or replacement of the fire 
extinguisher, as specified in the service bulletin.
    (2) Install a placard adjacent to the fire extinguisher in the 
forward lavatory waste bin in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (b) 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, international Branch, ANM-116, 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, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (c) 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.
    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service 
Bulletin SAAB 340-25-235, dated December 11, 1996. 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed issued Swedish 
airworthiness directive SAD No. 1-106, dated December 12, 1996.

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on May 29, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-10482 Filed 4-23-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P