[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 88 (Friday, May 7, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24542-24545]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-11469]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-151-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of 
comment period.

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SUMMARY: This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series 
airplanes, that would have required repetitive inspections for 
excessive wear of the aileron control cables, cable guides, and cable 
pulleys located at the rear wing spars; and corrective actions, if 
necessary. That proposal also would have required repetitive 
replacement of the control cables and cable guides with new or 
serviceable components. That proposal was prompted by issuance of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil 
airworthiness authority. This new action revises the proposed rule by 
expanding the applicability of the proposed rule to include additional 
airplanes. In addition, this new action provides for optional 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The actions 
specified by this new proposed AD are intended to detect and correct 
excessive wear on the aileron control cables, cable guides, and cable 
pulleys located at the rear wing spars, which could result in broken 
aileron control cables and consequent reduced controllability of the 
airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 1, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-151-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.


[[Page 24543]]


    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.

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:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.

    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.

    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 97-NM-151-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 97-NM-151-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to add an airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to 
certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, was published as a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on 
February 9, 1998 (63 FR 6499). That NPRM would have required repetitive 
inspections for excessive wear of the aileron control cables, cable 
guides, and cable pulleys located at the rear wing spars, and 
corrective actions, if necessary. That NPRM also would have required 
repetitive replacement of the control cables and cable guides with new 
or serviceable components. That NPRM was prompted by issuance of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil 
airworthiness authority. Such excessive wear, if not corrected, could 
result in broken aileron control cables and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

Actions Since Issuance of the NPRM

    Since the NPRM was issued, the manufacturer has issued Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-27-033, Revision 01, dated March 27, 1998. Revision 01 
introduces no new actions but revises the effectivity to include 
additional airplanes and specifies that the modification specified by 
Service Bulletin 2000-27-037, described below, eliminates the need for 
the repetitive inspections specified by Service Bulletin 2000-27-033, 
Revision 01.

    Also, the manufacturer has issued Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-
037, dated March 11, 1998, which describes procedures for modification 
of the aileron control system. The modification involves replacement of 
the aileron control cables with new, improved (carbon steel) cables, 
and replacement of the semi-glides (cable guides) with new improved 
cable guides.

    The Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is the civil aviation authority 
for Sweden, has classified Service Bulletin 2000-27-033, Revision 01, 
as mandatory. Further, the LFV has approved Service Bulletin 2000-27-
037 as optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections 
specified by Service Bulletin 2000-27-033, Revision 01. In addition, 
the LFV has issued Swedish airworthiness directive SAD No. 1-111R1, 
dated March 30, 1998, in order to ensure the continued airworthiness of 
these airplanes in Sweden.

Explanation of New Requirements of the Supplemental NPRM

    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 supplemental NPRM would require 
accomplishment of the actions specified in Saab Service Bulletin 2000-
27-033 described previously. The proposed AD also would provide for 
optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections and 
repetitive replacements.

    Operators should note that, in consonance with the findings of the 
Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is the civil aviation authority for 
Sweden, the FAA has determined that the repetitive actions proposed by 
this AD can be allowed to continue in lieu of accomplishment of a 
terminating action. In making this determination, the FAA considers 
that, in this case, long-term continued operational safety will be 
adequately assured by accomplishing the repetitive inspections to 
detect discrepancies before they represent a hazard to the airplane.

Conclusion

    Since these changes expand the scope of the originally proposed 
rule, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment 
period to provide additional opportunity for public comment.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD.

    It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection proposed by 
this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $180, or $60 per airplane, 
per inspection cycle.

    It would take approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts would be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost 
to the operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
inspection proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$1,440, or $480 per airplane, per replacement cycle.

    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this AD were not adopted.

    Should an operator elect to perform the optional terminating 
modification, it would take approximately 8 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 modification proposed by this AD

[[Page 24544]]

on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,440, or $480 per airplane.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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:

Saab Aircraft AB:  Docket 97-NM-151-AD.


    Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, serial numbers 
004 through 064 inclusive; except those airplanes on which Saab 
Aircraft AB Modification 6093 (reference Saab Service Bulletin 2000-
27-037, dated March 11, 1998) has been installed; 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 detect and correct excessive wear on the aileron control 
cables, cable guides, and cable pulleys located at the rear wing 
spars, which could result in broken aileron control cables and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:

Repetitive Inspections

    (a) Inspect to detect discrepancies of the left-and right-hand 
aileron control cables, cable guides, and cable pulleys at the time 
specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable, 
in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-033, dated April 
29, 1997, or Revision 01, dated March 27, 1998. Repeat the 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours. 
If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by this 
AD, prior to further flight, perform corrective action in accordance 
with the service bulletin.

    (1) For airplanes on which Saab Modification 5784 has been 
installed: Inspect at the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD.

    (i) Prior to the accumulation of 1,800 total flight hours; or 
within 1,800 flight hours after accomplishment of the modification 
or replacement of any control cable; whichever occurs latest. Or

    (ii) Within 200 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD.

    (2) For airplanes on which Saab Modification 5784 has not been 
installed: Inspect at the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.

    (i) Prior to the accumulation of 3,200 total flight hours, or 
within 3,200 flight hours after replacement of any control cable, 
whichever occurs later. Or

    (ii) Within 200 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD.


    Note 2: Although the inspection schedules of this AD apply to 
both left-and right-hand wing cable systems, replacement of the 
cable, guide, or pulley on one wing only, prior to scheduled 
replacement, would result in subsequent staggered inspections for 
the components of the left-and right-hand cable systems.

Repetitive Replacements

    (b) Replace the aileron control cables, cable guides, and cable 
pulleys with new or serviceable parts, as applicable; at the time 
specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable; 
in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-033, dated April 
29, 1997, or Revision 01, dated March 27, 1998.

    (1) For airplanes on which Saab Modification 5784 has been 
installed: Replace at the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the 
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at the time 
specified in paragraph (a)(1); and replace the control cables and 
cable guides thereafter prior to the accumulation of 3,200 flight 
hours after replacement of any control cable.

    (i) Prior to the accumulation of 3,200 total flight hours; or 
within 3,200 flight hours after installation of the modification, or 
after replacement of any control cable; whichever occurs latest. Or

    (ii) Within 200 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD.

    (2) For airplanes on which Modification 5784 has not been 
installed: Replace at the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(b)(2)(i) and (b)(2)(ii) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the 
inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD at the time 
specified in paragraph (a)(2); and replace the control cables and 
cable guides thereafter prior to the accumulation of 6,200 flight 
hours following replacement of any control cable.

    (i) Prior to the accumulation of 6,200 total flight hours, or 
within 6,200 flight hours after replacement of any control cable, 
whichever occurs later. Or

    (ii) Within 200 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD.

Optional Terminating Action

    (c) Accomplishment of the modification of the aileron control 
system in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-037, dated 
March 11, 1998, constitutes terminating action for the requirements 
of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

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

Special Flight Permits

    (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.


    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish 
airworthiness directive SAD No. 1-111R1, dated March 30, 1998.



[[Page 24545]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 30, 1999.
D. L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-11469 Filed 5-6-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P