[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 148 (Tuesday, August 3, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42007-42009]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-19580]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-151-AD; Amendment 39-11240; AD 99-16-05]
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 Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, that requires 
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. This amendment also requires 
repetitive replacement of the control cables and cable guides with new 
or serviceable components. This amendment also provides for optional 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This amendment is 
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
by a foreign civil airworthiness. The actions specified by this 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: Effective September 7, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 7, 1999.

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.


[[Page 42008]]


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 as a supplemental notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on May 7, 1999 (64 FR 24542). 
That action proposed to require 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 action also proposed to require repetitive replacement of the 
control cables and cable guides with new or serviceable components. 
That action also provides for optional terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections.

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 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 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this AD.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the required inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection required by 
this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $180, or $60 per airplane, 
per inspection cycle.
    It will take approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to 
the operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
inspection required 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 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 optional terminating modification 
provided by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,440, or 
$480 per airplane.

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:

99-16-05  SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-11240. 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.


[[Page 42009]]


    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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-27-033, dated April 29, 1997; Saab Service Bulletin 
2000-27-033, Revision 01, dated March 27, 1998; and Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-27-037, dated March 11, 1998, as applicable. 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish 
airworthiness directive SAD No. 1-111R1, dated March 30, 1998.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 7, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 26, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-19580 Filed 8-2-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P