[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 114 (Tuesday, June 13, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37087-37089]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-14883]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-354-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 340B and 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 340B and SAAB 
2000 series airplanes, that would have superseded an existing AD. That 
AD currently requires various inspections of fluorescent lamps and 
lampholders in the cabin area for discrepancies; corrections, if 
necessary; and reinspection of the lamps to ensure correct installation 
after replacement or reinstallation of the lamps or lampholders. The 
proposed AD would have added a requirement for replacement of the 
electronic light ballasts with improved ballasts, which would terminate 
the reinspections, and would have expanded the applicability of the 
existing AD. That proposal was prompted by issuance of mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness 
authority. This new action revises the proposed rule to require a 
certain modification in accordance with revised procedures. The actions 
specified by this new proposed AD are intended to prevent electrical 
arcing between the fluorescent tube pins and the lampholders, which 
could burn the surrounding area and lead to smoke and fumes in the 
passenger compartment or lavatory area.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 10, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-354-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. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the 
following address: [email protected]. Comments sent via the 
Internet must contain ``Docket No. 99-NM-354-AD'' in the subject line 
and need not be submitted in triplicate.
    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.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    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 99-NM-354-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. 99-NM-354-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 340B and SAAB 2000 series airplanes, was 
published as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal 
Register on March 27, 2000 (65 FR 16154). That NPRM proposed to 
supersede AD 97-13-06, amendment 39-10052 (62 FR 33545, June 20, 1997), 
which is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 340B and SAAB 2000 
series airplanes. That NPRM would have continued to require the actions 
specified in AD 97-13-06. That NPRM would have added a requirement for 
replacement of the electronic light ballasts with improved ballasts, 
which would terminate the requirement for reinspections of the lamps. 
That NPRM would also have expanded the applicability of the existing AD 
to include additional Model SAAB 340B and SAAB 2000 series airplanes 
that are also subject to the identified unsafe condition. That NPRM was 
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
by a foreign civil airworthiness authority, advising that a terminating 
modification is available, and that additional airplanes may be subject 
to fluorescent lampholder charring due to the incorrect installation of 
the lamps in their holders. That condition, if not corrected, could 
burn the surrounding area and lead to smoke and fumes in the passenger 
compartment or lavatory area.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Proposal

    Since the issuance of that NPRM, the FAA has been advised that Saab 
has issued Service Bulletin 340-33-049, Revision 01, dated November 15, 
1999, and Revision 02, dated February 2, 2000. The original issue of 
this service

[[Page 37088]]

bulletin, dated January 21, 1999, was referenced as an appropriate 
source of service information in paragraph (d)(1) of the proposed AD, 
and describes procedures for modification of the ballasts to ensure 
sufficient clearance between the ballast and Passenger Service Unit 
(PSU) transistors. Revision 01 and Revision 02 of the service bulletin 
describe similar modification procedures, but include additional 
procedures for replacement of certain PSU circuit boards with different 
PSU circuit boards. The manufacturer advises that replacement of these 
PSU circuit boards is necessary in order to obtain adequate clearance 
between the ballast and transistors.
    The FAA has determined that modification of the ballasts must be 
accomplished in accordance with Revision 02 of the service bulletin, 
and has revised paragraph (d)(1) of the AD accordingly. Additionally, a 
``NOTE 3'' has been added to the proposed AD to give credit to 
operators that may have previously accomplished the modification in 
accordance with Revision 01 of the service bulletin, dated November 15, 
1999.

Conclusion

    Since this change expands 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

    There are approximately 78 airplanes of U.S. registry that would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 97-13-06 take 
approximately 7 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 currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $420 per airplane.
    The new actions that are proposed in this AD action would take as 
much as 9 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be provided free of 
charge by the manufacturer. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to 
be as much as $42,120, or $540 per airplane.
    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.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would not have a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    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 removing amendment 39-10052 (62 FR 
33545, June 20, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

SAAB Aircraft AB: Docket 99-NM-354-AD. Supersedes AD 97-13-06, 
Amendment 39-10052.
    Applicability: This AD applies to the following airplanes:

Model SAAB 340B series airplanes having serial numbers -342 and -359 
through -460 inclusive, certificated in any category; except those 
on which Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-048, Revision 01, dated 
January 21, 1999 (Saab Modification No. 2936), has been 
incorporated; and
Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes having serial numbers -004 through 
-063 inclusive, certificated in any category; except those on which 
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-015, dated January 29, 1999 (Saab 
Modification No. 6148), has been incorporated.

    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 (f)(1) 
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 electrical arcing between the fluorescent tube pins 
and the lampholders, which could burn the surrounding area and lead 
to smoke and fumes in the passenger compartment or lavatory area, 
accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 97-13-06

Inspections

    (a) For Model SAAB 340B series airplanes having serial numbers -
342 and -359 through -439 inclusive; and Model SAAB 2000 series 
airplanes having serial numbers -004 through -059 inclusive: Within 
30 days after July 7, 1997 (the effective date of AD 97-13-06, 
amendment 39-10052), accomplish the actions required by paragraphs 
(a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3), as applicable.
    (1) For all airplanes: Inspect the fluorescent lamps installed 
in the ceiling/window of the lavatory and passenger compartment to 
ensure correct installation; and inspect the lampholders for 
discrepancies such as discoloration, evidence of electrical arcing 
at the light tube pins, charring or melting, or insecure back 
covers; in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-047, dated 
May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 340B series airplanes); or Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 2000 series 
airplanes); as applicable.
    (i) If any lamp is installed incorrectly, prior to further 
flight, install the lamp correctly in accordance with the applicable 
service bulletin.
    (ii) If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, 
replace the lampholder with a new lampholder in accordance with the 
applicable service bulletin.
    (2) For Model SAAB 340B series airplanes on which a Page 
Aerospace lampholder having part number (P/N) D756-02-001 is 
installed: Install a retaining clip in accordance with Saab Service 
Bulletin 340-33-040, Revision 02, dated February 20, 1997.

    Note 2: Installation of retaining clips on Page Aerospace 
lampholders that was

[[Page 37089]]

accomplished prior to July 7, 1997, in accordance with Saab Service 
Bulletin 340-33-040, Revision 01, dated January 31, 1997, also is 
considered acceptable for compliance with the requirement of 
paragraph (a)(2) of this AD.

    (3) For Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes on which a Page 
Aerospace lampholder having P/N C756-10-001 is installed: Install a 
retaining clip in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-009, 
dated June 19, 1996.

Reinspections Following Replacement or Reinstallation

    (b) Following the accomplishment of the requirements of 
paragraph (a) or paragraph (c) of this AD: If any fluorescent lamp 
or lampholder is replaced or reinstalled, within 7 days after 
accomplishing such replacement or reinstallation, reinspect the lamp 
to ensure it is still in the correct position, in accordance with 
Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-047, dated May 16, 1997, or Revision 
01, dated June 26, 1998 (for Model SAAB 340B series airplanes); or 
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model 
SAAB 2000 series airplanes); as applicable. If any lamp is installed 
incorrectly, prior to further flight, make corrections to ensure 
correct installation in accordance with the applicable service 
bulletin.

New Requirements of This AD

Inspections for Additional Airplanes

    (c) For airplanes other than those specified in paragraph (a) of 
this AD: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD, and 
thereafter accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD.

Terminating Modification

    (d) For all airplanes: Within 18 months after the effective date 
of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (d)(1) or 
(d)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Accomplishment of the actions 
required by the applicable paragraph constitutes terminating action 
for the requirements of this AD.
    (1) For Model SAAB 340B series airplanes: Replace the electronic 
light ballasts with improved ballasts, in accordance with Saab 
Service Bulletin 340-33-048, Revision 01, dated January 21, 1999. 
Concurrent with the replacement, modify the ballasts to ensure 
sufficient clearance between the ballast and certain transistors, in 
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-049, Revision 02, dated 
February 2, 2000.
    (2) For Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes: Replace the electronic 
light ballasts with improved ballasts, in accordance with Saab 
Service Bulletin 2000-33-015, dated January 29, 1999.

    Note 3: Modification of the ballasts for sufficient clearance in 
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-049, Revision 01, dated 
November 15, 1999, is acceptable for compliance with the 
modification requirement of paragraph (d)(1) of the AD.

Spares

    (e) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a fluorescent lampholder having Page Aerospace P/N D756-02-001 or 
Page Aerospace P/N C756-10-001 on any Model SAAB 340B or SAAB 2000 
series airplane, unless the lampholder has been modified in 
accordance with the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) or (a)(3) of 
this AD, as applicable.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f)(1) 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.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 97-13-06, amendment 39-10052, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

    Note 4: 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

    (g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish 
airworthiness directives 1-113R1 and 1-114R1, both dated September 
8, 1998.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-14883 Filed 6-12-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U