[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 159 (Wednesday, August 16, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49901-49903]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-20503]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-354-AD; Amendment 39-11864; AD 2000-16-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 340B and SAAB 2000 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 340B and SAAB 2000 series 
airplanes, that 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. This 
amendment requires replacement of the electronic light ballasts with 
improved ballasts, which terminates the reinspections, and expands the 
applicability of the existing AD. This amendment is prompted by 
issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign 
civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this 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: Effective September 20, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications, as listed 
in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register 
as of September 20, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain other publications, as 
listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of July 7, 1997 (62 FR 33545, June 20, 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: 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) by superseding 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, was 
published as a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the 
Federal Register on June 13, 2000 (65 FR 37087). The action proposed to 
continue to require 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 
action also proposed to require replacement of the electronic light 
ballasts with improved ballasts, which terminates the reinspections, 
and to expand the applicability of the existing AD.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 78 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be 
affected by this 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 required in this AD will take as much as 9 
work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 
per work hour. Required parts will be provided free of charge by the 
manufacturer. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the new 
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 requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions

[[Page 49902]]

actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include 
incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close 
up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative 
actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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 removing amendment 39-10052 (62 FR 
33545, June 20, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-11864, to read as follows:

2000-16-09  SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-11864. 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, 
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 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.


[[Page 49903]]



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 
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

    (h) The actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service 
Bulletin 340-33-047, dated May 16, 1997; Saab Service Bulletin 340-
33-047, Revision 01, dated June 26, 1998; Saab Service Bulletin 
2000-33-014, dated May 16, 1997; Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-040, 
Revision 02, dated February 20, 1997; Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-
009, dated June 19, 1996; Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-048, Revision 
01, dated January 21, 1999; Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-049, 
Revision 02, dated February 2, 2000; and Saab Service Bulletin 2000-
33-015, dated January 29, 1999; as applicable.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of Saab Service Bulletin 340-
33-047, Revision 01, dated June 26, 1998; Saab Service Bulletin 340-
33-048, Revision 01, dated January 21, 1999; Saab Service Bulletin 
340-33-049, Revision 02, dated February 2, 2000; Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-33-015, dated January 29, 1999 is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Saab Service Bulletin 340-
33-047, dated May 16, 1997; Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-040, 
Revision 02, dated February 20, 1997; Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-
014, dated May 16, 1997; and Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-009, 
dated June 19, 1996; was approved previously by the Director of the 
Federal Register as of July 7, 1997 (62 FR 33545, June 20, 1997).
    (3) 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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish 
airworthiness directives 1-113R1 and 1-114R1, both dated September 
8, 1998.

Effective Date

    (i) This amendment becomes effective on September 20, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 8, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-20503 Filed 8-15-00; 8:45 am]
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