[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 58 (Wednesday, March 26, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14533-14534]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-6994]



[[Page 14533]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-420-AD; Amendment 39-13092; AD 2003-06-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A 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 certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A series airplanes, that 
requires modifying the structure of the air recirculation fan support, 
and replacing the air recirculation fans with two upgraded air 
recirculation fans; or replacing the air recirculation fans with two 
new air recirculation fans with brushless motors. 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 incidents of smoke or a burning smell 
in the cabin during flight, caused by incorrect brush insulation in the 
motors of the air recirculation fans that provide air to the flight 
compartment and the passenger compartment.

DATES: Effective April 30, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 30, 2003.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Link[ouml]ping, 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: Gary Lium, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 980545-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1112; 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 
series airplanes was published as a supplemental notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on April 3, 2002 (67 FR 
15758). That action proposed to require modifying the structure of the 
air recirculation fan support, and replacing the air recirculation fans 
with two upgraded air recirculation fans; or replacing the air 
recirculation fans with two new air recirculation fans with brushless 
motors.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comment received.

Request to Reference Alternative Part Numbers

    One commenter, the airplane manufacturer, states that it has issued 
Revision 03 of Saab Service Bulletin 340-21-018, dated March 22, 2001. 
The commenter notes that this service bulletin specifies alternative 
recirculation fans with brushless motors having part number (P/N) 
EVCTA465, EVCTA465A, or EVCTA465B. The commenter also states that P/N 
9302882-002, as listed in the supplemental NPRM, is an internal Saab 
Aircraft AB P/N, which should not to be used.
    From this comment, the FAA infers that the commenter is requesting 
that the supplemental NPRM be revised to reference the P/Ns of the 
alternative recirculation fans, rather than the internal Saab part 
number. We agree and have revised the final rule accordingly.

Request To Revise Cost Impact

    The commenter requests that we revise the Cost Impact figures. The 
commenter states that, based on 7 work hours with an average labor cost 
of $60 and $59,360 for a kit with two new fans with brushless motors, 
the cost of the replacement with new fans with brushless motors should 
be $59,780 per airplane.
    We agree and have revised the Cost Impact estimate in this final 
rule.

Request for Editorial Changes

    The commenter also states that the air recirculation fans are 
``for'' the flight and passenger compartments, and that they are not 
located in these areas. From this comment, we infer that the commenter 
is requesting that the supplemental NPRM be revised to clarify that the 
recirculation fans provide air to the flight and passenger 
compartments, rather than that the fans are actually located in those 
compartments. We agree and have revised the phrase ``air recirculation 
fans in the flight compartment and the passenger compartment'' to ``air 
recirculation fans that provide air to the flight compartment and the 
passenger compartment'' throughout the final rule.
    In addition, the commenter also states that the fans with brushless 
motors are different types of fans, not ``modified'' fans. From this 
comment, we infer that the commenter is requesting that we revise the 
wording in the supplemental NPRM from ``modified'' air recirculation 
fans to ``new'' air recirculation fans. We agree and have revised the 
final rule accordingly.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 35 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD and that the average labor rate is $60 per work 
hour.
    It will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required removal of the two air recirculation fans having P/N C209-
690B, C209-690B1, or C209-690C, and their replacement with two upgraded 
air recirculation fans having P/N C209-690D. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of the required replacement on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $8,400, or $240 per airplane.
    It will take approximately another 3 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the required modification of the fan support structure. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the required modification on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $6,300, or $180 per airplane.
    It will take approximately 7 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the removal and replacement of the two air recirculation fans with new, 
brushless motors. The cost of the brushless motors is $59,360 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the optional 
modification on U.S. operators is estimated to be $59,780 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

[[Page 14534]]

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 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2003-06-05 Saab Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-13092. Docket 2000-NM-420-
AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB SF340A series airplanes, serial 
numbers -004 through -108 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 (c) 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 incidents of smoke or a burning smell in the cabin 
during flight caused by incorrect brush insulation in the motors of 
the air recirculation fans that provide air to the flight 
compartment and the passenger compartment, accomplish the following:

Replacement

    (a) Within 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD: Perform either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Remove the two air recirculation fans having part number (P/
N) C209-690B, C209-690B1, or C209-690C, modify the structure of the 
fan support, and replace the fans with two upgraded air 
recirculation fans having P/N C209-690D, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-21-039, 
Revision 01, dated April 18, 2001.

    Note 2: The upgraded fans are larger than the original fans and 
will interfere with the structure of the fan support. A modification 
to the structure of the fan support to include a small cutout is 
contained in Paragraph 2.C. of Saab Service Bulletin 340-21-039, 
Revision 01.


    Note 3: The modification to the structure of the fan support to 
include a small cutout is also described in Saab Service Bulletin 
SF340-21-001, Revision 1, dated February 20, 1985. For those 
airplanes on which the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) have been 
performed prior to the effective date of this AD, modification of 
the structure of the fan support to include a small cutout in 
accordance with that service bulletin is acceptable as a means of 
compliance with the applicable requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of 
this AD.

    (2) Remove the two air recirculation fans having P/N C209-690B, 
C209-690B1, or C209-690C, and replace the fans with two new air 
recirculation fans with brushless motors having P/N EVCTA465, 
EVCTA465A, or EVCTA465B (these alternative fans could have been 
previously identified with the internal Saab P/N 9302882-002), in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service 
Bulletin 340-21-018, Revision 02, dated June 21, 2000.

Parts Installation

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no air recirculation 
fans having P/N C209-690B, C209-690B1, or C209-690C may be installed 
on any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) 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, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. 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 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

    (d) 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

    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service 
Bulletin 340-21-039, Revision 01, dated April 18, 2001; or Saab 
Service Bulletin 340-21-018, Revision 02, dated June 21, 2000; 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, Link[ouml]ping, 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 directive 1-160 R1, dated June 13, 2001.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on April 30, 2003.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 18, 2003.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-6994 Filed 3-25-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P