[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 139 (Monday, July 21, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43042-43045]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-18419]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-372-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 
series airplanes. This proposal would require an inspection to detect 
chafing or damage to the electrical wire harnesses in the left- and 
right-hand wing fuel

[[Page 43043]]

tanks, applicable corrective action(s) if necessary, and installation 
of harnesses. For certain airplanes, this proposal also would require 
modifying the collector tank walls. This action is necessary to prevent 
chafing damage to the electrical wire harnesses in the left and right 
wing fuel tanks, which could cause misleading data and erroneous fuel 
pump cautions to be displayed to the flightcrew, and could result in 
electrical arcing with consequent increased potential for fire or 
explosion in the fuel tank. This action is intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by August 20, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-372-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2001-NM-372-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rosanne Ryburn, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2139; 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 action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    [sbull] 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.
    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
    [sbull] 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 action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2001-NM-372-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. 2001-NM-372-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is the airworthiness authority for 
Sweden, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain 
Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes. The LFV advises that an operator 
reported a damaged fuel tank harness, which resulted in an ``R FUEL 
PUMP FAULT'' caution. Inspection of the fuel tank wire harnesses 
revealed evidence of chafing due to the proximity of the wire harnesses 
to the openings in the metal collector tank walls. Chafing of the wire 
harness against the collector tank walls could expose the electric 
wiring in the harness to the collector tank wall. This condition, if 
not corrected, could cause misleading data and erroneous fuel pump 
cautions to be displayed to the flightcrew, and could result in 
electrical arcing with consequent increased potential for fire or 
explosion in the fuel tank.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Saab has issued Service Bulletin SAAB 2000-28-012, dated October 1, 
2001, which describes procedures for a detailed inspection to detect 
chafing or damage to the electrical wire harnesses in the left- and 
right-hand wing fuel tanks; and applicable corrective action(s) if 
necessary. The corrective actions include:
    [sbull] Adding and sealing a new piece of shrinkable tubing to 
repair a chafed/damaged area;
    [sbull] Performing additional inspections; and
    [sbull] Installing a new harness.
    For certain airplanes, the service bulletin also describes 
procedures for modifying the collector tank walls. The modification 
includes:
    [sbull] Increasing the cut out in the forward upper wall of the 
collector tanks;
    [sbull] Removing all burrs and debris; breaking all sharp edges; 
applying alodine to the new edges; and
    [sbull] Applying new part numbers to the doors.
    In addition, the service bulletin describes procedures for 
installation of harnesses, which includes:
    [sbull] Installing additional harness clamps;
    [sbull] Cleaning the attaching surfaces;
    [sbull] Installing new O-rings; and
    [sbull] Applying primer and sealant.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The LFV 
classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Swedish 
airworthiness directive 1-168, dated October 1, 2001, in order to 
assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Sweden. The 
Swedish airworthiness directive contains a typographical error in that 
it references Saab Service Bulletin ``SAAB 200-28-012'' instead of Saab 
Service Bulletin ``SAAB 2000-28-012.''

FAA's Conclusions

    This airplane model is manufactured in Sweden and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec.  21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LFV has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the 
LFV, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of this type design that are

[[Page 43044]]

certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    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, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously, 
except as discussed below.

Differences Between Proposed Rule and Swedish Airworthiness Directive

    The proposed AD would differ from the parallel Swedish 
airworthiness directive in that, if it is not possible to repair the 
chafed and/or opened area with a new piece of Viton shrinkable tubing, 
the proposed AD instructs operators to install a new electrical wire 
harness before further flight. The Swedish airworthiness directive 
instructs operators to return the damaged harness to Saab for repair. 
The FAA has notified the LFV of this difference in the proposed AD.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 80 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $455 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $15,765, 
or $5,255 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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 proposed 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 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

SAAB Aircraft AB: Docket 2001-NM-372-AD.
    Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, serial numbers 
SAAB 2000-004 through -063 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 (f) 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 chafing damage to the electrical wire harnesses in 
the left- and right-hand wing fuel tanks, which could cause 
misleading data and erroneous fuel pump cautions to be displayed to 
the flightcrew, and could result in electrical arcing with 
consequent increased potential for fire or explosion in the fuel 
tank, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) For all airplanes: Within 18 months after the effective date 
of this AD, do a detailed inspection to detect chafing or damage to 
the electrical wire harnesses in the left- and right-hand wing fuel 
tanks, per the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 
SAAB 2000-28-012, dated October 1, 2001.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific 
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, 
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally 
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity 
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
access procedures may be required.''

Chafing or Damage: Corrective Actions

    (b) If any chafing or damage is detected during the inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Before further flight, do the 
applicable corrective action(s) (e.g., adding and sealing a new 
piece of Viton shrinkable tubing to repair a chafed/damaged area; 
and additional inspection) per paragraphs 2.C.(2)(b) and 2.C.(2)(c) 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 
2000-28-012, dated October 1, 2001, except as provided by paragraph 
(c) of this AD.
    (c) For cases where it is not possible to repair the chafed and/
or opened area with a new piece of Viton shrinkable tubing: Before 
further flight, install a new electrical wire harness per paragraph 
2.E.(1) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 
SAAB 2000-28-012, dated October 1, 2001.

Modification (for Certain Airplanes)

    (d) For airplanes having serial numbers SAAB 2000-007 through 
-063 inclusive: Within 18 months after the effective date of this 
AD, modify the collector tank walls by accomplishing all the actions 
specified in paragraph 2.D. of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 2000-28-012, dated October 1, 2001.

Installation

    (e) For all airplanes: Within 18 months after the effective date 
of this AD, install new electrical wire harnesses by accomplishing 
all the actions specified in paragraph 2.E. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 2000-28-012, dated 
October 1, 2001.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f) 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,

[[Page 43045]]

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 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

    (g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections Sec. Sec.  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 1-168, dated October 1, 2001.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 15, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-18419 Filed 7-18-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P