[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 182 (Friday, September 19, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54862-54864]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-23939]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 182 / Friday, September 19, 2003 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 54862]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-365-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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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 replacing the dual 
shuttle valve in the number 2 hydraulic system with a new improved 
valve; and, for certain airplanes, modifying the hydraulic system. This 
action is necessary to prevent failure of the dual shuttle valve in the 
number 2 hydraulic system, with reduced maximum elevator rate on the 
left side, which could result in pilot induced pitch oscillation, and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

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

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-365-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-365-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 or 2000 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: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1175; 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-365-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-365-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 fatigue 
testing revealed that the body of the dual shuttle valve in the number 
2 hydraulic system may crack at the pressure side. This cracking may 
cause the loss of hydraulic pressure to the left inboard elevator, 
resulting in reduced maximum elevator rate on the failed side, for 
which the flight crew could attempt to compensate. This condition, if 
not corrected, could result in pilot induced pitch oscillation, and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Saab has issued Service Bulletin 2000-29-020, dated August 14, 
2001. The service bulletin describes procedures for replacing the dual 
shuttle valve in the number 2 hydraulic system with a new, improved 
valve on airplanes that have had Modification 5952 implemented.
    Saab has also issued Service Bulletin 2000-29-010, Revision 02, 
dated August 14, 2001, which describes procedures for the completion of 
Modification 5952. That modification presents changes to let the 
integrated hydraulic package (IHP) operate in a standby mode. The 
service bulletin also introduces a dual shuttle valve in the IHP 
system, changes the position of the check valve, replaces the IHP, 
installs new tubing and connections, and introduces a new filter.
    The LFV classified Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-020 as mandatory 
and issued Swedish airworthiness directive 1-164, dated August 17, 
2001, to ensure

[[Page 54863]]

the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Sweden. The LFV 
approved Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-010, Revision 02.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

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 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 bulletins described previously, 
except as discussed below.

Differences Between the Proposed Rule, Swedish Airworthiness Directive, 
and the Service Bulletins

    Where this proposed AD would require completion of Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-29-020, dated August 14, 2001, and Saab Service Bulletin 
2000-29-010, Revision 02, dated August 14, 2001, the LFV has 
specifically mandated only Service Bulletin 2000-29-020. However, that 
service bulletin specifies that Service Bulletin 2000-29-010 must be 
done before Service Bulletin 2000-29-020, so Service Bulletin 2000-29-
010 may be implicitly required by the LFV.
    As a result, the proposed compliance time differs from that of the 
Swedish airworthiness directive. This proposed AD would require that 
the valve be replaced per Service Bulletin 2000-29-020 within 15,000 
flight hours after the effective date of the AD if Service Bulletin 
2000-29-010 has been incorporated. If Service Bulletin 2000-29-010 has 
not been incorporated, this proposed AD would require its 
accomplishment within 90 days, and replacement of the valve within 
15,000 flight hours thereafter. However, the Swedish airworthiness 
directive does not specifically mandate incorporation of Service 
Bulletin 2000-29-010 and therefore does not provide a compliance time 
for that action.
    Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-010, Revision 02, dated August 14, 
2001, also recommends accomplishment of the actions in Saab Service 
Bulletins 2000-29-008, 2000-29-009, 2000-29-011, and 2000-29-013. 
However, this proposed AD would not require those additional actions.

Changes to 14 CFR part 39/Effect on the Proposed AD

    On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness 
directives system. The regulation now includes material that relates to 
altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of 
compliance. Because we have now included this material in part 39, only 
the office authorized to approve AMOCs is identified in each individual 
AD.

Change to Labor Rate Estimate

    We have reviewed the figures we have used over the past several 
years to calculate AD costs to operators. To account for various 
inflationary costs in the airline industry, we find it necessary to 
increase the labor rate used in these calculations from $60 per work 
hour to $65 per work hour. The cost impact information, below, reflects 
this increase in the specified hourly labor rate.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    The proposed replacement would take approximately 4 work hours per 
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Parts would be 
provided to the operator at no charge. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed replacement on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$780, or $260 per airplane.
    The proposed modification, if required, would take approximately 60 
work hours per airplane at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. 
Parts would be provided to the operator at no charge. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the proposed modification is estimated to 
be $3,900 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. 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-365-AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, as listed in 
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-020, dated August 14, 2001; 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.

[[Page 54864]]

    To prevent failure of the dual shuttle valve in the number 2 
hydraulic system, with reduced maximum elevator rate on the left 
side, which could result in pilot induced pitch oscillation, and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:

Replacement: Modified Airplanes

    (a) For airplanes that have been modified per Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-29-010, Revision 02, dated August 14, 2001 
(Modification 5952): Within 15,000 flight hours after completing 
Modification 5952, replace the dual shuttle valve in the number 2 
hydraulic system with a new, improved valve, per the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-020, dated August 14, 
2001.

Modification and Replacement: Unmodified Airplanes

    (b) For airplanes that have not been modified per Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-29-010, Revision 02, dated August 14, 2001 
(Modification 5952): Do paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD 
within the times specified.
    (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the hydraulic system, per the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab 
Service Bulletin 2000-29-010, Revision 02, dated August 14, 2001.
    (2) Within 15,000 flight hours after accomplishing paragraph 
(b)(1) of this AD, replace the dual shuttle valve in the number 2 
hydraulic system with a new, improved valve, per the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-020, dated August 14, 
2001.

    Note 1: Although Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-020, dated August 
14, 2001; and Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-010, Revision 02, dated 
August 14, 2001; specify sending removed or replaced parts to the 
manufacturer or the vendor, this AD does not include such 
requirements.

Parts Installation

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
dual shuttle valve, part number 7329114-721, on any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods 
of compliance for this AD.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish 
airworthiness directive 1-164, dated August 17, 2001.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 15, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-23939 Filed 9-18-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P