[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 14 (Thursday, January 22, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3043-3045]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-1305]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-261-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 repetitive inspections of 
the installation of the spoilers of the windshield wiper assemblies for 
discrepancies, and replacement with new spoilers if necessary. The 
proposal also would require eventual replacement of the spoilers of the 
windshield wiper assemblies with new spoilers. This action is necessary 
to prevent failure of the windshield wiper assembly, which could result 
in loss of visibility, damage to the propeller(s) and/or engine(s), or 
penetration of the fuselage skin and consequent rapid depressurization 
of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified 
unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 23, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-261-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. 2002-NM-261-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: Rosanne Ryburn, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, 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 2002-NM-261-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. 2002-NM-261-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 it has 
received reports of findings of cracked or missing spoilers of the 
windshield wiper assemblies on certain airplanes listed in Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-56-002 (Replacement of Windshield Wiper Spoiler), dated 
November 28, 1998, on which the actions specified in that service 
bulletin have not been done. Parts that separate from the airplane in 
this area can cause damage to the propeller(s), engine(s), and 
structure. One report indicated that, after excessive vibration and 
subsequent separation of a windshield wiper spoiler, the spoiler fell 
into the propeller and subsequently hit the wing leading edge and 
fuselage. Such conditions, if not corrected, could result in loss of 
visibility, damage to the propeller(s) and/or engine(s), or penetration 
of the fuselage skin and consequent rapid depressurization of the 
airplane.

[[Page 3044]]

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Saab has issued Service Bulletin 2000-56-003, dated August 12, 
2002, which describes procedures for repetitive detailed visual 
inspections of the installation of the spoilers of the windshield wiper 
assemblies for discrepancies (cracks, loose parts, deformation, general 
deterioration), and replacement with new spoilers if necessary. The 
service bulletin also describes procedures for an operational test of 
the windshield wipers after the inspection is done.
    Saab also has issued Service Bulletin 2000-56-002, Revision 01, 
dated August 12, 2002, which describes procedures for replacement of 
the spoilers of the left and right windshield wiper assemblies with new 
spoilers. The replacement includes installation of a new spoiler/beam 
and spoiler angles. The service bulletin also describes procedures for 
an operational test of the windshield wipers after doing the 
replacement. Accomplishment of the replacement would eliminate the need 
for the repetitive inspections.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The LFV 
classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued Swedish 
airworthiness directive 1-178, dated August 15, 2002, to ensure the 
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Sweden.

FAA's Conclusions

    This airplane model is manufactured in Sweden and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 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 us informed of the 
situation described above. We have 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 Among This Proposed AD, Swedish Airworthiness Directive, 
and Service Information

    Service Bulletin 2000-56-003 refers to a ``detailed visual 
inspection'' of the left and right spoiler installation of the 
windshield wiper assemblies. We have determined that the procedures in 
the service bulletin should be described as a ``detailed inspection.'' 
Note 1 has been included in this proposed AD to define this type of 
inspection.
    Service Bulletin 2000-56-002 and the referenced Swedish 
airworthiness directive do not give a specific compliance time for 
doing the replacement. The Swedish airworthiness directive does not 
recommend any compliance time, and the service bulletin merely 
specifies that compliance with the service bulletin is ``recommended.'' 
We have determined that a specific compliance time is necessary to 
ensure that operators address the unsafe condition in a timely manner. 
In developing an appropriate compliance time for this proposed AD, we 
considered not only the safety implications and the LFVs 
recommendations, but the manufacturer's recommendation and the degree 
of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, the 
average utilization of the affected fleet, and the time necessary to do 
the proposed replacement (6 hours). In light of all of these factors, 
we find a compliance time of ``Within 2,000 flight cycles after the 
effective date of this AD'' for doing the proposed replacement to be 
warranted, in that it represents an appropriate interval of time 
allowable for affected airplanes to continue to operate without 
compromising safety.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    It would take about 1 work hour per airplane to do the proposed 
inspection, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the inspection proposed by this AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $195, or $65 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle.
    It would take about 6 work hours per airplane to do the proposed 
replacement at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required 
parts would be free of charge. Based on these figures, the cost impact 
of the replacement proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $1,170, or $390 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:


[[Page 3045]]


Saab Aircraft AB: Docket 2002-NM-261-AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, as listed in 
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-003, dated August 12, 2002, 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the windshield wiper assembly, which could 
result in loss of visibility, damage to the propeller(s) and/or 
engine(s), or penetration of the fuselage skin and consequent rapid 
depressurization of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Repetitive Inspections

    (a) Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: 
Do a detailed inspection for discrepancies (including cracks, loose 
parts, deformation, general deterioration) of the installation of 
the spoilers of the windshield wiper assemblies (including doing an 
operational test), by doing all the actions per the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-003, dated August 12, 
2002.

    Note 1: 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.''

    (1) If no discrepancies are found, repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 flight hours, until the 
replacement required by paragraph (b) of this AD is done.
    (2) If any discrepancies are found, before further flight, do 
the replacement required by paragraph (b) of this AD.

Replacement

    (b) Except as required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD: Within 
2,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD; replace the 
spoilers of the windshield wiper assemblies (including doing an 
operational test) by doing all the actions per the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-002, Revision 01, 
dated August 12, 2002. Such replacement ends the repetitive 
inspections required by this AD.

Replacement Done Per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin

    (c) Replacements done before the effective date of this AD per 
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-002, dated November 28, 1996, are 
considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action 
specified in this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 1-178, dated August 15, 2002.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 9, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-1305 Filed 1-21-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P