[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 230 (Wednesday, December 1, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69836-69838]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-26495]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT)

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19752; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-170-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series airplanes. This 
proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for wear of the 
brushes and leads and for loose rivets of the direct current (DC) 
starter generator, and related investigative/corrective actions if 
necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of premature 
failures of the DC starter generator prior to scheduled overhaul. We 
are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the starter generator, 
which could cause a low voltage situation in flight and result in 
increased pilot workload and reduced redundancy of the electrical 
powered systems.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 3, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     By fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-581.88, 
Link[ouml]ping, Sweden.
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh SW., room PL-401, on the 
plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket number 
is FAA-2004-19752; the directorate identifier for this docket is 2004-
NM-170-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Technical information: Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
    Plain language information: Marcia Walters, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Docket Management System (DMS)

    The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets 
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS 
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a 
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in 
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane 
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier 
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19752; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-170-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of our 
docket Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about 
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza

[[Page 69837]]

level of the Nassif Building at the DOT street address stated in the 
ADDRESS section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    The Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is the airworthiness authority for 
Sweden, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Saab 
Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series airplanes. The LFV advises that 
it has received reports of premature failures of the direct current 
(DC) starter generator. Failure of the starter generator could cause a 
low voltage situation in flight and result in increased pilot workload 
and reduced redundancy of the electrical powered systems.

Relevant Service Information

    Saab has issued Service Bulletin 340-24-035, dated July 5, 2004. 
The service bulletin describes procedures for repetitive visual 
inspections for wear of the brushes and leads and for loose rivets of 
the DC starter generator. The service bulletin also specifies replacing 
the starter generator with a new or serviceable starter generator for 
brush wear that is outside certain specified limits or if any loose 
rivet is found. The LFV mandated the service information and issued 
Swedish airworthiness directive 1-196 R1, effective July 15, 2004, to 
ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Sweden.
    The Saab service bulletin references Goodrich Service Information 
Letter 23080-03X-24-01, dated July 1, 2004, as an additional source of 
service information.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    These airplane models are manufactured in Sweden and are 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. We have examined the LFV's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to 
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require 
accomplishing the actions specified in the Saab service information 
described previously.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time we may consider further rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 170 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The proposed actions would take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an 
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $11,050, per 
inspection cycle, or $65 per airplane, per inspection cycle.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

SAAB Aircraft AB: Docket No. FAA-2004-19752; Directorate Identifier 
2004-NM-170-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this AD action by January 3, 2005.

Applicability

    (b) This AD applies to Saab Model SAAB SF340A series airplanes 
having serial numbers 004 through 159 inclusive, and model SAAB 340B 
series airplanes having serial numbers 160 through 367 inclusive; 
certificated in any category; on which Saab Service Bulletin SB 340-
24-026 (Modification 2533) has not been implemented.

Unsafe Condition

    (c) This AD was prompted by reports of premature failures of the 
direct current (DC) starter generator prior to scheduled overhaul. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the starter generator, 
which could cause a low voltage situation in flight and result in 
increased pilot workload and reduced redundancy of the electrical 
powered systems.

Compliance

    (d) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Inspections for Wear of the DC Starter Generator Brushes and Leads

    (e) For generators overhauled in accordance with Maintenance 
Review Board (MRB) Task 243104: Before 800 flight hours since the 
last overhaul or within 100 flight hours after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a general visual inspection 
for wear of the DC starter generator brushes and leads, in 
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-24-0035, dated July 5, 
2004.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is ``a visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This 
level of inspection is made under normal available lighting 
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight or drop-
light and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. 
Stands, ladders or platforms may be required to gain proximity to 
the area being checked.''


    Note 2: Saab Service Bulletin 340-24-035, dated July 5, 2004, 
references Goodrich Service Information Letter 23080-30X-24-01, 
dated July 1, 2004, as an additional source of service information.

    (1) If the tops of the brush sets are above the top of the brush 
box, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 800 flight 
hours.
    (2) If the tops of the brush sets are below the top of the brush 
box, before further flight, measure the brushes and determine the 
remaining amount of brush life remaining, in accordance with the 
service bulletin.

[[Page 69838]]

    (i) If the brush wear is within the limits specified in the 
service bulletin, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 
800 flight hours.
    (ii) If the brush wear is outside the limits specified in the 
service bulletin, before further flight, replace the starter 
generator with a new or serviceable starter generator, in accordance 
with the service bulletin.

Inspections for Loose Rivets

    (f) For generators overhauled in accordance with MRB task 
243104: Before 800 flight hours since last overhaul or within 100 
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later, perform a general visual inspection of each leading wafer 
brush for loose rivets, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 
304-24-035, dated July 5, 2004. Repeat the inspections at intervals 
not to exceed 800 flight hours. If any rivet is loose, before 
further flight, replace the DC starter generator with a new or 
serviceable starter generator, in accordance with the service 
bulletin.

MRB Task 243103 or 243101

    (g) For generators overhauled or with brush replacement 
accomplished in accordance with MRB Task 243103 or 243101, no action 
is required by this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (i) Swedish airworthiness directive 1-196 R1, effective July 15, 
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 17, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-26495 Filed 11-30-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M