[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 138 (Tuesday, July 21, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35828-35830]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-17227]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 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. 74, No. 138 / Tuesday, July 21, 2009 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 35828]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0654; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-083-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB 
2000 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    There have been reported incidents of brinelling to the self-
sealing coupling Part Number (P/N) 9304000-303 (Nipple Assembly). 
The wear is visible in the groove of the nipple, caused by the 
socket locking balls. During tear down investigations of self-
sealing coupling P/N 9304000-305 (Socket Assembly), internal socket 
wear has been observed. Wear that exceeds the allowable limits could 
lead to reduced oil flow, and further wear could contribute to 
separation of the Self-Seal Coupling, making the engine inoperable 
and subsequent shut down. As secondary damage, the generator may 
fail, releasing oil into the nacelle and increasing the possibility 
of fire.

* * * * *
    The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address 
the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 20, 2009.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., 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 Aerosystems, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; 
telephone +46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; e-mail 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com. 
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1112; fax (425) 
227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2009-0654; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-083-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2008-0030, dated February 15, 2008 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    There have been reported incidents of brinelling to the self-
sealing coupling Part Number (P/N) 9304000-303 (Nipple Assembly). 
The wear is visible in the groove of the nipple, caused by the 
socket locking balls. During tear down investigations of self-
sealing coupling P/N 9304000-305 (Socket Assembly), internal socket 
wear has been observed. Wear that exceeds the allowable limits could 
lead to reduced oil flow, and further wear could contribute to 
separation of the Self-Seal Coupling, making the engine inoperable 
and subsequent shut down. As secondary damage, the generator may 
fail, releasing oil into the nacelle and increasing the possibility 
of fire.
    For the reason described above, this Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) requires the inspection of the affected nipple- and socket 
assemblies and, if wear is found outside the specified limits, 
replacement of worn parts.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Saab has issued Service Bulletin 2000-79-006, Revision 01, dated 
October 15, 2007. The actions described in this service information are 
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified

[[Page 35829]]

of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information 
referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all 
pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 6 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 1 work-hour per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $480, or $80 per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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 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. 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 and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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 AD:

Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems: Docket No. FAA-2009-0654; Directorate 
Identifier 2008-NM-083-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by August 20, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB 2000 
airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 004 through 
063 inclusive.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 79: Engine 
Oil.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    There have been reported incidents of brinelling to the self-
sealing coupling Part Number (P/N) 9304000-303 (Nipple Assembly). 
The wear is visible in the groove of the nipple, caused by the 
socket locking balls. During tear down investigations of self-
sealing coupling P/N 9304000-305 (Socket Assembly), internal socket 
wear has been observed. Wear that exceeds the allowable limits could 
lead to reduced oil flow, and further wear could contribute to 
separation of the Self-Seal Coupling, making the engine inoperable 
and subsequent shut down. As secondary damage, the generator may 
fail, releasing oil into the nacelle and increasing the possibility 
of fire.
    For the reason described above, this Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) requires the inspection of the affected nipple- and socket 
assemblies and, if wear is found outside the specified limits, 
replacement of worn parts.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Inspect the affected nipple assembly part number (P/N) 9304000-303 
and socket assembly P/N 9304000-305 for signs of damage, wear, and 
leaking of the nipple and socket, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-79-006, 
Revision 01, dated October 15, 2007. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight hours.
    (2) If any wear is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD that is beyond the limits as specified 
in Saab Service Bulletin 2000-79-006, Revision 01, dated October 15, 
2007, prior to further flight, replace the part with a new or 
serviceable unit having the same part number, in accordance with 
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-79-006, Revision 01, dated October 15, 
2007.
    (3) If any leak or damage is found during any inspection 
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, prior to further flight, 
replace the part with a new or serviceable unit having the same part 
number in accordance with step 2.C.(1)(a)6 or step 2.C.(1)(a)10, as 
applicable, in Saab Service Bulletin 2000-79-006, Revision 01, dated 
October 15, 2007.
    (4) Replacement of parts does not constitute terminating action 
for the inspection requirements of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service 
information as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: 
Shahram

[[Page 35830]]

Daneshmandi, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any 
approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your 
principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics 
inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, 
your local Flight Standards District Office.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2008-0030, dated February 15, 2008; and Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-79-006, Revision 01, dated October 15, 2007; for 
related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 13, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-17227 Filed 7-20-09; 8:45 am]
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