[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 208 (Thursday, October 29, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55761-55763]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-25660]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0654; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-083-AD; 
Amendment 39-16058 AD 2009-22-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This 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.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 3, 2009.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 3, 
2009.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

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: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 21, 2009 (74 FR 
35828). That NPRM proposed 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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

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 required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a Note within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

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

[[Page 55762]]

products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 AD:
    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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 the NPRM, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2009-22-07 Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems: Amendment 39-16058. Docket No. 
FAA-2009-0654; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-083-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
3, 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 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, of 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 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 (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Saab Service Bulletin 2000-79-006, Revision 01, 
dated October 15, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, 
unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this 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.
    (3) You may review copies of the 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.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by

[[Page 55763]]

reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 19, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-25660 Filed 10-28-09; 8:45 am]
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