[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 136 (Friday, July 15, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41665-41667]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-17576]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0307; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-111-AD; 
Amendment 39-16747; AD 2011-14-12]
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:

    A report has been received of an incident where one of the two 
bolts attaching the actuator mounting bracket to the MLG [main 
landing gear] Shock Strut was found loose, leading to failure of the 
other attachment bolt, subsequently resulting in failure of the 
bracket.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent the 
MLG to extend to the full down-and-locked position, possibly 
resulting in MLG collapse upon landing or during roll-out, with 
consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 19, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 1, 
2011.

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, Aerospace 
Engineer, 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 April 8, 2011 (76 FR 
19719). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    A report has been received of an incident where one of the two 
bolts attaching the actuator mounting bracket to the MLG Shock Strut 
was found loose, leading to failure of the other attachment bolt, 
subsequently resulting in failure of the bracket.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent the 
MLG to extend to the full down-and-locked position, possibly 
resulting in MLG collapse upon landing or during roll-out, with 
consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants.
    To correct this potentially unsafe condition, SAAB has published 
Service Bulletin (SB) 2000-32-073, describing a [detailed] 
inspection of the attachment bolts [and nuts] to detect any loose 
bolts [and nuts], follow-up corrective action(s), depending on 
findings, and the installation of the correct number of washers.
    For the reasons described above, this EASA AD requires the 
accomplishment of the actions described in SAAB SB 2000-32-073.

Required actions, if any loose parts are found, include replacing the 
bolt with a new bolt, and then doing a detailed inspection of the bolts 
for uniform or fretting corrosion; a detailed inspection of the 
actuator mounting bracket and shock struts for damage, cracks, and 
signs of corrosion; and doing corrective actions if necessary. 
Corrective actions include removing corrosion, replacing affected bolts 
with new bolts, tightening loose nuts, repairing, and installing the 
correct number of washers. 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 about 8 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 $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $1,039 
per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs 
that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no 
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for 
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated 
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the 
U.S. operators to be $8,992, or $1,124 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 10 work-hours and require parts costing $1,039, for a cost 
of $1,889 per

[[Page 41666]]

product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may 
need these actions.

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 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

    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:

2011-14-12 Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems: Amendment 39-16747. Docket No. 
FAA-2011-0307; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-111-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 
19, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB 
2000 airplanes, certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing 
gear.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    A report has been received of an incident where one of the two 
bolts attaching the actuator mounting bracket to the MLG [main 
landing gear] Shock Strut was found loose, leading to failure of the 
other attachment bolt, subsequently resulting in failure of the 
bracket.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent the 
MLG to extend to the full down-and-locked position, possibly 
resulting in MLG collapse upon landing or during roll-out, with 
consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants.
* * * * *

Compliance

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

Inspection

    (g) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
detailed inspection for any loose top bolt and nut of the shock 
strut actuator mounting bracket of both the left-hand and right-hand 
main landing gear (MLG), in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, 
Revision 01, dated October 20, 2009.

Corrective Actions

    (h) If any loose bolt or nut is found during the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, replace 
the bolt with a new bolt and accomplish paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) 
of this AD, in accordance with paragraph 2.C. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, Revision 01, 
dated October 20, 2009.
    (1) Do a detailed inspection of the bottom bolts for uniform or 
fretting corrosion. If any corrosion is found, before further 
flight, accomplish all applicable corrective actions, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-
32-073, Revision 01, dated October 20, 2009.
    (2) Do a detailed inspection for damage, cracks, and other signs 
of deterioration of the actuator mounting bracket and shock strut. 
If signs of damage, cracks, or other signs of deterioration are 
found on the actuator mounting bracket or the shock strut, before 
further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or 
its delegated agent).
    (i) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, unless 
already accomplished in accordance with paragraph (h) of this AD, 
install the correct number of washers for both the top and bottom 
bolts of the shock strut actuator mounting bracket of both MLG, in 
accordance with paragraph 2.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, Revision 01, dated October 20, 
2009.

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (j) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, dated June 26, 
2009, are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding actions specified in 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

    (k) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In 
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal 
inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. 
If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it 
to ATTN: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-

[[Page 41667]]

3356; telephone (425) 227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may 
be e-mailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (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.

Related Information

    (l) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0069, dated 
April 14, 2010; and Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, Revision 01, 
dated October 20, 2009; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, Revision 01, 
dated October 20, 2009, 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 
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.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by 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 July 1, 2011.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-17576 Filed 7-14-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P