[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 196 (Tuesday, October 11, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62656-62658]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-26110]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-1062; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-038-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model 340A 
(SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B 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 that would supersede an existing AD. 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:

    In 2003, a number of reports had been received concerning broken 
wires and corroded connectors in the SAAB 340 main landing gear 
(MLG) emergency release system. The investigation results showed 
that these were due to improper repairs and installations, not 
conforming to the approved type design.
    This condition, if not corrected, could inhibit the functioning 
of the separation bolt, preventing proper release of the MLG during 
an emergency situation, possibly resulting in damage to aeroplane 
during landing and injury to the occupants.
* * * * *
    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 November 25, 
2011.

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 W12-140, 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 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.

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, 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:

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-2011-1062; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-038-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

    On May 28, 2004, we issued AD 2004-12-03, Amendment 39-13662 (69 FR 
35235, June 24, 2004). That AD required actions intended to address an 
unsafe condition on the products listed above.
    Since we issued AD 2004-12-03, Amendment 39-13662 (69 FR 35235, 
June 24, 2004), we have received reports that the previous modification 
does not fully meet the expected results; therefore, an improved 
separation bolt harness having part number (P/N) 7292520-691 has been 
designed to replace the current separation bolt harness having P/N 
7292520-678. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0003, dated January 17, 2011 
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    In 2003, a number of reports had been received concerning broken 
wires and corroded connectors in the SAAB 340 main landing gear 
(MLG) emergency release system. The investigation results showed 
that these were due to improper repairs and installations, not 
conforming to the approved type design.
    This condition, if not corrected, could inhibit the functioning 
of the separation bolt, preventing proper release of the MLG during 
an emergency situation, possibly resulting in damage to aeroplane 
during landing and injury to the occupants.
    To address that unsafe condition, Swedish AD (SAD) 1-186 was 
issued to require an inspection and, depending on findings, 
corrective action, in accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin (SB) 
340-32-127.
    Subsequently, Saab introduced a modification to ensure correct 
functioning of the MLG emergency release system. Accomplishment of 
that modification (SAAB SB 340-32-128) was made mandatory by SAD 1-
189 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2004-12-03 (69 FR 35235, June 24, 
2004)].
    Since that [SAD] AD was issued, service experience has shown 
that this modification does not fully meet the expected results.
    Prompted by these findings, SAAB has developed an improved 
separation bolt harness with a new routing.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires replacement of 
the current

[[Page 62657]]

separation bolt harness Part Number (P/N) 7292520-678 with the 
improved unit, P/N 7292520-691.

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

Relevant Service Information

    Saab has issued Service Bulletin 340-32-139, Revision 01, dated 
November 1, 2010. 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 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 111 products of U.S. registry. We estimate the 
following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Number of
      For certain model--             Action--        affected      Work hours--      Parts       Total cost--
                                                    airplanes--                       cost--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B        Inspection and            111   6 work-hours x        $1,475  $168,280, or
 series airplanes (retained       modification of                 $85 per hour =                $1,985 per
 actions from existing AD 2004-   harnesses.                      $510.                         airplane.
 12-03 (69 FR 35235, June 24,
 2004).
SAAB SF340A and SF340B series    Replace                   111   10 work-hours x        1,790  $96,140, or
 airplanes (new proposed          separation bolt                 $85 per hour =                $2,640 per
 action).                         harnesses.                      $850.                         airplane.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 removing Amendment 39-13662 (69 FR 
35235, June 24, 2004) and adding the following new AD:

Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems: Docket No. FAA-2011-1062; Directorate 
Identifier 2011-NM-038-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by November 25, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2004-12-03, Amendment 39-13662 (69 FR 
35235, June 24, 2004).

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model 340A 
(SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category.

Subject

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

[[Page 62658]]

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    In 2003, a number of reports had been received concerning broken 
wires and corroded connectors in the SAAB 340 main landing gear 
(MLG) emergency release system. The investigation results showed 
that these were due to improper repairs and installations, not 
conforming to the approved type design.
    This condition, if not corrected, could inhibit the functioning 
of the separation bolt, preventing proper release of the MLG during 
an emergency situation, possibly resulting in damage to aeroplane 
during landing 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.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2004-12-03, Amendment 39-13662 (69 FR 
35235, June 24, 2004), With Changes

Inspection

    (g) Within 3 months after July 29, 2004 (the effective date of 
AD 2004-12-03, Amendment 39-13662 (69 FR 35235, June 24, 2004)), 
perform an inspection of the MLG's separation bolt harness for 
broken wires and corroded connectors, and any applicable corrective 
actions by doing all of the actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-127, 
dated December 18, 2002; or Revision 01, dated January 23, 2003. 
Perform the inspection/corrective actions in accordance with Saab 
Service Bulletin 340-32-127, dated December 18, 2002; or Revision 
01, dated January 23, 2003. Perform any applicable corrective 
actions before further flight.

Concurrent Service Bulletins

    (h) For Model SAAB SF340A series airplanes: Within 12 months 
after July 29, 2004, do the actions specified in table 1 of this AD, 
as applicable.

                    Table 1--Prior/Concurrent Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Accomplish all      According to the
   For airplanes with serial         actions           accomplishment
            Nos.--              associated with--    instructions of--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
004 through 108 inclusive.....  Modifying the MLG  Saab Service Bulletin
                                 separation         340[dash]32[dash]041
                                 bolt's             , Revision 01, dated
                                 electrical         October 9, 1987.
                                 harness.
004 through 078 inclusive.....  Modifying the MLG  Saab Service Bulletin
                                 separation         340[dash]32[dash]028
                                 bolt's             , Revision 01, dated
                                 electrical         November 25, 1986.
                                 harness.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Requirements of This AD

    (i) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Replace the separation bolt harnesses having part number (P/N) 
7292520-678 with separation bolt harnesses having P/N 7292520-691, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service 
Bulletin 340-32-139, Revision 01, dated November 1, 2010.

Parts Installation

    (j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
separation bolt harness having P/N 7292520-678, on any airplane.

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (k) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-139, dated January 12, 
2010, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of 
paragraph (i) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: Although the MCAI states not to install a separation 
bolt having P/N 7292520-678 on any airplane after modification of 
the airplane, this AD states not to install a separation bolt having 
P/N 7292520-678 on any airplane as of the effective date of this AD.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (l) 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. 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 98057-3356; 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

    (m) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0003, dated 
January 17, 2011; and the service information specified in 
paragraphs (m)(1) through (m)(5) of this AD, as applicable; for 
related information.
    (1) Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-139, Revision 01, dated 
November 1, 2010.
    (2) Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-127, dated December 18, 2002.
    (3) Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-127, Revision 01, dated January 
23, 2003.
    (4) Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-041, Revision 01, dated October 
9, 1987.
    (5) Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-028, Revision 01, dated 
November 25, 1986.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 28, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-26110 Filed 10-7-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P