[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 3, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1-3]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-33565]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 1 / Tuesday, January 3, 2012 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 1]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-1062; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-038-AD; 
Amendment 39-16907; AD 2011-27-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 
340B airplanes. That AD currently requires an inspection of the main 
landing gear (MLG) separation bolt harness for broken wires and 
corroded connectors, and corrective actions if necessary; and for 
certain airplanes, a modification of the MLG separation bolt's 
electrical harness. This new AD requires replacement of the separation 
bolt harness. This AD was prompted by reports of broken wires and 
corroded connectors in the SAAB 340 MLG emergency release system. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent improper release of the MLG during an 
emergency situation, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane 
during landing and injury to the occupants.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 7, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 7, 
2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of July 
29, 2004 (69 FR 35235, June 24, 2004).

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 October 11, 2011 (76 
FR 62656), and proposed to supersede AD 2004-12-03, Amendment 39-13662 
(69 FR 35235, June 24, 2004). That NPRM proposed 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 Amendment 39-13662 (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 [EASA] AD requires 
replacement of the current 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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (76 FR 62656, October 11, 
2011) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (76 FR 62656, October 11, 2011) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (76 FR 62656, October 11, 2011).

Differences Between This AD and the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information (MCAI) or Service Information

    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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 111 products of U.S. 
registry.
    The actions that are required by AD 2004-12-03, Amendment 39-13662 
(69 FR 35235, June 24, 2004), and retained in this AD take about 6 
work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. 
Required parts cost about $1,475 per product. Based on these figures, 
the estimated cost of the currently required actions is 1,985 per 
product.
    We estimate that it will take about 10 work-hours per product to 
comply with the new basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $1,790 per 
product. Where the service information lists required parts costs

[[Page 2]]

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 $96,140, or $2,640 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 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 (76 FR 62656, October 11, 
2011), 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 removing Amendment 39-13662 (69 FR 
35235, June 24, 2004) and adding the following new AD:

2011-27-05 Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems: Amendment 39-16907. Docket No. 
FAA-2011-1062; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-038-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 7, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

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

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of broken wires and corroded 
connectors in the SAAB 340 MLG emergency release system. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent improper release of the MLG during an 
emergency situation, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane 
during landing and injury to the occupants.

(f) Compliance

    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

(g) Inspection

    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.

(h) Concurrent Service Bulletins

    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 associated      accomplishment
          numbers--                  with--           instructions of--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
004 through 108 inclusive...  Modifying the MLG     Saab Service
                               separation bolt's     Bulletin
                               electrical harness.   340[dash]32[dash]04
                                                     1, Revision 01,
                                                     dated October 9,
                                                     1987.
004 through 078 inclusive...  Modifying the MLG     Saab Service
                               separation bolt's     Bulletin
                               electrical harness.   340[dash]32[dash]02
                                                     8, Revision 01,
                                                     dated November 25,
                                                     1986.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(i) New Requirements of This AD

    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.

[[Page 3]]

(j) Parts Installation

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

(k) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    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.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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 emailed 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.

(m) Related Information

    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.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 on the date specified:
    (i) Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-028, Revision 01, dated 
November 25, 1986, approved for IBR July 29, 2004 (69 FR 35235, June 
24, 2004).
    (ii) Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-041, Revision 01, dated 
October 9, 1987, approved for IBR July 29, 2004 (69 FR 35235, June 
24, 2004).
    (iii) Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-127, dated December 18, 2002, 
approved for IBR July 29, 2004 (69 FR 35235, June 24, 2004).
    (iv) Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-127, Revision 01, dated 
January 23, 2003, approved for IBR July 29, 2004 (69 FR 35235, June 
24, 2004).
    (v) Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-139, Revision 01, dated 
November 1, 2010, approved for IBR February 7, 2012.
    (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; email 
[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 an NARA facility, 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 December 23, 2011.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-33565 Filed 12-30-11; 8:45 am]
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