[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 242 (Thursday, December 17, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 78702-78704]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-31537]



[[Page 78702]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-7524; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-231-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly 
Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-15-
04 for certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. AD 
2014-15-04 currently requires deactivating the potable water system, or 
alternatively filling and activating the potable water system. Since we 
issued AD 2014-15-04, the manufacturer developed a modification that 
would address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would also require 
inspecting the in-line heater for correct brazing and corrective action 
if needed, and installing a shrinkable tube on the water line and a 
spray shield on the in-line heater. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
rudder pedal restriction due to the pitch control mechanism becoming 
frozen as the result of water spray, which could prevent disconnection 
and normal pitch control, and consequently result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 1, 
2016.

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 Aeronautics, 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.
    You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
7524; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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, WA 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-2015-7524; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-231-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 July 13, 2014, we issued AD 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 
FR 45337, August 5, 2014). AD 2014-15-04 requires actions intended to 
address an unsafe condition on Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 
2000 airplanes.
    Since we issued AD 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, 
August 5, 2014), a modification has been developed that would address 
the unsafe condition and allow reactivation of the potable water 
system.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0255, dated November 25, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on certain Saab AB, Saab 
Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    One occurrence of rudder pedal restriction was reported on a 
SAAB 2000 aeroplane. Subsequent investigation showed that this was 
the result of water leakage at the inlet tubing for the in-line 
heater (25HY) in the lower part of the forward fuselage (Zone 116). 
The in-line heater attachment was found ruptured, which resulted in 
water spraying in the area. Frozen water on the rudder control 
mechanism in Zone 116 then led to the rudder pedal restriction.
    Analysis after the reported event indicated that the pitch 
control mechanism (including pitch disconnect/spring unit) may also 
be frozen as a result of water spray, which would prevent 
disconnection and normal pitch control.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in further 
occurrences of reduced control of an aeroplane. To address this 
potential unsafe condition, SAAB issued Service Bulletin (SB) 2000-
38-10 to provide instructions to deactivate the Potable Water 
System. Consequently, EASA issued [EASA] [an] Emergency AD * * * to 
require that action. That [EASA] Emergency AD was revised and 
republished as EASA AD 2013-0172R1 [(http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2013-0172R1), which corresponds to FAA AD 2014-15-041, Amendment 39-
17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014)], introducing a temporary 
alternative procedure for filling, which would allow reactivation 
and operation of the Potable Water System.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, SAAB developed an in-line 
heater spray shield and a water line shrink tube to eliminate the 
consequences of a water spray leak in case of rupture of the in-line 
heater. SAAB also issued a SB 2000-38-011, providing instructions 
for inspection of the in-line heater and installation of a shrink 
tube and a spray shield.
    For reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2013-0172R1, which is superseded, and 
requires inspection [for correct brazing] of the in-line heater [and 
corrective action if needed] and installation of shrink tube [on 
water line] and spray shield [on in-line heater].

    Corrective actions include repairing or replacing the in-line 
heater. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2015-7524.

[[Page 78703]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Saab issued Service Bulletin 2000-38-011, dated October 22, 2014. 
The service information describes procedures for inspecting for correct 
brazing of the in-line heater, repairing or replacing the in-line 
heater, and installing a shrinkable tube on the water line and a spray 
shield on the in-line heater. This service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.

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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1 airplane of U.S. 
registry.
    The actions required by AD 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 
45337, August 5, 2014), and retained in this proposed AD take about 1 
work-hour per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. 
Required parts cost $0 per product. Based on these figures, the 
estimated cost of the actions that are required by AD 2014-15-04 is $85 
per product.
    We also estimate that it would take about 6 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $3,650 
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this 
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $4,160.

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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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.

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

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 Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014), and 
adding the following new AD:

Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab 
Aerosystems): Docket No. FAA-2015-7524; Directorate Identifier 2014-
NM-231-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 1, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, 
August 5, 2014).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly known as 
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Model SAAB 2000 airplanes, certificated 
in any category, serial numbers 004 through 016 inclusive, 018, 022, 
023, 024, 026, 029, 031, 032, 033, 035 through 039 inclusive, 041 
through 044 inclusive, 046, 047, 048, 051, and 053 through 063 
inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 38, Water/Waste.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of rudder pedal restriction 
which was the result of water leakage at the inlet tubing of an in-
line heater in the lower part of the forward fuselage. This AD was 
also prompted by the development of a modification that would 
address the unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
rudder pedal restriction due to the pitch control mechanism becoming 
frozen as the result of water spray, which could prevent 
disconnection and normal pitch control, and consequently result in 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Retained Deactivation of Potable Water System With New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014), with a 
new exception. Except as provided by paragraph (l) of this AD, 
within 30 days after September 9, 2014 (the effective date of AD 
2014-15-04), deactivate the potable water system, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-38-
010, dated July 12, 2013, which is incorporated by reference in AD 
2014-15-04.

(h) Retained Alternative To Deactivation of Potable Water System With 
No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014), with 
no changes. As an alternative, or subsequent, to the action required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD, during each filling of the potable 
water system after September 9, 2014, (the effective date of AD 
2014-15-04), accomplish the temporary filling procedure, in 
accordance with the instructions in Saab Service Newsletter SN 2000-
1304, Revision 01, dated September 10, 2013, including Attachment 1 
Engineering Statement to Operator 2000PBS034334, Issue

[[Page 78704]]

A, dated September 9, 2013, which is incorporated by reference in AD 
2014-15-04.

(i) New Inspection and Installation

    At the applicable compliance times specified in paragraphs 
(j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD, concurrently accomplish the actions 
specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-
38-011, dated October 22, 2014.
    (1) Do a detailed inspection for correct brazing of the in-line 
heater, and if any discrepancy is found, before further flight, and 
before accomplishment of the modification required by paragraph 
(i)(2) of this AD, accomplish all applicable corrective actions.
    (2) Install a shrink tube on the water line and a spray shield 
on the in-line heater.

(j) Compliance Times for Inspection and Installation

    Do the actions specified in paragraph (i) of this AD at the 
applicable times specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this 
AD.
    (1) For airplanes having had the potable water system 
reactivated and operated using the alternative filling procedure 
specified in Saab Service Newsletter SN 2000-1304, Revision 01, 
dated September 10, 2013, including Attachment 1 Engineering 
Statement to Operator 2000PBS034334, Issue A, dated September 9, 
2013, which is incorporated by reference in AD 2014-15-04, within 6 
months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes having the potable water system deactivated 
using procedures specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-38-010, dated July 12, 2013: Before 
further flight after the reactivation of the potable water system.

(k) Terminating Actions for the Deactivation of the Potable Water 
System

    Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (i) of this AD 
terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, ANM-
116, International Branch, 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, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1112; fax 425-227-1149. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (i) 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.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2014-15-04, 
Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014), are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) and (h) of 
this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, for any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions 
from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method 
approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA); or Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics' EASA Design Organization 
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include 
the DOA-authorized signature.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2014-
0255, dated November 25, 2014, for related information. This MCAI 
may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2015-7524.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Saab 
AB, Saab Aeronautics, 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. 
You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on 
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 8, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-31537 Filed 12-16-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P