[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1588-1590]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-00003]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-8432; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-100-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly 
Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) 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 
certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 
340B airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of ruptured 
horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots. This proposed AD would require a 
revision of the applicable airplane flight manual (AFM), repetitive 
inspections of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, and applicable 
corrective actions. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct 
damage of the de-icing boot; such damage could lead to a ruptured boot, 
severe vibrations, and possible reduced control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 29, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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-
8432; 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-2015-8432; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-100-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

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0129, dated July 6, 2015 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Saab AB, Saab 
Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    There have been some reported events of ruptured horizontal 
stabilizer de-icing boots. In-flight rupture of a de-icing boot will 
result in complete loss of the de-icing function within its 
associated zone. In addition, in some of these events, the de-icing 
boot had formed a large open scoop.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
severe vibrations, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, SAAB issued Alert 
Operations Bulletin (AOB) No.12 and AOB No. 23 as a temporary 
measure, recommending performing a flap 0 landing in the event of a 
suspected rupture of the de-icing boot on the horizontal stabilizer.
    In addition, SAAB issued SB 340-30-094 to provide instructions 
to inspect the affected de-icing boots.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires an 
amendment of the applicable Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and, 
pending the development of a modification by SAAB, repetitive 
inspections of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots and, 
depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective 
action(s).
    This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim action and further 
AD action may follow.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for

[[Page 1589]]

and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-8432.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics has issued Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-
094, dated March 27, 2015. The service information describes procedures 
for repetitive detailed inspections of the de-icing boots installed on 
the horizontal stabilizers, and repair and replacement of damaged de-
icing boots.
    Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics has issued the following AFMs, which 
describe performance limitations and general data:
     Saab AFM 340A 001, Revision 57, dated March 27, 2015.
     Saab AFM 340B 001, Revision 35, dated March 27, 2015.
     Saab AFM 340B 010, Revision 28, dated March 27, 2015.
    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.

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 92 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    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 $0 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $46,920, or $510 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 6 work-hours and require parts costing $9,500, for a cost of 
$10,010 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might 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 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab Aerosystems): 
Docket No. FAA-2015-8432; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-100-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 29, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly known as 
Saab Aerosystems) airplanes, certificated in any category, 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes, serial numbers (S/N) 004 
through 138 inclusive, on which Saab Modification 1462 has been 
embodied in production, or Saab Service Bulletin 340-55-008 has been 
embodied in service, except those on which Saab Modification 1793 
has also been embodied in production, or Saab Service Bulletin 340-
55-010 has been embodied in service; and Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) 
airplanes, S/Ns 139 through 159 inclusive. Applicable Model 340A 
(SAAB/SF340A) airplanes S/N 004-138, Post Modification No. 1462 but 
Pre Modification No. 1793, have a maximum flap setting of 35 degrees 
instead of 20 degrees, and horizontal stabilizer boots with spanwise 
tubes instead of chordwise tubes.
    (2) Model SAAB 340B airplanes, S/Ns 160 through 459 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30, Ice and Rain 
Protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of ruptured horizontal 
stabilizer de-icing boots. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct damage of the de-icing boot; such damage could lead to a 
ruptured boot, severe vibrations, and possible reduced control of 
the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
``Abnormal Procedures'' section of the applicable Saab 340 AFM to 
incorporate the revision specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through 
(g)(3) of this AD.
    (1) For Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) 
airplanes, revise AFM 340A 001 by incorporating Revision 57, dated 
March 27, 2015.
    (2) For Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 340B airplanes, 
revise AFM 340B 001 by incorporating Revision 35, dated March 27, 
2015.
    (3) For Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 340B airplanes with 
extended wing tips, revise AFM 340B 010 by incorporating Revision 
28, dated March 27, 2015.

[[Page 1590]]

(h) Inspection/Replacement

    Within 400 flight hours or 6 months, whichever occurs first 
after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection for 
damage of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, in accordance 
with Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015. Repeat 
the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 flight 
hours. If, during any inspection required by this paragraph, any 
damage outside the limits specified in Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-
094, dated March 27, 2015, is found, before further flight, repair 
or replace the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-
30-094, dated March 27, 2015. Repair or replacement on an airplane 
of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, as required by this 
paragraph, does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections required by this paragraph for that airplane.

(i) 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, 
WA 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0129, dated July 6, 2015, 
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-2015-8432.
    (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 29, 2015.
Philip Forde,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-00003 Filed 1-12-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P