[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 174 (Thursday, September 8, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62024-62026]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21165]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9056; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-007-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 SAAB 2000 airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by an occurrence that was reported of rudder 
pedal restriction on a SAAB Model 2000 airplane with the large potable 
water system (LPWS) installed, equipped with in-line heaters.

[[Page 62025]]

This proposed AD would require installation of shrinkable tubes on the 
water piping of the basic potable water system (BPWS). We are proposing 
this AD to prevent water spray in case of a failed pipe or coupling 
during water filling on the ground. This condition, if not corrected, 
could freeze parts of the flight control system possibly resulting in 
reduced control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 24, 
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 NPRM, 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-2016-
9056; 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-2016-9056; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-007-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 2016-0013, dated January 14, 2016 (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 SAAB 2000 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An occurrence was reported of rudder pedal restriction on a SAAB 
2000 aeroplane with the Large Potable Water System (LPWS) installed, 
equipped with in-line heaters (options 38:201 and 38:201-1). 
Subsequent investigation showed that this event was the result of a 
ruptured in-line heater attachment, causing water leakage at the 
inlet tubing for the in-line heater in the lower part of the forward 
fuselage (Zone 116). In flight, the water froze on the rudder 
control mechanism, causing the rudder pedal restriction. Analysis 
after the reported event indicates that the pitch control mechanism 
(including pitch disconnect/spring unit) may also be frozen, which 
would prevent disconnection and normal pitch control.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in further 
occurrences of water spray, possibly resulting in reduced control of 
the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, EASA issued 
Emergency AD 2013-0172-E, to require deactivation of the LPWS. 
Following that, EASA AD 2013-0172R1 introduced a temporary 
alternative procedure for filling, reactivation and operation of the 
LPWS.
    Finally, EASA AD 2014-0255 was issued, superseding EASA AD 2013-
0172R1, to require a modification allowing reactivating of the 
system and the use of regular filling procedures.
    Although the Basic Potable Water System (BPWS) does not contain 
an in-line heater, which was the major risk contributor and the 
actual cause of the previous leakage events in the LPWS, a Zonal 
Safety Analysis performed by SAAB concluded that the implementation 
of spray shield (tube/hose) for the water piping is necessary for 
the BPWS as well, to protect the flight controls and electrical 
equipment from water spray in case of a failed pipe or coupling 
during water filling on ground.
    Consequently SAAB developed a modification and issued Service 
Bulletin (SB) 2000-38-012 to provide modification instructions to 
install shrinkable tubes as spray shields.
    For reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
installation of shrinkable tubes on the water piping of the BPWS.

    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-2016-
9056.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Saab has issued Service Bulletin 2000-38-012, dated August 20, 
2015. The service information describes how to install shrinkable tubes 
on the water piping of the BPWS. 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 7 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 $3,650 
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this 
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $29,120 or $4,160 per product.

[[Page 62026]]

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 AB, Saab 
Aerosystems): Docket No. FAA-2016-9056; Directorate Identifier 2016-
NM-007-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 24, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly 
known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Model SAAB 2000 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, serial numbers 017, 019 through 021 
inclusive, 027 through 028 inclusive, 030, 034, 040, 050, and 052.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an occurrence that was reported of 
rudder pedal restriction on a SAAB Model 2000 airplane with the 
large potable water system (LPWS) installed, equipped with in-line 
heaters. We are issuing this AD to prevent water spray in case of a 
failed pipe or coupling during water filling on the ground. This 
condition, if not corrected, could freeze parts of the flight 
control system, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repair of Basic Potable Water System (BPWS)

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, install 
shrinkable tubes on the water piping of the BPWS, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of SAAB Service Bulletin 2000-38-
012, dated August 20, 2015.

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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/ACO, send it to ATTN: Sharam 
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 
Aerosystems' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by 
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(i) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0013, dated January 14, 
2016, 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-2016-9056.
    (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 August 24, 2016.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-21165 Filed 9-7-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P