[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 203 (Monday, October 23, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48917-48919]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-22562]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0563; Product Identifier 2017-NM-021-AD; Amendment 
39-19076; AD 2017-21-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by the determination that new 
inspection tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the main landing 
gear (MLG) and corrosion prevention and control program (CPCP) related 
tasks are necessary. This AD requires revising the maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate airworthiness 
limitations, including new inspection tasks for the drag brace support 
fitting of the MLG and to implement CPCP related tasks. We are issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 27, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 27, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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 
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on 
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is 
also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0563.

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-2017-
0563; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 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 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Saab AB, Saab 
Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on June 21, 2017 (82 FR 28271) (``the 
NPRM'').
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0033, dated February 17, 2017 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Saab AB, Saab 
Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    The airworthiness limitations and/or certification maintenance 
instructions for SAAB SF340A and 340B, which are approved by EASA, 
are currently defined and published in the SAAB SF340A and 340B 
Airworthiness Limitation Manual (ALM). These instructions have been 
identified as mandatory for continued airworthiness.
    Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an 
unsafe condition [reduced structural integrity of the airplane].
    Recently, Saab AB, Aeronautics issued SAAB SF340A and 340B ALM 
Revision 1, mainly to add new inspection tasks for the Main Landing 
Gear drag brace support fitting, and to implement Corrosion 
Prevention and Control Program related tasks.

    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-2017-
0563.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The

[[Page 48918]]

following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response.

Request To Clarify the Reason for the NPRM

    Silver Airways requested clarification of the need for an AD. 
Silver Airways stated that the proposed requirements are already 
covered by the airworthiness limitation manual.
    We agree that clarification is necessary. Once an aircraft is 
produced under a type certificate, the type design of that particular 
aircraft is fixed in time. Under 14 CFR 21.31(c), the airworthiness 
limitation section (ALS) is part of a product's type design. In order 
to require a revision to an ALS for in-service aircraft, the FAA issues 
an AD under notice and comment rulemaking procedures in accordance with 
the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Therefore, an AD is necessary 
to mandate the airworthiness limitations in SAAB 340 Airworthiness 
Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated December 1, 2016, including 
inspection tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the MLG and CPCP 
related tasks. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics has issued SAAB 340 Airworthiness 
Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated December 1, 2016. This service 
information describes airworthiness limitations, including inspection 
tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the MLG and CPCP related 
tasks. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 87 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revision of the airplane maintenance    1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85          $7,395
 or inspection program.                  hour = $85.
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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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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 that 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);
    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.

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2017-21-05 Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, 
Saab Aerosystems): Amendment 39-19076; Docket No. FAA-2017-0563; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-021-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 27, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly known as 
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B 
airplanes, certificated in any category, with an original 
certificate of airworthiness or original export certificate of 
airworthiness that was issued on or before December 1, 2016.

[[Page 48919]]

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the determination that new inspection 
tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the main landing gear 
(MLG) and corrosion prevention and control program (CPCP) related 
tasks are necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced 
structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
airworthiness limitations, including inspection tasks for the drag 
brace support fitting of the MLG and CPCP related tasks, specified 
in SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated 
December 1, 2016. The compliance time for the initial airworthiness 
limitation tasks is at the applicable compliance time specified in 
SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated December 
1, 2016, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later.

(h) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, Critical Design Configuration 
Control Limitations (CDCCLs)

    After the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, has 
been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and/or CDCCLs may be used 
unless the actions, intervals, and/or CDCCLs are approved as an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. 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.
    (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 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 2017-0033, dated February 17, 
2017, 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-2017-0563.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram 
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, ANM-116, 
Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-1112; fax: 425-227-1149.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated 
December 1, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 11, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-22562 Filed 10-20-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P