[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 17, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16792-16794]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07636]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0271; Product Identifier 2017-NM-111-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-13-
06, which applies to certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A 
(SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. AD 2016-13-06 requires a 
revision of the applicable airplane flight manual (AFM), repetitive 
inspections of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, and applicable 
corrective actions. Since we issued AD 2016-13-06, the manufacturer has 
developed an improved de-icing boot. This proposed AD would continue to 
require a revision of the applicable AFM, repetitive inspections of the 
horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, and applicable corrective 
actions. This proposed AD would also require replacement of single 
stitched de-icing boots with improved double stitched boots, and re-
identification of the modified horizontal stabilizer leading edge. We 
are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 1, 2018.

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: Deliver to Mail address above 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 Standards Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

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-2018-
0271; 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3220.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0271; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-111-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

    We issued AD 2016-13-06, Amendment 39-18570 (81 FR 41432, June 27, 
2016) (``AD 2016-13-06''), for certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 
340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. AD 2016-13-06 was prompted 
by reports of ruptured horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots. AD 2016-
13-06 requires a revision of the applicable AFM, repetitive inspections 
of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, and applicable corrective 
actions. We issued AD 2016-13-06 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.
    Since we issued AD 2016-13-06, the manufacturer has developed an 
improved de-icing boot, reinforced through double stitch lines.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2017-0144, dated August 9, 2017 (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:

    Several occurrences were reported of rupture of the horizontal 
stabilizer de-icing boot in flight. In some of the reported events, 
the de-icing boot had formed a large open scoop.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
complete loss of the de-icing function within its associated zone 
and severe vibrations, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Saab AB, Aeronautics 
(hereafter referred to as ``Saab'' in this [EASA] AD) issued Alert 
Operations Bulletin (AOB) No. 12 and AOB No. 23 as temporary 
measures, recommending to select Flaps 0 for landing in the event of 
a suspected rupture of the de-icing boot on the horizontal 
stabilizer. In addition, Saab issued SB [Service Bulletin] 340-30-
094 providing instructions for inspection of de-icing boots.

[[Page 16793]]

    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2015-0129 [which corresponds to FAA 
AD 2016-13-06] to require amendment of the applicable Aircraft 
Flight Manual (AFM), repetitive inspections of the horizontal 
stabilizer de-icing boots and, depending on findings, accomplishment 
of applicable corrective action(s).
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Saab developed an improved de-
icing boot, reinforced through double stitch lines, and issued SB 
340-30-095 providing instructions for boot replacement.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2015-0129, which is superseded, and requires 
replacement of single stitched de-icing boots, installed on the 
left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) horizontal stabilizer, with 
improved double stitched boots, and re-identification of the 
modified horizontal stabilizer leading edge.

    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-2018-
0271.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics has issued the following service 
information.
     Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015. This 
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.
     Service Bulletin 340-30-095, dated April 3, 2017. This 
service information describes procedures for replacement of single 
stitched de-icing boots with improved double stitched boots, and re-
identification of the modified horizontal stabilizer leading edge.
    Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics has also issued the following AFMs, which 
describe performance limitations and general data. These AFMs are 
distinct since they apply to different airplane models in different 
configurations.
     AFM 340A 001, Revision 57, dated March 27, 2015.
     AFM 340B 001, Revision 35, dated March 27, 2015.
     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 these 
same type designs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 51 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The actions required by AD 2016-13-06, and retained in this 
proposed AD take about 6 work-hours per product, at an average labor 
rate of $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost 
of the actions that are required by AD 2016-13-06 is $510 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions 
required by AD 2016-13-06, and retained in this proposed AD 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.
    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 
$13,500 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $714,510, or $14,010 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.
    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 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) 
2016-13-06, Amendment 39-18570 (81 FR 41432, June 27, 2016), and adding 
the following new AD:

Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab 
Aerosystems): Docket No. FAA-2018-0271; Product Identifier 2017-NM-
111-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 1, 2018.

[[Page 16794]]

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2016-13-06, Amendment 39-18570 (81 FR 41432, 
June 27, 2016) (``AD 2016-13-06'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly known as 
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) airplanes, certificated in any category, 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2), of this AD.
    (1) Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) 
airplanes, serial numbers 004 through 138 inclusive, if Saab 
modification 1462 has been embodied in production, or Saab Service 
Bulletin 340-55-008 has been embodied in service, except those that 
have also embodied Saab modification 1793 in production, or Saab 
Service Bulletin 340-55-010 in service; and serial numbers 139 
through 159 inclusive.
    (2) Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 340B airplanes, serial 
numbers 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 ruptured horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, which could 
lead to complete loss of the de-icing function within its associated 
zone and severe vibrations, possibly resulting in reduced control of 
the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), With No 
Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2016-13-06, with no changes. Within 30 days after August 1, 2016 
(the effective date of AD 2016-13-06), 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.

(h) Retained Inspection/Replacement, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2016-13-06, with no changes. Within 400 flight hours or 6 months, 
whichever occurs first after August 1, 2016 (the effective date of 
AD 2016-13-06), do a detailed inspection for damage of the 
horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, and existing repairs of 
horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of 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 or existing repair 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) New Requirement of This AD: Modification

    Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the 
airplane by replacing the single stitched de-icing boots installed 
on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) horizontal stabilizers 
with double stitched de-icing boots and re-identify the LH and RH 
horizontal stabilizer leading edge, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-095, 
dated April 3, 2017.

(j) Terminating Action

    Modification of the airplane as required by paragraph (i) of 
this AD, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD, for that airplane.

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

    (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 (l)(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: 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 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2017-0144, dated August 9, 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-2018-0271.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram 
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax: 206-231-3220.
    (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. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on March 30, 2018.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-07636 Filed 4-16-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P