[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 3, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31775-31777]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-14048]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0521; Product Identifier 2019-NM-047-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: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the o-ring groove of 
magnetic fuel level indicators. This proposed AD would require a one-
time detailed inspection of the magnetic fuel level indicator for 
cracks and replacement of cracked magnetic fuel level indicators. The 
FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 19, 2019.

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 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-2019-
0521; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations 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

    The FAA invites 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-2019-0521; 
Product Identifier 2019-NM-047-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The agency specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The agency 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this NPRM because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments we receive, without change, to 
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

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 2019-0053, dated March 14, 2019 (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 SAAB 2000 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Occurrences have been reported where, during maintenance, 
magnetic fuel level indicators were found with cracks in the O-ring 
groove. Investigation results indicate that these cracks may be due 
to over-torque during installation of the unit, although the 
applicable Aircraft Maintenance Manual instructs that the proper nut 
torque is between 2.8 and 3.4 Nm.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
failure of an indicator, possibly resulting in a puncture of the 
fuel tank bottom, with consequent fuel leakage and risk of fuel 
starvation.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, SAAB issued the SB 
[service bulletin] to provide inspection instructions.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection of affected parts and, depending on findings, 
accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).

    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-2019-
0521.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab 
Aerosystems) has issued Service Bulletin 2000-28-027, dated January 15, 
2019. This service information describes procedures for a one-time 
detailed inspection of the magnetic fuel level indicator for cracks and 
replacement of cracked magnetic fuel level indicators. This service 
information is reasonably available because the interested parties

[[Page 31776]]

have access to it through their normal course of business or by the 
means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    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, the FAA 
has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. The agency is proposing this AD 
because the agency evaluated all the relevant information and 
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other products of the same type design.

Proposed Requirements of This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information.''

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    Saab Service Bulletin 2000-28-027, dated January 15, 2019, 
specifies to return faulty parts to the manufacturer. This proposed AD 
would not include that requirement.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 11 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The agency estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
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6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510...........................              $0             $510           $5,610
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    The agency estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any 
required actions. The agency has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need this on-condition action:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
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2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170....         $20,000          $20,170
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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.
    The FAA is 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 proposed 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 and associated appliances to the 
Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    (3) 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-2019-0521; Product Identifier 2019-NM-
047-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by August 19, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 
airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial 
numbers.

[[Page 31777]]

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the o-ring groove 
of magnetic fuel level indicators. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address this condition, which, if not detected and corrected, could 
result in a severe fuel leak and consequent risk of fuel starvation.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    (1) For the purposes of this AD, an affected part is any 
magnetic fuel level indicator having part number 35081587.
    (2) For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable part is an 
affected part that is new (not previously installed); or an affected 
part that, before installation, has passed an inspection in 
accordance with the instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-28-
027, dated January 15, 2019.

(h) Inspection

    Within 3,000 flight hours or 24 months, whichever occurs first 
after the effective date of this AD, remove and perform a one-time 
detailed inspection of each affected part for cracks in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-
28-027, dated January 15, 2019.

(i) Corrective Action

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, 
any crack is detected on an affected part, before further flight, 
replace that affected part with a serviceable part in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-
28-027, dated January 15, 2019.

(j) No Parts Return

    Although Saab Service Bulletin 2000-28-027, dated January 15, 
2019, specifies to return faulty parts to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not require returning the faulty parts to the manufacturer.

(k) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, it is allowed to install on 
any airplane an affected part, provided that it is a serviceable 
part as defined in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.

(l) 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 (m)(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's 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) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0053, dated March 14, 2019, 
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-2019-0521.
    (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 June 24, 2019.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-14048 Filed 7-2-19; 8:45 am]
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