[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 133 (Thursday, July 11, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32980-32982]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-14726]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-1067; Product Identifier 2018-NM-158-AD; Amendment
39-19641; AD 2019-10-02]
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 all
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by an event where the airplane did not respond to the
flightcrew's flight control inputs because the pitch trim switches did
not disconnect the autopilot. This AD requires modifying the wiring
installation for the autopilot disconnect logic. We are issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 15, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 15,
2019.
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 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. It is also
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-1067.
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-
1067; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is 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, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3220.
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 all Saab AB, Saab
Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on February 7, 2019 (84 FR 2467). The NPRM was
prompted by an event where the airplane did not respond to the
flightcrew's flight control inputs because the pitch trim switches did
not disconnect the autopilot. The NPRM proposed to require modifying
the wiring installation for the autopilot disconnect logic.
We are issuing this AD to address events where the airplane does
not respond to the flightcrew's flight control inputs because the
autopilot remains engaged, possibly resulting in loss of control of the
airplane.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
2018-0240, dated November 7, 2018 (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:
An occurrence was reported concerning a SAAB 2000 aeroplane,
which was struck by lightning following a discontinued approach,
with the auto-pilot (AP) engaged. After the lightning strike, the
wings rolled level and the flight crew decided to climb but the
aeroplane did not respond to flight control inputs as expected.
Contrary to flight crew understanding, the pitch trim switches had
not disengaged the AP and the flight crew
[[Page 32981]]
attempts to override the AP inputs resulted in a temporary loss of
control of the aeroplane.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to further events
where, without the flight crew being aware, the AP remains engaged,
possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane.
Prompted by these findings, SAAB redesigned the AP disconnect
logic, ensuring that the AP disconnects when either of the two main
pitch trim switches on each control wheel are operated. SAAB also
issued the SB [Service Bulletin 2000-22-008, dated June 15, 2018],
providing modification instructions.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires a change
to the AP disconnect logic by modification of the wiring
installation.
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-
1067.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The following presents the comment received on the
NPRM and the FAA's response to that comment.
Supportive Comment
The commenter, Olivia Vincent, expressed her support for the NPRM.
Request for Additional Flightcrew Training
The commenter, Olivia Vincent, observed that additional flightcrew
training in the use of the Rockwell Collins FCC-4003 autopilot systems
might be necessary if no further changes to the autopilot disconnect
logic are issued.
We infer that the commenter is requesting a revision to this AD to
include a training requirement. We disagree with the commenter's
observation that additional flightcrew training might be necessary. The
FAA has evaluated the need for additional flightcrew training and
determined that the existing training is adequate and therefore
additional training is not necessary. In addition, we have not received
information from the manufacturer or from EASA, the state of design
authority for the Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes,
regarding the need for additional flightcrew training or additional
changes to the autopilot disconnect logic beyond those required by this
AD. Furthermore, this AD does not change how pilots interface with the
airplanes or autopilot. Instead, it requires modifying the wiring
installation for the autopilot disconnect logic to ensure that the
autopilot disconnects when either of the two main pitch trim switches
are operated. We have not revised this AD in response to this issue.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We
have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing 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 Service Bulletin 2000-22-008,
dated June 15, 2018. This service information describes procedures for
modifying the wiring for the autopilot disconnect logic.
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 8 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply with this 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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12 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,020........................ $8,750 $9,770 $78,160
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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 and
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
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.
[[Page 32982]]
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):
2019-10-02 Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB,
Saab Aerosystems): Amendment 39-19641; Docket No. FAA-2018-1067;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-158-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective August 15, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000
airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 22, Auto flight.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by an event where the airplane did not
respond to the flightcrew's flight control inputs because the pitch
trim switches did not disconnect the autopilot. We are issuing this
AD to address events where the airplane does not respond to the
flightcrew's flight control inputs because the autopilot remains
engaged, possibly resulting in loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Modification
Within 3,000 flight hours or 24 months after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Modify the wiring for the
autopilot disconnect logic, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-22-008, dated June 15,
2018.
(h) 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 (i)(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.
(i) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0240, dated November 7, 2018, 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-2018-1067.
(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.
(j) 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 Service Bulletin 2000-22-008, dated June 15, 2018.
(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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195.
(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 Des Moines, Washington, on July 3, 2019.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-14726 Filed 7-10-19; 8:45 am]
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