[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 76 (Monday, April 20, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21764-21766]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-08202]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-1073; Product Identifier 2019-NM-186-AD; Amendment
39-19896; AD 2020-07-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Support and Services (Formerly
Known as Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by
reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 26, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 26,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 89990 1000; email [email protected]; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website
at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this IBR material 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 in the AD docket on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2019-1073.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1073; 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, any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations 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;
email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0263, dated October 22, 2019
(``EASA AD 2019-0263'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000
airplanes.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Saab AB, Support
and Services Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on January 17, 2020 (85 FR 2911). The NPRM was
prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. The NPRM proposed to require revising the
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as
specified in an EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address, among other things, fatigue
cracking of principal structural elements (PSEs) and corrosion
prevention and control. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in reduced structural integrity of a PSE, and lead to loss of
control of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background
information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. We received no comments on the NPRM or on
the determination of the cost to the public.
Clarification of Paragraph (i) of This AD
Once a maintenance or inspection program is revised as required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, paragraph (i) of this AD does not allow for
the later
[[Page 21765]]
use of alternative actions or intervals unless these alternative
actions or intervals are approved as specified in the ``Ref.
Publications'' section of EASA AD 2019-0288. In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed language using the word ``except.'' To make the language
consistent with the language in the ``Ref. Publications'' section of
EASA AD 2019-0288, the FAA has changed the wording to ``unless they are
approved.''
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed,
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has 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 IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0263 describes airworthiness limitations for safe life
limits, structural limitation items, and fuel airworthiness items, as
well as certification maintenance requirements. This material 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
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 11 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
The FAA has determined that revising the maintenance or inspection
program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although the
agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator.
In the past, the agency has estimated that this action takes 1 work
hour per airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or
inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has
determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-
airplane estimate. Therefore, the agency estimates the average total
cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
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.
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) 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.
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):
2020-07-17 Saab AB, Support and Services (Formerly Known as Saab AB,
Saab Aeronautics): Amendment 39-19896; Docket No. FAA-2019-1073;
Product Identifier 2019-NM-186-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 26, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Saab AB, Support and Services (formerly
known as Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics) Model SAAB 2000 airplanes,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address, among other things, fatigue cracking of
principal structural elements (PSEs) and corrosion prevention and
control. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
reduced structural integrity of a PSE, and lead to loss of control
of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) New Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2019-0263, dated October 22, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0263'').
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0263
(1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA
AD 2019-0263 do not apply to this AD.
(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263 specifies revising ``the
approved AMP [aircraft maintenance program]'' within 12 months after
its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the
``limitations, tasks and associated thresholds and intervals''
specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263 within 90 days after
the effective date of this AD.
(3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263 is at the applicable ``associated
thresholds'' specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263, or
within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later.
(4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA
AD 2019-0263 do not apply to this AD.
(5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0263 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) New Provisions for Alternative Actions, Intervals, and Critical
Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs)
After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g.,
inspections), intervals, and CDCCLs are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the
[[Page 21766]]
``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2019-0263.
(j) 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 (k) 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 instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Saab SB
Support and Services' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(k) Related Information
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; email [email protected].
(l) 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0263,
dated October 22, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For information about EASA AD 2019-0263, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
89990 6017; email [email protected]; Internet www.easa.europa.eu.
You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material 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. This
material may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-1073.
(5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
[email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on April 3, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-08202 Filed 4-17-20; 8:45 am]
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