[Federal Register: January 22, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 14)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 3043-3045]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22ja04-22]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-261-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000
series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive inspections of
the installation of the spoilers of the windshield wiper assemblies for
discrepancies, and replacement with new spoilers if necessary. The
proposal also would require eventual replacement of the spoilers of the
windshield wiper assemblies with new spoilers. This action is necessary
to prevent failure of the windshield wiper assembly, which could result
in loss of visibility, damage to the propeller(s) and/or engine(s), or
penetration of the fuselage skin and consequent rapid depressurization
of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified
unsafe condition.
DATES: Comments must be received by February 23, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-261-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232.
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address:
9-anm-nprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must
contain ``Docket No. 2002-NM-261-AD'' in the subject line and need not
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 2000 or
ASCII text.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden. This information may be examined at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rosanne Ryburn, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-
2139; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Submit comments using the following format:
[sbull] Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
[sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed
AD is being requested.
[sbull] Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each
request.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2002-NM-261-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped
and returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 2002-NM-261-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is the airworthiness authority for
Sweden, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain
Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes. The LFV advises that it has
received reports of findings of cracked or missing spoilers of the
windshield wiper assemblies on certain airplanes listed in Saab Service
Bulletin 2000-56-002 (Replacement of Windshield Wiper Spoiler), dated
November 28, 1998, on which the actions specified in that service
bulletin have not been done. Parts that separate from the airplane in
this area can cause damage to the propeller(s), engine(s), and
structure. One report indicated that, after excessive vibration and
subsequent separation of a windshield wiper spoiler, the spoiler fell
into the propeller and subsequently hit the wing leading edge and
fuselage. Such conditions, if not corrected, could result in loss of
visibility, damage to the propeller(s) and/or engine(s), or penetration
of the fuselage skin and consequent rapid depressurization of the
airplane.
[[Page 3044]]
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Saab has issued Service Bulletin 2000-56-003, dated August 12,
2002, which describes procedures for repetitive detailed visual
inspections of the installation of the spoilers of the windshield wiper
assemblies for discrepancies (cracks, loose parts, deformation, general
deterioration), and replacement with new spoilers if necessary. The
service bulletin also describes procedures for an operational test of
the windshield wipers after the inspection is done.
Saab also has issued Service Bulletin 2000-56-002, Revision 01,
dated August 12, 2002, which describes procedures for replacement of
the spoilers of the left and right windshield wiper assemblies with new
spoilers. The replacement includes installation of a new spoiler/beam
and spoiler angles. The service bulletin also describes procedures for
an operational test of the windshield wipers after doing the
replacement. Accomplishment of the replacement would eliminate the need
for the repetitive inspections.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The LFV
classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued Swedish
airworthiness directive 1-178, dated August 15, 2002, to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Sweden.
FAA's Conclusions
This airplane model is manufactured in Sweden and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LFV has kept us informed of the
situation described above. We have examined the findings of the LFV,
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of
the actions specified in the service bulletins described previously,
except as discussed below.
Differences Among This Proposed AD, Swedish Airworthiness Directive,
and Service Information
Service Bulletin 2000-56-003 refers to a ``detailed visual
inspection'' of the left and right spoiler installation of the
windshield wiper assemblies. We have determined that the procedures in
the service bulletin should be described as a ``detailed inspection.''
Note 1 has been included in this proposed AD to define this type of
inspection.
Service Bulletin 2000-56-002 and the referenced Swedish
airworthiness directive do not give a specific compliance time for
doing the replacement. The Swedish airworthiness directive does not
recommend any compliance time, and the service bulletin merely
specifies that compliance with the service bulletin is ``recommended.''
We have determined that a specific compliance time is necessary to
ensure that operators address the unsafe condition in a timely manner.
In developing an appropriate compliance time for this proposed AD, we
considered not only the safety implications and the LFVs
recommendations, but the manufacturer's recommendation and the degree
of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, the
average utilization of the affected fleet, and the time necessary to do
the proposed replacement (6 hours). In light of all of these factors,
we find a compliance time of ``Within 2,000 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD'' for doing the proposed replacement to be
warranted, in that it represents an appropriate interval of time
allowable for affected airplanes to continue to operate without
compromising safety.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD.
It would take about 1 work hour per airplane to do the proposed
inspection, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the inspection proposed by this AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $195, or $65 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
It would take about 6 work hours per airplane to do the proposed
replacement at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required
parts would be free of charge. Based on these figures, the cost impact
of the replacement proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated
to be $1,170, or $390 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions
in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures
discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to
perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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);
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as
follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
[[Page 3045]]
Saab Aircraft AB: Docket 2002-NM-261-AD.
Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, as listed in
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-003, dated August 12, 2002,
certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of the windshield wiper assembly, which could
result in loss of visibility, damage to the propeller(s) and/or
engine(s), or penetration of the fuselage skin and consequent rapid
depressurization of the airplane, accomplish the following:
Repetitive Inspections
(a) Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD:
Do a detailed inspection for discrepancies (including cracks, loose
parts, deformation, general deterioration) of the installation of
the spoilers of the windshield wiper assemblies (including doing an
operational test), by doing all the actions per the Accomplishment
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-003, dated August 12,
2002.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate
access procedures may be required.''
(1) If no discrepancies are found, repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 flight hours, until the
replacement required by paragraph (b) of this AD is done.
(2) If any discrepancies are found, before further flight, do
the replacement required by paragraph (b) of this AD.
Replacement
(b) Except as required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD: Within
2,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD; replace the
spoilers of the windshield wiper assemblies (including doing an
operational test) by doing all the actions per the Accomplishment
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-002, Revision 01,
dated August 12, 2002. Such replacement ends the repetitive
inspections required by this AD.
Replacement Done Per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin
(c) Replacements done before the effective date of this AD per
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-002, dated November 28, 1996, are
considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action
specified in this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish
airworthiness directive 1-178, dated August 15, 2002.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 9, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-1305 Filed 1-21-04; 8:45 am]
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