[Federal Register: February 18, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 32)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 7563-7565]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18fe04-10]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2001-NM-365-AD; Amendment 39-13482; AD 2004-04-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, that
requires replacing the dual shuttle valve in the number 2 hydraulic
system with a new, improved valve. This action is necessary to prevent
failure of the dual shuttle valve in the number 2 hydraulic system,
[[Page 7564]]
with reduced maximum elevator rate on the left side, which could result
in pilot-induced pitch oscillation and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the
identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective March 24, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of March 24, 2004.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD 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
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate,
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite
700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on September 19,
2003 (68 FR 54862). That action proposed to require replacing the dual
shuttle valve in the number 2 hydraulic system with a new, improved
valve; and, for certain airplanes, modifying the hydraulic system.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the single comment received.
Request To Revise Applicability/Remove Requirement To Modify Hydraulic
System
One commenter, the airplane manufacturer, requests that the FAA
revise the proposed AD to limit the applicability of the proposed AD to
airplanes on which Saab Modification 5952 (Saab Service Bulletin 2000-
29-010) has been accomplished. The commenter notes that Swedish
airworthiness directive 1-164, dated August 17, 2001, which is the
parallel airworthiness directive for the FAA's proposed AD, was issued
to require replacement of the dual shuttle valve introduced by Saab
Modification 5952. Airplanes on which Saab Modification 5952 (or Saab
Service Bulletin 2000-29-010) has not been accomplished should not be
subject to the requirements of the proposed AD. Thus, the commenter
requests that we revise the applicability statement of the proposed AD;
and remove, from the proposed AD, paragraph (b), the section
``Differences Between the Proposed Rule, Swedish Airworthiness
Directive, and Service Bulletins,'' and the paragraph in the Cost
Impact section that addresses costs associated with accomplishing Saab
Service Bulletin 2000-29-010.
We concur. Based on the information provided by the commenter, it
is clear that the requirements of this AD apply only to airplanes on
which Saab Modification 5952 (Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-010) has
been installed. Accordingly, we have revised the applicability
statement, paragraph (a), and the Cost Impact section of this final
rule. We have also removed references to accomplishment of the actions
in Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-010 throughout the final rule.
Paragraphs affected by the removal of paragraph (b) from the body of
this final rule have been re-identified accordingly. (The
``Differences'' section is not restated in the final rule, so no change
is possible in this regard.)
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comment
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described
previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
Cost Impact
We estimate that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by
this AD, that the required replacement will take approximately 4 work
hours per airplane, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work
hour. Parts will be provided to the operator at no charge. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the required replacement on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $780, or $260 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2004-04-02 Saab Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-13482. Docket 2001-NM-365-
AD.
Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, as listed in
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-020, dated August 14, 2001; on which
Saab Modification 5952 (Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-010) has been
accomplished; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
[[Page 7565]]
To prevent failure of the dual shuttle valve in the number 2
hydraulic system, with reduced maximum elevator rate on the left
side, which could result in pilot induced pitch oscillation, and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the
following:
Replacement: Modified Airplanes
(a) Within 15,000 flight hours after completing Modification
5952, replace the dual shuttle valve in the number 2 hydraulic
system with a new, improved valve, per the Accomplishment
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-020, dated August 14,
2001.
Note 1: Although Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-020, dated August
14, 2001, specifies sending removed or replaced parts to the
manufacturer or the vendor, this AD does not include such a
requirement.
Parts Installation
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
dual shuttle valve, part number 7329114-721, on any airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) 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.
Incorporation by Reference
(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service
Bulletin 2000-29-020, dated August 14, 2001. This incorporation by
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be
obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden. Copies may be inspected at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish
airworthiness directive 1-164, dated August 17, 2001.
Effective Date
(e) This amendment becomes effective on March 24, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 9, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-3349 Filed 2-17-04; 8:45 am]
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