[Federal Register: July 6, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 129)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 38311-38313]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06jy06-17]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25271; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-067-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/
SF340A) and SAAB 340B Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) that applies to certain Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A and
SAAB 340B airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive
inspections for wear of the brushes and leads and for loose rivets of
the direct current (DC) starter generator, and related investigative/
corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would require
installing new improved generator control units (GCUs). Installing the
GCUs would end the repetitive inspection requirements of the existing
AD. This proposed AD results from reports of premature failures of the
DC starter generator prior to scheduled overhaul. We are proposing this
AD to prevent failure of the starter generator, which could cause a low
voltage situation in flight and result in increased pilot workload and
reduced redundancy of the electrical powered systems.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 7, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-581.88,
Linkoping, Sweden, for service information identified in this proposed
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2677; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``Docket No.
FAA-2006-25271; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-067-AD'' at the
beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the
proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
receives them.
Discussion
On February 11, 2005, we issued AD 2005-04-12, amendment 39-13984
(70 FR 9215, February 25, 2005), for certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and
SAAB 340B series airplanes. That AD requires repetitive inspections for
wear of the brushes and leads and for loose rivets of the direct
current (DC) starter generator, and related investigative/corrective
actions if necessary. That AD resulted from reports of premature
failures of the DC starter generator prior to scheduled overhaul. We
issued that AD to prevent failure of the starter generator, which could
cause a low voltage situation in flight and result in increased pilot
workload and reduced redundancy of the electrical powered systems.
Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued
The preamble to AD 2005-04-12 explains that we considered the
requirements ``interim action'' and were considering further rulemaking
if a final action is identified. The manufacturer has now designed a
new improved generator control unit (GCU), and we have determined that
further rulemaking is indeed necessary; this proposed AD follows from
that determination.
Relevant Service Information
Saab has issued Saab 340 Service Bulletin 340-24-026, Revision 03,
dated December 20, 2004. The service bulletin describes procedures for
installing new improved GCUs. Accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe
condition. The Luftfartsverket (LFS), which is the airworthiness
authority for Sweden, mandated the service information and issued
Swedish airworthiness directive 1-197, dated November 5, 2004, to
ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Sweden.
[[Page 38312]]
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
These airplane models are manufactured in Sweden and are 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 LFS has kept the FAA informed of
the situation described above. We have examined the LFS's findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that AD action is
necessary for airplanes of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States. This proposed AD would supersede AD
2005-04-12 and would continue to require repetitive inspections for
wear of the brushes and leads and for loose rivets of the direct
current (DC) starter generator, and related investigative/corrective
actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also require installing
new improved GCUs. Installing the GCUs would end the repetitive
inspection requirements of AD 2005-04-12.
Changes to Existing AD
This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2005-04-12.
Since AD 2005-04-12 was issued, the AD format has been revised, and
certain paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding
paragraph identifiers have changed in this proposed AD, as listed in
the following table:
Revised Paragraph Identifiers
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Corresponding requirement
Requirement in AD 2005-04-12 in this proposed AD
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paragraph (e)............................. paragraph (f).
paragraph (f)............................. paragraph (g).
paragraph (g)............................. paragraph (h).
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We have revised the applicability to identify model designations as
published in the most recent type certificate data sheet for the
affected models.
We have also revised this action to clarify the appropriate
procedure for notifying the principal inspector before using any
approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies.
For clarification, we have revised the definition of a ``general
visual inspection'' in Note 1 of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Change to Costs of Compliance
After AD 2005-04-12 was issued, we reviewed the figures we have
used over the past several years to calculate AD costs to operators. To
account for various inflationary costs in the airline industry, we find
it necessary to increase the labor rate used in these calculations from
$65 per work hour to $80 per work hour. The cost impact information,
below, reflects this increase in the specified hourly labor rate.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 170 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to
comply with this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
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Average
Action Work hours labor rate Parts Cost per airplane Fleet cost
per hour
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Inspections (required by AD 2005- 1 $80 $0 $80, per inspection $13,600, per
04-02). cycle. inspection cycle.
Installation (new proposed 1 80 7,598 7,678.............. $1,305,260.
action).
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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.
Regulatory Findings
We have 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 that the 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. 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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
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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
removing amendment 39-13984 (70 FR 9215, February 25, 2005) and adding
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
[[Page 38313]]
SAAB Aircraft AB: Docket No. FAA-2006-25271; Directorate Identifier
2006-NM-067-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by August 7,
2006.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-04-12.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/
SF340A) airplanes having serial numbers 004 through 159 inclusive,
and Model SAAB 340B airplanes having serial numbers 160 through 367
inclusive; certificated in any category; on which Saab Modification
2533 has not been implemented.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of premature failures of the
direct current (DC) starter generator prior to scheduled overhaul.
We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the starter generator,
which could cause a low voltage situation in flight and result in
increased pilot workload and reduced redundancy of the electrical
powered systems.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Restatement of the Requirements of AD 2005-04-12
Inspections for Wear of the DC Starter Generator Brushes and Leads
(f) For generators overhauled in accordance with Maintenance
Review Board (MRB) Task 243104: Before 800 flight hours since last
overhaul, or within 100 flight hours after April 1, 2005 (the
effective date of AD 2005-04-12), perform a general visual
inspection for wear of the DC starter generator brushes and leads,
in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-24-035, dated July 5,
2004.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.''
Note 2: Saab Service Bulletin 340-24-035, dated July 5, 2004,
references Goodrich Service Information Letter 23080-03X-24-01,
dated July 1, 2004, as an additional source of service information.
(1) If the tops of the brush sets are above the top of the brush
box, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 800
flight hours until paragraph (i) of this AD is done.
(2) If the tops of the brush sets are below the top of the brush
box, before further flight, measure the brushes and determine the
remaining amount of brush life remaining, in accordance with the
service bulletin.
(i) If the brush wear is within the limits specified in the
service bulletin, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not
to exceed 800 flight hours until paragraph (i) of this AD is done.
(ii) If the brush wear is outside the limits specified in the
service bulletin, before further flight, replace the starter
generator with a new or serviceable starter generator, in accordance
with the service bulletin.
Inspections for Loose Rivets
(g) For generators overhauled in accordance with MRB Task
243104: Before 800 flight hours since last overhaul, or within 100
flight hours after April 1, 2005, whichever occurs later, perform a
general visual inspection of each leading wafer brush for loose
rivets, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-24-035, dated
July 5, 2004. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 800 flight hours until paragraph (i) of this AD is done. If
any rivet is loose, before further flight, replace the DC starter
generator with a new or serviceable starter generator, in accordance
with the service bulletin.
MRB Task 243103 or 243101
(h) For generators overhauled or with brush replacement
accomplished in accordance with MRB Task 243103 or 243101, no action
is required by paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD.
New Requirements of This AD
Installation
(i) For all generators: Within 36 months after the effective
date of this AD, install new improved generator control units (GCUs)
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service
Bulletin 340-24-026, Revision 03, dated December 20, 2004.
Installing the GCUs terminates the repetitive inspection
requirements of paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Related Information
(k) Swedish airworthiness directive 1-197, dated November 5,
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 28, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-10537 Filed 7-5-06; 8:45 am]
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