[Federal Register: September 8, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 174)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 52992-52994]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08se06-7]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NM-114-AD; Amendment 39-14751; AD 2006-18-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/
SF340A) and SAAB 340B 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-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A)
and SAAB 340B airplanes, that requires modification and repetitive
inspections of the hot detection system of the tail pipe harness of the
engine nacelles. The actions specified by this AD are intended to
prevent false warning indications to the flightcrew from the hot
detection system due to discrepancies of the harness, which could
result in an unnecessary aborted takeoff on the ground or in-flight
engine shutdowns. This action is intended to address the identified
unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective October 13, 2006.
The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of October 13, 2006.
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2677; 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-Fairchild
SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes was published as a
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal
Register on June 26, 2006 (71 FR 36252). That action proposed to
require modification and repetitive inspections of the hot detection
system of the tail pipe harness of the engine nacelles.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We received no comments on the supplemental
NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed
in the supplemental NPRM.
Cost Impact
We estimate that 280 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by
this AD.
It will take about 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish the
modification, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required
parts cost will be between $218 and $2,253. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of the modification on U.S. operators is estimated to be
between $285,040 and $854,840, or between $1,018 and $3,053 per
airplane.
It will take about 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the
inspection and application of sealant, at an average labor rate of $80
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this
[[Page 52993]]
action on U.S. operators is estimated to be $22,400, or $80 per
airplane, per inspection cycle.
The cost impact figures discussed above are 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.
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 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:
2006-18-12 Saab Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-14751. Docket 2003-NM-114-
AD.
Applicability
Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes, serial
numbers -004 through -159 inclusive, and SAAB 340B airplanes, serial
numbers -160 through -459 inclusive, certificated in any category.
Compliance
Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent false warning indications to the flightcrew from the
hot detection system of the tail pipe harness of the engine nacelles
due to discrepancies of the harness, which could result in an
unnecessary aborted takeoff on the ground or in-flight engine
shutdowns, accomplish the following:
Modification/Repetitive Inspections
(a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify
the hot detection system of the tail pipe harness of the engine
nacelles (including a general visual inspection of the heat shrink
sleeve, thixotropic sealant, and connectors for damage and/or
corrosion, and all applicable repairs), by doing all the actions
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service
Bulletin 340-26-030, Revision 01, dated November 14, 2003. All
applicable repairs must be done before further flight in accordance
with the service bulletin. Repeat the general visual inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is defined as: ``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 enhance visual access to all exposed 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.''
(b) Accomplishing the modification/repetitive inspections
specified in Saab Service Bulletin 340-26-030, dated October 28,
2002; or Saab Service Bulletins 340-26-018, Revision 02, and 340-26-
029, both dated October 28, 2002; before the effective date of this
AD, is considered acceptable for compliance with the modification
required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
Reporting Requirement
(c) Within 30 days after any false warning indication to the
flightcrew from the hot detection system of the tail pipe harness of
the engine nacelles occurs: Submit a report containing the
information specified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and
(c)(4) of this AD to the Swedish Civil Aviation Authority
(Luftfartsstyrelsen)--Attn: Mr. Christer Sundqvist, SAAB 340
Certification Manager, SE-601 79, Norrk[ouml]ping, Sweden. Under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.),
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the
information collection requirements contained in this AD and has
assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) The date and time, weather conditions, and phase of flight
of the warning.
(2) The action taken by the flightcrew to address the warning
(aborted takeoff, high speed/high energy abort requiring inspection,
return for landing, in-flight diversion, declared emergency, air
traffic control (ATC) priority handling requested or given, or
engine shutdown).
(3) The action taken by maintenance to address/correct the
warning.
(4) Time-in-service on the airplane since the last inspection
accomplished in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(d)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
is authorized to approve AMOCs for this AD.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish
airworthiness directive 1-184, effective October 28, 2002.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be
done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-26-030, Revision
01, dated November 14, 2003. 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. To get copies of this service
information, contact Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB
[[Page 52994]]
Aircraft Product Support, S-581.88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden. To
inspect copies of this service information, go to the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or
to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call
(202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_[fxsp0
]register/code--of--federal[fxsp0]--regulations/ibr--
locations.html.
Effective Date
(f) This amendment becomes effective on October 13, 2006.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 28, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-14690 Filed 9-7-06; 8:45 am]
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