[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 68 (Friday, April 8, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19719-19721]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-8412]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-0307; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-111-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB
2000 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
* * * * *
A report has been received of an incident where one of the two
bolts attaching the actuator mounting bracket to the MLG [main
landing gear] Shock Strut was found loose, leading to failure of the
other attachment bolt, subsequently resulting in failure of the
bracket.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent the
MLG to extend to the full down-and-locked position, possibly
resulting in MLG collapse upon landing or during roll-out, with
consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants.
* * * * *
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address
the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 23, 2011.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone
+46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; e-mail
[email protected]; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com.
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
[[Page 19720]]
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356;
telephone (425) 227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-0307;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-111-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2010-0069, dated April 14, 2010 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
A report has been received of an incident where one of the two
bolts attaching the actuator mounting bracket to the MLG Shock Strut
was found loose, leading to failure of the other attachment bolt,
subsequently resulting in failure of the bracket.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent the
MLG to extend to the full down-and-locked position, possibly
resulting in MLG collapse upon landing or during roll-out, with
consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants.
To correct this potentially unsafe condition, SAAB has published
Service Bulletin (SB) 2000-32-073, describing a [detailed]
inspection of the attachment bolts [and nuts] to detect any loose
bolts [and nuts], follow-up corrective action(s), depending on
findings, and the installation of the correct number of washers.
For the reasons described above, this EASA AD requires the
accomplishment of the actions described in SAAB SB 2000-32-073.
Required actions, if any loose parts are found, include replacing the
bolt with a new bolt, and then doing a detailed inspection of the bolts
for uniform or fretting corrosion; a detailed inspection of the
actuator mounting bracket and shock struts for damage, cracks, and
signs of corrosion; and doing corrective actions if necessary.
Corrective actions include removing corrosion, replacing affected bolts
with new bolts, tightening loose nuts, repairing, and installing the
correct number of washers. You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Saab has issued Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, Revision 01, dated
October 20, 2009. The actions described in this service information are
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 8 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 1 work-hour per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $1,039 per product. Where
the service information lists required parts costs that are covered
under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these
parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties,
some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to
be $8,992, or $1,124 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 10 work-hours and require parts costing $1,039, for a cost
of $1,889 per product. We have no way of determining the number of
products that may need these 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 Findings
We 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 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. 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
[[Page 19721]]
this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, 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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems: Docket No. FAA-2011-0307; Directorate
Identifier 2010-NM-111-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by May 23, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB
2000 airplanes, certificated in any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
A report has been received of an incident where one of the two
bolts attaching the actuator mounting bracket to the MLG [main
landing gear] Shock Strut was found loose, leading to failure of the
other attachment bolt, subsequently resulting in failure of the
bracket.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent the
MLG to extend to the full down-and-locked position, possibly
resulting in MLG collapse upon landing or during roll-out, with
consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants.
* * * * *
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection
(g) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
detailed inspection for any loose top bolt and nut of the shock
strut actuator mounting bracket of both the left-hand and right-hand
main landing gear (MLG), in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073,
Revision 01, dated October 20, 2009.
Corrective Action
(h) If any loose bolt or nut is found during the inspection
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, replace
the bolt with a new bolt and accomplish paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2)
of this AD, in accordance with paragraph 2.C. of the Accomplishment
Instructions Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, Revision 01, dated
October 20, 2009.
(1) Do a detailed inspection of the bottom bolts for uniform or
fretting corrosion. If any corrosion is found, before further
flight, accomplish all applicable corrective actions, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-
32-073, Revision 01, dated October 20, 2009.
(2) Do a detailed inspection for damage, cracks, and other signs
of deterioration of the actuator mounting bracket and shock strut.
If signs of damage, cracks, or other signs of deterioration are
found on the actuator mounting bracket or the shock strut, before
further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the
FAA or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated
agent).
(i) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, unless
already accomplished in accordance with paragraph (h) of this AD,
install the correct number of washers for both the top and bottom
bolts of the shock strut actuator mounting bracket of both MLG, in
accordance with paragraph 2.C.of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, Revision 01, dated October 20,
2009.
Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
(j) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, dated June 26,
2009, are considered acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding actions specified in this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service
information as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(k) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 Branch, send it to ATTN: Shahram
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149.
Information may be e-mailed 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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this
AD.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
Related Information
(l) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0069, dated
April 14, 2010; and Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, Revision 01,
dated October 20, 2009; for related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 31, 2011.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-8412 Filed 4-7-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P