Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems)

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 242 (Thursday, December 17, 2015)

Federal Register Volume 80, Number 242 (Thursday, December 17, 2015)

Proposed Rules

Pages 78702-78704

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov

FR Doc No: 2015-31537

Page 78702

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

Docket No. FAA-2015-7524; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-231-AD

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-15-

04 for certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. AD 2014-15-04 currently requires deactivating the potable water system, or alternatively filling and activating the potable water system. Since we issued AD 2014-15-04, the manufacturer developed a modification that would address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would also require inspecting the in-line heater for correct brazing and corrective action if needed, and installing a shrinkable tube on the water line and a spray shield on the in-line heater. We are proposing this AD to prevent rudder pedal restriction due to the pitch control mechanism becoming frozen as the result of water spray, which could prevent disconnection and normal pitch control, and consequently result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 1, 2016.

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 W12-140, 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 Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Linkoumlping, Sweden; telephone +46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email saab340techsupport@saabgroup.com; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com.

You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-

7524; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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 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, WA 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-2015-7524; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-231-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

On July 13, 2014, we issued AD 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014). AD 2014-15-04 requires actions intended to address an unsafe condition on Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes.

Since we issued AD 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014), a modification has been developed that would address the unsafe condition and allow reactivation of the potable water system.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0255, dated November 25, 2014 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. The MCAI states:

One occurrence of rudder pedal restriction was reported on a SAAB 2000 aeroplane. Subsequent investigation showed that this was the result of water leakage at the inlet tubing for the in-line heater (25HY) in the lower part of the forward fuselage (Zone 116). The in-line heater attachment was found ruptured, which resulted in water spraying in the area. Frozen water on the rudder control mechanism in Zone 116 then led to the rudder pedal restriction.

Analysis after the reported event indicated that the pitch control mechanism (including pitch disconnect/spring unit) may also be frozen as a result of water spray, which would prevent disconnection and normal pitch control.

This condition, if not corrected, could result in further occurrences of reduced control of an aeroplane. To address this potential unsafe condition, SAAB issued Service Bulletin (SB) 2000-

38-10 to provide instructions to deactivate the Potable Water System. Consequently, EASA issued EASA an Emergency AD * * * to require that action. That EASA Emergency AD was revised and republished as EASA AD 2013-0172R1 (http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2013-0172R1), which corresponds to FAA AD 2014-15-041, Amendment 39-

17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014), introducing a temporary alternative procedure for filling, which would allow reactivation and operation of the Potable Water System.

Since that EASA AD was issued, SAAB developed an in-line heater spray shield and a water line shrink tube to eliminate the consequences of a water spray leak in case of rupture of the in-line heater. SAAB also issued a SB 2000-38-011, providing instructions for inspection of the in-line heater and installation of a shrink tube and a spray shield.

For reasons described above, this EASA AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2013-0172R1, which is superseded, and requires inspection for correct brazing of the in-line heater and corrective action if needed and installation of shrink tube on water line and spray shield on in-line heater.

Corrective actions include repairing or replacing the in-line heater. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-7524.

Page 78703

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

Saab issued Service Bulletin 2000-38-011, dated October 22, 2014. The service information describes procedures for inspecting for correct brazing of the in-line heater, repairing or replacing the in-line heater, and installing a shrinkable tube on the water line and a spray shield on the in-line heater. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.

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.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1 airplane of U.S. registry.

The actions required by AD 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014), and retained in this proposed AD take about 1 work-hour per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Required parts cost $0 per product. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions that are required by AD 2014-15-04 is $85 per product.

We also estimate that it would take about 6 work-hours 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 $3,650 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $4,160.

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);

3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and

4. 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.

   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

   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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014), and adding the following new AD:

   Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems): Docket No. FAA-2015-7524; Directorate Identifier 2014-

   NM-231-AD.

   (a) Comments Due Date

   We must receive comments by February 1, 2016.

   (b) Affected ADs

   This AD replaces AD 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014).

   (c) Applicability

   This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Model SAAB 2000 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 004 through 016 inclusive, 018, 022, 023, 024, 026, 029, 031, 032, 033, 035 through 039 inclusive, 041 through 044 inclusive, 046, 047, 048, 051, and 053 through 063 inclusive.

   (d) Subject

   Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 38, Water/Waste.

   (e) Reason

   This AD was prompted by a report of rudder pedal restriction which was the result of water leakage at the inlet tubing of an in-

   line heater in the lower part of the forward fuselage. This AD was also prompted by the development of a modification that would address the unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent rudder pedal restriction due to the pitch control mechanism becoming frozen as the result of water spray, which could prevent disconnection and normal pitch control, and consequently result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

   (f) Compliance

   Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

   (g) Retained Deactivation of Potable Water System With New Exception

   This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014), with a new exception. Except as provided by paragraph (l) of this AD, within 30 days after September 9, 2014 (the effective date of AD 2014-15-04), deactivate the potable water system, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-38-

   010, dated July 12, 2013, which is incorporated by reference in AD 2014-15-04.

   (h) Retained Alternative To Deactivation of Potable Water System With No Changes

   This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014), with no changes. As an alternative, or subsequent, to the action required by paragraph (g) of this AD, during each filling of the potable water system after September 9, 2014, (the effective date of AD 2014-15-04), accomplish the temporary filling procedure, in accordance with the instructions in Saab Service Newsletter SN 2000-

   1304, Revision 01, dated September 10, 2013, including Attachment 1 Engineering Statement to Operator 2000PBS034334, Issue

   Page 78704

   A, dated September 9, 2013, which is incorporated by reference in AD 2014-15-04.

   (i) New Inspection and Installation

   At the applicable compliance times specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD, concurrently accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-

   38-011, dated October 22, 2014.

   (1) Do a detailed inspection for correct brazing of the in-line heater, and if any discrepancy is found, before further flight, and before accomplishment of the modification required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, accomplish all applicable corrective actions.

   (2) Install a shrink tube on the water line and a spray shield on the in-line heater.

   (j) Compliance Times for Inspection and Installation

   Do the actions specified in paragraph (i) of this AD at the applicable times specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD.

   (1) For airplanes having had the potable water system reactivated and operated using the alternative filling procedure specified in Saab Service Newsletter SN 2000-1304, Revision 01, dated September 10, 2013, including Attachment 1 Engineering Statement to Operator 2000PBS034334, Issue A, dated September 9, 2013, which is incorporated by reference in AD 2014-15-04, within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.

   (2) For airplanes having the potable water system deactivated using procedures specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-38-010, dated July 12, 2013: Before further flight after the reactivation of the potable water system.

   (k) Terminating Actions for the Deactivation of the Potable Water System

   Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

   (l) Other FAA AD Provisions

   The following provisions also apply to this AD:

   (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, ANM-

   116, International Branch, 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, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1112; fax 425-227-1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.

   (i) 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.

   (ii) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014), are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

   (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of this AD, for any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

   (m) Related Information

   (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2014-

   0255, dated November 25, 2014, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-

   2015-7524.

   (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Linkoumlping, Sweden; telephone +46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email saab340techsupport@saabgroup.com; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

   Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 8, 2015.

   Michael Kaszycki,

   Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   FR Doc. 2015-31537 Filed 12-16-15; 8:45 am

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