Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes
Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 74 (Tuesday, April 17, 2018)
Federal Register Volume 83, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 17, 2018)
Proposed Rules
Pages 16792-16794
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2018-07636
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Docket No. FAA-2018-0271; Product Identifier 2017-NM-111-AD
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-13-
06, which applies to certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. AD 2016-13-06 requires a revision of the applicable airplane flight manual (AFM), repetitive inspections of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, and applicable corrective actions. Since we issued AD 2016-13-06, the manufacturer has developed an improved de-icing boot. This proposed AD would continue to require a revision of the applicable AFM, repetitive inspections of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, and applicable corrective actions. This proposed AD would also require replacement of single stitched de-icing boots with improved double stitched boots, and re-
identification of the modified horizontal stabilizer leading edge. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 1, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Linkoumlping, Sweden; telephone: +46 13 18 5591; fax: +46 13 18 4874; email: email protected; internet: http://www.saabgroup.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
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-2018-
0271; 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3220.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0271; Product Identifier 2017-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
We issued AD 2016-13-06, Amendment 39-18570 (81 FR 41432, June 27, 2016) (``AD 2016-13-06''), for certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. AD 2016-13-06 was prompted by reports of ruptured horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots. AD 2016-
13-06 requires a revision of the applicable AFM, repetitive inspections of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, and applicable corrective actions. We issued AD 2016-13-06 to detect and correct damage of the de-icing boot; such damage could lead to a ruptured boot, severe vibrations, and possible reduced control of the airplane.
Since we issued AD 2016-13-06, the manufacturer has developed an improved de-icing boot, reinforced through double stitch lines.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2017-0144, dated August 9, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. The MCAI states:
Several occurrences were reported of rupture of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boot in flight. In some of the reported events, the de-icing boot had formed a large open scoop.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to complete loss of the de-icing function within its associated zone and severe vibrations, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Saab AB, Aeronautics (hereafter referred to as ``Saab'' in this EASA AD) issued Alert Operations Bulletin (AOB) No. 12 and AOB No. 23 as temporary measures, recommending to select Flaps 0 for landing in the event of a suspected rupture of the de-icing boot on the horizontal stabilizer. In addition, Saab issued SB Service Bulletin 340-30-
094 providing instructions for inspection of de-icing boots.
Page 16793
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2015-0129 which corresponds to FAA AD 2016-13-06 to require amendment of the applicable Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), repetitive inspections of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).
Since that EASA AD was issued, Saab developed an improved de-
icing boot, reinforced through double stitch lines, and issued SB 340-30-095 providing instructions for boot replacement.
For the reason described above, this EASA AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2015-0129, which is superseded, and requires replacement of single stitched de-icing boots, installed on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) horizontal stabilizer, with improved double stitched boots, and re-identification of the modified horizontal stabilizer leading edge.
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-2018-
0271.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics has issued the following service information.
Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015. This service information describes procedures for repetitive detailed inspections of the de-icing boots installed on the horizontal stabilizers, and repair and replacement of damaged de-icing boots.
Service Bulletin 340-30-095, dated April 3, 2017. This service information describes procedures for replacement of single stitched de-icing boots with improved double stitched boots, and re-
identification of the modified horizontal stabilizer leading edge.
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics has also issued the following AFMs, which describe performance limitations and general data. These AFMs are distinct since they apply to different airplane models in different configurations.
AFM 340A 001, Revision 57, dated March 27, 2015.
AFM 340B 001, Revision 35, dated March 27, 2015.
AFM 340B 010, Revision 28, dated March 27, 2015.
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.
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 these same type designs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 51 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The actions required by AD 2016-13-06, and retained in this proposed AD take about 6 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions that are required by AD 2016-13-06 is $510 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions required by AD 2016-13-06, and retained in this proposed AD take about 6 work-hours and require parts costing $9,500, for a cost of $10,010 per product. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these actions.
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 $13,500 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $714,510, or $14,010 per product.
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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight Division.
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) 2016-13-06, Amendment 39-18570 (81 FR 41432, June 27, 2016), and adding the following new AD:
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems): Docket No. FAA-2018-0271; Product Identifier 2017-NM-
111-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by June 1, 2018.
Page 16794
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2016-13-06, Amendment 39-18570 (81 FR 41432, June 27, 2016) (``AD 2016-13-06'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2), of this AD.
(1) Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes, serial numbers 004 through 138 inclusive, if Saab modification 1462 has been embodied in production, or Saab Service Bulletin 340-55-008 has been embodied in service, except those that have also embodied Saab modification 1793 in production, or Saab Service Bulletin 340-55-010 in service; and serial numbers 139 through 159 inclusive.
(2) Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 340B airplanes, serial numbers 160 through 459 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30, Ice and rain protection.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of ruptured horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct ruptured horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, which could lead to complete loss of the de-icing function within its associated zone and severe vibrations, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Retained Revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2016-13-06, with no changes. Within 30 days after August 1, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-13-06), revise the ``Abnormal Procedures'' section of the applicable Saab 340 AFM to incorporate the revision specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD.
(1) For Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes, revise AFM 340A 001 by incorporating Revision 57, dated March 27, 2015.
(2) For Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 340B airplanes, revise AFM 340B 001 by incorporating Revision 35, dated March 27, 2015.
(3) For Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 340B airplanes with extended wing tips, revise AFM 340B 010 by incorporating Revision 28, dated March 27, 2015.
(h) Retained Inspection/Replacement, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2016-13-06, with no changes. Within 400 flight hours or 6 months, whichever occurs first after August 1, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-13-06), do a detailed inspection for damage of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, and existing repairs of horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 flight hours. If, during any inspection required by this paragraph, any damage or existing repair outside the limits specified in Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015, is found, before further flight, repair or replace the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015. Repair or replacement on an airplane of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, as required by this paragraph, does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this paragraph for that airplane.
(i) New Requirement of This AD: Modification
Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the airplane by replacing the single stitched de-icing boots installed on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) horizontal stabilizers with double stitched de-icing boots and re-identify the LH and RH horizontal stabilizer leading edge, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-095, dated April 3, 2017.
(j) Terminating Action
Modification of the airplane as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD, for that airplane.
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 Section, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed 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.
(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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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.
(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2017-0144, dated August 9, 2017, 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-2018-0271.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3220.
(3) 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: email protected; internet: http://www.saabgroup.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on March 30, 2018.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
FR Doc. 2018-07636 Filed 4-16-18; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
