Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes, 5064-5066 [05-1793]

Download as PDF 5064 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 70, No. 20 Tuesday, February 1, 2005 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2005–20244; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–204–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection to detect a broken terminal stud on a main relay of the electrical power generator, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by disconnection of an electrical power generator during an inspection flight, which was caused by a broken terminal stud on the main relay. We are proposing this AD to prevent a broken terminal stud on the main relay of an electrical power generator, which could reduce the redundancy of electrical power systems, result in increased pilot workload, and contribute to reduced controllability of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 3, 2005. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed AD. • DOT Docket Web Site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Government-wide Rulemaking Web Site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 VerDate jul<14>2003 14:57 Jan 31, 2005 Jkt 205001 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590. • By 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. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S– ¨ 581.88, Linkoping, Sweden. You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at https:// dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL–401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA–2005– 20244; the directorate identifier for this docket is 2004–NM–204–AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2125; 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 under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2005–20244; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–204–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 submitted 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 https:// 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 our docket 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 can review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you can visit https:// dms.dot.gov. Examining the Docket You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://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 DMS receives them. Discussion The Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is the airworthiness authority for Sweden, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes. The LFV advises that, during an inspection flight, when electrical loads from one electrical power generator were transferred to a second generator, the second generator disconnected and the airplane was temporarily powered by battery only. Investigation revealed a broken terminal stud on the main generator relay, probably caused by excessive torque when the relay was installed. This condition, if not corrected, could reduce the redundancy of electrical power systems, result in increased pilot workload, and contribute to reduced controllability of the airplane. Relevant Service Information Saab has issued Service Bulletin 2000–24–017, dated April 3, 2003. The service bulletin describes procedures for performing a one-time inspection to detect a broken terminal stud on a main relay of the electrical power generator, and corrective action if necessary. The procedures include installing the nuts and washers on the relay terminals using a torque wrench to test the strength of the terminals. If any broken terminal is found, the corrective action is replacing the relay with a new relay. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The LFV mandated the service information and issued Swedish airworthiness directive 1–190, dated April 4, 2003, to ensure the continued E:\FR\FM\01FEP1.SGM 01FEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 20 / Tuesday, February 1, 2005 / Proposed Rules airworthiness of these airplanes in Sweden. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD This airplane model is manufactured in Sweden and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of § 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LFV has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. We have examined the LFV’s findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously, except as discussed under ‘‘Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Information.’’ Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Information The Accomplishment Instructions of the referenced service information describe procedures for submitting certain inspection results to the manufacturer. This proposed AD would not require that action. The service bulletin specifies to inspect the terminal studs, but does not specify what method must be used for this inspection. We have determined that the procedures in the service bulletin should be described as a ‘‘general visual inspection.’’ Note 1 has been included in this AD to define this type of inspection. Costs of Compliance This proposed AD would affect about 3 airplanes of U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 5 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $975, or $325 per airplane. 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, VerDate jul<14>2003 14:57 Jan 31, 2005 Jkt 205001 5065 Comments Due Date ‘‘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. (c) This AD applies to Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers –004 through –063 inclusive. Regulatory Findings Unsafe Condition 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. 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): SAAB Aircraft AB: Docket No. FAA–2005– 20244; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM– 204–AD. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on this AD action by March 3, 2005. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability: (d) This AD was prompted by disconnection of an electrical power generator during an inspection flight, which was caused by a broken terminal stud on the main relay. We are issuing this AD to prevent a broken terminal stud on the main relay of an electrical power generator, which could reduce the redundancy of electrical power systems, result in increased pilot workload, and contribute to reduced controllability of the airplane. 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. Inspection and Corrective Actions (f) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time general visual inspection to detect a broken terminal stud on a main relay of the electrical power generator, and perform corrective actions as applicable, by doing all of the actions in the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000–24–017, dated April 3, 2003. Although the service bulletin specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. 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.’’ Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g) 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. Related Information (h) Swedish airworthiness directive 1–190, dated April 4, 2003, also addresses the subject of this AD. E:\FR\FM\01FEP1.SGM 01FEP1 5066 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 20 / Tuesday, February 1, 2005 / Proposed Rules Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 21, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05–1793 Filed 1–31–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2005–20243; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–153–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 747–100, –200, –300, and 747SP series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires certain inspections to find missing or alloy-steel taperlock fasteners (bolts) in the diagonal brace underwing fittings, and corrective actions if necessary. For airplanes with missing or alloy-steel fasteners, the existing AD also mandates replacement of certain fasteners with new fasteners, which constitutes terminating action for certain inspections. This proposed AD would expand the applicability to include additional airplane models and would require a new inspection to determine fastener material and to find missing or broken fasteners, and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by reports indicating that cracked fasteners made of A286 material were found on airplanes that had only fasteners made of A286 material installed in the area common to the diagonal brace underwing fittings. We are proposing this AD to prevent loss of the underwing fitting load path due to missing or damaged alloy-steel or A286 taperlock fasteners, which could result in separation of the engine and strut from the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 18, 2005. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed AD. • DOT Docket Web Site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. VerDate jul<14>2003 14:57 Jan 31, 2005 Jkt 205001 • Government-wide Rulemaking Web Site: Go to https://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. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207. You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at https:// dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL–401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA–2005– 20243; the directorate identifier for this docket is 2004–NM–153–AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Kusz, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056; telephone (425) 917–6432; fax (425) 917–6590. 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 under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2005–20243; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–153–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 https:// 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 our docket 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 can review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you can visit https:// dms.dot.gov. Examining the Docket You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://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 DMS receives them. Discussion On June 19, 2001, we issued AD 2001–13–06, amendment 39–12286 (66 FR 34094, June 27, 2001), for certain Boeing Model 747–100, –200, –300, and 747SP series airplanes. That AD requires certain inspections to find missing or alloy-steel taperlock fasteners (bolts) in the diagonal brace underwing fittings; and corrective actions, if necessary. For airplanes with missing or alloy-steel fasteners, that AD also mandates replacement of certain fasteners with new fasteners, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection. That AD was prompted by a report indicating that broken taperlock fasteners (bolts) were found on the diagonal brace underwing fittings on the outboard strut at the Number 1 and Number 4 engine pylons on a Boeing Model 747–200 series airplane having titanium underwing fittings. We issued that AD to prevent loss of the underwing fitting load path due to missing or damaged alloy-steel taperlock fasteners, which could result in separation of the engine and strut from the airplane. Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued Since we issued AD 2001–13–06, we have received reports indicating that fractured fasteners have been found on Model 747–200B series airplanes that weren’t included in the applicability of the existing AD. The fractured fasteners were made of A286 material, and only fasteners made of that material were installed in the diagonal brace underwing fitting. (After this, this proposed AD refers to fasteners made of A286 material as ‘‘A286 fasteners.’’) Previously, cracked or broken A286 fasteners were found only on airplanes that had a combination of alloy-steel and A286 fasteners. Thus, these previous incidents were attributed to overload of the A286 fasteners due to E:\FR\FM\01FEP1.SGM 01FEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 1, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5064-5066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-1793]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 20 / Tuesday, February 1, 2005 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 5064]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20244; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-204-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes. This proposed AD 
would require a one-time inspection to detect a broken terminal stud on 
a main relay of the electrical power generator, and corrective action 
if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by disconnection of an 
electrical power generator during an inspection flight, which was 
caused by a broken terminal stud on the main relay. We are proposing 
this AD to prevent a broken terminal stud on the main relay of an 
electrical power generator, which could reduce the redundancy of 
electrical power systems, result in increased pilot workload, and 
contribute to reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 3, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web Site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide Rulemaking Web Site: Go to https://
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.
     By 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.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-581.88, 
Link[ouml]ping, Sweden.
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, 
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket 
number is FAA-2005-20244; the directorate identifier for this docket is 
2004-NM-204-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2125; 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 under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-20244; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-204-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 submitted 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 https://
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 our 
docket 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 can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
can visit https://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
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 DMS receives them.

Discussion

    The Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is the airworthiness authority for 
Sweden, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Saab 
Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes. The LFV advises that, during an 
inspection flight, when electrical loads from one electrical power 
generator were transferred to a second generator, the second generator 
disconnected and the airplane was temporarily powered by battery only. 
Investigation revealed a broken terminal stud on the main generator 
relay, probably caused by excessive torque when the relay was 
installed. This condition, if not corrected, could reduce the 
redundancy of electrical power systems, result in increased pilot 
workload, and contribute to reduced controllability of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    Saab has issued Service Bulletin 2000-24-017, dated April 3, 2003. 
The service bulletin describes procedures for performing a one-time 
inspection to detect a broken terminal stud on a main relay of the 
electrical power generator, and corrective action if necessary. The 
procedures include installing the nuts and washers on the relay 
terminals using a torque wrench to test the strength of the terminals. 
If any broken terminal is found, the corrective action is replacing the 
relay with a new relay. Accomplishing the actions specified in the 
service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe 
condition. The LFV mandated the service information and issued Swedish 
airworthiness directive 1-190, dated April 4, 2003, to ensure the 
continued

[[Page 5065]]

airworthiness of these airplanes in Sweden.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This airplane model is manufactured in Sweden and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec.  21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LFV has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. We have examined the LFV's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to 
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require 
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between 
the Proposed AD and Service Information.''

Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Information

    The Accomplishment Instructions of the referenced service 
information describe procedures for submitting certain inspection 
results to the manufacturer. This proposed AD would not require that 
action.
    The service bulletin specifies to inspect the terminal studs, but 
does not specify what method must be used for this inspection. We have 
determined that the procedures in the service bulletin should be 
described as a ``general visual inspection.'' Note 1 has been included 
in this AD to define this type of inspection.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 3 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The proposed actions would take about 5 work hours per airplane, at an 
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $975, or $325 
per airplane.

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. 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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

SAAB Aircraft AB: Docket No. FAA-2005-20244; Directorate Identifier 
2004-NM-204-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this AD action by March 3, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability:

    (c) This AD applies to Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category, serial numbers -004 through -063 
inclusive.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by disconnection of an electrical power 
generator during an inspection flight, which was caused by a broken 
terminal stud on the main relay. We are issuing this AD to prevent a 
broken terminal stud on the main relay of an electrical power 
generator, which could reduce the redundancy of electrical power 
systems, result in increased pilot workload, and contribute to 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

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.

Inspection and Corrective Actions

    (f) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time general visual inspection to detect a broken terminal 
stud on a main relay of the electrical power generator, and perform 
corrective actions as applicable, by doing all of the actions in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-24-017, 
dated April 3, 2003. Although the service bulletin specifies to 
submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
include that requirement.

    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.''

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g) 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.

Related Information

    (h) Swedish airworthiness directive 1-190, dated April 4, 2003, 
also addresses the subject of this AD.


[[Page 5066]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 21, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-1793 Filed 1-31-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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