Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B Airplanes, 7657-7659 [E8-2357]

Download as PDF 7657 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 73, No. 28 Monday, February 11, 2008 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each week. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–0212; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–237–AD; Amendment 39–15368; AD 2008–03–17] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: Discussion mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This 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: Subsequent to accidents involving Fuel Tank System explosions in flight * * * and on ground, the FAA has published Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88 (SFAR88) in June 2001. In their Letters referenced 04/00/02/07/01– L296 dated March 4th, 2002 and 04/00/02/ 07/03–L024, dated February 3rd, 2003, the JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities) recommended the application of a similar regulation to the National Aviation Authorities (NAA). Under this regulation, all holders of type certificates for passenger transport aircraft with either a passenger capacity of 30 or more, or a payload capacity of 7,500 pounds (3402 kg) or more, which have received their certification since January 1st, 1958, are required to conduct a design review against explosion risks. The unsafe condition is the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:57 Feb 08, 2008 Jkt 214001 fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective March 17, 2008. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 17, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC. 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: We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 21, 2007 (72 FR 65480). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Subsequent to accidents involving Fuel Tank System explosions in flight * * * and on ground, the FAA has published Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88 (SFAR88) in June 2001. In their Letters referenced 04/00/02/07/01– L296 dated March 4th, 2002 and 04/00/02/ 07/03–L024, dated February 3rd, 2003, the JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities) recommended the application of a similar regulation to the National Aviation Authorities (NAA). Under this regulation, all holders of type certificates for passenger transport aircraft with either a passenger capacity of 30 or more, or a payload capacity of 7,500 pounds (3402 kg) or more, which have received their certification since January 1st, 1958, are required to conduct a design review against explosion risks. This Airworthiness Directive (AD), which renders mandatory the modification [3163] to separate wiring of Fuel Quantity Indication System [FQIS], is a consequence of the design review. PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 The unsafe condition is the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. Modification 3163 includes rerouting of existing wiring to the FQIS, installing new wires with shields to the FQIS, and operational and functional tests of the FQIS. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. 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 required different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a Note within the AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect about 218 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 50 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $1,500 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 E:\FR\FM\11FER1.SGM 11FER1 7658 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 28 / Monday, February 11, 2008 / Rules and Regulations this AD to the U.S. operators to be $1,199,000, or $5,500 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. Regulatory Findings We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD: 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// 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 the NPRM, 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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:57 Feb 08, 2008 Jkt 214001 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. consequent loss of the airplane. Modification 3163 includes re-routing of existing wiring to the FQIS, installing new wires with shields to the FQIS, and operational and functional test of the FQIS. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Actions and Compliance (f) Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, unless already done, do modification 3163 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340–28–025, dated February 26, 2007. FAA AD Differences I 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: I 2008–03–17 SaaB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39–15368. Docket No. FAA–2007–0212; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–237–AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 17, 2008. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: Subsequent to accidents involving Fuel Tank System explosions in flight * * * and on ground, the FAA has published Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88 (SFAR88) in June 2001. In their Letters referenced 04/00/02/07/01– L296 dated March 4th, 2002 and 04/00/02/ 07/03–L024, dated February 3rd, 2003, the JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities) recommended the application of a similar regulation to the National Aviation Authorities (NAA). Under this regulation, all holders of type certificates for passenger transport aircraft with either a passenger capacity of 30 or more, or a payload capacity of 7,500 pounds (3402 kg) or more, which have received their certification since January 1st, 1958, are required to conduct a design review against explosion risks. This Airworthiness Directive (AD), which renders mandatory the modification [3163] to separate wiring of Fuel Quantity Indication System [FQIS], is a consequence of the design review. The unsafe condition is the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) 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. Send information 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. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (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. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007–0169, dated June 15, 2007; and Saab Service Bulletin 340–28–025, dated February 26, 2007; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Saab Service Bulletin 340–28–025, dated February 26, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S–581.88, ¨ Linkoaping, Sweden. E:\FR\FM\11FER1.SGM 11FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 28 / Monday, February 11, 2008 / Rules and Regulations (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 30, 2008. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–2357 Filed 2–8–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–0298; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–238–AD; Amendment 39–15369; AD 2008–03–18] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and Model SAAB 340B Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This 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: mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES Subsequent to accidents involving Fuel Tank System explosions in flight * * * and on ground, the FAA has published Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88 (SFAR88) * * * [which] required * * * [conducting] a design review against explosion risks. The unsafe condition is the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective March 17, 2008. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 17, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:57 Feb 08, 2008 Jkt 214001 7659 www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC. 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: the doubler flange thickness does not meet minimum specifications. Additional corrective actions include replacing conductive foil on the access door with an aluminum panel. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 10, 2007 (72 FR 69635). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Conclusion We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. Subsequent to accidents involving Fuel Tank System explosions in flight * * * and on ground, the FAA has published Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88 (SFAR88) in June 2001. In their Letters referenced 04/00/02/07/01– L296 dated March 4, 2002 and 04/00/02/07/ 03–L024, dated February 3, 2003, the JAA recommended the application of a similar regulation to the National Aviation Authorities (NAA). Under this regulation, all holders of type certificates for passenger transport aircraft with either a passenger capacity of 30 or more, or a payload capacity of 7,500 pounds (3402 kg) or more, which have received their certification since January 1, 1958, are required to conduct a design review against explosion risks. This Airworthiness Directive (AD), which renders mandatory the modification [2762] of improving the sealing of Fuel Access Doors, is a consequence of the design review. The unsafe condition is the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. Modification 2762 includes removing the fuel tank access doors and the old type of clamp rings and gaskets, installing new, improved clamp rings and re-installing the fuel tank access doors, and doing related investigative and applicable corrective actions. Related investigative and applicable corrective actions include inspecting for corrosion of the wing skin panel, access door areas, and access doors; removing any corrosion found during the inspection; and replacing the access door protection plate with a new protection plate. Corrosion removal also includes inspecting the doubler flange and contacting Saab and doing repairs if PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. 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 required different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a Note within the AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect about 168 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 20 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $417 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 this AD to the U.S. operators to be about $338,856, or about $2,017 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. E:\FR\FM\11FER1.SGM 11FER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 28 (Monday, February 11, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7657-7659]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-2357]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each 
week.

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


Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 28 / Monday, February 11, 2008 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 7657]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0212; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-237-AD; 
Amendment 39-15368; AD 2008-03-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This 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:

    Subsequent to accidents involving Fuel Tank System explosions in 
flight * * * and on ground, the FAA has published Special Federal 
Aviation Regulation 88 (SFAR88) in June 2001.
    In their Letters referenced 04/00/02/07/01-L296 dated March 4th, 
2002 and 04/00/02/07/03-L024, dated February 3rd, 2003, the JAA 
(Joint Aviation Authorities) recommended the application of a 
similar regulation to the National Aviation Authorities (NAA).
    Under this regulation, all holders of type certificates for 
passenger transport aircraft with either a passenger capacity of 30 
or more, or a payload capacity of 7,500 pounds (3402 kg) or more, 
which have received their certification since January 1st, 1958, are 
required to conduct a design review against explosion risks.

The unsafe condition is the potential of ignition sources inside fuel 
tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result 
in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. We are 
issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 17, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 17, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

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: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 21, 2007 
(72 FR 65480). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products. The MCAI states:

    Subsequent to accidents involving Fuel Tank System explosions in 
flight * * * and on ground, the FAA has published Special Federal 
Aviation Regulation 88 (SFAR88) in June 2001.
    In their Letters referenced 04/00/02/07/01-L296 dated March 4th, 
2002 and 04/00/02/07/03-L024, dated February 3rd, 2003, the JAA 
(Joint Aviation Authorities) recommended the application of a 
similar regulation to the National Aviation Authorities (NAA).
    Under this regulation, all holders of type certificates for 
passenger transport aircraft with either a passenger capacity of 30 
or more, or a payload capacity of 7,500 pounds (3402 kg) or more, 
which have received their certification since January 1st, 1958, are 
required to conduct a design review against explosion risks.
    This Airworthiness Directive (AD), which renders mandatory the 
modification [3163] to separate wiring of Fuel Quantity Indication 
System [FQIS], is a consequence of the design review.

The unsafe condition is the potential of ignition sources inside fuel 
tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result 
in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. 
Modification 3163 includes re-routing of existing wiring to the FQIS, 
installing new wires with shields to the FQIS, and operational and 
functional tests of the FQIS. You may obtain further information by 
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

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 required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a Note within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 218 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 50 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $1,500 
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

[[Page 7658]]

this AD to the U.S. operators to be $1,199,000, or $5,500 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.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
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 the NPRM, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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 adding the following new AD:

2008-03-17 SaaB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-15368. Docket No. FAA-
2007-0212; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-237-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 
17, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B 
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Subsequent to accidents involving Fuel Tank System explosions in 
flight * * * and on ground, the FAA has published Special Federal 
Aviation Regulation 88 (SFAR88) in June 2001.
    In their Letters referenced 04/00/02/07/01-L296 dated March 4th, 
2002 and 04/00/02/07/03-L024, dated February 3rd, 2003, the JAA 
(Joint Aviation Authorities) recommended the application of a 
similar regulation to the National Aviation Authorities (NAA).
    Under this regulation, all holders of type certificates for 
passenger transport aircraft with either a passenger capacity of 30 
or more, or a payload capacity of 7,500 pounds (3402 kg) or more, 
which have received their certification since January 1st, 1958, are 
required to conduct a design review against explosion risks.
    This Airworthiness Directive (AD), which renders mandatory the 
modification [3163] to separate wiring of Fuel Quantity Indication 
System [FQIS], is a consequence of the design review.

The unsafe condition is the potential of ignition sources inside 
fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could 
result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. 
Modification 3163 includes re-routing of existing wiring to the 
FQIS, installing new wires with shields to the FQIS, and operational 
and functional test of the FQIS.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, unless 
already done, do modification 3163 in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-28-025, 
dated February 26, 2007.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) 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. Send information 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. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which 
the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) 
in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, 
your local FSDO.
    (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.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0169, dated 
June 15, 2007; and Saab Service Bulletin 340-28-025, dated February 
26, 2007; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Saab Service Bulletin 340-28-025, dated 
February 26, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the 
AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Saab 
Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-581.88, 
Linko[auml]ping, Sweden.

[[Page 7659]]

    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information 
on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, 
or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 30, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-2357 Filed 2-8-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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