Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B Airplanes, 56765-56767 [E8-22915]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 190 / Tuesday, September 30, 2008 / Proposed Rules
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
328′
Support Services GmbH (Formerly,
AvCraft Aerospace GmbH, formerly
Fairchild Dornier GmbH, formerly
Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH): Docket No.
FAA–2008–1043; Directorate Identifier
2008–NM–036–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by October
30, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to 328 Support
Services GmbH Dornier Model 328–100
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in
any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 32: Landing gear.
FAA AD Differences
ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with PROPOSALS
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
During overhaul on a Dornier 328–100
landing gear unit, parts of the MLG (main
landing gear) main body and trailing arm
bushings have been found corroded.
Investigation showed that over time, these
bushings can migrate, creating the risk of
corrosion in adjacent areas. Such corrosion,
if not detected, could cause damage to the
MLG, possibly resulting in MLG functional
problems or failure.
Based on these findings, the existing
mandatory retrofit limitation (as required by
Airworthiness Limitations Document under
Section E ‘‘Mandatory Retrofit Items’’ since
16 September 1998) for the MLG bushings at
15,000 FC (flight cycles) has been amended
with ‘‘* * * or 6 calendar years time-inservice (TIS), whichever occurs first’’.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] Airworthiness Directive requires the
implementation of the revised mandatory
retrofit limitation and modification of MLG
bushings that have exceeded the new limit.
Functional problems or failure of the MLG
could result in the inability of the MLG to
extend or retract.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following
actions.
(1) Modify the MLG main body and trailing
arm bushings at the applicable time specified
in paragraph (f)(1)(i) or (f)(1)(ii) of this AD,
or within 12 months after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs later. Do the
modification in accordance with the
instructions of Dornier Service Bulletin SB–
328–32–245, Revision 2, dated November 21,
2007; and Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin
800–32–014, Revision 1, dated July 19, 1999.
(i) For airplanes on which the bushings
have not been replaced as of the effective
date of this AD: Before the MLG accumulates
15,000 flight cycles or 6 years, whichever
occurs first.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:14 Sep 29, 2008
Jkt 214001
(ii) For airplanes on which the bushings
have been replaced as of the effective date of
this AD: Before the MLG exceeds 15,000
flight cycles or 6 years after replacement of
the bushings, whichever occurs first.
(2) Within 1 month after the effective date
of this AD: Revise the Airworthiness
Limitations (AWL) section of the Instructions
for Continued Airworthiness by
incorporating the information in Dornier 328
Temporary Revision (TR) ALD–084, dated
November 7, 2005, into Section E,
‘‘Mandatory Retrofit Items’’ of the Dornier
328 Airworthiness Limitations Document
(ALD).
Note 1: The actions required by paragraph
(f)(2) of this AD may be done by inserting a
copy of Dornier 328 TR ALD–084 into
Section E of the Dornier 328 ALD.
(3) After doing the replacement required by
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, no person may
install, on any airplane, a MLG unit as a
replacement part, unless it has been modified
in accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of this
AD.
Note 2: 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, 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: Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch,
ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425)
227–2125; 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 FAAapproved 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 European Aviation
Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2008–
0009, dated January 11, 2008; Messier-Dowty
Service Bulletin 800–32–014, Revision 1,
dated July 19, 1999; Dornier Service Bulletin
SB–328–32–245, Revision 2, dated November
21, 2007; and Dornier 328 TR ALD–084,
dated November 7, 2005, to the Dornier 328
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
56765
Airworthiness Limitations Document; for
related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
September 20, 2008.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–22907 Filed 9–29–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–1044; Directorate
Identifier 2008–NM–095–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model
SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/
SF340A) and SAAB 340B Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed
AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
Several landing gear emergency extension
valves have been found seized * * *. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in
malfunctioning of the landing gear release
during an operational emergency.
This malfunction could cause failure of
the landing gear to extend and lock in
the extended position, which could
result in a gear up landing and reduced
controllability of the airplane on the
ground. The proposed AD would
require actions that are intended to
address the unsafe condition described
in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by October 30, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://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–
E:\FR\FM\30SEP1.SGM
30SEP1
56766
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 190 / Tuesday, September 30, 2008 / Proposed Rules
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–40, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
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 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,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 227–1112; fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with PROPOSALS
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–2008–1044; Directorate Identifier
2008–NM–095–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 https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2008–0054,
dated March 5, 2008 (referred to after
this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products.
The MCAI states:
Several landing gear emergency extension
valves have been found seized when
performing checks according to the SAAB
340 Maintenance Review Board (MRB)
Report, Section F (Airworthiness Limitation
Section) task number 323106. The valves
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:14 Sep 29, 2008
Jkt 214001
have seized due to lack of internal
lubrication. This condition, if not corrected,
could result in malfunctioning of the landing
gear release during an operational
emergency.
Because the valve lubrication performance
is dependant on calendar time since last
valve operation, SAAB has revised the check
to cycle the emergency release handle 5 times
and amended the interval in MRB section F
from 5,000 FH [flight hours] to every 2 years.
For the reasons described above, this
Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires a
functional check [for discrepancies, (e.g.,
landing gear does not extend, does not lock
in down position)] of the landing gear
emergency extension valve at the newly
established intervals.
Malfunction of the landing gear release
could cause failure of the landing gear
to extend and lock in the extended
position, which could result in a gear up
landing and reduced controllability of
the airplane on the ground. The
corrective action for any discrepancy
that is found is repair using a method
approved by either the FAA or the
EASA (or its delegated agent). You may
obtain further information by examining
the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
SAAB has issued Service Bulletin
340–32–136, dated January 9, 2008. The
actions described in this service
information are intended to correct the
unsafe condition identified in the
MCAI.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, we have been notified
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are proposing this
AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined an unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and
related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But
we might have found it necessary to use
different words from those in the MCAI
to ensure the AD is clear for U.S.
operators and is enforceable. In making
these changes, we do not intend to differ
substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related
service information.
We might also have proposed
different actions in this AD from those
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA
policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the
proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we
estimate that this proposed AD would
affect about 218 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would
take about 4 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of
this proposed AD. The average labor
rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be
$69,760, or $320 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 proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
E:\FR\FM\30SEP1.SGM
30SEP1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 190 / Tuesday, September 30, 2008 / Proposed Rules
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket.
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 AD:
Saab Aircraft AB: Docket No. FAA–2008–
1044; Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–
095–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by October
30, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Saab Model SAABFairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) and
SAAB 340B airplanes, all serial numbers,
certificated in any category.
ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with PROPOSALS
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 32: Landing Gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
Several landing gear emergency extension
valves have been found seized when
performing checks according to the SAAB
340 Maintenance Review Board (MRB)
Report, Section F (Airworthiness Limitation
Section) task number 323106. The valves
have seized due to lack of internal
lubrication. This condition, if not corrected,
could result in malfunctioning of the landing
gear release during an operational
emergency.
Because the valve lubrication performance
is dependant on calendar time since last
valve operation, SAAB has revised the check
to cycle the emergency release handle 5 times
and amended the interval in MRB section F
from 5,000 FH [flight hours] to every 2 years.
For the reasons described above, this
Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires a
functional check [for discrepancies, (e.g.,
landing gear does not extend, does not lock
in down position)] of the landing gear
emergency extension valve at the newly
established intervals.
Malfunction of the landing gear release
could cause failure of the landing gear to
extend and lock in the extended position,
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:14 Sep 29, 2008
Jkt 214001
which could result in a gear up landing and
reduced controllability of the airplane on the
ground. The corrective action for any
discrepancy that is found is repair using a
method approved by either the FAA or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or
its delegated agent).
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following
actions.
(1) Within 6 months after the effective date
of this AD, do a functional check of the
landing gear emergency extension valve in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340–32–
136, dated January 9, 2008. Repeat the
functional check thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 24 months.
(2) If any discrepancy is found during any
functional check required by paragraph (f)(1)
of this AD, before further flight, repair using
a method approved by either the Manager,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its
delegated agent).
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/
or service information as follows: Although
the MCAI includes a note that allows the
option of the repetitive inspections to be
accomplished in accordance with SAAB 340
MRB Report, Section F, Revision 6, task
number 323106, this AD does not include
that option. That document is not yet
available.
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, 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: Shahrahm
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 FAAapproved 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.
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
56767
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2008–0054 dated March 5, 2008,
and SAAB Service Bulletin 340–32–136,
dated January 9, 2008, for related
information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
September 20, 2008.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–22915 Filed 9–29–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
31 CFR Part 50
RIN 1505—AB92
Terrorism Risk Insurance Program;
Cap on Annual Liability
Departmental Offices, Treasury.
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The Department of the
Treasury (‘‘Treasury’’) is issuing this
proposed rule as part of its
implementation of Title I of the
Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002
(‘‘TRIA’’ or ‘‘the Act’’), as amended by
the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program
Reauthorization Act of 2007
(‘‘Reauthorization Act’’). The Act
established a temporary Terrorism Risk
Insurance Program (‘‘TRIP’’ or
‘‘Program’’) under which the Federal
Government would share with
commercial property and casualty
insurers the risk of insured losses from
certified acts of terrorism. The
Reauthorization Act has now extended
the Program until December 31, 2014.
This proposed rule is the latest in a
series of regulations Treasury has issued
to implement the Act. The proposed
rule incorporates and implements
statutory requirements in section 103(e)
of the Act, as amended by the
Reauthorization Act, for capping the
annual liability for insured losses at
$100 billion. In particular, the proposed
rule describes how Treasury intends to
determine the pro rata share of insured
losses under the Program when insured
losses would otherwise exceed the cap
on annual liability. The rule builds
upon previous rules issued by Treasury.
DATES: Written comments must be
submitted on or before October 30,
2008.
Submit comments
electronically through the Federal
eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov, or by mail (if hard
copy, preferably an original and two
copies) to: Terrorism Risk Insurance
ADDRESSES:
E:\FR\FM\30SEP1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 190 (Tuesday, September 30, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56765-56767]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-22915]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1044; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-095-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/
SF340A) and SAAB 340B Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
Several landing gear emergency extension valves have been found
seized * * *. This condition, if not corrected, could result in
malfunctioning of the landing gear release during an operational
emergency.
This malfunction could cause failure of the landing gear to extend and
lock in the extended position, which could result in a gear up landing
and reduced controllability of the airplane on the ground. The proposed
AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 30,
2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
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-
[[Page 56766]]
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New Jersey Avenue,
SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
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 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, Washington 98057-3356;
telephone (425) 227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-1044;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-095-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 https://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2008-0054, dated March 5, 2008 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Several landing gear emergency extension valves have been found
seized when performing checks according to the SAAB 340 Maintenance
Review Board (MRB) Report, Section F (Airworthiness Limitation
Section) task number 323106. The valves have seized due to lack of
internal lubrication. This condition, if not corrected, could result
in malfunctioning of the landing gear release during an operational
emergency.
Because the valve lubrication performance is dependant on
calendar time since last valve operation, SAAB has revised the check
to cycle the emergency release handle 5 times and amended the
interval in MRB section F from 5,000 FH [flight hours] to every 2
years.
For the reasons described above, this Airworthiness Directive
(AD) requires a functional check [for discrepancies, (e.g., landing
gear does not extend, does not lock in down position)] of the
landing gear emergency extension valve at the newly established
intervals.
Malfunction of the landing gear release could cause failure of the
landing gear to extend and lock in the extended position, which could
result in a gear up landing and reduced controllability of the airplane
on the ground. The corrective action for any discrepancy that is found
is repair using a method approved by either the FAA or the EASA (or its
delegated agent). You may obtain further information by examining the
MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
SAAB has issued Service Bulletin 340-32-136, dated January 9, 2008.
The actions described in this service information are intended to
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 218 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $69,760, or $320 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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with
[[Page 56767]]
this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
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 AD:
Saab Aircraft AB: Docket No. FAA-2008-1044; Directorate Identifier
2008-NM-095-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by October 30, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/
SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in
any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
Gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Several landing gear emergency extension valves have been found
seized when performing checks according to the SAAB 340 Maintenance
Review Board (MRB) Report, Section F (Airworthiness Limitation
Section) task number 323106. The valves have seized due to lack of
internal lubrication. This condition, if not corrected, could result
in malfunctioning of the landing gear release during an operational
emergency.
Because the valve lubrication performance is dependant on
calendar time since last valve operation, SAAB has revised the check
to cycle the emergency release handle 5 times and amended the
interval in MRB section F from 5,000 FH [flight hours] to every 2
years.
For the reasons described above, this Airworthiness Directive
(AD) requires a functional check [for discrepancies, (e.g., landing
gear does not extend, does not lock in down position)] of the
landing gear emergency extension valve at the newly established
intervals.
Malfunction of the landing gear release could cause failure of
the landing gear to extend and lock in the extended position, which
could result in a gear up landing and reduced controllability of the
airplane on the ground. The corrective action for any discrepancy
that is found is repair using a method approved by either the FAA or
the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent).
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
functional check of the landing gear emergency extension valve in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service
Bulletin 340-32-136, dated January 9, 2008. Repeat the functional
check thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24 months.
(2) If any discrepancy is found during any functional check
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight,
repair using a method approved by either the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent).
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: Although the MCAI includes a note that allows the option
of the repetitive inspections to be accomplished in accordance with
SAAB 340 MRB Report, Section F, Revision 6, task number 323106, this
AD does not include that option. That document is not yet available.
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, 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: Shahrahm 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 2008-0054 dated
March 5, 2008, and SAAB Service Bulletin 340-32-136, dated January
9, 2008, for related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 20, 2008.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-22915 Filed 9-29-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
