Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Airplanes, 60073-60075 [2012-24173]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 2, 2012 / Proposed Rules
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Examining the AD Docket
Federal Aviation Administration
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,
WA 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–
1112; fax 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–1032; Directorate
Identifier 2012–NM–079–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB,
Saab Aerosystems Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all Saab
AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB
2000 airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of chafing on the
bottom panel of the center cabin. This
proposed AD would require doing a
general visual inspection to determine if
certain fasteners are installed, and
related investigative and corrective
actions. We are proposing this AD to
detect and correct any chafing on the
bottom panel of the center cabin, which
could affect the structural integrity of
the affected wing-to-fuselage
connection.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by November 16,
2012.
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–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Saab AB,
Saab Aeronautics, SE–581 88,
¨
Linkoping, Sweden; telephone +46 13
18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email
saab2000.techsupport@saabgroup.com;
Internet https://www.saabgroup.com.
You may review copies of the
referenced service information at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425–227–
1221.
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
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Jkt 229001
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–2012–1032; Directorate Identifier
2012–NM–079–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 2012–0068,
dated April 25, 2012 (referred to after
this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products.
The MCAI states:
On two SAAB 2000 aeroplanes, signs of
chafing have been found on the bottom panel
of the centre cabin between fuselage station
(STA) 562 and STA 622. The investigation
results have shown that the chafing is caused
by certain Hi Lok fasteners, installed as a
repair during production, through the upper
wing skin panel.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could affect the structural integrity
of the affected wing-to-fuselage connection.
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
60073
To address this potential unsafe condition,
SAAB issued Service Bulletin (SB) 2000–53–
057 to provide instructions for a general
visual inspection to detect chafing in the area
between the upper wing skin and the cabin
centre bottom panel and to verify if there are
Hi Lok fasteners installed with the collar up.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires a one-time inspection of
the designated area, the accomplishment of
corrective action(s) [repair], depending on
findings, and the reporting of all inspection
results * * *.
This [EASA] AD is considered an interim
action and further AD action may follow.
Related investigative actions include
measuring the distance between the
fastener and bottom panel and a
boroscope inspection for chafing and
damage of the bottom panel. You may
obtain further information by examining
the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems has
issued Service Bulletin 2000–53–057,
dated November 22, 2011. 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
Saab Service Bulletin 2000–53–057,
dated November 22, 2011, specifies to
contact the manufacturer for repair
instructions, but this proposed AD
would require doing the repair using a
method that we approve.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we
estimate that this proposed AD would
affect about 10 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 $85 per work-hour. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be
$3,400, or $340 per product.
E:\FR\FM\02OCP1.SGM
02OCP1
60074
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 2, 2012 / Proposed Rules
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide a cost
estimate for the on-condition actions
specified in this proposed AD.
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.
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:57 Oct 01, 2012
Jkt 229001
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 AB, Saab Aerosystems: Docket No.
FAA–2012–1032; Directorate Identifier
2012–NM–079–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November
16, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab
Aerosystems Model SAAB 2000 airplanes,
certificated in any category, all serial
numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
chafing on the bottom panel of the center
cabin. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct any chafing on the bottom panel of
the center cabin, which could affect the
structural integrity of the affected wing-tofuselage connection.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions
required by this AD performed within the
compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
(g) Inspection
Within 12 months after the effective date
of this AD, do a general visual inspection of
the area between the upper part of the wing
skin and the center bottom panel to
determine if any Hi Lok fasteners are
installed with the collar up, and do all
applicable related investigative actions, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000–
53–057, dated November 22, 2011.
(h) Repair
If any chafing or damage is found during
any inspection required by paragraph (g) of
this AD: Before further flight, repair in
accordance with a method approved by the
Manager, International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or
its delegated agent).
(i) Reporting
Submit a report of the findings (both
positive and negative) of the inspection
required by paragraph (g) of this AD to Saab
AB, Saab Aerosystems, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab
Service Bulletin 2000–53–057, dated
November 22, 2011, at the applicable time
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Frm 00018
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this
AD. The report must include the inspection
results, the airplane serial number, and the
number of landings and flight hours on the
airplane.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after
the effective date of this AD: Submit the
report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the
effective date of this AD: Submit the report
within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
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.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:
Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone 425–227–1112; fax 425–227–1149.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using
any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding
district office. The AMOC approval letter
must specifically reference this AD.
(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: A federal
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a
person is not required to respond to, nor
shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of
information subject to the requirements of
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection of information displays a current
valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information
collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to
be approximately 5 minutes per response,
including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection
of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and
suggestions for reducing the burden should
be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence
Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
Information Collection Clearance Officer,
AES–200.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2012–0068, dated April 25, 2012;
E:\FR\FM\02OCP1.SGM
02OCP1
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 2, 2012 / Proposed Rules
and Saab Service Bulletin 2000–53–057,
dated November 22, 2011; for related
information.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics,
¨
SE–581 88, Linkoping, Sweden; telephone
+46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email
saab2000.techsupport@saabgroup.com;
Internet https://www.saabgroup.com. You
may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
September 21, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–24173 Filed 10–1–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–1033; Directorate
Identifier 2010–NM–266–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to supersede an
existing airworthiness directive (AD)
that applies to all Airbus Model A330–
200 and –300 series airplanes, and
Model A340–200 and –300 series
airplanes. The existing AD currently
requires repetitive inspections to detect
discrepancies of the transfer tubes and
the collar of the ball nut of the
trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator
(THSA), and corrective action if
necessary; repetitive inspections for
discrepancies of the ball screw
assembly, and corrective action if
necessary; repetitive greasing of the
THSA ball nut, and replacement of the
THSA if necessary; and modification or
replacement (as applicable) of the ball
nut assembly, which would end certain
repetitive inspections. Since we issued
that AD, we have determined the
repetitive inspections of the ball screw
assembly (and corrective action if
necessary) and repetitive greasing is
needed for additional THSA nuts. This
proposed AD would remove certain
inspections, revise certain actions, and
add airplanes to the applicability. We
are proposing this AD to prevent
degraded operation of the THSA, which
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:57 Oct 01, 2012
Jkt 229001
could result in reduced controllability
of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by November 16,
2012.
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–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For Airbus service information
identified in this proposed AD, contact
Airbus SAS—Airworthiness Office—
EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone
+33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45
80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@
airbus.com; Internet: https://www.airbus.
com. For TRW Aeronautical Systems,
SAMM Avionique, and Lucas Aerospace
service information identified in this
proposed AD, contact Goodrich
Corporation, Actuation Systems,
Stafford Road, Fordhouses,
Wolverhampton WV10 7EH, England;
telephone +44 (0) 1902 624938; fax +44
(0) 1902 788100; email techpubs.wolver
hampton@goodrich.com; Internet https://
www.goodrich.com/TechPubs.Y. You
may review copies of the referenced
service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at 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:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
60075
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1138;
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–2012–1033; Directorate Identifier
2010–NM–266–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
On March 17, 2005, we issued AD
2005–07–04, Amendment 39–14028 (70
FR 16104, March 30, 2005). That AD
required actions intended to address an
unsafe condition on the products listed
above. Since we issued AD 2005–07–04,
the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2010–0192
(corrected), dated October 11, 2010; and
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010–
0193 (corrected), dated October 11,
2010; (referred to after this as ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for the specified products. The MCAI
states:
Several cases of transfer tube
disconnection from the ball-nut of the
trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator
(THSA) part number (P/N) 47172 and 47147–
400 were detected on the ground during
greasing and maintenance.
This condition is caused by water ingress
into the ball-nut resulting in the jamming of
the ball transfer circuit when the water
freezes.
If the three (independent) ball circuits fail,
then the THSA will operate on a fail-safe nut.
This nut (which operates without balls)
would then jam after several movements on
the screw of the THSA.
This degraded operation is not detectable
in the cockpit by the crew as long as the
THSA does not jam and could damage the
ball screw and the fail-safe nut.
´
To detect this unsafe condition, [Direccion
´
General de Aviacion Civil] DGAC France AD
F–2001–356 [and F–2001–357] was issued to
require repetitive inspections of the transfer
tubes and their collars in order to detect at
E:\FR\FM\02OCP1.SGM
02OCP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 191 (Tuesday, October 2, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60073-60075]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-24173]
[[Page 60073]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1032; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-079-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. This proposed AD
was prompted by reports of chafing on the bottom panel of the center
cabin. This proposed AD would require doing a general visual inspection
to determine if certain fasteners are installed, and related
investigative and corrective actions. We are proposing this AD to
detect and correct any chafing on the bottom panel of the center cabin,
which could affect the structural integrity of the affected wing-to-
fuselage connection.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 16,
2012.
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-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone
+46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email
saab2000.techsupport@saabgroup.com; Internet https://www.saabgroup.com.
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-
227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at 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, WA 98057-3356;
telephone 425-227-1112; fax 425-227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-1032;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-079-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 2012-0068, dated April 25, 2012 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
On two SAAB 2000 aeroplanes, signs of chafing have been found on
the bottom panel of the centre cabin between fuselage station (STA)
562 and STA 622. The investigation results have shown that the
chafing is caused by certain Hi Lok fasteners, installed as a repair
during production, through the upper wing skin panel.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect the
structural integrity of the affected wing-to-fuselage connection.
To address this potential unsafe condition, SAAB issued Service
Bulletin (SB) 2000-53-057 to provide instructions for a general
visual inspection to detect chafing in the area between the upper
wing skin and the cabin centre bottom panel and to verify if there
are Hi Lok fasteners installed with the collar up.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection of the designated area, the accomplishment of
corrective action(s) [repair], depending on findings, and the
reporting of all inspection results * * *.
This [EASA] AD is considered an interim action and further AD
action may follow.
Related investigative actions include measuring the distance between
the fastener and bottom panel and a boroscope inspection for chafing
and damage of the bottom panel. You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems has issued Service Bulletin 2000-53-057,
dated November 22, 2011. 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
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-53-057, dated November 22, 2011,
specifies to contact the manufacturer for repair instructions, but this
proposed AD would require doing the repair using a method that we
approve.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 10 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 $85 per
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $3,400, or $340 per product.
[[Page 60074]]
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
a cost estimate for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed
AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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 AB, Saab Aerosystems: Docket No. FAA-2012-1032; Directorate
Identifier 2012-NM-079-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November 16, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB 2000
airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of chafing on the bottom panel
of the center cabin. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
any chafing on the bottom panel of the center cabin, which could
affect the structural integrity of the affected wing-to-fuselage
connection.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Inspection
Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
general visual inspection of the area between the upper part of the
wing skin and the center bottom panel to determine if any Hi Lok
fasteners are installed with the collar up, and do all applicable
related investigative actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-53-057, dated November
22, 2011.
(h) Repair
If any chafing or damage is found during any inspection required
by paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, repair in
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent).
(i) Reporting
Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of
the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD to Saab AB, Saab
Aerosystems, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-53-057, dated November 22, 2011, at the
applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
The report must include the inspection results, the airplane serial
number, and the number of landings and flight hours on the airplane.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
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. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Shahram
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1112; fax 425-227-1149. Information
may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(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: A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012-0068, dated
April 25, 2012;
[[Page 60075]]
and Saab Service Bulletin 2000-53-057, dated November 22, 2011; for
related information.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Saab
AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone
+46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email
saab2000.techsupport@saabgroup.com; Internet https://www.saabgroup.com. You may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 21, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-24173 Filed 10-1-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P