Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes, 28271-28274 [2017-12794]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 21, 2017 / Proposed Rules
inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the ACO, send it
to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing
Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO,
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury,
NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7300; fax
516–794–5531. Before using any approved
AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the local flight standards
district office/certificate holding district
office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, New York ACO, ANE–170,
FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design
Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by
the DAO, the approval must include the
DAO-authorized signature.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian
Airworthiness Directive CF–2016–18, dated
June 20, 2016, for related information. This
MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–
2017–0621.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch,
ANE–171, FAA, New York ACO, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone 516–228–7329; fax 516–
794–5531.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series
Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard,
Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada;
telephone 416–375–4000; fax 416–375–4539;
email thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com;
Internet https://www.bombardier.com. You
may view this 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 June 12,
2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS
[FR Doc. 2017–12803 Filed 6–20–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0563; Directorate
Identifier 2017–NM–021–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB,
Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as
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 Aeronautics Model 340A
(SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by the determination that new
inspection tasks for the drag brace
support fitting of the main landing gear
(MLG) and corrosion prevention and
control program (CPCP) related tasks are
necessary. This proposed AD would
require revising the maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate airworthiness limitations,
including new inspection tasks for the
drag brace support fitting of the MLG
and to implement CPCP related tasks.
We are proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by August 7, 2017.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
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: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Saab AB, Saab
¨
Aeronautics, SE–581 88, Linkoping,
Sweden; telephone +46 13 18 5591; fax
+46 13 18 4874; email
saab340techsupport@saabgroup.com;
Internet https://www.saabgroup.com.
You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, WA. For information on
SUMMARY:
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28271
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 by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0563; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Operations
office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, International 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–2017–0563; Directorate Identifier
2017–NM–021–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
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2017–0033, dated February 17,
2017 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for all Saab AB,
Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/
SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. The
MCAI states:
The airworthiness limitations and/or
certification maintenance instructions for
SAAB SF340A and 340B, which are
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 21, 2017 / Proposed Rules
approved by EASA, are currently defined and
published in the SAAB SF340A and 340B
Airworthiness Limitation Manual (ALM).
These instructions have been identified as
mandatory for continued airworthiness.
Failure to accomplish these instructions
could result in an unsafe condition [reduced
structural integrity of the airplane].
Recently, Saab AB, Aeronautics issued
SAAB SF340A and 340B ALM Revision 1,
mainly to add new inspection tasks for the
Main Landing Gear drag brace support fitting,
and to implement Corrosion Prevention and
Control Program related tasks.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0563.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed SAAB 340
Airworthiness Limitation Manual,
Revision 1, dated December 1, 2016.
The service information describes
airworthiness limitations, including
inspection tasks for the drag brace
support fitting of the MLG and CPCP
related tasks. This service information is
reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business
or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS
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 Proposed AD
and the MCAI or Service Information
The MCAI specifies that if there are
findings from the airworthiness
limitations section (ALS) inspection
tasks, corrective actions must be
accomplished in accordance with SAAB
maintenance documentation. However,
this proposed AD does not include that
requirement. Operators of U.S.-
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registered airplanes are required by
general airworthiness and operational
regulations to perform maintenance
using methods that are acceptable to the
FAA. We consider those methods to be
adequate to address any corrective
actions necessitated by the findings of
ALS inspections required by this
proposed AD.
This proposed AD would require
revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new
actions (e.g., inspections) and Critical
Design Configuration Control
Limitations (CDCCLs). Compliance with
these actions and CDCCLs is required by
14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that
have been previously modified, altered,
or repaired in the areas addressed by
this proposed AD, the operator may not
be able to accomplish the actions
described in the revisions. In this
situation, to comply with 14 CFR
91.403(c), the operator must request
approval for an alternative method of
compliance according to paragraph (i)(1)
of this proposed AD. The request should
include a description of changes to the
required actions that will ensure the
continued damage tolerance of the
affected structure.
Airworthiness Limitations Based on
Type Design
The FAA recently became aware of an
issue related to the applicability of ADs
that require incorporation of an ALS
revision into an operator’s maintenance
or inspection program.
Typically, when these types of ADs
are issued by civil aviation authorities
of other countries, they apply to all
airplanes covered under an identified
type certificate (TC). The corresponding
FAA AD typically retains applicability
to all of those airplanes.
In addition, U.S. operators must
operate their airplanes in an airworthy
condition, in accordance with 14 CFR
91.7(a). Included in this obligation is the
requirement to perform any
maintenance or inspections specified in
the ALS, and in accordance with the
ALS as specified in 14 CFR 43.16 and
91.403(c), unless an alternative has been
approved by the FAA.
When a type certificate is issued for
a type design, the specific ALS,
including revisions, is a part of that type
design, as specified in 14 CFR 21.31(c).
The sum effect of these operational
and maintenance requirements is an
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obligation to comply with the ALS
defined in the type design referenced in
the manufacturer’s conformity
statement. This obligation may
introduce a conflict with an AD that
requires a specific ALS revision if new
airplanes are delivered with a later
revision as part of their type design.
To address this conflict, the FAA has
approved alternative methods of
compliance (AMOCs) that allow
operators to incorporate the most recent
ALS revision into their maintenance/
inspection programs, in lieu of the ALS
revision required by the AD. This
eliminates the conflict and enables the
operator to comply with both the AD
and the type design.
However, compliance with AMOCs is
normally optional, and we recently
became aware that some operators
choose to retain the AD-mandated ALS
revision in their fleet-wide
maintenance/inspection programs,
including those for new airplanes
delivered with later ALS revisions, to
help standardize the maintenance of the
fleet. To ensure that operators comply
with the applicable ALS revision for
newly delivered airplanes containing a
later revision than that specified in an
AD, we plan to limit the applicability of
ADs that mandate ALS revisions to
those airplanes that are subject to an
earlier revision of the ALS, either as part
of the type design or as mandated by an
earlier AD.
This proposed AD therefore would
apply to Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A)
and SAAB 340B airplanes with an
original certificate of airworthiness or
original export certificate of
airworthiness that was issued on or
before the date of approval of the ALS
revision identified in this proposed AD.
Operators of airplanes with an original
certificate of airworthiness or original
export certificate of airworthiness
issued after that date must comply with
the airworthiness limitations specified
as part of the approved type design and
referenced on the type certificate data
sheet.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 87 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this proposed AD:
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 21, 2017 / Proposed Rules
28273
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Revision of the airplane maintenance or inspection program.
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .................
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.
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD 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.
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,
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the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly
Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems):
Docket No. FAA–2017–0563; Directorate
Identifier 2017–NM–021–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 7,
2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab
Aeronautics (formerly known as Saab AB,
Saab Aerosystems) Model 340A (SAAB/
SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes,
certificated in any category, with an original
certificate of airworthiness or original export
certificate of airworthiness that was issued
on or before December 1, 2016.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance
Checks.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the
determination that new inspection tasks for
the drag brace support fitting of the main
landing gear (MLG) and corrosion prevention
and control program (CPCP) related tasks are
necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program
Revision
Within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD: Revise the maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate airworthiness limitations,
including inspection tasks for the drag brace
support fitting of the MLG and CPCP related
tasks, specified in SAAB 340 Airworthiness
Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated
December 1, 2016. The compliance time for
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Cost per
product
Parts cost
$0
$85
Cost on
U.S. operators
$7,395
the initial airworthiness limitation tasks is at
the applicable compliance time specified in
SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual,
Revision 1, dated December 1, 2016, or
within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later.
(h) No Alternative Actions, Intervals,
Critical Design Configuration Control
Limitations (CDCCLs)
After the maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, has been revised as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no
alternative actions (e.g., inspections),
intervals, and/or CDCCLs may be used unless
the actions, intervals, and/or CDCCLs are
approved as an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (i)(1) of
this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
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.
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 manager of the International Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD.
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.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics’s
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2017–0033, dated
February 17, 2017, for related information.
This MCAI may be found in the AD docket
on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2017–0563.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116,
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 21, 2017 / Proposed Rules
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone: 425–227–1112; fax: 425–227–
1149.
(3) 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
saab340techsupport@saabgroup.com;
Internet https://www.saabgroup.com. You
may view this 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 June 12,
2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–12794 Filed 6–20–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9386; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–056–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly
Known as Construcciones
Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes
Examining the AD Docket
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (SNPRM);
reopening of comment period.
AGENCY:
We are revising an earlier
proposal for all Airbus Defense and
Space S.A. Model CN–235, CN–235–
100, CN–235–200, and CN–235–300
airplanes; and Model C–295 airplanes.
This action revises the notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by
reducing a certain compliance time,
adding repetitive inspections and
operational checks of the affected fuel
valves, and providing corrective action
if necessary. We are proposing this
airworthiness directive (AD) to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
Since these actions impose an
additional burden over those proposed
in the NPRM we are reopening the
comment period to allow the public the
chance to comment on these changes.
DATES: The comment period for the
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on November 25, 2016 (81 FR
85169), is reopened.
We must receive comments on this
SNPRM by August 7, 2017.
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
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You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
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 SNPRM, contact Airbus Defense
and Space Services/Engineering
´
Support, Avenida de Aragon 404, 28022
Madrid, Spain; telephone +34 91 585 55
84; fax +34 91 585 31 27; email
MTA.TechnicalService@airbus.com.;
Internet https://www.eads.net. You may
view this 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.
ADDRESSES:
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9386; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket 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–2016–9386; Directorate Identifier
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
2016–NM–056–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
We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all Airbus Defense and Space
S.A. Model CN–235, CN 235–100, CN–
235–200, and CN–235–300 airplanes,
and Model C–295 airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
November 25, 2016 (81 FR 85169). The
NPRM was prompted by leakage of a
motorized cross-feed fuel valve. The
NPRM proposed to require an
inspection of the affected fuel valves
and, depending on findings, applicable
corrective actions.
Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued
Since we issued the NPRM, an
additional report of a fuel leak in a
motorized cross-feed valve has resulted
in the need for a change to the
compliance time for the initial
inspection, the addition of repetitive
inspections and operational checks, and
corrective action if necessary.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued AD 2017–0004, dated
January 9, 2017, (referred to after this as
the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
on all Airbus Defense and Space S.A.
Model CN–235, CN–235–100, CN–235–
200, and CN–235–300 airplanes; and
Model C–295 airplanes. The MCAI
states:
Leakage of a motorised cross-feed fuel
valve Part Number (P/N) 7923227F was
reported on a CN–235–100M aeroplane. The
leakage was observed through the valve
electrical connectors and detected during
accomplishment of a functional check in
accordance with task 28.007 of the CN–235
Maintenance Review Board Report (MRB
CN–235–PV01). Identical motorised fuel
valves are installed on civilian CN–235 and
C–295 aeroplanes, as cross-feed, shut-off and
defueling valves.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to failure of a motorised
fuel valve and consequent improper
functioning of the fuel system or, in case of
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 21, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28271-28274]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-12794]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0563; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-021-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly
Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by the determination that new
inspection tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the main landing
gear (MLG) and corrosion prevention and control program (CPCP) related
tasks are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate
airworthiness limitations, including new inspection tasks for the drag
brace support fitting of the MLG and to implement CPCP related tasks.
We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 7, 2017.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Saab AB,
Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone +46 13
18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email saab340techsupport@saabgroup.com;
Internet https://www.saabgroup.com. You may view this 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0563; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Operations office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, International 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-2017-0563;
Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-021-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 Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0033, dated February 17, 2017 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Saab AB, Saab
Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. The MCAI
states:
The airworthiness limitations and/or certification maintenance
instructions for SAAB SF340A and 340B, which are
[[Page 28272]]
approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in the SAAB
SF340A and 340B Airworthiness Limitation Manual (ALM). These
instructions have been identified as mandatory for continued
airworthiness.
Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an
unsafe condition [reduced structural integrity of the airplane].
Recently, Saab AB, Aeronautics issued SAAB SF340A and 340B ALM
Revision 1, mainly to add new inspection tasks for the Main Landing
Gear drag brace support fitting, and to implement Corrosion
Prevention and Control Program related tasks.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0563.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual, Revision 1,
dated December 1, 2016. The service information describes airworthiness
limitations, including inspection tasks for the drag brace support
fitting of the MLG and CPCP related tasks. This service information is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service
Information
The MCAI specifies that if there are findings from the
airworthiness limitations section (ALS) inspection tasks, corrective
actions must be accomplished in accordance with SAAB maintenance
documentation. However, this proposed AD does not include that
requirement. Operators of U.S.-registered airplanes are required by
general airworthiness and operational regulations to perform
maintenance using methods that are acceptable to the FAA. We consider
those methods to be adequate to address any corrective actions
necessitated by the findings of ALS inspections required by this
proposed AD.
This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections) and
Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs). Compliance
with these actions and CDCCLs is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in
the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able
to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request
approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph
(i)(1) of this proposed AD. The request should include a description of
changes to the required actions that will ensure the continued damage
tolerance of the affected structure.
Airworthiness Limitations Based on Type Design
The FAA recently became aware of an issue related to the
applicability of ADs that require incorporation of an ALS revision into
an operator's maintenance or inspection program.
Typically, when these types of ADs are issued by civil aviation
authorities of other countries, they apply to all airplanes covered
under an identified type certificate (TC). The corresponding FAA AD
typically retains applicability to all of those airplanes.
In addition, U.S. operators must operate their airplanes in an
airworthy condition, in accordance with 14 CFR 91.7(a). Included in
this obligation is the requirement to perform any maintenance or
inspections specified in the ALS, and in accordance with the ALS as
specified in 14 CFR 43.16 and 91.403(c), unless an alternative has been
approved by the FAA.
When a type certificate is issued for a type design, the specific
ALS, including revisions, is a part of that type design, as specified
in 14 CFR 21.31(c).
The sum effect of these operational and maintenance requirements is
an obligation to comply with the ALS defined in the type design
referenced in the manufacturer's conformity statement. This obligation
may introduce a conflict with an AD that requires a specific ALS
revision if new airplanes are delivered with a later revision as part
of their type design.
To address this conflict, the FAA has approved alternative methods
of compliance (AMOCs) that allow operators to incorporate the most
recent ALS revision into their maintenance/inspection programs, in lieu
of the ALS revision required by the AD. This eliminates the conflict
and enables the operator to comply with both the AD and the type
design.
However, compliance with AMOCs is normally optional, and we
recently became aware that some operators choose to retain the AD-
mandated ALS revision in their fleet-wide maintenance/inspection
programs, including those for new airplanes delivered with later ALS
revisions, to help standardize the maintenance of the fleet. To ensure
that operators comply with the applicable ALS revision for newly
delivered airplanes containing a later revision than that specified in
an AD, we plan to limit the applicability of ADs that mandate ALS
revisions to those airplanes that are subject to an earlier revision of
the ALS, either as part of the type design or as mandated by an earlier
AD.
This proposed AD therefore would apply to Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A)
and SAAB 340B airplanes with an original certificate of airworthiness
or original export certificate of airworthiness that was issued on or
before the date of approval of the ALS revision identified in this
proposed AD. Operators of airplanes with an original certificate of
airworthiness or original export certificate of airworthiness issued
after that date must comply with the airworthiness limitations
specified as part of the approved type design and referenced on the
type certificate data sheet.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 87 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
[[Page 28273]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Revision of the airplane maintenance 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $7,395
or inspection program. hour = $85.
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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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab
Aerosystems): Docket No. FAA-2017-0563; Directorate Identifier 2017-
NM-021-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 7, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly known as
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B
airplanes, certificated in any category, with an original
certificate of airworthiness or original export certificate of
airworthiness that was issued on or before December 1, 2016.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the determination that new inspection
tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the main landing gear
(MLG) and corrosion prevention and control program (CPCP) related
tasks are necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced
structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate
airworthiness limitations, including inspection tasks for the drag
brace support fitting of the MLG and CPCP related tasks, specified
in SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated
December 1, 2016. The compliance time for the initial airworthiness
limitation tasks is at the applicable compliance time specified in
SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated December
1, 2016, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
(h) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, Critical Design Configuration
Control Limitations (CDCCLs)
After the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, has
been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and/or CDCCLs may be used
unless the actions, intervals, and/or CDCCLs are approved as an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
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. 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 manager of the
International Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. 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.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Saab AB, Saab
Aeronautics's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved
by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0033, dated February 17,
2017, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD
docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0563.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
[[Page 28274]]
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-1112; fax: 425-227-1149.
(3) 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
saab340techsupport@saabgroup.com; Internet https://www.saabgroup.com.
You may view this 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 June 12, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-12794 Filed 6-20-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P