[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 152 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42213-42214]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-21101]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-151-AD; Amendment 39-10699; AD 98-16-22]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, that
requires a one-time inspection for cracking of the rear pressure
bulkhead; and installation of a reinforcement angle on the rear
pressure bulkhead; or repair, if necessary. This amendment is prompted
by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a
foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD
are intended to prevent cracking of the rear pressure bulkhead, which
could result in sudden loss of cabin pressure and the inability to
withstand fail-safe loads.
DATES: Effective September 11, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of September 11, 1998.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Linkping, Sweden. This information may be examined at the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate,
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on June 9, 1998
(63 FR 31380). That action proposed to require a one-time inspection
for cracking of the rear pressure bulkhead; and installation of a
reinforcement angle on the rear pressure bulkhead; or repair, if
necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD.
It will take approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the required inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection required by
this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,080, or $360 per
airplane.
The required installation will take approximately 10 work hours per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of the installation required by this AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,800, or $600 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-16-22 SAAB AIRCRAFT AB: Amendment 39-10699. Docket 98-NM-151-AD.
Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, manufacturer
serial numbers 004 through 050 inclusive, 052, 053, and 054;
certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent cracking on the rear pressure bulkhead, which could
result in sudden loss
[[Page 42214]]
of cabin pressure and the inability to withstand fail-safe loads,
accomplish the following:
(a) Within 4,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD, perform a one-time visual inspection for cracking on the rear
pressure bulkhead in the area of the lower forward flange that
connects to the fuselage skin, in accordance with SAAB Service
Bulletin 2000-53-026, dated February 27, 1998.
(1) If no crack is detected, prior to further flight, install a
reinforcement angle on the rear pressure bulkhead in the area of the
lower forward flange that connects to the fuselage skin, in
accordance with the service bulletin. After accomplishment of the
installation, no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If any crack is detected, prior to further flight, repair in
accordance with a method approved by either the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
or the Luftfartsverket (or its delegated agent).
(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
Operators shall submit their request through an appropriate FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(d) The inspection and installation shall be done in accordance
with SAAB Service Bulletin 2000-53-026, dated February 27, 1998.
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. Copies may be obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft
Product Support, S-581.88, Linkoping, Sweden. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish
airworthiness directive 1-122, dated March 2, 1998.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on September 11, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 31, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager,Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-21101 Filed 8-6-98; 8:45 am]
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