Proposed Rules. Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)

Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT
Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
Citation: FR Doc. 04-31 · RIN 2120-AA64 · Docket No. 2003-NM-115-AD · 14 CFR 39

Summary

This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes. This proposal would require measuring the torque of the adjustable pin in the rear attachment of the intermediate strut for both engines, and retorquing the adjustable pins to the correct torque value. This action is necessary to prevent long-term damage to the engine mounting structure (EMS), and loss of redundancy on the EMS, which could result in possible separation of an engine from the airplane, reduced controllability of the airplane, and injury to persons or property on the ground. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

Dates

Comments must be received by February 4, 2004.

Supplementary Information

Comments Invited Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments, specified above, will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in light of the comments received. Submit comments using the following format: • Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change the service bulletin reference as two separate issues. • For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed AD is being requested. • Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each request. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: “Comments to Docket Number 2003-NM-115-AD.” The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. Availability of NPRMs Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-115-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Discussion The Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is the airworthiness authority for Sweden, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes. The LFV advises that, during two inspections, torque values that were too low were found for the adjustable pin in the rear attachment of the intermediate structure of the engine mounting structure (EMS). Further investigation revealed that the manufacturer's airplane maintenance manual and a relevant service bulletin both specify torque values that are too low. This condition, if not corrected, could result in long-term damage to the EMS, and loss of redundancy on the EMS, which could also result in possible separation of an engine from the airplane, reduced controllability of the airplane, and injury to persons or property on the ground Explanation of Relevant Service Information Saab has issued Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 2000-71-014, dated January 23, 2003, which describes procedures for measuring the torque of the adjustable pin in the rear attachment of the intermediate strut for both engines, and retorquing the adjustable pin to the correct torque value. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The LFV classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Swedish airworthiness directive 1-183, dated January 23, 2003, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Sweden. FAA's Conclusions This airplane model is manufactured in Sweden and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LFV has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the LFV, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States. Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously, except as discussed below. Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin Although the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin specify to report inspection results, this proposed AD does not require that action. Cost Impact The FAA estimates that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $390, or $130 per airplane. The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions. Regulatory Impact The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: Saab Aircraft AB: Docket 2003-NM-115-AD. Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, serial numbers -004 through -063 inclusive; certificated in any category. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent long-term damage to the engine mounting structure (EMS), and loss of redundancy on the EMS, which could result in possible separation of an engine from the airplane, reduced controllability of the airplane, and injury to persons or property on the ground, accomplish the following: Service Bulletin References (a) The following information pertains to the service bulletin referenced in this AD: (1) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 2000-71-014, dated January 23, 2003. (2) Although the service bulletin specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement. Torque Check (b) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD: Measure the torque of the adjustable pin in the rear attachment of the intermediate strut for both engines, in accordance with the inspection requirements and torque values in the service bulletin. Retorque (c) Retorque the adjustable pin in the intermediate strut rear attachment of the EMS to the correct torque value, in accordance with the service bulletin. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Note 1: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish airworthiness directive 1-183, dated January 23, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 23, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-31 Filed 1-2-04; 8:45 am]