Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 25 / Friday, February 6, 2004 / Proposed Rules 5775

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:

Dassault Aviation: Docket 2003–NM–51–AD.

Applicability: Model Mystere-Falcon 50 

series airplanes with a Stormscope antenna 

installed between frames 22 and 23 by 

Dassault modification M2208 or by a DFJ 

Little Rock modification, except on airplanes 

on which Dassault modification M2838 has 

been performed; and Model Mystere-Falcon 

900 and Falcon 900EX series airplanes with 

a Stormscope antenna installed between 

frames 23 and 24 by Dassault modification 

M2993 or by a DFJ Little Rock modification, 

except airplanes on which Dassault 

modification M3498 has been performed; 

certificated in any category. 

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless 

accomplished previously. 

To prevent puncture of the fuel tank, in the 

event of a belly landing, which could result 

in a post-landing fire if fuel leaking from the 

tank makes contact with the sparks from the 

airplane sliding on the ground, accomplish 

the following: 

Install and Replace 

(a) Within 25 months after the effective 

date of this AD, install a shield plate over the 

tank structure above the Stormscope antenna, 

and replace the Stormscope antenna plug 

connector with a new connector, in 

accordance with the Accomplishment 

Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 

listed in Table 1 of this AD.

TABLE 1.—APPLICABLE SERVICE

BULLETINS

For model Dassault service

bulletin 

Mystere-Falcon 50 series airplanes.F50–404, dated November 6, 2002 

Mystere-Falcon 900 

series airplanes.

F900–293, dated November 13, 2002 

Falcon 900EX series 

airplanes.

F900EX–158, dated 

November 13, 

2002 

Reporting Difference 

(b) Although the service bulletins 

referenced in this AD specify to submit 

certain information to the manufacturer, this 

AD does not include such a requirement. 

Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the 

Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, 

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is 

authorized to approve alternative methods of 

compliance for this AD.

Note 1: The subject of this AD is addressed 

in French airworthiness directive 2002–

569(B), dated November 13, 2002.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 

29, 2004. 

Kalene C. Yanamura, 

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane 

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 04–2473 Filed 2–5–04; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002–NM–260–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; BAE 

Systems (Operations) Limited 

(Jetstream) Model 4101 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: This document proposes the 

adoption of a new airworthiness 

directive (AD) that is applicable to all 

BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 

(Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes. This 

proposal would require revising the 

airplane flight manual to advise the 

flightcrew of special operating 

limitations associated with a reduction 

in airplane performance due to loss of 

propeller efficiency. This proposal also 

would require installing placards in the 

flight compartment and operating the 

airplane per certain special operating 

limitations; or performing repetitive 

flight checks to verify the adequacy of 

the airplane’s climb performance, and 

accomplishing follow-on actions if 

necessary. This action is necessary to 

ensure that the flightcrew accounts for 

the potential loss of airplane 

performance due to loss of propeller 

efficiency, which could result in an 

increased risk of collision with terrain. 

This action is intended to address the 

identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by 

March 8, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in 

triplicate to the Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), Transport 

Airplane Directorate, ANM–114, 

Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002–NM–

260–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 

Renton, Washington 98055–4056. 

Comments may be inspected at this 

location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., 

Monday through Friday, except Federal 

holidays. Comments may be submitted 

via fax to (425) 227–1232. Comments 

may also be sent via the Internet using 

the following address: 9-anmnprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent 

via fax or the Internet must contain 

‘‘Docket No. 2002–NM–260–AD’’ in the 

subject line and need not be submitted 

in triplicate. Comments sent via the 

Internet as attached electronic files must 

be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 

2000 or ASCII text. 

5776 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 25 / Friday, February 6, 2004 / Proposed Rules 

The service information referenced in 

the proposed rule may be obtained from 

British Aerospace Regional Aircraft 

American Support, 13850 Mclearen 

Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. This 

information may be examined at the 

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 

1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 

Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 

International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, 

Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 

Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 

98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–1175; 

fax (425) 227–1149.

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 2002–NM–260–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. 

2002–NM–260–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, 

SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056. 

Discussion 

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), 

which is the airworthiness authority for 

the United Kingdom, notified the FAA 

that an unsafe condition may exist on 

all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 

(Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes. The 

CAA advises that a shortfall in engine 

performance, compared to the 

performance standards shown in the 

airplane flight manual (AFM), has been 

observed during climb-performance test 

flights. The shortfall has been attributed 

to a loss of propeller efficiency due to 

erosion or profile changes of the 

propeller blade’s leading edge. The 

flightcrew may be unaware of the 

potential loss of airplane performance 

due to loss of propeller efficiency. This 

condition, if not corrected, could result 

in an increased risk of collision with 

terrain.

Explanation of Relevant Service 

Information 

BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 

has issued Service Bulletin J41–A61–

012, Revision 1, dated February 25, 

2002. That service bulletin describes 

procedures for revising the BAE 

Jetstream Series 4100 Airplane Flight 

Manual by inserting AFM Supplement 

8, and installing placards near the 

limitations placards in the flight 

compartment to advise the flightcrew to 

operate the airplane per the special 

operating limitations in AFM 

Supplement 8. AFM Supplement 8 

revises the General, Performance, 

Supplements, and Appendices sections 

of the AFM to include information 

associated with a reduction in airplane 

performance due to loss of propeller 

efficiency. 

BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 

also has issued Service Bulletin J41–61–

013, Revision 1, dated February 25, 

2002, which describes procedures for 

repetitive flight checks (which the 

service bulletin refers to as ‘‘flight 

tests’’) to verify the adequacy of the 

airplane’s climb performance. If the 

airplane’s climb performance is 

adequate, the service bulletin provides 

for removal of placards installed per 

Service Bulletin J41–A61–012, Revision 

1 (if such placards were installed 

previously), and operation of the 

airplane without limitation by AFM 

Supplement 8. 

Accomplishment of the actions 

specified in the applicable service 

bulletins is intended to adequately 

address the identified unsafe condition. 

The CAA classified BAE Systems 

(Operations) Limited Service Bulletin 

J41–A61–012, Revision 1, as mandatory 

and issued British airworthiness 

directive 001–11–2001 to ensure the 

continued airworthiness of these 

airplanes in the United Kingdom. 

FAA’s Conclusions 

This airplane model is manufactured 

in the United Kingdom 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 CAA has 

kept us informed of the situation 

described above. We have examined the 

findings of the CAA, 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 AD 

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 

revising the airplane flight manual 

(AFM) to advise the flightcrew of 

special operating limitations associated 

with a reduction in airplane 

performance due to loss of propeller 

efficiency. This proposed AD also 

would require installing placards in the 

flight compartment and operating the 

airplane per certain special operating 

limitations; or performing repetitive 

flight checks to verify the adequacy of 

the airplane’s climb performance, and 

accomplishing follow-on actions if 

necessary. The actions would be 

required to be accomplished in 

accordance with the service information 

described previously, except as 

discussed below. 

Difference Between Proposed AD and 

CAA Airworthiness Directive 

Although this proposed AD would 

provide for accomplishment of 

repetitive flight checks per BAE Systems 

(Operations) Limited Service Bulletin 

J41–61–013, Revision 1, as one 

alternative for compliance, British 

airworthiness directive 001–11–2001 

does not reference the flight checks 

specified in that service bulletin. The 

CAA acknowledges the availability of 

flight checks as another alternative to 

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 25 / Friday, February 6, 2004 / Proposed Rules 5777

address the unsafe condition associated 

with this proposed AD. 

Differences Between Proposed AD and 

Service Information 

As explained previously, BAE 

Systems Service Bulletin J41–61–013, 

Revision 1, describes procedures for 

repetitive flight tests to determine the 

climb performance of both engines of 

the airplane. This proposed AD refers to 

those flight tests as flight checks to 

differentiate them from FAA 

certification flight tests. We have 

determined that the procedures in the 

service bulletin describe a postmaintenance flight and not an FAA 

certification flight test. The check must 

be performed by an appropriately rated 

flightcrew. Paragraph (c) of this 

proposed AD clarifies this issue. 

Although BAE Systems (Operations) 

Limited Service Bulletin J41–A61–012, 

Revision 1, and J41–61–013, Revision 1, 

specify to submit information on the 

accomplishment of these service 

bulletins to the manufacturer, this 

proposed AD does not include such a 

requirement. 

Cost Impact 

We estimate that 57 airplanes of U.S. 

registry would be affected by this 

proposed AD. 

It would take approximately 1 work 

hour per airplane to accomplish the 

proposed AFM revision, at an average 

labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based 

on these figures, the cost impact of the 

proposed AD on U.S. operators is 

estimated to be $3,705, or $65 per 

airplane. 

This proposed AD also provides for 

either installation of placards or 

accomplishment of repetitive flight 

checks as acceptable necessary followon actions. Either action would take 

approximately 1 work hour per airplane 

to accomplish, at an average labor rate 

of $65 per work hour. Based on these 

figures, the cost impact of either of these 

proposed actions is estimated to be $65 

per airplane, though for the repetitive 

flight checks, this cost impact would be 

per check cycle. 

The cost impact figures discussed 

above are 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:

BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 

(Formerly British Aerospace Regional 

Aircraft): Docket 2002–NM–260–AD.

Applicability: All Model Jetstream 4101 

airplanes, certificated in any category. 

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless 

accomplished previously. 

To ensure that the flightcrew accounts for 

the potential loss of airplane performance 

due to loss of propeller efficiency, which 

could result in an increased risk of collision 

with terrain, accomplish the following: 

Initial Compliance Times 

(a) At the applicable time specified in 

paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD: Revise 

the General, Performance, Supplements, and 

Appendices sections of the BAE Jetstream 

Series 4100 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) 

by incorporating the information in AFM 

Supplement 8; then, before further flight, do 

the actions in paragraph (b) or (c) of this AD. 

(1) For propeller blades that have not been 

overhauled: Prior to the accumulation of 

6,000 total flight hours on any propeller 

blade, or within 30 days after the effective 

date of this AD, whichever is later. 

(2) For overhauled propeller blades: Within 

7 days since the most recent overhaul of any 

propeller blade, or within 7 days after the 

effective date of this AD, whichever is later. 

Alternative 1: Installation of Placards and 

Special Operating Limitations 

(b) Do all actions in paragraphs 2.A.(2) and 

2.A.(3) of the Accomplishment Instructions 

of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service 

Bulletin J41–A61–012, Revision 1, dated 

February 25, 2002. These actions include 

installing placards in the flight compartment 

to advise the flightcrew of special operating 

limitations associated with AFM Supplement 

8. Although BAE Systems (Operations) 

Limited Service Bulletin J41–A61–012, 

Revision 1, specifies to submit information 

on the accomplishment of this service 

bulletin to the manufacturer, this AD does 

not include such a requirement. 

Alternative 2: Flight Check 

(c) Do a flight check to verify the adequacy 

of the airplane’s climb performance, per BAE 

Systems (Operations) Limited Service 

Bulletin J41–61–013, Revision 1, dated 

February 25, 2002. This flight check is 

considered a post-maintenance flight and is 

not an FAA certification flight test. This 

check must be performed by an appropriately 

rated flightcrew. If there is any difference 

between the referenced service bulletin and 

this AD, this AD prevails. Accomplishment 

of the actions specified in BAE Systems 

(Operations) Limited Document AE1150/J41 

(‘‘Jetstream 41 Propeller Performance Fleet 

Monitoring Programme’’), Issue 2, dated 

January 18, 2002, is an acceptable means of 

compliance with this paragraph. 

(1) If the climb rate during the flight check 

is less than 35 feet per minute below the 

gross climb rate specified in the AFM: Repeat 

the flight check at intervals not to exceed 

3,000 flight hours. 

(2) If the climb rate during any flight check 

per paragraph (c) or (c)(1) of this AD is 35 

feet per minute or more below the gross 

climb rate specified in the AFM: Before 

further flight, do the actions required by 

paragraph (b) of this AD. 

Removal of Placards and Eventual ReInstallation of Same 

(d) If the propeller blades on the left and 

right propellers on an airplane are replaced 

so that no propeller blade installed on the 

airplane has accumulated 6,000 or more total 

flight hours and no propeller blade has been 

overhauled: The placards installed per 

paragraph (b) of this AD may be removed 

from the airplane, and operation of the 

5778 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 25 / Friday, February 6, 2004 / Proposed Rules 

airplane per AFM Supplement 8, or 

accomplishment of the repetitive flight 

checks per paragraph (c) of this AD, is no 

longer required. Then, at the time specified 

in paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD, as 

applicable, repeat the actions required by 

paragraph (b) or (c) of this AD. 

(1) For propeller blades that have not been 

overhauled: Prior to the accumulation of 

6,000 total flight hours on any propeller 

blade. 

(2) For overhauled propeller blades: Within 

7 days after overhauling any propeller blade. 

Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(e) 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 British airworthiness directive 001–11–

2001.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 

29, 2004. 

Kalene C. Yanamura, 

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane 

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 04–2474 Filed 2–5–04; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003–NM–18–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model 

SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B Series 

Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: This document proposes the 

adoption of a new airworthiness 

directive (AD) that is applicable to 

certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and 

Model SAAB 340B series airplanes. This 

proposal would require inspections of 

the internal structure of the nacelles for 

cracks, deformations, or other damage, 

and corrective actions if necessary. This 

action is necessary to prevent fatigue 

cracks in the outer flange of the nacelle 

frame, which could result in reduced 

structural integrity of the nacelle 

supporting structure. This action is 

intended to address the identified 

unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by 

March 8, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in 

triplicate to the Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), Transport 

Airplane Directorate, ANM–114, 

Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003–NM–

18–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 

Renton, Washington 98055–4056. 

Comments may be inspected at this 

location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., 

Monday through Friday, except Federal 

holidays. Comments may be submitted 

via fax to (425) 227–1232. Comments 

may also be sent via the Internet using 

the following address: 9-anmnprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent 

via fax or the Internet must contain 

‘‘Docket No. 2003–NM–18–AD’’ in the 

subject line and need not be submitted 

in triplicate. Comments sent via the 

Internet as attached electronic files must 

be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for 

Windows or ASCII text. 

The service information referenced in 

the proposed rule may be obtained from 

Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft 

Product Support, S–581.88, Linko ̈ping, 

Sweden. This information may be 

examined at the FAA, Transport 

Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 

Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan 

Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 

International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, 

Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 

Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 

98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2125; 

fax (425) 227–1149.

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–18–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–18–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 SF340A and SAAB 340B 

series airplanes. The LFV advises that it 

has received reports of fatigue cracks in 

the outer flange of nacelle frame station 

203 between water line (WL) 92 to 

WL96. This condition, if not detected 

and corrected in a timely manner, could 

lead to reduced structural integrity of 

the nacelle supporting structure. 

Explanation of Relevant Service 

Information 

Saab has issued Service Bulletin 340–

54–043, dated December 18, 2002, 

which describes procedures for detailed 

and ultrasonic inspections of the 

internal structure of the nacelles for 

cracks, deformations and damage, and 

corrective actions if necessary. The 

corrective actions include replacement 

of the firedeck attachment angle with a 

new angle and repair of cracks, 

deformation, and damage. This service 

bulletin recommends compliance times 

for the inspections at the following 

approximate flight cycle levels: 

1. For airplanes with less than 20,000 

total flight cycles, accomplish before 

24,000 total flight cycles; and 

2. For airplanes with 20,000 total 

flight cycles or more, accomplish within 

2,000 to 4,000 flight cycles after the 

service bulletin’s release date, 

depending on the airplane’s total flight 

cycles. 

Accomplishment of the actions 

specified in the service bulletin is 

intended to adequately address the