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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 63 (Monday, April 2, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19565-19567]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-7769]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0330; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-116-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; 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 Aerosystems Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B 
Airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports indicating that 
wear of the elevator pushrods have occurred on some airplanes after 
extended time in service. This proposed AD would require determining if 
a certain part number is installed, performing a detailed inspection 
for individual play between the elevator pushrod assembly and 
degradation of elevator pushrod assembly, and replacing the affected 
elevator pushrod assembly with a new elevator pushrod assembly if 
necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent a free elevator from 
affecting the pitch control authority, which may result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 17, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone 
+46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email 
saab2000.techsupport@saabgroup.com; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com. 
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington. 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 http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The

[[Page 19566]]

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, Washington 98057-3356; 
telephone (425) 227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-0330; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-116-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 http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2011-0078, dated May 5, 2011 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    Field experience has indicated that wear of the elevator pushrod 
has occurred on some aeroplanes after extended time in service. 
Although properly installed, the locknut has been able to back off 
within a limited range, leading to degradation of the pushrod which 
causes backlash in between the rod end threads.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, may lead to a 
free elevator affecting the pitch control authority, possibly 
resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this unsafe condition, SAAB AB Aeronautics have 
issued Service Bulletin (SB) 340-27-100, accomplishment of which 
will reduce the probability for backlash and minimize the 
possibility of failure in the pitch control system.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
identification of the pushrod assembly Part Number (P/N) as 
installed on the aeroplane, replacement of P/N TDF11755 pushrod 
assemblies, inspection of P/N 12003-33 and P/N R20990 elevator 
pushrod assemblies [for individual play between the elevator pushrod 
assembly and degradation of elevator pushrod assembly] and 
corrective actions [replacement], depending on findings.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems has issued Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-
100, dated February 1, 2011. The actions described in this service 
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in 
the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 162 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 1 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $13,770, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 7 work-hours and require parts costing $1,588 for a cost of 
$2,183 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems: Docket No. FAA-2012-0330; Directorate 
Identifier 2011-NM-116-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 17, 2012.

[[Page 19567]]

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model 340A (SAAB/
SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes, certificated in any category, all 
serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports indicating that wear of the 
elevator pushrods have occurred on some airplanes after extended 
time in service. We are issuing this AD to prevent a free elevator 
from affecting the pitch control authority, which may result in 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

(g) Inspection to Determine the Part Number

    Within the applicable time specified in table 1 of this AD, 
inspect each elevator pushrod assembly to determine the part number 
(P/N).
    (1) If a P/N TDF11755 elevator pushrod assembly is installed, or 
if the part number cannot be determined: Before further flight, 
replace the affected elevator pushrod assembly with a P/N R20990 
elevator pushrod assembly, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-100, dated February 1, 
2011.
    (2) If P/N 12003-33 or P/N R20990 elevator pushrod assembly is 
installed: Do a detailed inspection for individual play between the 
rod end and the pushrod at the locking device and degradation of 
elevator pushrod assembly (including rod end threads not visible 
through the inspection hole in the pushrod, and the nut and locking 
device not properly locked with the lock wire), in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-100, 
dated February 1, 2011.

                        Table 1--Compliance time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total flight hours accumulated as
  of the effective date of this AD             Compliance time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For airplanes with 30,000 total      Within 6 months after the effective
 flight hours or more.                date of this AD.
For airplanes with 28,000 total      Before the accumulation of 30,000
 flight hours or more, but less       total flight hours or within 6
 than 30,000 total flight hours.      months after the effective date of
                                      this AD, whichever occurs later.
For airplanes with less than 28,000  Before the accumulation of 30,000
 total flight hours.                  total flight hours.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Corrective Action

    If, during the inspection of elevator pushrod assembly required 
by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, individual play between the rod end 
and the pushrod at the locking device, or degradation of the 
elevator pushrod assembly (including rod end threads not visible 
through the inspection hole in the pushrod, and the nut and locking 
device not properly locked with the lock wire) is found: Before 
further flight, replace the affected elevator pushrod assembly with 
a new elevator pushrod assembly, P/N R20990, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-100, 
dated February 1, 2011.

(i) Parts Installation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an 
elevator pushrod assembly with P/N TDF11755, on any airplane.

(j) Reporting Requirement

    Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of 
the inspection and replacement required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of 
this AD to Saab AB, Support and Services, SE-581 88 Link[ouml]ping, 
Sweden; fax +46 13 18 48 74; email 
saab340.techsupport@saabgroup.com; at the applicable time specified 
in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(k) 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 International 
Branch, send it to Attn: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify 
your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal 
inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district 
office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter 
must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All 
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments 
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing 
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. 
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, AES-200.

(l) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0078, dated May 
5, 2011; and Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-100, dated February 1, 
2011; for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 23, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-7769 Filed 3-30-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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