Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 148 / Friday, August 1, 1997 / Rules and Regulations 41259

a location where the requirements of this AD

can be accomplished.

(h) The inspection, installation, and certain

repair shall be done in accordance with

Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57–6049,

dated September 9, 1994. 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 Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond

Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac

Cedex, France. 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.

(i) This amendment becomes effective on

September 5, 1997.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 25,

1997.

Darrell M. Pederson,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 97–20131 Filed 7–31–97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96–NM–130–AD; Amendment

39–10095; AD 97–16–04]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model

SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B Series

Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes

an existing airworthiness directive (AD),

applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB

SF340A and SAAB 340B series

airplanes, that currently requires

inspections to detect improper

connections of the wire harness

installation to the cartridges of the fire

extinguishers in the engine nacelles,

correction of any discrepancy, and

modification of the wiring. This

amendment adds a revised modification

of that wiring, which, if accomplished,

would terminate the inspections

currently required by the existing AD.

This amendment is prompted by reports

indicating that, due to the removal of a

certain clamp during maintenance,

these fire extinguisher cartridges still

could be connected incorrectly after the

modification required by the existing

AD has been accomplished. The actions

specified by this AD are intended to

prevent incorrect wiring of the

cartridges, which would result in

inability of the fire extinguishers to

jointly discharge extinguishing agent

into a nacelle in the event of an engine

fire.

DATES: Effective September 5, 1997.

The incorporation by reference of

Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340–26–

015, evision 1, dated December 8, 1995,

as listed in the regulations, is approved

by the Director of the Federal Register

as of September 5, 1997.

The incorporation by reference of

Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340–26–

012, evision 1, dated October 5, 1993, as

listed in the regulations, was approved

previously by the Director of the Federal

Register as of February 16, 1994 (59 FR

4575, February 1, 1994).

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:

Ruth Harder, Aerospace Engineer,

Standardization Branch, ANM–113,

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

Washington 98055–4056; telephone

(425) 227–1721; fax (425) 227–1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A

proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal

Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39)

by superseding AD 94–03–06,

amendment 39–8813 (59 FR 4575,

February 1, 1994), which is applicable

to certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A

and SAAB 340B series airplanes, was

published in the Federal Register on

April 9, 1997 (62 FR 17127). The action

proposed to continue to require

repetitive inspections to detect

improper connections of the wire

harness installation to the cartridges of

the fire extinguishers in the engine

nacelles, and correction of any

discrepancies. The action also proposed

to require a revised modification of the

wiring to one of the electrical

connectors if it exceeds a certain length.

Accomplishment of the modification

would terminate the repetitive

inspections of the wiring currently

required by AD 94–03–06.

Interested persons have been afforded

an opportunity to participate in the

making of this amendment. Due

consideration has been given to the

single comment received.

The commenter supports the

proposed rule.

Conclusion

After careful review of the available

data, including the comment noted

above, the FAA has determined that air

safety and the public interest require the

adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

There are approximately 235 Saab

Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B

series airplanes of U.S. registry that will

be affected by this AD.

The actions that are currently

required by AD 94–03–06 take

approximately 6 work hours per

airplane to accomplish, at an average

labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based

on these figures, the cost impact of the

previously required actions on U.S.

operators is estimated to be $77,760, or

$360 per airplane. (At the time AD 94–

03–06 went into effect, it was estimated

that 216 airplanes would be affected.)

The new actions that are required by

this new AD will take approximately 6

work hours per airplane to accomplish,

at an average labor rate of $60 per work

hour. Required parts will be provided at

no cost to operators. Based on these

figures, the cost impact of the new

requirements of this AD on U.S.

operators is estimated to be $84,600, or

$360 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
41260 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 148 / Friday, August 1, 1997 / Rules and Regulations

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.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by

removing amendment 39–8813 (59 FR

4575, February 1, 1994), and by adding

a new airworthiness directive (AD),

amendment 39–10095, to read as

follows:

97–16–04 SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment

39–10095. Docket 96–NM–130–AD.

Supersedes AD 94–03–06, Amendment

39–8813.

Applicability: Model SAAB SF340A series

airplanes having serial numbers 004 through

159 inclusive; and Model SAAB 340B series

airplanes having serial numbers 160 through

345 inclusive; certificated in any category.

Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane

identified in the preceding applicability

provision, regardless of whether it has been

otherwise 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 (d) 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 incorrect wiring of the wire

harness installation to the fire extinguisher

cartridges in the engine nacelles, which

would result in the inability of the fire

extinguishers to jointly discharge agent into

a nacelle in the event of a fire, accomplish

the following:

(a) Within 25 days after February 16, 1994

(the effective date of AD 94–03–06,

amendment 39–8813), perform an inspection

to ensure proper connections of the wire

harness installation to the engine nacelle fire

extinguisher, in accordance with Saab

Service Bulletin SAAB 340–26–012, Revision

1, dated October 5, 1993, or Saab Service

Bulletin SAAB 340–26–015, Revision 1,

dated December 8, 1995. Prior to further

flight, correct any discrepancy found and

modify the wiring, in accordance with the

service bulletin. After the effective date of

this AD, perform this inspection and correct

any discrepancy found, in accordance with

Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340–26–015,

Revision 1, dated December 8, 1995.

(b) Repeat the inspection specified in

paragraph (a) of this AD immediately

following any maintenance action during

which both electric connectors to either of

the fire extinguishers in the nacelle electrical

bays are disconnected.

(c) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 hours

time-in-service after the effective date of this

AD, or at the next scheduled maintenance

inspection after the effective date of this AD,

whichever occurs earlier:

(1) Conduct an inspection to ensure proper

connection of the wire harness installation to

the fire extinguisher cartridges in both engine

nacelles, in accordance with Saab Service

Bulletin SAAB 340–26–015, Revision 1,

dated December 8, 1995. If any discrepancy

is detected, prior to further flight, correct this

discrepancy in accordance with the service

bulletin.

(2) After the inspection required by

paragraph (c)(1) of this AD has been

accomplished, measure the total length of the

wiring harness from the clamp to connector

9WB–P2/10WB–P2, in accordance with Saab

Service Bulletin SAAB 340–26–015, Revision

1, dated December 8, 1995. If the wiring

harness has been modified with a loop in

accordance with the requirements of

paragraph (a) of this AD, or in accordance

with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340–26–

012, Revision 1, dated October 5, 1993,

before measuring, remove the loop in the

wire harness in accordance with Saab Service

Bulletin SAAB 340–26–015, Revision 1,

dated December 8, 1995.

(i) If the total length is 7 inches (180mm)

or less, no further action is required by this

AD.

(ii) If the total length exceeds 7 inches

(180mm), modify this wiring in accordance

with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340–26–

015, Revision 1, dated December 8, 1995.

Accomplishment of this modification

constitutes terminating action for the

repetitive inspections required by paragraph

(b) of this AD, and no further action is

required by this AD.

Note 2: Accomplishment of this

modification in accordance with Saab

Service Bulletin SAAB 340–26–015, dated

November 23, 1995, prior to the effective date

of this AD, is considered acceptable for

compliance with the requirements of

paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this AD.

(d) 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,

Standardization Branch, ANM–113, FAA,

Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators

shall submit their requests through an

appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance

Inspector, who may add comments and then

send it to the Manager, Standardization

Branch, ANM–113.

Note 3: Information concerning the

existence of approved alternative methods of

compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Standardization Branch,

ANM–113.

(e) 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.

(f) The actions shall be done in accordance

with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340–26–

012, Revision 1, dated October 5, 1993, and/

or Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340–26–015,

Revision 1, dated December 8, 1995. The

incorporation by reference of Saab Service

Bulletin SAAB 340–26–012, Revision 1,

dated October 5, 1993, was approved

previously by the Director of the Federal

Register, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)

and 1 CFR part 51, as of February 16, 1994

(59 FR 4575, February 1, 1994). The

incorporation by reference of Saab Service

Bulletin SAAB 340–26–015, Revision 1,

dated December 8, 1995, is 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, Linko ̈ping, Sweden. Copies may be

inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane

Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

Washington; or the Office of the Federal

Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite

700, Washington, DC.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on

September 5, 1997.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 25,

1997.

Darrell M. Pederson,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 97–20128 Filed 7–31–97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97–SW–19–AD; Amendment

39–10092; AD 97–16–02]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Robinson

Helicopter Company Model R44

Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for

comments.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a

new airworthiness directive (AD) that is

applicable to Robinson Helicopter

Company (Robinson) Model R44

helicopters. This action requires

inspections of the belt tension actuator

switches (up-limit switches) for proper