EASA AD No.: 2012-0256

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EASA AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

AD No.: 2012-0256

Date: 03 December 2012

Note: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued by EASA, acting in accordance with Regulation 

(EC) No 216/2008 on behalf of the European Community, its Member States and of the 

European third countries that participate in the activities of EASA under Article 66 of that 

Regulation.

This AD is issued in accordance with EU 748/2012, Part 21.A.3B. In accordance with EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.301, the 

continuing airworthiness of an aircraft shall be ensured by accomplishing any applicable ADs. Consequently, no person may operate an 

aircraft to which an AD applies, except in accordance with the requirements of that AD, unless otherwise specified by the Agency [EC 

2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.303] or agreed with the Authority of the State of Registry [EC 216/2008, Article 14(4) exemption].

Design Approval Holder’s Name:

SAAB AB, Aeronautics

Type/Model designation(s):

340B aeroplanes

TCDS Number: EASA.A.068

Foreign AD: Not applicable

Supersedure: None

ATA 27 Flight Controls – Stall Warning/Identification System Stick Pusher 

Rigging – Inspection / Adjustment

Manufacturer(s): SAAB AB, Aeronautics (formerly SAAB Aerosystems)

Applicability: Model 340B aeroplanes, all serial numbers.

Reason: The standard stick pusher maximum elevator position of a SAAB 340B, prior to 

delivery, is set at 7.5 degrees trailing edge down. It was recently discovered 

that this value has been incorrectly referenced in the SAAB 340B Aircraft 

Maintenance Manual (AMM), which quotes an elevator position of 4 degrees

trailing edge down for all aeroplanes, which is the correct value for SAAB 

SF340A aeroplanes only.

If a SAAB 340B aeroplane has been re-rigged in accordance with current AMM

procedure, there is a possibility that the deflection of the elevator will be less 

than intended.

This condition, if not corrected, will affect the stall characteristics on the outer 

part of the envelope at maximum flap setting and aft centre of gravity (CG)

configuration, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.

To address this potential unsafe condition, SAAB AB Aeronautics issued 

Service Bulletin (SB) 340-27-105 to reduce the probability of a negative effect 

on the handling quality during stall.

For the reasons described above, this AD requires a one-time inspection of the 

stick pusher rigging and, depending on findings, adjustment to the correct 

setting.

Effective Date: 17 December 2012
EASA AD No.: 2012-0256

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Required Action(s) 

and Compliance

Time(s):

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously:

(1) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the stick 

pusher rigging in accordance with the instructions of SAAB SB 340-27-105.

(2) If, during the inspection as required by paragraph (1) of this AD, an 

incorrect setting of the stick pusher maximum elevator position is found, 

before next flight, adjust the stick pusher rigging in accordance with the 

instructions of SAAB SB 340-27-105.

(3) Within 30 days after the corrective action as required by paragraph (2) of 

this AD, record the incorrect rigging value that was detected and report to 

SAAB in accordance with the instructions of SAAB SB 340-27-105.

Ref. Publications: SAAB SB 340-27-105 original issue dated 12 July 2012, or Revision 01 dated

31 August 2012.

The use of later approved revisions of this document is acceptable for 

compliance with the requirements of this AD.

Remarks: 1. If requested and appropriately substantiated, EASA can approve 

Alternative Methods of Compliance for this AD.

2. This AD was posted on 02 November 2012 as PAD 12-137 for consultation 

until 30 November 2012. No comments were received during the 

consultation period.

3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the Safety Information 

Section, Executive Directorate, EASA. E-mail: ADs@easa.europa.eu.

4. For any question concerning the technical content of the requirements in 

this AD, please contact SAAB AB, Support and Services,

SE-581 88 Linköping, Sweden

Fax: +46 13 184874

E-mail: saab340.techsupport@saabgroup.com.