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###### Department of Transportation

###### Federal Aviation Administration

          - 14 CFR Part 39
          - [Docket No. FAA-2021-0841; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00622-T; Amendment 39-21863; AD 2021-26-05]
          - RIN 2120-AA64

# AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

# ACTION:

Final rule.

# SUMMARY:

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-07-17, which applied to all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. AD 2020-07-17 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-07-17, it has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2020-07-17 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

# DATES:

This AD is effective February 15, 2022.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 15, 2022.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of May 26, 2020 (85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020).

# ADDRESSES:

                        For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email                         *ADs@easa.europa.eu;*                         internet                         *www.easa.europa.eu.*                         You may find this IBR material on the EASA website at                         *https://ad.easa.europa.eu.*                         You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available in the AD docket at                               ( print page 1336)    *https://www.regulations.gov*                         by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0841.                    

## Examining the AD Docket

                    You may examine the AD docket at                     *https://www.regulations.gov*                     by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0841; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.                

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

                        Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3220;                         *Shahram.Daneshmandi@faa.gov.*

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

## Background

EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0132, dated May 25, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0132) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. EASA AD 2021-0132 superseded EASA AD 2019-0263, dated October 22, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0263) (which corresponds to FAA AD 2020-07-17, Amendment 39-19896 (85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020) (AD 2020-07-17)).

                    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-07-17. AD 2020-07-17 applied to all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. The NPRM published in the                     **Federal Register**                     on October 4, 2021 (86 FR 54663). The NPRM was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The NPRM proposed to continue to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD 2019-0263. The NPRM also proposed to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0132. Accomplishing the maintenance or inspection program revision required by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD (which restates paragraph (g) of AD 2020-07-17).                

The FAA is issuing this AD to address, among other things, fatigue cracking of principal structural elements (PSEs) and corrosion prevention and control. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of a PSE, and lead to loss of control of the airplane.

## Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

## Comments

The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

## Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

EASA AD 2021-0132 describes new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations for safe life limits, structural limitation items, and fuel airworthiness items, as well as certification maintenance requirements.

This AD also requires EASA AD 2019-0263, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of May 26, 2020 (85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020).

                    This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the                     **ADDRESSES**                     section.                

## Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 9 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained actions from AD 2020-07-17 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour).

The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new proposed maintenance/inspection program revision to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour).

## 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.

The FAA is 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

This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,

(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

# List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

      - Air transportation
      - Aircraft
      - Aviation safety
      - Incorporation by reference
      - Safety

## The Amendment

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

      ( print page 1337)    

# 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 

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: 

a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-07-17, Amendment 39-19896 ( 85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020); and

b. Adding the following new AD: 

**2021-26-05 Saab AB, Support and Services (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics):**                             Amendment 39-21863; Docket No. FAA-2021-0841; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00622-T.                        

## (a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 15, 2022.

## (b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 2020-07-17, Amendment 39-19896 (85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020) (AD 2020-07-17).

## (c) Applicability

This AD applies to all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 airplanes, certificated in any category.

## (d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks.

## (e) Reason

This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address, among other things, fatigue cracking of principal structural elements (PSEs) and corrosion prevention and control. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of a PSE, and lead to loss of control of the airplane.

## (f) Compliance

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

## (g) Retained Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision, With No Changes

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2020-07-17, with no changes. Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0263, dated October 22, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0263). Accomplishing the maintenance or inspection program revision required by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

## (h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0263, With Revised Exceptions

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2020-07-17, with revised exceptions.

(1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2019-0263 do not apply to this AD.

(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263 specifies revising “the approved AMP [aircraft maintenance program]” within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the “limitations, tasks and associated thresholds and intervals” specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263 within 90 days after May 26, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-07-17).

(3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263 is at the applicable “associated thresholds” specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263, or within 90 days after May 26, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-07-17), whichever occurs later.

(4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2019-0263 do not apply to this AD.

(5) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2019-0263 does not apply to this AD.

## (i) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions, Intervals, and Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs), With a New Exception

                            This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 2020-07-17, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, after the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (                            *e.g.,*                             inspections), intervals, and CDCCLs are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2019-0263.                        

## (j) New Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

Except as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0132, dated May 25, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0132). Accomplishing the maintenance or inspection program revision required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

## (k) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0132

(1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2021-0132 do not apply to this AD.

(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0132 specifies revising “the approved AMP” within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the “limitations, tasks and associated thresholds and intervals” specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0132 within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.

(3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0132 is at the applicable “associated thresholds” specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0132, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2021-0132 do not apply to this AD.

(5) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0132 does not apply to this AD.

## (l) New Provisions for Alternative Actions, Intervals, and CDCCLs

                            After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative actions (                            *e.g.,*                             inspections), intervals, and CDCCLs are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2021-0132.                        

## (m) Additional AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

                            (1)                             *Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):*                             The Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (n) of this AD. Information may be emailed to:                             *9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.*                             Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.                        

                            (2)                             *Contacting the Manufacturer:*                             For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Saab AB, Support and Services' (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics) EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.                        

## (n) Related Information

                            For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3220;                             *Shahram.Daneshmandi@faa.gov.*

## (o) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.

(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on February 15, 2022.

(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0132, dated May 25, 2021.

                            (ii) [Reserved]                                  ( print page 1338)    

(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on May 26, 2020 (85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020).

(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2019-0263, dated October 22, 2019.

(ii) [Reserved]

                            (5) For EASA AD 2019-0263 and EASA AD 2021-0132, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email                             *ADs@easa.europa.eu;*                             internet                             *www.easa.europa.eu.*                             You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at                             *https://ad.easa.europa.eu.*

(6) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

                            (7) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email                             *fr.inspection@nara.gov,*                             or go to:                             *https://www.archives.gov/​federal-register/​cfr/​ibr-locations.html.*

Issued on December 8, 2021.

Lance T. Gant,

Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2021-28580 Filed 1-10-22; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P