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[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 102 (Thursday, May 28, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29094-29096]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-13822]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-211-AD; Amendment 39-10532; AD 98-11-05]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, that 
requires performing a one-time inspection of the dropout boxes of the 
passenger oxygen system to detect discrepancies and determine whether 
the system operates properly; correcting any discrepancy found; and 
reworking or installing new components, if necessary. This amendment is 
prompted by a report indicating that the oxygen system failed to 
operate correctly after activation at a low cabin pressure due to the 
incorrect installation of the oxygen masks or oxygen generators during 
manufacturing. The actions specified by this AD are intended to ensure 
that a sufficient supply of oxygen is provided to airplane passengers 
in the event of rapid decompression of the airplane.

DATES: Effective July 2, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 2, 1998.

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: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington

[[Page 29095]]

98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on May 22, 1997 
(62 FR 27986). That action proposed to require performing a one-time 
inspection of the dropout boxes of the passenger oxygen system to 
detect discrepancies and determine whether the system operates 
properly; correcting any discrepancy found; and reworking or installing 
new components, if necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.
    One commenter supports the proposed AD; however, it notes that many 
different types of failures were discovered upon review by the 
Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is the airworthiness authority for Sweden. 
Additionally, the commenter states that the repair work performed to 
correct the errors also could be performed incorrectly. The commenter 
requests that because of these two factors, the FAA should require 
repetitive inspections in lieu of the proposed one-time inspection.
    The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request to include 
repetitive inspections in this rulemaking action at this point. 
According to Saab, the problem was found to originate from the interior 
supplier's repacking of the oxygen equipment after installing the 
dropout boxes in the passenger service units. This finding led to 
several improvements and related instructions by Saab and the interior 
and systems suppliers regarding the packing method. These improvements 
also included hands-on training. Saab is not aware of any further 
problems occurring with the dropout boxes after implementation of these 
improvements. Therefore, the FAA has determined that repetitive 
inspections to ensure the continued proper functioning of the system 
are not necessary.
    The same commenter states that it is unacceptable to operate 
aircraft with emergency equipment that would not work when needed, and 
suggests that it would be prudent to periodically perform functional 
tests of all the emergency equipment to ensure that it will work when 
needed.
    The FAA acknowledges the concerns of the commenter. The FAA has 
determined that an unsafe condition exists, and that the actions 
required by this AD are adequate in order to ensure the continued 
safety of the affected fleet. While there may be merit to the 
commenter's suggestions, this AD is not the appropriate context in 
which to evaluate those suggestions. Since the suggested changes would 
alter the actions currently required by this AD, additional rulemaking 
would be required. The FAA finds that to delay this action would be 
inappropriate in light of the identified unsafe condition. No change to 
this final rule is necessary.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 3 Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take 
approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $540, or $180 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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 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.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

98-11-05  SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-10532. Docket 96-NM-211-AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, having serial 
numbers -003 through -039 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 
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 (b) 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 an insufficient supply of oxygen being provided to 
airplane passengers in the event of rapid decompression of the 
airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time inspection of the dropout boxes of the passenger oxygen 
system to detect discrepancies and determine whether the system 
operates properly, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-35-001, dated February 
20, 1996.
    (1) If the passenger oxygen system operates properly and no 
discrepancy is found in this system, no further action is required 
by this AD.
    (2) If any discrepancy is found in the passenger oxygen system, 
prior to further

[[Page 29096]]

flight, perform rework or install new components, as applicable, in 
accordance with the service bulletin.
    (b) 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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (c) 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.
    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-35-001, dated February 20, 1996. 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 Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Linkping, Sweden. 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish 
airworthiness directive (SAD) 1-091, dated February 20, 1996.

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on July 2, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 18, 1998.
John J. Hickey,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-13822 Filed 5-27-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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