Document Headings

                    Document headings vary by document type but may contain                    the following:                  
                -                       the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document                    
                -                       the number of the CFR title and the number of each part                      the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly                      related to                    
                -                       the agency docket number / agency internal file number                    
                -                       the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in                      the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory                      Actions                    

                    See the                                          Document Drafting Handbook                                        for more details.                  

###### Department of Transportation

###### Federal Aviation Administration

          - 14 CFR Part 39
          - [Docket No. FAA-2024-2016; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00111-T; Amendment 39-22948; AD 2025-02-15]
          - RIN 2120-AA64

# AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

# ACTION:

Final rule.

# SUMMARY:

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-21-05, which applied to certain Saab AB Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. AD 2017-21-05 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate airworthiness limitations, including new inspection tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the main landing gear (MLG) and tasks related to the corrosion prevention and control program (CPCP). This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2017-21-05 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, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

# DATES:

This AD is effective March 19, 2025.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 19, 2025.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of November 27, 2017 (82 FR 48917, October 23, 2017).

# ADDRESSES:

*AD Docket:*                         You may examine the AD docket at                         *regulations.gov*                         under Docket No. FAA-2024-2016; 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.                    

*Material Incorporated by Reference:*
      - For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;                          website                          easa.europa.eu.                          You may find this material on the EASA website at                          ad.easa.europa.eu. 
      - For Saab AB material identified in this AD, contact Saab AB, SE-581 88, Linköping, Sweden; telephone +46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email saab340techsupport@saabgroup.com;                          website                          saab.com/products/air/regional-aircraft. 
      - 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 at regulations.gov                          under Docket No. FAA-2024-2016.                    

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

                        Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3220; email                         *Shahram.Daneshmandi@faa.gov.*

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

## Background

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2017-21-05, Amendment 39-19076 (82 FR 48917, October 23, 2017) (AD 2017-21-05). AD 2017-21-05 applied to certain Saab AB Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. AD 2017-21-05 required revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate airworthiness limitations, including new inspection tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the MLG and to implement CPCP-related tasks. The FAA issued AD 2017-21-05 to prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

                    The NPRM published in the                     **Federal Register**                     on August 12, 2024 (89 FR 65568). The NPRM was prompted by                           ( print page 9376)                        AD 2024-0042, dated February 13, 2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0042) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations have been developed.                

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions required in AD 2017-21-05. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD 2024-0042. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

                    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at                     *regulations.gov*                     under Docket No. FAA-2024-2016.                

## Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

## Comments

The FAA received a comment from an individual who supported the NPRM without change.

## Conclusion

This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product. 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.

## Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0042. This material specifies new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits.

This AD also requires SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated December 1, 2016, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of November 27, 2017 (82 FR 48917, October 23, 2017).

                    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 81 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 2017-21-05 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 actions 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:

# 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) 2017-21-05, Amendment 39-19076 ( 82 FR 48917, October 23, 2017); and

b. Adding the following new AD: 

**2025-02-15 Saab AB (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Support and Services):**                             Amendment 39-22948; Docket No. FAA-2024-2016; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00111-T.                        

## (a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 19, 2025.

## (b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 2017-21-05, Amendment 39-19076 (82 FR 48917, October 23, 2017) (AD 2017-21-05).

## (c) Applicability

This AD applies to all Saab AB (formerly known as Saab AB, Support and Services) Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes, certificated in any category.

## (d) Subject

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

## (e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

## (f) Compliance

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

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

                            This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2017-21-05, with no changes. For airplanes with an original certificate of airworthiness or original export                                   ( print page 9377)                                certificate of airworthiness issued on or before December 1, 2016. Within 30 days after November 27, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-21-05): Revise the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate airworthiness limitations, including inspection tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the main landing gear (MLG) and corrosion prevention and control (CPCP) related tasks, specified in SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated December 1, 2016. The compliance time for the initial airworthiness limitation tasks is at the applicable compliance time specified in SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated December 1, 2016, or within 30 days after November 27, 2017, whichever occurs later. Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.                        

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

                            This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2017-21-05, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, after the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (                            *e.g.,*                             inspections), intervals, and/or CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, and/or CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.                        

## (i) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program

Except as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0042, dated February 13, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0042). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

## (j) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0042

(1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2024-0042.

(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0042 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, 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 2024-0042 is at the applicable “limitations” and “associated thresholds” as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0042, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2024-0042.

(5) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2024-0042.

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

                            After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (i) 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 2024-0042.                        

## (l) Additional AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

                            (1)                             *Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):*                             The Manager, 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 manager of the International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (m) of this AD. Information may be emailed to:                             *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, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Saab AB's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.                        

## (m) Additional Information

                            For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3220; email                             *Shahram.Daneshmandi@faa.gov.*

## (n) Material Incorporated by Reference

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

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

(3) The following material was approved for IBR on March 19, 2025.

(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0042, dated February 13, 2024.

(ii) [Reserved]

(4) The following material was approved for IBR on November 27, 2017 (82 FR 48917, October 23, 2017).

(i) SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated December 1, 2016.

(ii) [Reserved]

                            (5) For the EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email                             *ADs@easa.europa.eu;*                             website                             *easa.europa.eu.*                             You may find this material on the EASA website at                             *ad.easa.europa.eu.*

                            (6) For Saab AB material identified in this AD, contact Saab AB, SE-581 88, Linköping, Sweden; telephone +46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email                             *saab340techsupport@saabgroup.com;*                             website                             *saab.com/products/air/regional-aircraft.*

(7) 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.

                            (8) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit                             *www.archives.gov/​federal-register/​cfr/​ibr-locations*                             or email                             *fr.inspection@nara.gov.*

Issued on January 24, 2025.

Victor Wicklund,

Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2025-02446 Filed 2-11-25; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P