Document ID: FAA-2011-0476-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB 2000 Airplanes
Posted Date: 2011-08-26T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 166 (Friday, August 26, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53301-53303]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-21621]

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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 166 / Friday, August 26, 2011 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 53301]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0476; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-247-AD; 
Amendment 39-16787; AD 2011-18-05]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB 
2000 Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Corrosion damage has been found on the aft pressure bulkhead of 
SAAB 2000 aeroplanes, located on the rear side of the bulkhead at 
the bottom outboard flange. Corrosion damage in this area can become 
the starting point for future crack initiation and propagation.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect the 
structural integrity of the aft pressure bulkhead, possibly 
resulting in in-flight decompression of the fuselage and injury to 
occupants.
* * * * *
    We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 30, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
30, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; 
telephone (425) 227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 1, 2011 (76 FR 
31508). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Corrosion damage has been found on the aft pressure bulkhead of 
SAAB 2000 aeroplanes, located on the rear side of the bulkhead at 
the bottom outboard flange. Corrosion damage in this area can become 
the starting point for future crack initiation and propagation.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect the 
structural integrity of the aft pressure bulkhead, possibly 
resulting in in-flight decompression of the fuselage and injury to 
occupants.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires a detailed 
visual inspection of the aft pressure bulkhead at the bottom 
outboard flange [for corrosion and drain hole] and, depending on 
findings, corrective action.

    Corrective actions include contacting the FAA or EASA (or its 
delegated agent) for repair instructions if corrosion is found, and 
drilling a drain hole. You may obtain further information by examining 
the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 8 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 12 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $8,160, or $1,020 per product.

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.
    We are 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

    We determined that 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,

[[Page 53302]]

or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of 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

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2011-18-05 Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems: Amendment 39-16787. Docket No. 
FAA-2011-0476; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-247-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective 
September 30, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB 2000 
airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: 
Fuselage.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Corrosion damage has been found on the aft pressure bulkhead of 
SAAB 2000 aeroplanes, located on the rear side of the bulkhead at 
the bottom outboard flange. Corrosion damage in this area can become 
the starting point for future crack initiation and propagation.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect the 
structural integrity of the aft pressure bulkhead, possibly 
resulting in in-flight decompression of the fuselage and injury to 
occupants.
* * * * *

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Inspection and Corrective Actions

    (g) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
detailed inspection for corrosion of the aft pressure bulkhead at 
the bottom outboard flange, and to determine if there is a drain 
hole on the left-hand side inboard of the ventral fin, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-
53-048, Revision 01, dated September 3, 2009.
    (h) If any corrosion is found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, repair the 
corrosion in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or its delegated 
agent.
    (i) If no drain hole is found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, drill a drain hole, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-53-048, Revision 01, dated September 3, 2009.
    (j) Within 30 days after accomplishing the inspection required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD, or within 30 days after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever is later: Report findings of corrosion to 
Saab at Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, 
Sweden; telephone +46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; e-mail 
saab2000.techsupport@saabgroup.com. Under the provisions of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection 
requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control 
Number 2120 0056.

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (k) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-53-048, dated July 6, 
2009, are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service 
information as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (l) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International 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 local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. 
If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it 
to ATTN: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-
1112; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: A Federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All 
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments 
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing 
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., 
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, AES-200.

Related Information

    (m) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0184, dated 
September 6, 2010; and Saab Service Bulletin 2000-53-048, Revision 
01, dated September 3, 2009; for related information.

[[Page 53303]]

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (n) You must use Saab Service Bulletin 2000-53-048, Revision 01, 
dated September 3, 2009, to do the actions required by this AD, 
unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Saab 
AB, Saab Aerosystems, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone 
+46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; e-mail 
saab2000.techsupport@saabgroup.com; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 12, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2011-21621 Filed 8-25-11; 8:45 am]
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