Document ID: FAA-2018-0797-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes
Posted Date: 2018-09-19T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 182 (Wednesday, September 19, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47321-47324]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20106]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0797; Product Identifier 2018-NM-096-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly 
Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-11-
07, which applies to all Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 
airplanes. AD 2018-11-07 requires a one-time inspection of an affected 
lug attaching the aileron bellcrank support bracket to the rear spar of 
the wing and the adjacent area of the installed support brackets, a 
thickness measurement of the affected lug, repetitive inspections of 
the affected aileron bellcrank support brackets, and corrective actions 
if necessary. AD 2018-11-07 also provided an optional terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections. Since we issued AD 2018-11-07, 
we have determined that it is necessary to require the terminating 
action. This proposed AD would retain the actions of AD 2018-11-07 and 
require the terminating action for the repetitive inspections. We are 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 5, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Saab AB, 
Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone +46 13 
18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email [email protected]; 
internet http://www.saabgroup.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th 
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0797; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone 800-647-
5527) is in the

[[Page 47322]]

ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3220.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0797; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-096-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed 
AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We issued AD 2018-11-07, Amendment 39-19295 (83 FR 24399, May 29, 
2018) (``AD 2018-11-07''), for all Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 
2000 airplanes. AD 2018-11-07 requires a one-time inspection of the 
affected lug attaching the aileron bellcrank support bracket to the 
rear spar of the wing and the adjacent area of the installed aileron 
bellcrank support brackets, a thickness measurement of the affected lug 
attaching the support bracket to the rear spar of the wing, repetitive 
inspections of the affected aileron bellcrank support brackets, and 
corrective actions if necessary. AD 2018-11-07 also provides an 
optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. AD 2018-11-
07 resulted from the identification of a manufacturing defect on 
certain aileron bellcrank support brackets that resulted in the 
material thickness of the affected lug attaching the support bracket to 
the rear spar of the wing to be insufficient. We issued AD 2018-11-07 
to detect and correct the defect of the aileron bellcrank support 
bracket, which, in the event of an aileron jam, could lead to failure 
of the support bracket and result in reduced controllability of the 
airplane.

Actions Since AD 2018-11-07 Was Issued

    In the preamble of AD 2018-11-07, we stated that we were 
considering further rulemaking to require the replacement of all 
affected support brackets. The planned compliance time for the support 
bracket replacements allowed adequate time for notice and opportunity 
for public comment on the merits of the replacement. Therefore, the 
requirement for the replacement was not included in AD 2018-11-07. We 
have now determined that further rulemaking is necessary to include 
this requirement.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics has issued Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-
056, dated April 18, 2018. This service information describes 
procedures for a detailed visual inspection for cracks, corrosion, and 
damage (including missing paint) of the affected lug and the adjacent 
area of the installed aileron bellcrank support brackets on the left-
hand and right-hand wings; a thickness measurement of the affected lug 
attaching the support bracket to the rear spar of the wing; and 
replacement of aileron bellcrank support brackets. This service 
information 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.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Proposed Requirements of This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2018-11-07, 
and change the optional terminating action into a requirement. This 
proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the 
service information described previously. This proposed AD would remove 
the requirement to send the inspection results to the manufacturer.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    Where the MCAI specifies to submit an inspection report, this 
proposed AD would not require reporting.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 8 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Labor cost                      Parts cost            Cost per product     Cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 19 work-hours x $85 per hour =   Up to $18,074..........  Up to $19,689..........  Up to $157,512.
 $1,615.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data for the on-condition costs 
specified in this proposed AD.

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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance

[[Page 47323]]

with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the 
Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition 
period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs 
applicable to transport category airplanes to the Director of the 
System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    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),
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    4. 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 Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2018-11-07, Amendment 39-19295 (83 FR 24399, May 29, 2018), and adding 
the following new AD:

Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab 
Aerosystems): Docket No. FAA-2018-0797; Product Identifier 2018-NM-
096-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 5, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-11-07, Amendment 39-19295 (83 FR 24399, 
May 29, 2018) (``AD 2018-11-07'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly known as 
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Model SAAB 2000 airplanes, certificated 
in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the identification of a manufacturing 
defect on certain aileron bellcrank support brackets that resulted 
in insufficient material thickness of the affected lug attaching the 
support bracket to the rear spar of the wing. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct a defect of the aileron bellcrank support 
bracket, which, in the event of an aileron jam, could lead to 
failure of the support bracket and result in reduced controllability 
of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Definitions, With No Changes

    (1) This paragraph restates the definition specified in 
paragraph (g)(1) of AD 2018-11-07, with no changes. For the purposes 
of this AD, affected support brackets are aileron bellcrank support 
brackets, part number (P/N) 7327993-813 and P/N 7327993-814, for 
which it has been determined that the affected lug attaching the 
support bracket to the rear spar of the wing has a thickness of less 
than 2.75 mm (0.108 in.), as specified in Saab Service Bulletin 
2000-27-056, dated April 18, 2018.
    (2) This paragraph restates the definition specified in 
paragraph (g)(2) of AD 2018-11-07, with no changes. For the purposes 
of this AD, serviceable support brackets are aileron bellcrank 
support brackets, P/N 7327993-813 and P/N 7327993-814, for which it 
has been determined that the affected lug attaching the support 
bracket to the rear spar of the wing has a thickness of 2.75 mm 
(0.108 in.) or more, as specified in Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-
056, dated April 18, 2018.

(h) Retained One-Time Inspection, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2018-11-07, with no changes. Within 100 flight cycles or 30 days, 
whichever occurs first after June 13, 2018 (the effective date of AD 
2018-11-07), accomplish a detailed visual inspection for cracks, 
corrosion, and damage (including missing paint) of the affected lug 
and the adjacent area of the aileron bellcrank support brackets 
installed on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) wings, and 
measure the thickness of the affected lug attaching the aileron 
bellcrank support bracket to the rear spar of the wing, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-27-056, dated April 18, 2018.

(i) Retained Repetitive Inspections, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2018-11-07, with no changes. If, during the measurement required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, it is determined that the affected lug 
attaching the aileron bellcrank support bracket to the rear spar of 
the wing has a thickness of less than 2.75 mm (0.108 in.), at 
intervals not to exceed 100 flight cycles, accomplish a detailed 
visual inspection for cracks, corrosion, and damage (including 
missing paint) of that affected support bracket in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-
056, dated April 18, 2018. Accomplishing the replacement specified 
in paragraph (l) of this AD terminates the repetitive inspections 
required by this paragraph for that bracket.

(j) Retained Corrective Actions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 
2018-11-07, with no changes. If, during any inspection required by 
paragraph (h) or (i) of this AD, any crack, corrosion, or damage 
(including missing paint) is found, before further flight, obtain 
corrective actions instructions approved by the Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Saab AB, Saab 
Aeronautics' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by 
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. 
Accomplish the corrective actions within the compliance time 
specified therein. If no compliance time is specified in the 
corrective actions instructions, accomplish the corrective action 
before further flight.

(k) Retained Parts Installation Limitation, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (m) of AD 
2018-11-07, with no changes. As of June 13, 2018 (the effective date 
of AD 2018-11-07), it is allowed to install on any airplane an 
aileron bellcrank support bracket P/N 7327993-813 or P/N 7327993-
814, provided it is a serviceable support bracket.

(l) New Requirement of This AD: Replacement

    Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
each affected support bracket with a serviceable support bracket, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-27-056, dated April 18, 2018. Replacing each affected 
support bracket terminates the inspections required by paragraph (i) 
of this AD for that airplane.

(m) Other FAA AD Provisions

    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards 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

[[Page 47324]]

inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. 
If sending information directly to the International Section, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (n)(2) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (i) 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.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2018-11-07, are approved 
as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, for any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions 
from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method 
approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or 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

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0103, dated April 30, 2018, 
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on 
the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0797.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram 
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3220.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Saab 
AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone 
+46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email 
[email protected]; internet http://www.saabgroup.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on September 10, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-20106 Filed 9-18-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P