Document ID: FAA-2015-6544-0007
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes
Posted Date: 2016-11-04T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 214 (Friday, November 4, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76843-76845]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-26327]

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  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 214 / Friday, November 4, 2016 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 76843]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-6544; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-198-AD; 
Amendment 39-18704; AD 2016-22-15]
RIN 2120-AA64

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

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-24-06 for 
certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 
340B airplanes. AD 2012-24-06 required replacing the stall warning 
computer (SWC) with a new SWC that provides an artificial stall warning 
in icing conditions, and modifying the airplane for the replacement of 
the SWC. This new AD adds airplanes to the applicability, and adds 
requirements to replace the existing SWCs with new, improved SWCs, and 
to modify the airplane for the new replacement of the SWC. This new AD 
also reduces the compliance time for replacing the SWCs. This AD was 
prompted by a determination that airplanes with certain modifications 
were excluded from the applicability in AD 2012-24-06, and are affected 
by the identified unsafe condition; and that the SWC required by AD 
2012-24-06 contained erroneous logic. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
natural stall events during operation in icing conditions, which could 
result in loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective December 9, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 9, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; 
telephone +46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email 
saab340.techsupport@saabgroup.com; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com. 
You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It 
is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-6544.

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-2015-
6544; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-
647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, 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, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
telephone 425-227-1112; fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2012-24-06, Amendment 39-17276 (77 
FR 73279, December 10, 2012) (``AD 2012-24-06''). AD 2012-24-06 applied 
to certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 
340B airplanes. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on July 12, 
2016 (81 FR 45072) (``the SNPRM''). We preceded the SNPRM with a notice 
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that published in the Federal Register on 
December 17, 2015 (80 FR 78699) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted 
by a determination that airplanes with certain modifications were 
excluded from the applicability in AD 2012-24-06, and are affected by 
the identified unsafe condition; and the SWC required by AD 2012-24-06 
contained erroneous logic. The NPRM proposed to add airplanes to the 
applicability and to add requirements to replace the existing SWCs with 
new, improved SWCs and to modify the airplane for the new replacement 
of the SWC. The SNPRM proposed to reduce the compliance time for 
replacing the SWCs. We are issuing this AD to prevent natural stall 
events during operation in icing conditions, which could result in loss 
of control of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0218, dated September 29, 2014 (referred 
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on certain Saab AB, Saab 
Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    A few natural stall events, specifically when operating in icing 
conditions, have been experienced on SAAB 340 series aeroplanes, 
without receiving a prior stall warning.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of 
control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, SAAB developed a 
modified stall warning system, incorporating improved stall warning 
logic, and issued Service Bulletin (SB) 340-27-098 and SB 340-27-
099, providing instructions to replace the Stall Warning Computer 
(SWC) with a new SWC, and instructions to activate the new SWC. The 
new system included stall warning curves optimized for operation in 
icing conditions, which are activated by selection of Engine Anti-
Ice.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2011-0219 to require installation 
of the improved SWC.
    After that [EASA] AD was issued, in-service experience with the 
improved stall warning system revealed cases of premature stall 
warning activation during the take-off phase. In numerous recorded 
cases, the onset of stall warning occurred without the 6 minute 
delay after weight off wheels.

[[Page 76844]]

    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to premature stick 
shaker activation and consequent increase in pilot workload during 
the take-off phase, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane.
    To correct this unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2013-0254 
retaining the requirements of EASA AD 2011-0219, which was 
superseded, to require deactivation of the ice speed curves in the 
improved SWC on SAAB 340 aeroplanes, in accordance with SAAB SB 340-
27-116.
    Since EASA AD 2013-0254 was issued, SAAB developed a technical 
solution to eliminate the premature activation of the stall warning 
ice curves and issued SB 340-27-120 (modification of the existing 
Stall Warning System installation), SB 340-27-121 (activation of 
improved SWC for aeroplanes with a basic wing tip) and SB 340-27-122 
(activation of improved SWC for aeroplanes with an extended wing 
tip). SAAB SB 340-27-120 provides modification and installation 
instructions valid for pre- and post-SB 340-27-097, 340-27-098, SB 
340-27-099 and SB 340-27-116 aeroplanes. For aeroplanes modified in 
accordance with SAAB AB mod. No. 2650 and/or mod. No. 2859 which are 
no longer registered in Canada, SAAB AB issued SAAB AB SB 340-27-109 
to provide modification and installation instructions to remove the 
ice speed curve function.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2013-0254, which is superseded, and requires 
modification of the Stall Warning and Identification System and 
replacement of the SWC with an improved unit.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
6544.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the SNPRM 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 this AD as proposed, except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics has issued the following service 
information:
     Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-109, dated April 14, 2014.
     Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-116, dated October 18, 2013.
     Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-120, dated July 11, 2014.
     Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-121, dated July 11, 2014.
     Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-122, dated July 11, 2014.
    The service information describes procedures for deactivating the 
stall warning speed curves in the SWCs for certain airplanes; replacing 
the existing SWCs with new, improved SWCs; and modifying the airplane 
for the new replacement of the SWC. These documents are distinct since 
they apply to different airplane models in different configurations. 
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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 105 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The actions required by AD 2012-24-06 and retained in this AD, take 
about 78 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per 
work-hour. Required parts cost about $33,000 per product. Based on 
these figures, the estimated cost of the actions that were required by 
AD 2012-24-06 is $39,630 per product.
    The new requirement of this AD adds no additional economic burden.

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, 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. 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.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2012-24-06, Amendment 39-17276 (77 FR 73279, December 10, 2012), and 
adding the following new AD:

2016-22-15 Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics: Amendment 39-18704; Docket No. 
FAA-2015-6544; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-198-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 9, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2012-24-06, Amendment 39-17276 (77 FR 73279, 
December 10, 2012) (``AD 2012-24-06'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly known as 
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes, serial numbers 004 
through 159 inclusive.
    (2) Model SAAB 340B airplanes, serial numbers 160 through 459 
inclusive, except serial numbers 170, 342, 362, 363, 367, 372, 379, 
385, 395, 405, 409, 431, 441, and 455.

[[Page 76845]]

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that airplanes with 
certain modifications were excluded from the applicability in AD 
2012-24-06, and are affected by the identified unsafe condition; and 
the stall warning computer (SWC) required by AD 2012-24-06 contained 
erroneous logic. We are issuing this AD to prevent natural stall 
events during operation in icing conditions, which could result in 
loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Deactivation of Stall Speed Curves

    For airplanes identified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this 
AD: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, do the 
deactivation specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable to airplane configuration, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-116, 
dated October 18, 2013.
    (1) For airplanes with a basic wing tip that has been modified 
using Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-098: Deactivate the stall speed 
curves in the SWC having part number (P/N) 0020AK6.
    (2) For airplanes with an extended wing tip that has been 
modified using Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-099: Deactivate the 
stall speed curves in the SWC having P/N 0020AK7.

(h) Replacement of SWCs

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD: Do the 
replacement specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) For airplanes with basic wing tips: Replace all SWCs with 
new, improved SWCs having P/N 0020AK6-1, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-121, 
dated July 11, 2014.
    (2) For airplanes with extended wing tips: Replace all SWCs with 
new, improved SWCs having P/N 0020AK7-1, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-122, 
dated July 11, 2014.

(i) Concurrent Modification

    Before or concurrently with the accomplishment of the applicable 
requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD, do the actions specified 
in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD, as applicable to airplane 
configuration.
    (1) For airplanes on which either Saab AB Modification 2650 or 
Modification 2859 is not installed: Modify the stall warning and 
identification system, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-120, dated July 11, 
2014.
    (2) For airplanes on which either Saab AB Modification 2650 or 
Modification 2859 is installed, or on which both modifications are 
installed: Modify the stall warning and identification system, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service 
Bulletin 340-27-109, dated April 14, 2014.

(j) Parts Installation Prohibitions

    After the replacement required by paragraph (h) of this AD, no 
person may install any SWC having P/N 0020AK, 0020AK1, 0020AK2, 
0020AK4, 0020AK6, 0020AK7, or 0020AK3 MOD 1, on any airplane.

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1112; fax 425-227-1149. Information 
may be emailed 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: 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 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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.

(l) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0218, dated September 29, 2014, 
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-2015-6544.

(m) 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.
    (i) Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-109, dated April 14, 2014.
    (ii) Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-116, dated October 18, 2013.
    (iii) Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-120, dated July 11, 2014.
    (iv) Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-121, dated July 11, 2014.
    (v) Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-122, dated July 11, 2014.
    (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 
saab340.techsupport@saabgroup.com; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 25, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-26327 Filed 11-3-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P