[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 215 (Wednesday, November 6, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59718-59720]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-24161]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0520; Product Identifier 2019-NM-046-AD; Amendment
39-19770; AD 2019-21-04]
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.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. This AD
was prompted by reports of loose and irregular fasteners at the forward
end of the nacelle upper longeron, where the bulkhead frame and struts
are attached to the engine mounting structure (EMS). This AD requires
modification of the EMS and structural attachments. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 11, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 11,
2019.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden;
phone: +46 13 18 5591; fax: +46 13 18 4874; email:
[email protected]; internet: https://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. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0520.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0520; 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 regulatory evaluation, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3220.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued
EASA AD 2019-0054, dated March 18, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0054'') (also
referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Saab AB, Saab
Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Saab AB, Saab
[[Page 59719]]
Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on July 2, 2019 (84 FR 31524). The NPRM was prompted
by reports of loose and irregular fasteners at the forward end of the
nacelle upper longeron, where the bulkhead frame and struts are
attached to the EMS. The NPRM proposed to require modification of the
EMS and structural attachments.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address loose and irregular fasteners
of the EMS which could cause development of cracks in the EMS, leading
to failure of the affected engine mount-to-airplane structural
connection, possibly resulting in significant airframe vibrations and
detrimental effects on the surrounding pylon/nacelle structure, and
loss of structural integrity. See the MCAI for additional background
information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed,
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Saab has issued Service Bulletin 2000-54-036, Revision 02, dated
January 18, 2019. This service information describes procedures for
modification of the EMS and structural attachments.
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
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 11 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
256 work-hours x $85 per hour = $21,760...................... $2,500 $24,260 $266,860
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The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the
agency to provide cost estimates for the on-condition repairs specified
in this 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.
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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance 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 and
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.
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.
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
2019-21-04 Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB,
Saab Aerosystems): Amendment 39-19770; Docket No. FAA-2019-0520;
Product Identifier 2019-NM-046-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 11, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(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 serial numbers, except serial numbers 006, 043,
056, and 061.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/
pylons.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of loose and irregular fasteners
at the forward end of the nacelle upper longeron, where the bulkhead
frame and struts are attached to the engine mounting structure
(EMS). The FAA is issuing this AD to address loose and
[[Page 59720]]
irregular fasteners of the EMS which could cause development of
cracks in the EMS, leading to failure of the affected engine mount-
to-airplane structural connection, possibly resulting in significant
airframe vibrations and detrimental effects on the surrounding
pylon/nacelle structure, and loss of structural integrity.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Modification of the EMS and Structural Attachments
Within 3,000 flight hours or 24 months, whichever occurs first
after the effective date of this AD, modify the EMS and structural
attachments, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-54-036, Revision 02, dated January 18,
2019. Where Saab Service Bulletin 2000-54-036, Revision 02, dated
January 18, 2019, specifies to contact Saab for appropriate action:
Before further flight, accomplish corrective actions in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using Saab Service Bulletin 2000-54-036, dated
November 6, 2018; or Saab Service Bulletin 2000-54-036, Revision 01,
dated January 7, 2019.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(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 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 (j)(2) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to: [email protected]. 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.
(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
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Union
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.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2019-0054, dated March 18, 2019, for related
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket
No. FAA-2019-0520.
(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;
phone and fax: 206-231-3220.
(3) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(k) 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 2000-54-036, Revision 02, dated
January 18, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Saab
AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; phone: +46
13 18 5591; fax: +46 13 18 4874; email:
[email protected]; internet: https://www.saabgroup.com.
(4) 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.
(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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on October 18, 2019.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-24161 Filed 11-5-19; 8:45 am]
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