AD 98-19-19

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection to detect discrepancies of the electrical harness of the propeller de-icing system and of the hydraulic pressure pipe from the engine driven pump (EDP); and follow-on corrective actions, if necessary. This action is prompted by the issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent chafing of the hydraulic pressure pipe of the EDP, which could result in charring of the hydraulic tube and consequent engine compartment fire.

Final rule

98-19-19 SAAB AIRCRAFT AB: Amendment 39-10760. Docket 98-NM-42-AD.
Applicability: Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, serial numbers 004 through 053 inclusive; certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplishedpreviously.

To prevent chafing of the hydraulic pressure pipe of the engine driven pump (EDP), which could result in charring of the hydraulic tube and consequent engine compartment fire, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 2000-30-014, Revision 01, dated January 9, 1998.

(1) Perform a one-time inspection to detect discrepancies (incorrect routing, insufficient clearance, and chafing) of the electrical harness of the propeller de-icing system, left and right sides. If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with the service bulletin. Repair of any discrepancy may involve, but is not limited to, the following corrective actions: Rerouting wires, ensuring adequate clearance between the pipe and the harness, and repairing the electrical harness if chafing has occurred through the outer jacket or into the wires.

(2) Perform a one-time visual inspection to detect chafing of the hydraulic pipe of the EDP, left and right sides. If any chafing is found, prior to further flight, replace the pipe with a new or serviceable part.

(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 2000-30-014, Revision 01, dated January 9, 1998. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-581.88, Linkoping, Sweden. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

NOTE 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish airworthiness directive SAD No. 1-121, dated January 9, 1998.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on October 21, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March 26, 1998 (63 FR 14651). That action proposed to require a one-time inspection to detect discrepancies of the electrical harness of the propeller de-icing system and of the hydraulic pressure pipe from the engine driven pump (EDP); and follow-on corrective actions, if necessary.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the comments received.

One commenter supports the proposed rule.

One commenter requests that the FAA change paragraph (a)(1) of the proposed rule from "prior to further flight, repair in accordance with the service bulletin," to "prior to further flight, if the routing is not correct, it must be rerouted in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 2000-30-14 (the appropriate service information referenced in the proposed rule); that a minimum clearance between the pipe and harness has to be assured; and that, if there is chafing through the outer jacket or into the wires, the electrical harness should be repaired." The commenter provided no justification for the suggested change to the proposed rule.

The FAA concurs that the actions to correct any discrepancies could be more specific. Therefore, the FAA has revised paragraph (a)(1) of the final rule to further define and clarify specific "repair" actions as the commenter requests, and as specified in the service bulletin.

Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule with the change described previously. The FAA has determined that this change will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the inspection, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $180, or $60 per airplane.

The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects 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. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption "ADDRESSES."

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: