AD 98-15-23

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 340B series airplanes. This amendment requires adjustment of the cargo baggage net, replacement of baggage net placards, and installation of new baggage net placards. This amendment is prompted by the issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of the cargo bulkhead floor attachments, which could result in damage to the airplane structure and possible injury to passengers and crewmembers.

Direct final rule; confirmation of effective date

98-15-23 SAAB AIRCRAFT AB: Amendment 39-10449. Docket 98-NM-49-AD.
Applicability: Model SAAB 340B series airplanes; manufacturers serial numbers -205, -207, -230, -276, -281, -289, -292, -296, -302, -308, -310, -311, -315, -316, -318, -327, -328, -331, -333, -336, -337, -351, -355, -357, -360 through -365 inclusive, -368, -378, and -399; 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 accomplished previously.

To prevent failure of the cargo bulkhead floor attachments, which could result in damage to the airplane structure and possible injury to passengers and crewmembers, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, adjust the cargo baggage net; replace the baggage net placard on the aft face of the kinked bulkhead with a new placard; and install new placards on the right-hand cargo bay panel; in accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin 340-25-244, dated June 13, 1997.

(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 340-25-244, dated June 13, 1997. 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) 1-118, dated October 9, 1997.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on July 6, 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.

The FAA published this direct final rule with request for comments in the Federal Register on April 7, 1998 (63 FR 16884). The FAA uses the direct final rulemaking procedure for a non-controversial rule where the FAA anticipates that there will be no adverse public comment. This direct final rule advised the public that no adverse comments were anticipated, and that unless a written adverse comment, or a written notice of intent to submit such an adverse comment, was received within the comment period, the regulation would become effective on July 6, 1998. Comments were received that were not adverse, and thus this notice confirms that this final rule will become effective on that date. The FAA s response to those comments are included in the docket for this AD action.