AD 97-13-01

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 340B and Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection to determine if certain switches are installed on the fire handle of the fire handle assembly; and replacement of the fire handle panel with a new fire handle panel, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by a report indicating that, during manufacture, a batch of defective switches were installed on certain fire handle panels on these airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to ensure the proper switches are installed in the fire handle assembly. A defective switch in the fire handle assembly could prematurely fail and, consequently, prevent the proper operation of the engine fire protection system in the event of a fire.

Final rule

97-13-01 SAAB AIRCRAFT AB: Amendment 39-10048. Docket 96-NM-177-AD.
Applicability: Model SAAB 340B series airplanes, having serial numbers 354 through 374 inclusive; and Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, having serial numbers 004 through 025 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 (c) 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 ensure the proper switches are installed on the fire handle panel of the fire handle assembly, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time inspection to determine the color of the switches installed on the fire handle panel of the fire handle assembly, in accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin 340-26-016, dated November 9, 1995 (for Model SAAB 340 series airplanes), or SAAB Service Bulletin 2000-26-006, dated November 9, 1995 (for Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes); as applicable.

(1) If all of the switches are green on the fire handle assembly, no further action is required by this AD.

(2) If any blue switch is installed, prior to further flight, perform a one-time inspection to determine the serial number of the fire handle assembly, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.

(i) If no fire handle assembly has a serial number listed in the service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD.

(ii) If any fire handle assembly has a serial number listed in the service bulletin, prior to further flight, replace the fire handle panel with a new fire handle panel, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.

(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a fire handle assembly, having any serial number identified in paragraph B.(3)(g) of the Accomplishment Instructions of SAAB Service Bulletin 340-26-016, dated November 9, 1995; on any airplane.

(c) 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

(d) 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.

(e) The inspections and replacement shall be done in accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin 340-26-016, dated November 9, 1995, or SAAB Service Bulletin 2000-26-006, dated November 9, 1995, as applicable. 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.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on July 25, 1997.

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 340B and Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March 12, 1997 (62 FR 11392). That action proposed to require a one-time inspection to determine the color of the switches installed on the fire handle panel of the fire handle assembly. If a blue switch is installed, that action proposed to require a one-time inspection to verify the serial number of the fire handle assembly, and replacement of the fire handle panel with a new fire handle panel, if necessary.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 21 Saab Model SAAB 340B series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators of Saab Model SAAB 340B series airplanes is estimated to be $1,260, or $60 per airplane.

The FAA also estimates that 3 Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators of Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes is estimated to be $540, or $180 per airplane.

The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 ofthe 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: