AD 97-13-06

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 340B and SAAB 2000 series airplanes. This action requires an inspection of the fluorescent lamps in the cabin area to ensure correct installation, and correction, if necessary. This AD also requires an inspection of the lampholders to identify any discrepancies and to ensure the security of the back covers, and replacement of discrepant lampholders with new lampholders; installation of retaining clips on certain Page Aerospace lampholders; and reinspection of the lamps to ensure correct installation after replacement or reinstallation of the lamps or lampholders, and corrections, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports indicating that loose back covers on the lampholders and incorrect lamp installations have led to electrical arcing between fluorescent tube pins and lampholders and consequent charring or melting of the affected areas. The actions specified inthis AD are intended to prevent such electrical arcing, which could burn the surrounding area and lead to smoke and fumes in the passenger compartment or lavatory area.

Final rule; request for comments

97-13-06 SAAB AIRCRAFT AB: Amendment 39-10052. Docket 97-NM-76-AD.

Applicability: Model SAAB 340B series airplanes, having serial numbers -342 and -359 through -439 inclusive; and SAAB 2000 series airplanes, having serial numbers -004 through -059 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 otherwise 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 (d) 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 shouldinclude specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent electrical arcing between the fluorescent tube pins and the lampholders, which could burn the surrounding area and lead to smoke and fumes in the passenger compartment or lavatory area, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3).

(1) For all airplanes: Inspect the fluorescent lamps installed in the ceiling/window of the lavatory and passenger compartment to ensure correct installation; and inspect the lampholders for discrepancies such as discoloration, evidence of electrical arcing at the light tube pins, charring or melting, or insecure back covers; in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340- 33-047, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 340B series airplanes); or Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May 16, 1997 (for ModelSAAB 2000 series airplanes); as applicable.

(i) If any lamp is installed incorrectly, prior to further flight, install the lamp correctly in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.

(ii) If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, replace the lampholder with a new lampholder in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.

(2) For Model SAAB 340B series airplanes on which a Page Aerospace lampholder having part number (P/N) D756-02-001 is installed: Install a retaining clip in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-040, Revision 02, dated February 20, 1997.

NOTE 2: Installation of retaining clips on Page Aerospace lampholders that was accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340- 33-040, Revision 01, dated January 31, 1997, also is considered acceptable for compliance with the requirement of paragraph (a)(2) of this AD.

(3) For Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes on which a Page Aerospace lampholder having P/N C756-10-001 in installed: Install a retaining clip in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-009, dated June 19, 1996.

(b) Following the accomplishment of the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD: If any fluorescent lamp or lampholder is replaced or reinstalled, within 7 days after accomplishing such replacement or reinstallation, reinspect the lamp to ensure it is still in the correct position, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-047, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 340B series airplanes); or Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes); as applicable. If any lamp is installed incorrectly, prior to further flight, make corrections to ensure correct installation in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.

(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a fluorescent lampholder having Page Aerospace P/N D756-02-001 or Page Aerospace P/N C756-10-001 on any Model SAAB 340B or SAAB 2000 series airplane, unless the lampholder has been modified in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) or (a)(3) of this AD, as applicable.

(d) 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

(e) 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.

(f) The modifications shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-047, dated May 16, 1997; Service Bulletin 340-33-040, Revision 02, dated February 20, 1997 (for Model SAAB 340B series airplanes); Service Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May 16, 1997; and Service Bulletin 2000-33-009, dated June 19, 1996 (for Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes); 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.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on July 7, 1997.

The Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is the airworthiness authority for Sweden, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Saab Model SAAB 340B and SAAB 2000 series airplanes. The LFV advises of reports of fluorescent lampholder charring due to the incorrect installation of fluorescent lamps in their holders; this condition resulted in smoke emission. A number of failures have occurred in airplanes equipped with Page Aerospace lampholders, where loose back covers have led to electrical arcing between the fluorescent tube pins and lampholders. Such incorrect installation or a loose back cover, if not corrected, could result in electrical arcing, which could burn the surrounding area and lead to smoke and fumes in the passenger compartment or lavatory area.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Saab has issued the following service bulletins:

- Service Bulletin 340-33-047, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 340Bseries airplanes);

- Service Bulletin 340-33-040, Revision 02, dated February 20, 1997 (for Model SAAB 340B series airplanes);

- Service Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes); and

- Service Bulletin 2000-33-009, dated June 19, 1996 (for Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes).

These service bulletins describe procedures for inspecting the fluorescent lamps in the cabin area to ensure correct installation, and making corrections, if necessary; inspecting the lampholders for such discrepancies as discoloration, evidence of electrical arcing at the light tube pins, and charring or melting; and ensuring the security of the back covers of the lampholders. In addition, these service bulletins describe procedures for replacing any discrepant lampholder with a new lampholder; installing retaining clips on Page Aerospace lampholders; and reinspecting the lamps to ensure correct installation after replacement or reinstallation of the lamps or lampholders, and corrections, if necessary.

The LFV classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued Swedish airworthiness directive (SAD) 1-103R1, dated January 30, 1997; SAD 1-113, dated May 26, 1997; and SAD 1- 114, dated May 26, 1997; in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Sweden.

FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in Sweden and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LFV has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the LFV, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule
Sincean unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent electrical arcing between the fluorescent tube pins and the lampholders, which could burn the surrounding area and lead to smoke and fumes in the passenger compartment or lavatory area. This AD requires an inspection of the fluorescent lamps in the cabin area to ensure correct installation, and corrections, if necessary. This AD also requires an inspection of the lampholders to identify any discrepancies and to ensure the security of the back covers, and replacement of discrepant lampholders with new lampholders; installation of retaining clips on certain Page Aerospace lampholders; and reinspection of the lamps to ensure correct installation after replacement or reinstallation of the lamps or lampholders, and corrections, if necessary. These actions are required to be accomplished in accordance withthe service bulletins described previously.

Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action until final action is identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption "ADDRESSES." All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the followingstatement is made: "Comments to Docket Number 97-NM-76-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

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.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it isdetermined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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: