96-25-06 SAAB AIRCRAFT AB: Amendment 39-9848. Docket 95-NM-201-AD.
Applicability: Model SAAB SF340A series airplanes, serial numbers 004 through 159 inclusive; and Model SAAB 340B series airplanes, serial numbers 160 through 379 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 (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 specificproposed actions to address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent high bearing stress on the bushings in the flap fittings, which could result in jamming of the flaps and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 800 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD: Perform a visual inspection to detect damage or cracking of the forward and aft attachment lugs of the flap fittings at wing station (WS) 123.38, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340-57-027, Revision 01, dated June 30, 1995.
(1) If no cracking or damage is found, and the flap fittings have not been modified or replaced, repeat the visual inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 800 hours time-in-service.
(2) If any cracking is found, prior to further flight, replace the flap fittings with new improved flap fittings, and install improved bushings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions (Modification 2628 - Part 3) of the service bulletin. After this modification is accomplished, no further action is required by this paragraph.
(b) Within 4,500 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, perform an inspection to determine the size of the inboard and outboard holes (swaged bushings) of the flap fittings, and to detect loose swaged bushings, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340-57-027, Revision 01, dated June 30, 1995.
(1) If the sizes of the holes are within the limits specified in the service bulletin, and if no loose swaged bushings are found, prior to further flight, install improved bushings in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions (Modification 2628 - Part 1) of the service bulletin. After this modification is accomplished, no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If the size of any hole is outside the limits specified in the service bulletin, or if any loose swaged bushing is found, prior to further flight, install oversize bushings in the flap fittings, and install improved bushings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions (Modification 2628 - Part 2) of the service bulletin. After this modification is accomplished, no further action is required by this AD.
(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, replacement, and installations shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340-57-027, Revision 01, dated June 30, 1995. 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, Link ping, 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 January 27, 1997.