AD 2016-12-05

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-15-04 for certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. AD 2014- 15-04 required deactivating the potable water system, or alternatively filling and activating the potable water system. This new AD requires inspecting the in-line heater for correct brazing and corrective action if needed, and installing a shrinkable tube on the water line and a spray shield on the in-line heater. This AD was prompted by a report of rudder pedal restriction which was the result of water leakage at the inlet tubing of an in-line heater in the lower part of the forward fuselage. This AD was also prompted by the development of a modification that would address the unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent rudder pedal restriction due to the pitch control mechanism becoming frozen as the result of water spray, which could prevent disconnection of the pitch control mechanism and normal pitch control, and consequently resultin reduced controllability of the airplane.

Final rule.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014), and adding the following new AD:

2016-12-05 Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems): Amendment 39-18554. Docket No. FAA-2015-7524; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-231-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective July 20, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014) (``AD 2014-15-04'').

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems)Model SAAB 2000 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 004 through 016 inclusive, 018, 022, 023, 024, 026, 029, 031, 032, 033, 035 through 039 inclusive, 041 through 044 inclusive, 046, 047, 048, 051, and 053 through 063 inclusive.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 38, Water/Waste.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by a report of rudder pedal restriction which was the result of water leakage at the inlet tubing of an in- line heater in the lower part of the forward fuselage. This AD was also prompted by the development of a modification that would address the unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent rudder pedal restriction due to the pitch control mechanism becoming frozen as the result of water spray, which could prevent disconnection of the pitch control mechanism and normal pitch control, and consequently result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

Comply with this AD withinthe compliance times specified, unless already done.

(g) Retained Deactivation of Potable Water System With New Exception

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2014-15-04, with a new exception. Except as provided by paragraph (l) of this AD, within 30 days after September 9, 2014 (the effective date of AD 2014-15-04), deactivate the potable water system, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-38-010, dated July 12, 2013.

(h) Retained Alternative to Deactivation of Potable Water System With No Changes

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2014-15-04, with no changes. As an alternative, or subsequent, to the action required by paragraph (g) of this AD, during each filling of the potable water system after September 9, 2014, accomplish the temporary filling procedure, in accordance with the instructions in Saab Service Newsletter SN 2000-1304, Revision 01, dated September 10, 2013, including Attachment 1 Engineering Statement to Operator 2000PBS034334, Issue A, dated September 9, 2013.

(i) New Inspection and Installation

At the applicable compliance times specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD, concurrently accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000- 38-011, dated October 22, 2014.
(1) Do a detailed inspection for correct brazing of the in-line heater, and if any discrepancy is found, before further flight, and before accomplishment of the modification required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, accomplish all applicable corrective actions.
(2) Install a shrink tube on the water line and a spray shield on the in-line heater.

(j) Compliance Times for Inspection and Installation

Do the actions specified in paragraph (i) of this AD at the applicable times specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes having had the potable water system reactivated and operated using the alternative filling procedure specified in Saab Service Newsletter SN 2000-1304, Revision 01, dated September 10, 2013, including Attachment 1 Engineering Statement to Operator 2000PBS034334, Issue A, dated September 9, 2013: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes having the potable water system deactivated using procedures specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-38-010, dated July 12, 2013: Before further flight after the reactivation of the potable water system.

(k) Terminating Actions for the Deactivation of the Potable Water System

Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, ANM-116, International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1112; fax 425-227-1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
(i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2014-15-04 are approvedas AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of this AD, for any requirement

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in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(m) Related Information

Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2014-0255, dated November 25, 2014, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-7524.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on July 20, 2016.
(i) Saab Service Bulletin 2000-38-011, dated October 22, 2014.
(ii) Reserved.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on September 9, 2014 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014).
(i) Saab Service Bulletin 2000-38-010, dated July 12, 2013.
(ii) Saab Service Newsletter SN 2000-1304, Revision 01, dated September 10, 2013, including Attachment 1 Engineering Statement to Operator 2000PBS034334, Issue A, dated September 9, 2013.
(5) For service information identified in this AD, contact Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone +46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email saab340techsupport@saabgroup.com; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com.
(6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(7) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014) (``AD 2014-15-04''). AD 2014-15-04 applied to certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2015 (80 FR 78702) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by a report of rudder pedal restriction which was the result of water leakage at the inlet tubing of an in-line heater in the lower part of the forward fuselage. The NPRM was also prompted by the development of a modification that would address the unsafe condition. The NPRM proposed to continue to require deactivating the potable water system, or alternatively filling and activating the potable water system. The NPRM also proposed to require inspecting the in-line heater for correct brazing and corrective action if needed, and installing a shrinkable tube on the water line and a spray shield on the in-line heater. We are issuing this AD to prevent rudder pedal restriction due to the pitch control mechanism becoming frozen as the result of water spray, which could prevent disconnection of the pitch control mechanism and normal pitch control, and consequently result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0255, dated November 25, 2014 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. The MCAI states:

One occurrence of rudder pedal restriction was reported on a SAAB 2000 aeroplane. Subsequent investigation showed that this was the result of water leakage at the inlet tubing for the in-line heater (25HY) in the lower part of the forward fuselage (Zone 116). The in-line heater attachment was found ruptured, which resulted in water spraying in the area. Frozen water on the rudder control mechanism in Zone 116 then led to the rudder pedal restriction.
Analysis after the reported event indicated that the pitch control mechanism (including pitch disconnect/spring unit) may also be frozen as a result of water spray, which would prevent disconnection and normal pitch control.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in further occurrences of reduced control of an aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, SAAB issued Service Bulletin (SB) 2000-38-10 to provide instructions to deactivate the Potable Water System. Consequently, EASA issued [an EASA] Emergency AD * * * to require that action. That [EASA] Emergency AD was revised and republished as EASA AD 2013-0172R1 [(http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2013-0172R1), which corresponds to FAA AD 2014- 15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014)], introducing a temporary alternative procedure for filling, which would allow reactivation and operation of the Potable Water System.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, SAAB developed an in-line heater spray shield and a water line shrink tube to eliminate the consequences of a water spray leak in case of rupture of the in-line heater. SAAB also issued a SB 2000-38-011, providing instructions for inspection of the in-line heater and installation of a shrink tube and a spray shield.
For reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2013-0172R1, which is superseded, and requires inspection [for correct brazing] of the in-line heater [and corrective action if needed] and installation of shrink tube [on water line] and spray shield [on in-line heater].

Corrective actions include repairing or replacing the in-line heater. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-7524.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

We reviewed Saab Service Bulletin 2000-38-011, dated October 22, 2014. The service information describes procedures for inspecting for correct brazing of the in-line heater, repairing or replacing the in- line heater, and installing a shrinkable tube on the water line and a spray shield on the in-line heater. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 1 airplane of U.S. registry.
The actions required by AD 2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014), and retained in this AD take about 1 work-hour per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Required parts cost $0 per product. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions that are required by AD 2014-15-04 is $85 per product.
We also estimate that it takes about 6 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $3,650 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $4,160.

Authority for This Rulemaking

Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.

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We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, onthe relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.