[Federal Register: April 14, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 72)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 19983-19986]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14ap08-12]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-29331; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-136-AD;
Amendment 39-15459; AD 2008-08-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/
SF340A) and SAAB 340B Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
A crack has been found in an axle adaptor during fatigue
testing. It was found that the internal edges of the dowel holes did
not have the correct radius and the crack had developed from the
edge of one of the dowel holes.
A crack in the axle adaptor can cause the axle adaptor to fail
and ultimately lead to loss of [the] wheels and total loss of brake
capability.
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 19, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 19, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2677; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
[[Page 19984]]
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on September 28, 2007
(72 FR 55116). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for
the specified products. The MCAI states:
A crack has been found in an axle adaptor during fatigue
testing. It was found that the internal edges of the dowel holes did
not have the correct radius and the crack had developed from the
edge of one of the dowel holes.
A crack in the axle adaptor can cause the axle adaptor to fail
and ultimately lead to loss of [the] wheels and total loss of brake
capability.
The corrective action includes doing repetitive ultrasonic
inspections to detect cracking in the axle adaptor; replacing the axle
adaptor if necessary; and ultimately doing the terminating action of
inspecting and modifying the main landing gear (MLG) shock strut and
axle adaptors. The inspection is a crack test. The modification
includes measuring the dowel hole, and corrective actions if necessary
(replacing the axle adaptor, repairing the dowel hole) and, when
accomplished, terminates the repetitive inspection requirements. You
may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
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.
Clarification of Service Bulletin Revisions
We have revised paragraph (f)(5) of the final rule to clarify the
applicable service bulletin revisions for the parts installation.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described
previously. We determined that this change will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 220 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 9 work-hours per
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts cost would be
negligible. Where the service information lists required parts costs
that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the
U.S. operators to be $158,400, or $720 per product.
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.
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, on the 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 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); and
3. 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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 adding the following new AD:
2008-08-07 Saab Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-15459. Docket No. FAA-
2007-29331; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-136-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 19,
2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes listed in paragraphs (c)(1)
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category, unless equipped
with main landing gear (MLG) shock struts modified in accordance
with APPH Service Bulletin AIR83064-32-12 or AIR83022-32-32.
(1) Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes,
serial numbers (S/Ns) SF340A-004 through -159.
(2) Saab Model SAAB 340B airplanes, S/Ns 340B-160 through -459.
[[Page 19985]]
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
Gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
A crack has been found in an axle adaptor during fatigue
testing. It was found that the internal edges of the dowel holes did
not have the correct radius and the crack had developed from the
edge of one of the dowel holes.
A crack in the axle adaptor can cause the axle adaptor to fail
and ultimately lead to loss of [the] wheels and total loss of brake
capability.
The corrective action includes doing repetitive ultrasonic
inspections to detect cracking in the axle adaptor; replacing the
axle adaptor if necessary; and ultimately doing the terminating
action of inspecting and modifying the main landing gear (MLG) shock
strut and axle adaptors. The inspection is a crack test. The
modification includes measuring the dowel hole and corrective
actions if necessary (replacing the axle adaptor, repairing the
dowel hole), and, when accomplished, terminates the repetitive
inspection requirements.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 8,000 flight cycles since the last MLG overhaul, or
within 1,500 flight cycles, or 6 months after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs latest: Inspect the MLG in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-133,
Revision 01, dated May 3, 2006. If any crack is found, before
further flight: Replace the axle adaptor in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-133,
Revision 01, dated May 3, 2006.
(2) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this
AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight cycles until
the terminating action required by paragraph (f)(3) of this AD is
accomplished.
(3) Within 12,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD, or at the next MLG overhaul, whichever occurs earlier: Inspect
and modify the MLG shock strut and axle adaptors in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of APPH Service Bulletin AIR83064-
32-12, Revision 3, dated April 26, 2006; or AIR83022-32-32, Revision
3, dated April 26, 2006; as applicable.
(4) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the service bulletins listed in paragraphs
(f)(4)(i), (f)(4)(ii), and (f)(4)(iii) of this AD, as applicable,
are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions in this
AD.
(i) Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-133, dated April 19, 2006.
(ii) APPH Service Bulletin AIR83064-32-12, dated January 2006;
Revision 1, dated January 23, 2006; and Revision 2, dated March 30,
2006.
(iii) APPH Service Bulletin AIR83022-32-32, dated January 2006;
Revision 1, dated January 23, 2006; and Revision 2, dated March 30,
2006.
(5) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
an MLG shock strut having part number (P/N) AIR83022 or AIR83064, or
axle adaptor having P/N AIR127308, AIR390226, or AIR130238, unless
it has been inspected and modified in accordance with APPH Service
Bulletin AIR83022-32-32 or AIR83064-32-12, as specified in paragraph
(f)(3), (f)(4)(ii), or (f)(4)(iii) of this AD, as applicable.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) 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. Send information to ATTN: Mike
Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2677; fax (425) 227-1149.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2006-0263, dated
August 29, 2006; Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-133, Revision 01,
dated May 3, 2006; APPH Service Bulletin AIR83064-32-12, Revision 3,
dated April 26, 2006; and APPH Service Bulletin AIR83022-32-32,
Revision 3, dated April 26, 2006; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use the service information specified in Table 1 of
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Saab
Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-581.88,
Link[ouml]ping, Sweden.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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.
Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Service Bulletin Revision Date
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APPH Service Bulletin 3 April 26, 2006.
AIR83022-32-32.
APPH Service Bulletin 3 April 26, 2006.
AIR83064-32-12.
Saab Service Bulletin 340-32- 01 May 3, 2006.
133.
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[[Page 19986]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 31, 2008.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-7299 Filed 4-11-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P