82 FR 28271 - Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 118 (June 21, 2017)

Page Range		28271-28274
FR Document		2017-12794
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by the determination that new inspection tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the main landing gear (MLG) and corrosion prevention and control program (CPCP) related tasks are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate airworthiness limitations, including new inspection tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the MLG and to implement CPCP related tasks. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 118 (Wednesday, June 21, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 21, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28271-28274]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-12794]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0563; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-021-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly 
Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by the determination that new 
inspection tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the main landing 
gear (MLG) and corrosion prevention and control program (CPCP) related 
tasks are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
airworthiness limitations, including new inspection tasks for the drag 
brace support fitting of the MLG and to implement CPCP related tasks. 
We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 7, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Saab AB, 
Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone +46 13 
18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.saabgroup.com. You may view this referenced 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0563; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0563; 
Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-021-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0033, dated February 17, 2017 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Saab AB, Saab 
Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    The airworthiness limitations and/or certification maintenance 
instructions for SAAB SF340A and 340B, which are

[[Page 28272]]

approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in the SAAB 
SF340A and 340B Airworthiness Limitation Manual (ALM). These 
instructions have been identified as mandatory for continued 
airworthiness.
    Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an 
unsafe condition [reduced structural integrity of the airplane].
    Recently, Saab AB, Aeronautics issued SAAB SF340A and 340B ALM 
Revision 1, mainly to add new inspection tasks for the Main Landing 
Gear drag brace support fitting, and to implement Corrosion 
Prevention and Control Program related tasks.

    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-2017-
0563.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual, Revision 1, 
dated December 1, 2016. The service information describes airworthiness 
limitations, including inspection tasks for the drag brace support 
fitting of the MLG and CPCP related tasks. 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    The MCAI specifies that if there are findings from the 
airworthiness limitations section (ALS) inspection tasks, corrective 
actions must be accomplished in accordance with SAAB maintenance 
documentation. However, this proposed AD does not include that 
requirement. Operators of U.S.-registered airplanes are required by 
general airworthiness and operational regulations to perform 
maintenance using methods that are acceptable to the FAA. We consider 
those methods to be adequate to address any corrective actions 
necessitated by the findings of ALS inspections required by this 
proposed AD.
    This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections) and 
Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs). Compliance 
with these actions and CDCCLs is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For 
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in 
the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able 
to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph 
(i)(1) of this proposed AD. The request should include a description of 
changes to the required actions that will ensure the continued damage 
tolerance of the affected structure.

Airworthiness Limitations Based on Type Design

    The FAA recently became aware of an issue related to the 
applicability of ADs that require incorporation of an ALS revision into 
an operator's maintenance or inspection program.
    Typically, when these types of ADs are issued by civil aviation 
authorities of other countries, they apply to all airplanes covered 
under an identified type certificate (TC). The corresponding FAA AD 
typically retains applicability to all of those airplanes.
    In addition, U.S. operators must operate their airplanes in an 
airworthy condition, in accordance with 14 CFR 91.7(a). Included in 
this obligation is the requirement to perform any maintenance or 
inspections specified in the ALS, and in accordance with the ALS as 
specified in 14 CFR 43.16 and 91.403(c), unless an alternative has been 
approved by the FAA.
    When a type certificate is issued for a type design, the specific 
ALS, including revisions, is a part of that type design, as specified 
in 14 CFR 21.31(c).
    The sum effect of these operational and maintenance requirements is 
an obligation to comply with the ALS defined in the type design 
referenced in the manufacturer's conformity statement. This obligation 
may introduce a conflict with an AD that requires a specific ALS 
revision if new airplanes are delivered with a later revision as part 
of their type design.
    To address this conflict, the FAA has approved alternative methods 
of compliance (AMOCs) that allow operators to incorporate the most 
recent ALS revision into their maintenance/inspection programs, in lieu 
of the ALS revision required by the AD. This eliminates the conflict 
and enables the operator to comply with both the AD and the type 
design.
    However, compliance with AMOCs is normally optional, and we 
recently became aware that some operators choose to retain the AD-
mandated ALS revision in their fleet-wide maintenance/inspection 
programs, including those for new airplanes delivered with later ALS 
revisions, to help standardize the maintenance of the fleet. To ensure 
that operators comply with the applicable ALS revision for newly 
delivered airplanes containing a later revision than that specified in 
an AD, we plan to limit the applicability of ADs that mandate ALS 
revisions to those airplanes that are subject to an earlier revision of 
the ALS, either as part of the type design or as mandated by an earlier 
AD.
    This proposed AD therefore would apply to Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) 
and SAAB 340B airplanes with an original certificate of airworthiness 
or original export certificate of airworthiness that was issued on or 
before the date of approval of the ALS revision identified in this 
proposed AD. Operators of airplanes with an original certificate of 
airworthiness or original export certificate of airworthiness issued 
after that date must comply with the airworthiness limitations 
specified as part of the approved type design and referenced on the 
type certificate data sheet.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 87 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 28273]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on  U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revision of the airplane maintenance    1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85          $7,395
 or inspection program.                  hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed 
regulation:
    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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab 
Aerosystems): Docket No. FAA-2017-0563; Directorate Identifier 2017-
NM-021-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 7, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly known as 
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B 
airplanes, certificated in any category, with an original 
certificate of airworthiness or original export certificate of 
airworthiness that was issued on or before December 1, 2016.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the determination that new inspection 
tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the main landing gear 
(MLG) and corrosion prevention and control program (CPCP) related 
tasks are necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced 
structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
airworthiness limitations, including inspection tasks for the drag 
brace support fitting of the MLG and CPCP related tasks, specified 
in SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated 
December 1, 2016. The compliance time for the initial airworthiness 
limitation tasks is at the applicable compliance time specified in 
SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated December 
1, 2016, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later.

(h) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, Critical Design Configuration 
Control Limitations (CDCCLs)

    After the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, has 
been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and/or CDCCLs may be used 
unless the actions, intervals, and/or CDCCLs are approved as an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, 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 manager of the 
International Branch, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information may be 
emailed to: [email protected]. 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.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement 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's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved 
by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0033, dated February 17, 
2017, 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-2017-0563.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram 
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,

[[Page 28274]]

Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-1112; fax: 425-227-1149.
    (3) 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 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com. 
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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 12, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-12794 Filed 6-20-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 21, 2017 / Proposed Rules 28271

inspector or local Flight Standards District DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION the availability of this material at the
Office, as appropriate. If sending information FAA, call 425–227–1221.
directly to the manager of the ACO, send it Federal Aviation Administration
to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Examining the AD Docket
Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 14 CFR Part 39 You may examine the AD docket on
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, the Internet at http://
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0563; Directorate
NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7300; fax www.regulations.gov by searching for
Identifier 2017–NM–021–AD]
516–794–5531. Before using any approved and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
AMOC, notify your appropriate principal RIN 2120–AA64 0563; or in person at the Docket
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, Management Facility between 9 a.m.
the manager of the local flight standards Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
district office/certificate holding district Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as except Federal holidays. The AD docket
office. Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) contains this proposed AD, the
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any Airplanes regulatory evaluation, any comments
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective received, and other information. The
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
actions from a manufacturer, the action must street address for the Docket Operations
Administration (FAA), DOT.
be accomplished using a method approved office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in
by the Manager, New York ACO, ANE–170, ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM). the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation be available in the AD docket shortly
(TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design after receipt.
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by
airworthiness directive (AD) for all Saab FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
the DAO, the approval must include the
AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
DAO-authorized signature.
(SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B Engineer, International Branch, ANM–
(j) Related Information airplanes. This proposed AD was 116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing prompted by the determination that new FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian inspection tasks for the drag brace WA 98057–3356; telephone: 425–227–
Airworthiness Directive CF–2016–18, dated support fitting of the main landing gear 1112; fax: 425–227–1149.
June 20, 2016, for related information. This (MLG) and corrosion prevention and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the control program (CPCP) related tasks are
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by necessary. This proposed AD would Comments Invited
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA– require revising the maintenance or We invite you to send any written
2017–0621. inspection program, as applicable, to relevant data, views, or arguments about
(2) For more information about this AD, incorporate airworthiness limitations, this proposed AD. Send your comments
contact Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, including new inspection tasks for the to an address listed under the
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, drag brace support fitting of the MLG ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
ANE–171, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 and to implement CPCP related tasks. FAA–2017–0563; Directorate Identifier
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY We are proposing this AD to address the 2017–NM–021–AD’’ at the beginning of
11590; telephone 516–228–7329; fax 516– unsafe condition on these products. your comments. We specifically invite
794–5531. DATES: We must receive comments on comments on the overall regulatory,
(3) For service information identified in this proposed AD by August 7, 2017. economic, environmental, and energy
this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series ADDRESSES: You may send comments, aspects of this proposed AD. We will
Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard, consider all comments received by the
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; closing date and may amend this
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
telephone 416–375–4000; fax 416–375–4539; proposed AD based on those comments.
methods:
email thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com;
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to We will post all comments we
Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You receive, without change, to http://
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
may view this service information at the
instructions for submitting comments. www.regulations.gov, including any
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
• Fax: 202–493–2251. personal information you provide. We
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
• Mail: U.S. Department of will also post a report summarizing each
information on the availability of this
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– substantive verbal contact we receive
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room about this proposed AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 12, W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
2017. Discussion
Washington, DC 20590.
Dionne Palermo, • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail The European Aviation Safety Agency
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane address above between 9 a.m. and 5 (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. p.m., Monday through Friday, except for the Member States of the European
[FR Doc. 2017–12803 Filed 6–20–17; 8:45 am] Federal holidays. Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
For service information identified in Directive 2017–0033, dated February 17,
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
this NPRM, contact Saab AB, Saab 2017 (referred to after this as the
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS

Aeronautics, SE–581 88, Linköping, Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Sweden; telephone +46 13 18 5591; fax Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
+46 13 18 4874; email an unsafe condition for all Saab AB,
saab340techsupport@saabgroup.com; Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/
Internet http://www.saabgroup.com. SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. The
You may view this referenced service MCAI states:
information at the FAA, Transport The airworthiness limitations and/or
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue certification maintenance instructions for
SW., Renton, WA. For information on SAAB SF340A and 340B, which are

VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:44 Jun 20, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\21JNP1.SGM 21JNP1
28272 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 21, 2017 / Proposed Rules

approved by EASA, are currently defined and registered airplanes are required by obligation to comply with the ALS
published in the SAAB SF340A and 340B general airworthiness and operational defined in the type design referenced in
Airworthiness Limitation Manual (ALM). regulations to perform maintenance the manufacturer’s conformity
These instructions have been identified as
using methods that are acceptable to the statement. This obligation may
mandatory for continued airworthiness.
Failure to accomplish these instructions FAA. We consider those methods to be introduce a conflict with an AD that
could result in an unsafe condition [reduced adequate to address any corrective requires a specific ALS revision if new
structural integrity of the airplane]. actions necessitated by the findings of airplanes are delivered with a later
Recently, Saab AB, Aeronautics issued ALS inspections required by this revision as part of their type design.
SAAB SF340A and 340B ALM Revision 1, proposed AD.
mainly to add new inspection tasks for the To address this conflict, the FAA has
This proposed AD would require
Main Landing Gear drag brace support fitting, revisions to certain operator approved alternative methods of
and to implement Corrosion Prevention and maintenance documents to include new compliance (AMOCs) that allow
Control Program related tasks. operators to incorporate the most recent
actions (e.g., inspections) and Critical
You may examine the MCAI in the Design Configuration Control ALS revision into their maintenance/
AD docket on the Internet at http:// Limitations (CDCCLs). Compliance with inspection programs, in lieu of the ALS
www.regulations.gov by searching for these actions and CDCCLs is required by revision required by the AD. This
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that eliminates the conflict and enables the
0563. have been previously modified, altered, operator to comply with both the AD
or repaired in the areas addressed by and the type design.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51 this proposed AD, the operator may not However, compliance with AMOCs is
be able to accomplish the actions normally optional, and we recently
We reviewed SAAB 340 described in the revisions. In this became aware that some operators
Airworthiness Limitation Manual, situation, to comply with 14 CFR choose to retain the AD-mandated ALS
Revision 1, dated December 1, 2016. 91.403(c), the operator must request revision in their fleet-wide
The service information describes approval for an alternative method of maintenance/inspection programs,
airworthiness limitations, including compliance according to paragraph (i)(1) including those for new airplanes
inspection tasks for the drag brace of this proposed AD. The request should delivered with later ALS revisions, to
support fitting of the MLG and CPCP include a description of changes to the help standardize the maintenance of the
related tasks. This service information is required actions that will ensure the
reasonably available because the fleet. To ensure that operators comply
continued damage tolerance of the with the applicable ALS revision for
interested parties have access to it affected structure.
through their normal course of business newly delivered airplanes containing a
or by the means identified in the Airworthiness Limitations Based on later revision than that specified in an
ADDRESSES section. Type Design AD, we plan to limit the applicability of
ADs that mandate ALS revisions to
FAA’s Determination and Requirements The FAA recently became aware of an
those airplanes that are subject to an
of This Proposed AD issue related to the applicability of ADs
that require incorporation of an ALS earlier revision of the ALS, either as part
This product has been approved by revision into an operator’s maintenance of the type design or as mandated by an
the aviation authority of another or inspection program. earlier AD.
country, and is approved for operation Typically, when these types of ADs This proposed AD therefore would
in the United States. Pursuant to our are issued by civil aviation authorities apply to Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A)
bilateral agreement with the State of of other countries, they apply to all and SAAB 340B airplanes with an
Design Authority, we have been notified airplanes covered under an identified original certificate of airworthiness or
of the unsafe condition described in the type certificate (TC). The corresponding original export certificate of
MCAI and service information FAA AD typically retains applicability airworthiness that was issued on or
referenced above. We are proposing this to all of those airplanes. before the date of approval of the ALS
AD because we evaluated all pertinent In addition, U.S. operators must revision identified in this proposed AD.
information and determined an unsafe operate their airplanes in an airworthy Operators of airplanes with an original
condition exists and is likely to exist or condition, in accordance with 14 CFR certificate of airworthiness or original
develop on other products of the same 91.7(a). Included in this obligation is the export certificate of airworthiness
type design. requirement to perform any issued after that date must comply with
maintenance or inspections specified in the airworthiness limitations specified
Differences Between This Proposed AD
the ALS, and in accordance with the as part of the approved type design and
and the MCAI or Service Information
ALS as specified in 14 CFR 43.16 and referenced on the type certificate data
The MCAI specifies that if there are 91.403(c), unless an alternative has been sheet.
findings from the airworthiness approved by the FAA.
limitations section (ALS) inspection When a type certificate is issued for Costs of Compliance
tasks, corrective actions must be a type design, the specific ALS,
accomplished in accordance with SAAB including revisions, is a part of that type We estimate that this proposed AD
maintenance documentation. However, design, as specified in 14 CFR 21.31(c). affects 87 airplanes of U.S. registry.
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS

this proposed AD does not include that The sum effect of these operational We estimate the following costs to
requirement. Operators of U.S.- and maintenance requirements is an comply with this proposed AD:

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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 21, 2017 / Proposed Rules 28273

ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per Cost on
Action Labor cost Parts cost product U.S. operators

Revision of the airplane maintenance or in- 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ................. $0 $85 $7,395
spection program.

Authority for This Rulemaking the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part the initial airworthiness limitation tasks is at
39 as follows: the applicable compliance time specified in
Title 49 of the United States Code SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual,
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS Revision 1, dated December 1, 2016, or
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, DIRECTIVES within 30 days after the effective date of this
section 106, describes the authority of AD, whichever occurs later.
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 (h) No Alternative Actions, Intervals,
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more continues to read as follows: Critical Design Configuration Control
detail the scope of the Agency’s Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Limitations (CDCCLs)
authority. After the maintenance or inspection
We are issuing this rulemaking under § 39.13 [Amended] program, as applicable, has been revised as
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: the following new airworthiness alternative actions (e.g., inspections),
General requirements.’’ Under that directive (AD): intervals, and/or CDCCLs may be used unless
section, Congress charges the FAA with the actions, intervals, and/or CDCCLs are
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly approved as an alternative method of
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems): compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
air commerce by prescribing regulations Docket No. FAA–2017–0563; Directorate procedures specified in paragraph (i)(1) of
for practices, methods, and procedures Identifier 2017–NM–021–AD. this AD.
the Administrator finds necessary for (a) Comments Due Date
safety in air commerce. This regulation (i) Other FAA AD Provisions
We must receive comments by August 7, The following provisions also apply to this
is within the scope of that authority 2017.
because it addresses an unsafe condition AD:
(b) Affected ADs (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
that is likely to exist or develop on
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
products identified in this rulemaking None.
Branch, ANM–116, FAA, has the authority to
action. (c) Applicability approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
Regulatory Findings This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Aeronautics (formerly known as Saab AB, In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
We determined that this proposed AD Saab Aerosystems) Model 340A (SAAB/ request to your principal inspector or local
would not have federalism implications SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes, Flight Standards District Office, as
under Executive Order 13132. This certificated in any category, with an original appropriate. If sending information directly
proposed AD would not have a certificate of airworthiness or original export to the manager of the International Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
substantial direct effect on the States, on certificate of airworthiness that was issued
identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD.
the relationship between the national on or before December 1, 2016.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-
Government and the States, or on the (d) Subject AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using
distribution of power and Air Transport Association (ATA) of any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
responsibilities among the various America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance principal inspector, or lacking a principal
levels of government. Checks. inspector, the manager of the local flight
For the reasons discussed above, I standards district office/certificate holding
(e) Reason district office.
certify this proposed regulation:
This AD was prompted by the (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
determination that new inspection tasks for
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; actions from a manufacturer, the action must
the drag brace support fitting of the main
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the landing gear (MLG) and corrosion prevention be accomplished using a method approved
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures and control program (CPCP) related tasks are by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. the European Aviation Safety Agency
Alaska; and (EASA); or Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics’s
(f) Compliance EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
4. Will not have a significant If approved by the DOA, the approval must
Comply with this AD within the
economic impact, positive or negative, compliance times specified, unless already include the DOA-authorized signature.
on a substantial number of small entities done.
under the criteria of the Regulatory (j) Related Information
(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS

Flexibility Act.
Revision Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Within 30 days after the effective date of Airworthiness Directive 2017–0033, dated
this AD: Revise the maintenance or February 17, 2017, for related information.
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
inspection program, as applicable, to This MCAI may be found in the AD docket
safety, Incorporation by reference, on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
incorporate airworthiness limitations,
Safety. including inspection tasks for the drag brace by searching for and locating Docket No.
The Proposed Amendment support fitting of the MLG and CPCP related FAA–2017–0563.
tasks, specified in SAAB 340 Airworthiness (2) For more information about this AD,
Accordingly, under the authority Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
delegated to me by the Administrator, December 1, 2016. The compliance time for Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116,

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Document Created: 2018-11-14 10:09:22
Document Modified: 2018-11-14 10:09:22
Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Dates		We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 7, 2017.
Contact		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.
FR Citation		82 FR 28271
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
82 FR 28271 - Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 118 (June 21, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
