Proposed Rule2021-16558
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Support and Services (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics) Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
August 9, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 340B airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the circuit breaker for the emergency cabin lighting tripped without fault in the system. This proposed AD would require replacing a certain circuit breaker with a part having a higher rating, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 150 (Monday, August 9, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 150 (Monday, August 9, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43451-43454]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16558]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0616; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00256-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Support and Services (Formerly
Known as Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 340B airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the circuit breaker for
the emergency cabin lighting tripped without fault in the system. This
proposed AD would require replacing a certain circuit breaker with a
part having a higher rating, as specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by
reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by September
23, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For material that will be incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f7b6b384b792968496d9928285988796d99282"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bafbfec9fadfdbc9db94dfcfc8d5cadb94dfcf">[email protected]</span></a>;
[[Page 43452]]
internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA
website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. You may view this IBR material at
the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also
available in the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0616.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0616; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-
3220; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d4a7bcb5bca6b5b9fab0b5bab1a7bcb9b5bab0bd94b2b5b5fab3bba2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a9dac1c8c1dbc8c487cdc8c7ccdac1c4c8c7cdc0e9cfc8c887cec6df">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0616; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-00256-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines,
WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3220; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#dfacb7beb7adbeb2f1bbbeb1baacb7b2beb1bbb69fb9bebef1b8b0a9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5d2e353c352f3c3073393c33382e35303c3339341d3b3c3c733a322b">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives which
is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public
docket for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0058, dated March 1, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0058) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 340B airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the 2LN circuit
breaker for the emergency cabin lighting on a SAAB 340B airplane
tripped without fault in the system. Investigation results found that
the circuit breaker 2LN has too low a rating (5A) for maximum charging
conditions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the low rating of
the 2LN circuit breaker during maximum charging conditions. This
condition, if not corrected, could lead to an insufficiently charged
emergency battery, with consequent loss of cabin emergency lighting,
possibly resulting in injury to occupants during an evacuation. See the
MCAI for additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0058 describes procedures for replacing the 2LN
circuit breaker having a rating of 5A with a new breaker having a
current rating of 7.5A.
This material 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 the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority,
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD because the FAA
evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other
products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2021-0058 described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use certain civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result,
EASA AD 2021-0058 will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final
rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA
AD 2021-0058 in its entirety, through that incorporation, except for
any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this
proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a
particular section in EASA AD 2021-0058 does not mean that operators
need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2021-
0058. Service information specified in EASA AD 2021-0058 that is
required for compliance with it will be available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0616 after the FAA final rule is published.
[[Page 43453]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 27 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85............................. $50 $135 $3,645
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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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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:
Saab AB, Support and Services (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab
Aeronautics): Docket No. FAA-2021-0616; Project Identifier MCAI-
2021-00256-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by September 23, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Saab AB, Support and Services (Formerly Known
as Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics) Model SAAB 340B airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0058, dated March 1, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0058).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 33, Lights.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that the circuit breaker for
the emergency cabin lighting tripped without fault in the system.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the low rating of the 2LN
circuit breaker during maximum charging conditions. This condition,
if not corrected, could lead to an insufficiently charged emergency
battery, with consequent loss of cabin emergency lighting, possibly
resulting in injury to occupants during an evacuation.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0058.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0058
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0058 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0058 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, 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 responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to
the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it
to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#665f4b2730354b272f344b5155564b272b29252600070748010910"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8eb7a3cfd8dda3cfc7dca3b9bdbea3cfc3c1cdcee8efefa0e9e1f8">[email protected]</span></a>.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Saab AB,
Support and Services' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(j) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2021-0058 contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e5a4a196a580849684cb8090978a9584cb8090"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="81c0c5f2c1e4e0f2e0afe4f4f3eef1e0afe4f4">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You
may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. You may view this material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. This material may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0616.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
[[Page 43454]]
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3220; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fa89929b92889b97d49e9b949f8992979b949e93ba9c9b9bd49d958c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f7849f969f85969ad993969992849f9a9699939eb7919696d9909881">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on July 29, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-16558 Filed 8-6-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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