Rule2021-28580
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Support and Services (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics) Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
January 11, 2022
Effective
February 15, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-07- 17, which applied to all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. AD 2020-07-17 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-07- 17, it has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2020- 07-17 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 7 (Tuesday, January 11, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 11, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1335-1338]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-28580]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0841; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00622-T;
Amendment 39-21863; AD 2021-26-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Support and Services (Formerly
Known as Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-07-
17, which applied to all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000
airplanes. AD 2020-07-17 required revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-07-
17, it has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2020-
07-17 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 15, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 15,
2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of May
26, 2020 (85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020).
ADDRESSES: For material 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#4302073003262230226d2636312c33226d2636"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="da9b9ea99abfbba9bbf4bfafa8b5aabbf4bfaf">[email protected]</span></a>; 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 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 at
[[Page 1336]]
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-0841.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0841; 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 final rule, the
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments
received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
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; <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#481b2029203a2925660c29262d3b202529262c21082e2929662f273e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="84d7ece5ecf6e5e9aac0e5eae1f7ece9e5eae0edc4e2e5e5aae3ebf2">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0132, dated May 25, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0132) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000
airplanes. EASA AD 2021-0132 superseded EASA AD 2019-0263, dated
October 22, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0263) (which corresponds to FAA AD 2020-
07-17, Amendment 39-19896 (85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020) (AD 2020-07-
17)).
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-07-17. AD 2020-07-17 applied to all
Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on October 4, 2021 (86 FR 54663). The
NPRM was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations are necessary. The NPRM proposed to continue
to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations, as specified in EASA AD 2019-0263. The NPRM also proposed
to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0132. Accomplishing the
maintenance or inspection program revision required by paragraph (j) of
this AD terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD (which
restates paragraph (g) of AD 2020-07-17).
The FAA is issuing this AD to address, among other things, fatigue
cracking of principal structural elements (PSEs) and corrosion
prevention and control. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in reduced structural integrity of a PSE, and lead to loss of
control of the airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Except for minor editorial
changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Accordingly,
the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0132 describes new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations for safe life limits, structural limitation items, and fuel
airworthiness items, as well as certification maintenance requirements.
This AD also requires EASA AD 2019-0263, which the Director of the
Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of May 26,
2020 (85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020).
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 9 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained
actions from AD 2020-07-17 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-
hour).
The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate. The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new
proposed maintenance/inspection program revision to be $7,650 (90 work-
hours x $85 per work-hour).
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
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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
[[Page 1337]]
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-07-17, Amendment 39-19896
(85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2021-26-05 Saab AB, Support and Services (Formerly Known as Saab AB,
Saab Aeronautics): Amendment 39-21863; Docket No. FAA-2021-0841;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00622-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 15,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020-07-17, Amendment 39-19896 (85 FR 21764,
April 20, 2020) (AD 2020-07-17).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB
2000 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address, among other things, fatigue cracking of
principal structural elements (PSEs) and corrosion prevention and
control. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
reduced structural integrity of a PSE, and lead to loss of control
of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision, With No
Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2020-07-17, with no changes. Except as specified in paragraph (h) of
this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times
specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0263, dated October 22, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-
0263). Accomplishing the maintenance or inspection program revision
required by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the requirements of
this paragraph.
(h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0263, With Revised Exceptions
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD
2020-07-17, with revised exceptions.
(1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA
AD 2019-0263 do not apply to this AD.
(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263 specifies revising ``the
approved AMP [aircraft maintenance program]'' within 12 months after
its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the
``limitations, tasks and associated thresholds and intervals''
specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263 within 90 days after
May 26, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-07-17).
(3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263 is at the applicable ``associated
thresholds'' specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263, or
within 90 days after May 26, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-07-
17), whichever occurs later.
(4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA
AD 2019-0263 do not apply to this AD.
(5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0263 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions, Intervals, and
Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs), With a New
Exception
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2020-07-17, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph
(j) of this AD, after the maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and CDCCLs are allowed
unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the
``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2019-0263.
(j) New Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
Except as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0132, dated May 25, 2021 (EASA AD
2021-0132). Accomplishing the maintenance or inspection program
revision required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD.
(k) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0132
(1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA
AD 2021-0132 do not apply to this AD.
(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0132 specifies revising ``the
approved AMP'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this
AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, to incorporate the ``limitations, tasks and
associated thresholds and intervals'' specified in paragraph (3) of
EASA AD 2021-0132 within 90 days after the effective date of this
AD.
(3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0132 is at the applicable ``associated
thresholds'' specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0132, or
within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later.
(4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA
AD 2021-0132 do not apply to this AD.
(5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0132 does not apply
to this AD.
(l) New Provisions for Alternative Actions, Intervals, and CDCCLs
After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g.,
inspections), intervals, and CDCCLs are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications''
section of EASA AD 2021-0132.
(m) Additional 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 (n) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#380115796e6b1579716a150f0b08157975777b785e5959165f574e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1f26325e494c325e564d32282c2f325e52505c5f797e7e31787069">[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' (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics)
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(n) Related Information
For more information about this AD, 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; <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#184b7079706a7975365c79767d6b707579767c71587e7979367f776e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="faa9929b92889b97d4be9b949f8992979b949e93ba9c9b9bd49d958c">[email protected]</span></a>.
(o) 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
February 15, 2022.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0132,
dated May 25, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
[[Page 1338]]
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
May 26, 2020 (85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020).
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2019-0263, dated
October 22, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) For EASA AD 2019-0263 and EASA AD 2021-0132, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c48580b784a1a5b7a5eaa1b1b6abb4a5eaa1b1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0243467142676371632c6777706d72632c6777">[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>.
(6) 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.
(7) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bbddc995d2d5c8cbded8cfd2d4d5fbd5dac9da95dcd4cd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4523376b2c2b36352026312c2a2b052b2437246b222a33">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on December 8, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-28580 Filed 1-10-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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