AD 2000-23-29 Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 340B Series Airplanes

Models named: SAAB 340B series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model SAAB 340B series airplanes, certificated in any category; serial numbers -380 through -404 inclusive, -406 through -408 inclusive, and -410 through -413 inclusive. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent increased braking distance for landings that require the flight idle stop override, resulting from the combination of failure of the override mechanism and inability of the power levers to be moved below the flight idle position after touchdown, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time inspection of the flight idle stop override mechanism to detect any discrepancy, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-041, dated May 29, 1997, or Revision 01, dated July 2, 1997. If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, replace the control quadrant with a new or serviceable control quadrant in accordance with the service bulletin. Note 2: Accomplishment, prior to the effective date of this AD, of an operational check, as specified in SAAB 340 Maintenance Review Board (MRB) task 761501, is an acceptable method of compliance with the one-time inspection requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-041, dated May 29, 1997; or Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-041, Revision 01, dated July 2, 1997. This incorporation by reference was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 19, 1998 (63 FR 18118, April 14, 1998). Copies may be obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-581.88, Linkping, Sweden. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish airworthiness directive 1-148, dated November 18, 1999. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on December 27, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 15, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-29800 Filed 11-21-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P