AD 2001-13-10 Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes

Models named: SAAB 2000 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers -004 through -063, 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 faulty activation of the emergency pitch trim actuator (EPTA), which could cause damage to the elevator front spar, resulting in reduced structural integrity of the elevator and a non-functioning emergency pitch trim system (EPTS), accomplish the following: Testing and Corrective Actions (a) Within 400 flight hours from the effective date of this AD, perform a functional test of the EPTS in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-046, dated November 30, 2000. If the left or right EPTA is not working according to the functional test, before further flight, check the wiring and perform all applicable follow-on corrective actions, in accordance with paragraph 2. C. of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-046, dated November 30, 2000. 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. 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 2: 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 2000-27-046, dated November 30, 2000. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-581.88, Linköaping, 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish airworthiness directive 1-162, dated November 30, 2000. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on August 1, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 19, 2001. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-15937 Filed 6-26-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P