AD 2004-09-21 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, as listed in Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-003, dated August 12, 2002, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the windshield wiper assembly, which could result in loss of visibility, damage to the propeller(s) and/or engine(s), or penetration of the fuselage skin and consequent rapid depressurization of the airplane, accomplish the following: Repetitive Inspections (a) Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for discrepancies (including cracks, loose parts, deformation, general deterioration) of the installation of the spoilers of the windshield wiper assemblies (including doing an operational test), by doing all the actions per the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-003, dated August 12, 2002. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” (1) If no discrepancies are found, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 flight hours, until the replacement required by paragraph (b) of this AD is done. (2) If any discrepancies are found, before further flight, do the replacement required by paragraph (b) of this AD. Replacement (b) Except as required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD: Within 2,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD; replace the spoilers of the windshield wiper assemblies (including doing an operational test) by doing all the actions per the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-002, Revision 01, dated August 12, 2002. Such replacement ends the repetitive inspections required by this AD. Replacements Done Per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin (c) Replacements done before the effective date of this AD per Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-002, dated November 28, 1996, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action specified in this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (e) Unless otherwise provided in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-002, Revision 01, dated August 12, 2002; and Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-003, dated August 12, 2002; as applicable. 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, Linkoäping, Sweden. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives an Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availibility of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish airworthiness directive 1-178, dated August 15, 2002. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on June 15, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 22, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-10242 Filed 5-10-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P