AD 2004-12-03 Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B Series Airplanes

Models named: SAAB SF340A series, SAAB 340B series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model SAAB SF340A series airplanes with serial numbers 004 through 159 inclusive; and Model SAAB 340B series airplanes with serial numbers 160 through 459 inclusive; certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the main landing gear (MLG) to extend during use of the emergency backup system, accomplish the following: Inspection and Corrective Actions (a) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, perform an inspection of the MLG's separation bolt harness for broken wires and corroded connectors, and any applicable corrective actions by doing all of the actions in the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin (SB) 340-32-127, dated December 18, 2002; or Revision 01, dated January 23, 2003. Perform the inspection/corrective actions in accordance with the service bulletin. Perform any applicable corrective actions before further flight. Replacement (b) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the separation bolt harnesses of the MLGs with new separation bolt harnesses in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab SB 340-32-128, dated March 28, 2003. (c) The inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD is not required for airplanes on which the replacement required by paragraph (b) of this AD is done within the compliance time specified in paragraph (a) of this AD. Concurrent Service Bulletins (d) For Model SAAB SF340A series airplanes: Prior to or concurrent with accomplishment of paragraph (b) of this AD, do the actions specified in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable. Table 1.—Prior/Concurrent Actions For airplanes with serial numbers— Accomplish all actions associated with— According to the accomplishment instructions of— 004 through 108 inclusive Modifying the MLG separation bolt's electrical harness Saab SB 340-32-041, Revision 01, dated October 9, 1987. 004 through 078 inclusive Modifying the MLG separation bolt's electrical harness Saab SB 340-32-028, Revision 01, dated November 25, 1986. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following Saab service bulletins, as applicable: Table 2.—Incorporation by Reference Service bulletin Revision level Date 340-32-028 01 November 25, 1986. 340-32-041 01 October 9, 1987. 340-32-127 Original December 18, 2002. 340-32-127 01 January 23, 2003. 340-32-128 Original March 28, 2003. 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, Linköping, Sweden. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 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 1: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish airworthiness directives 1-186, dated December 20, 2002, and 1-189, dated April 1, 2003. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on July 29, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 28, 2004. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-12820 Filed 6-23-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P