AD 2004-14-11 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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the backup struts in the left and right nacelles due to fatigue cracking, which could result in loss of fail-safe redundancy in the design of the nacelle in terms of load capability, and consequent separation of the engine from the airplane and subsequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) At the applicable time specified in Table 1 of this AD: Perform a fluorescent dye penetrant inspection for cracks of the lower ends of the backup struts in the left and right nacelles, in accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin 2000-54-025, dated September 7, 2001. Although the service bulletin specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require a report. Table 1.—Fluorescent Dye Penetrant Inspection Compliance Times If, as of the effective date of this new AD, the inspection required by AD 2000-13-09, amendment 39-11808— And if the airplane has, as of the effective date of this new AD— Then do the inspection within— Has been done Fewer than 4,500 flight cycles 1,650 flight hours after accomplishment of the most recent inspection done per AD 2000-13-09. Has been done 4,500 or more flight cycles 900 flight hours after the most recent inspection done per AD 2000-13-09. Has not been done Any number of flight cycles 200 flight hours after the effective date of this new AD. Follow-On/Corrective Actions (b) If no crack is found during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 1,650 flight hours, until the actions required by paragraph (d) of this AD have been done. (c) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Replace the cracked strut with a new, improved strut before further flight in accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin 2000-54-024, dated September 7, 2001. Although the service bulletin provides the option of contacting the manufacturer for repair instructions, this AD requires that any alternative repair be done in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the Luftfartsverket (LFV) (or its delegated agent). Replacement of a backup strut terminates the repetitive inspections required by this AD for that strut only. Strut Replacement (d) Except as required by paragraph (c) of this AD: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, replace all four backup struts in the electrical and hydraulic bays of the nacelles with new, improved struts, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of SAAB Service Bulletin 2000-54-024, dated September 7, 2001. Replacement of all four backup struts terminates the requirements of this AD. 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) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin 2000-54-024, dated September 7, 2001; and SAAB Service Bulletin 2000-54-025, dated September 7, 2001; 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, 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 directive 1-165, dated September 10, 2001. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on August 13, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 24, 2004. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-15377 Filed 7-8-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P