AD 2005-08-11 Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B Series Airplanes

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

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

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent cracking and/or rupture and subsequent failure of hydraulic hoses, which could result in loss of hydraulic pressure and fluid quantity, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Replacement of Hydraulic Hoses (a) Replace the hydraulic hoses leading to the actuators of the flaps, main landing gear, nose landing gear (NLG), NLG downlock, and NLG wheel well, with new hydraulic hoses by doing all of the actions per the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-29-022, Revision 01, dated February 20, 2003; or Saab Service Bulletin 340-29-022, Revision 02, dated May 5, 2004. Do the replacement at the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For airplanes on which affected hydraulic hoses have accumulated 12,000 or more total flight cycles since new: Within the next 5,000 flight cycles or 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever is first. (2) For airplanes on which affected hydraulic hoses have accumulated less than 12,000 total flight cycles since new: Before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles or within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later. Actions Accomplished Previously (b) Accomplishment of the specified replacement before the effective date of this AD per Saab Service Bulletin 340-29-022, dated December 14, 2001; or identification of newly installed hoses using the procedures in section 45.14 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 45.14), “Identification of critical components”; are considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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 (d) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-29-022, Revision 01, dated February 20, 2003; or Saab Service Bulletin 340-29-022, Revision 02, dated May 5, 2004. 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 1-170, dated December 17, 2001. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on May 24, 2005. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 11, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-7686 Filed 4-18-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P