AD 2006-10-05 Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B Airplanes

This AD applies to SAAB Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes, certificated in any category; serial numbers SAAB SF340A-004 through -159 inclusive, and SAAB 340B-160 through -459 inclusive.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspection To Determine Part Serial Number (f) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the uplock axle of the MLG shock strut to determine whether an affected serial number (S/N) is installed. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the S/N of the uplock axle can be conclusively determined from that review. Do the inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-132, dated November 3, 2005. Note 1: The Saab service bulletin refers to APPH Service Bulletins AIR83022-32-31, Revision 1; and AIR83064-32-11, Revision 1; both dated October 2005; as additional sources of service information for identifying uplock axles with affected S/Ns, and replacing the axles if necessary. The APPH service bulletins are attached to the Saab service bulletin. Corrective Action (g) Before further flight after accomplishing the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Replace with a new uplock axle any uplock axle with an affected S/N identified by the inspection in paragraph (f) of this AD. Do all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-132, dated November 3, 2005. Parts Installation (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an uplock axle on any airplane if it has an affected S/N identified in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD. No Reporting Requirement (i) Although the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-132, dated November 3, 2005, specify to send a report with the S/N of replaced uplock axles to APPH Ltd., this AD does not include that requirement. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information (k) Swedish airworthiness directive 1-199, effective November 9, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-132, dated November 3, 2005, including the attachments listed in Table 1 of this AD, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-581.88, Linköping, Sweden, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov ; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Table 1.—APPH Service Bulletins Attached to Saab Service Bulletin APPH service bulletin Revision level Date AIR83022-32-31 1 Oct. 2005. AIR83064-32-11 1 Oct. 2005. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 28, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-4309 Filed 5-11-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report of a cracked uplock axle of the main landing gear (MLG) shock strut caused by hydrogen embrittlement during the manufacturing process. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the uplock mechanism, which, combined with a loss of hydraulic pressure, could result in an uncommanded extension of the MLG.