AD 96-17-05 Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B Series Airplanes

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

Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series airplanes on which Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-034, dated January 4, 1995; Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-036, dated December 8, 1995; or Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-037, dated December 8, 1995, have been accomplished; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent the movement of both power levers aft of the flight idle stop during flight, accomplish the following: (a) For airplanes on which an automatic flight idle stop system has been installed, but deactivated in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-036, dated December 8, 1995; or on which a control quadrant in the flight compartment has been installed in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-037, dated December 8, 1995: Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, install a mechanical flight idle stop on the control quadrant in the flight compartment in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-034, dated January 4, 1995, and accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD. (b) For airplanes subject to paragraph (a) of this AD; and for airplanes on which a mechanical flight idle stop has been installed on the control panel in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340- 76-034, dated January 4, 1995, previous to the effective date of this AD: Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following operating limitations. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM. ``Mechanical Beta Stop Operating Limitations --The stop must be in the beta open position during all ground operations including takeoff run. --The stop must be lifted and positioned fully forward and down in the beta stop position during climb-out after take-off. --The stop must remain in the beta stop position throughout the remainder of the flight until after touchdown. --The stop must be lifted and positioned in the beta open position immediately after touchdown. --Landing Field Lengths Required must be increased by 5% and 8% for flap settings 35 and 20, respectively.'' (c) Installation and activation of the automatic flight idle stop system in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-032, Revision 2, dated December 8, 1995, or Revision 3, dated March 25, 1996; or reactivation of the system in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-038, dated December 8, 1995; constitute terminating action for the requirements of this AD. Once the system has been activated, the mechanical flight idle stop and the AFM revision required by this AD may be removed. (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA Transport Airport Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113. (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (f) The installation of the mechanical flight idle stop shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-034, dated January 4, 1995. The installation and activation of the automatic flight idle stop system shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-032, Revision 2, dated December 8, 1995; or Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-032, Revision 3, dated March 25, 1996. The reactivation of the system shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-038, dated [[Page 42776]] December 8, 1995. 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, Linkoping, Sweden. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 3, 1996. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 7, 1996. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 96-20672 Filed 8-16-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P