AD 97-20-06 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, serial numbers -004 through -039 inclusive, on which Saab Modification No. 5780, as specified in Saab Service Bulletin 2000-53-020, Revision 02, dated October 18, 1996, has not 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 (c) 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 short circuiting between the floormat heater and the floor panel, which could cause overheating of the floormat heater and lead to smoke or fire in the airplane cabin, accomplish the following: (a) Within 14 days after the effective date of the AD, deactivate the flight attendant's floormat heater by either disconnecting electrical cable HW71-20 between the floormat heater and the floor panel, or by removing fuse 17HW (1) on panel 306VU, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-A25-022, Revision 01, dated January 23, 1996. (b) Installation of a floormat heater, floor covering, and a new floor panel made of non-conductive material, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-53-020, Revision 02, dated October 18, 1996, constitutes terminating action for the deactivation required by paragraph (a) of this AD. (c) 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. 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. (d) 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. (e) The modification shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-A25-022, Revision 01, dated January 23, 1996. 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 30, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 17, 1997. James V. Devany, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-25166 Filed 9-24-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P