AD 98-08-16 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, serial numbers -004 through -159 inclusive; and SAAB 340B series airplanes, serial numbers -160 through -379 inclusive; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 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 (b) 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 increased braking distance for landings that require the flight idle stop override, resulting from the combination of failure of the override mechanism and inability of the power levers to be moved below the flight idle position after touchdown, accomplish the following: (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time inspection of the flight idle stop override mechanism to [[Page 18119]] detect any discrepancy, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-041, dated May 29, 1997, or Revision 01, dated July 2, 1997. If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, replace the control quadrant with a new or serviceable control quadrant in accordance with the service bulletin. (b) 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, nternational Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. (c) 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. (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-041, dated May 29, 1997, or Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-041, Revision 01, dated July 2, 1997. 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. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish airworthiness directive 1-116, dated June 9, 1997. (e) This amendment becomes effective on May 19, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 6, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-9588 Filed 4-13-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P