AD 98-11-05 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, having serial numbers -003 through -039 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 an insufficient supply of oxygen being provided to airplane passengers in the event of rapid decompression of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time inspection of the dropout boxes of the passenger oxygen system to detect discrepancies and determine whether the system operates properly, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-35-001, dated February 20, 1996. (1) If the passenger oxygen system operates properly and no discrepancy is found in this system, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If any discrepancy is found in the passenger oxygen system, prior to further [[Page 29096]] flight, perform rework or install new components, as applicable, 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, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 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 2000-35-001, dated February 20, 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, Linkping, 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 (SAD) 1-091, dated February 20, 1996. (e) This amendment becomes effective on July 2, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 18, 1998. John J. Hickey, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-13822 Filed 5-27-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P