AD 98-13-31 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 -002 through -023 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 (e) 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 failure of the fitting lugs, due to vibration caused by loose bushings in the aileron actuation fittings, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane; accomplish the following: (a) Within 100 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, inspect the bushing installations of the left-hand and right-hand aileron actuation fittings to detect any discrepancies, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-57-014, Revision 02, dated February 11, 1997. (1) If no discrepancy is found, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 flight hours until the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD have been accomplished. Accomplishment of the [[Page 34585]] temporary preventive action specified in paragraph 2.E. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin allows the repetitive inspections to be accomplished at intervals of 600 flight hours until the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD have been accomplished. (2) If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, accomplish the requirements of either paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD in accordance with the service bulletin. (i) Except as specified in paragraph (c), accomplish the installation required by paragraph (b) of this AD. Accomplishment of this installation constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. Or (ii) Accomplish the temporary preventive action specified in paragraph 2.E. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours until the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD have been accomplished. (b) Except as specified in paragraph (c) of this AD, within 3,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, install the new staked bushings in the aileron actuation fitting in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-57-014, Revision 02, dated February 11, 1997. Accomplishment of this installation terminates the requirements of this AD. (c) If, during the accomplishment of the installation required by paragraph (a)(2)(i) or paragraph (b) of this AD, the diameter of the small hole of the fitting lug is found to be outside the limits specified in Saab Service Bulletin 2000-57-014, Revision 02, dated February 11, 1997, prior to further flight, repair it in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, or the Luftfartsverket (or its delegated agent). (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane an aileron having part number, 7357995-843 (left- hand) or 7357995-844 (right-hand), unless it has been modified in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. (e) 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. 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. (f) 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. (g) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-57-014, Revision 02, dated February 11, 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 (SAD) No. 1-102R1, dated November 8, 1996. (h) This amendment becomes effective on July 30, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 16, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-16499 Filed 6-24-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U