AD 98-20-11 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, manufacturer's serial numbers 004 through 159 inclusive; and SAAB 340B series airplanes, manufacturer's serial numbers 160 through 399 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 failure of the windshield wiper assembly, which could result in loss of visibility; or damage to the propeller(s), possible penetration of the fuselage skin, and consequent depressurization of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 total flight hours, or within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a detailed visual inspection of the windshield wiper assembly for discrepancies (corrosion; excessive wear; missing, loose, or broken parts; improper alignment; and insecure attachment), in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-081, dated November 14, 1997, including Attachment 1, Revision 1, dated September 14, 1997. (1) If no discrepancy is detected during the inspection, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight hours. (2) If any discrepancy is detected during any inspection, prior to further flight, replace the windshield wiper assembly with a new or serviceable windshield wiper assembly, or repair in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-081, dated November 14, 1997, including Attachment 1, Revision 1, dated September 14, 1997. Repeat the detailed visual inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight hours. (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 request 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 Secs. 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 340-30-081, dated November 14, 1997, including Attachment 1, Revision 1, dated September 14, 1997. The service bulletin contains the following list of effective pages: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revision level shown on Page No. page Date shown on page ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-4..................................................... Original.................. Nov. 14, 1997. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATTACHMENT 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-4..................................................... 1......................... Sept. 14, 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 1-115R1, dated November 17, 1997. [[Page 50755]] (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 28, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 14, 1998. Dorenda D. Baker, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-25027 Filed 9-22-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U