AD 98-22-03 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 having serial numbers (S/N) -004 through -159 inclusive, and SAAB 340B series airplanes having S/N's -160 through -439 inclusive; on which SAAB Modification 2898 (reference SAAB Service Bulletin 340-32-113, dated November 14, 1997, or Revision 1, dated February 9, 1998) has 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 (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 incorrect brake combination of the main landing gear (MLG), and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane during take-off and landing, accomplish the following: (a) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection of the MLG brake assemblies to determine the brake configuration, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-32-114, dated May 4, 1998. (1) If the configuration of the brake assemblies is specified in Table 1 of the service bulletin as permissible combinations, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If the configuration of the brake assemblies is not specified in Table 1 of the service bulletin as a permissible combination, prior to further flight, reconfigure the brake assemblies, 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 340-32-114, dated May 4, 1998. 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 1-127, dated May 5, 1998. (e) This amendment becomes effective on November 27, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 14, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-28157 Filed 10-21-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U