AD 99-04-17 Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B Series Airplanes

Models named: SAAB SF340A, SAAB 340B series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series airplanes, as listed in Saab Service Bulletin 340-57-033, Revision 01, dated August 18, 1997; 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 fatigue cracking of the support straps of the flaps, which could result in further damage to the flap structure and reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Note 2: Accomplishment of the inspections and replacement specified by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-57-033, dated May 29, 1997, is also considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements of those paragraphs. (a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 16,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a visual inspection to detect discrepancies (i.e., cracking and/or damage) of the support straps of the left- and right-hand flaps and adjacent areas, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-57-033, Revision 01, dated August 18, 1997; or Revision 02, dated January 29, 1998. If any discrepancy is detected, 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 (LFV) (or its delegated agent). (b) Perform a detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies (i.e., cracking and/or damage) of the left- and right-hand flaps in the area adjacent to the support straps, and replace the support straps of the left- and right-hand flaps with new straps made of steel; at the latest of the times specified by paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD; in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-57-033, Revision 01, dated August 18, 1997, or Revision 02, dated January 29, 1998. If any discrepancy is detected during the detailed visual inspection, prior to further flight, repair it in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, or the LFV (or its delegated agent). (1) Prior to the accumulation of 6,000 flight cycles after the last scheduled detailed visual inspection (if any) of the flaps accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD; or (2) Within 3,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD; or (3) Prior to the accumulation of 16,000 total flight cycles. (c) Accomplishment of the inspection and replacement specified in paragraph (b) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a flap assembly having part number 7257800-501 through -508 inclusive, -571, -572, or -851 through -858 inclusive, on any airplane, unless that flap assembly has been modified in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-57-033, Revision 01, dated August 18, 1997, or Revision 02, dated January 29, 1998. (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, 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 3: 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 by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340- 57-033, Revision 01, dated August 18, 1997, or Saab Service Bulletin 340-57-033, Revision 02, dated January 29, 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish airworthiness directive SAD No. 1-117, dated June 9, 1997. (h) This amendment becomes effective on March 26, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 9, 1999. John J. Hickey, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-3728 Filed 2-18-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U