AD 2004-09-21

Effective June 15, 2004.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 15, 2004.

The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-581.88, Linkoäping, Sweden. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives an Records Administration (NARA). For information one the availibility of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

Rosanne Ryburn, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2139; fax (425) 227-1149.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on January 22, 2004 (69 FR 3043). That action proposed to require repetitive inspections of the installation of the spoilers of the windshield wiper assemblies for discrepancies, and replacement with new spoilers if necessary. That action also proposed to require eventual replacement of the spoilers of the windshield wiper assemblies with new spoilers.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the one comment received.

The commenter states that the sentence in the “Discussion” section which states, “One report indicated that, after excessive vibration and subsequent separation of a windshield wiper spoiler * * *” is incorrect. The commenter asks that the sentence be changed to correctly state, “One report indicated that, excessive vibration after separation of a windshield wiper spoiler * * *” The FAA agrees with the commenter that the specified sentence was incorrect. However, the “Discussion” section is not restated in this final rule, and, therefore, no change to the final rule is necessary.

After careful review of the available data, including the comment noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

The FAA estimates that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.

It will take about 1 work hour per airplane to do the required inspection, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $195, or $65 per airplane, per inspection cycle.

It will take about 6 work hours per airplane to do the required replacement, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts will be free of charge. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the replacement required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,170, or $390 per airplane.

The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.

The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a “significant rule” under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: