# AD 98-22-03: Inspect MLG Brake Assemblies - Type: Airworthiness directive - Status: Current - Products: Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems SAAB 340B and 340A (SAAB SF340A) - Effective: November 27, 1998 - Published: October 22, 1998, 63 FR 56544–56545 - Issued as: Final rule - Superseded by: Nothing supersedes this AD - Product type: Aircraft, Large airplane - Amendment: 39-10849 - Docket: 98-NM-188-AD - Registered aircraft: 66 may be affected, by airframe or engine model (OpenAirDocs) - Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/2c/d9/2cd97674eb406f701132e22181852fd21937c60d398464ceac6c48fcdf311f4e (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1998-10-22/pdf/98-28157.pdf) - Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1998/10/22/98-28157/airworthiness-directives-saab-model-saab-sf340a-and-saab-340b-series-airplanes - FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/B4CB09EC0FDBCF2186256A2400470929.0001 - DRS record last changed: May 30, 2024 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ad/98-22-03 ## Summary This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series airplanes, that requires a one-time visual inspection of the main landing gear (MLG) brake assemblies to determine the brake configuration, and reconfiguration, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent an incorrect brake combination configuration of the MLG, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane during take-off and landing. ## The airworthiness directive 98-22-03 SAAB AIRCRAFT AB: Amendment 39-10849. Docket 98-NM-188-AD. Applicability: 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. Compliance: 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 accordancewith 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149. ## Rule preamble ### Supplementary information 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 SF340A and SAAB 340B series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on August 26, 1998 (63 FR 45425). That action proposed to require a one-time visual inspection of the main landing gear (MLG) brake assemblies to determine the brake configuration, and reconfiguration, if necessary. Comments Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed. Cost Impact The FAA estimates that 276 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the required inspection, and that the average labor rate is $60 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 $16,560, or $60 per airplane. The cost impact figure discussed above is 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. Regulatory Impact The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects 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, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. For the reasons discussed above, I certifythat 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." List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment 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: PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ## Affected data sheets (1) (OpenAirDocs) The type certificate data sheets whose models the AD names. - [TCDS A52EU](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/A52EU): Saab AB; names 2 of 2 models: 340A (SAAB SF340A), SAAB 340B ## Registered aircraft it may apply to (OpenAirDocs) Matched by airframe and engine model; the AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment. - Aircraft: 66 (66 by airframe model, 0 by engine model) - Makers: Saab-Scania 42, Saab 15, Saab-Fairchild 8, Saabscania 1 Models with the most aircraft: - [Saab-Scania SAAB 340B](https://openairdocs.org/model/saab-scania-saab-340b): 42 aircraft (airframe model) - [Saab SAAB 340B](https://openairdocs.org/model/saab-saab-340b): 15 aircraft (airframe model) - [Saab-Fairchild 340A](https://openairdocs.org/model/saab-fairchild-340a): 8 aircraft (airframe model) - [Saabscania SAAB 340B](https://openairdocs.org/model/saabscania-saab-340b): 1 aircraft (airframe model) All 6 models: https://openairdocs.org/ad/98-22-03/models.md Every aircraft: https://openairdocs.org/ad/98-22-03/aircraft.md ## Related documents - [Proposed rule 98-NM-188-AD](https://openairdocs.org/proposed/98-NM-188-AD): Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), published Aug 26, 1998 Its text cites no advisory circulars or STCs. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.