Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series airplanes. This proposal would require inspections to detect discrepancies of the support straps of the flaps and adjacent areas, and corrective action, if necessary; it would also require replacement of the support straps with new straps made of steel. This proposal is prompted by the issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracking of the support straps of the flaps, which could result in further damage to the flap structure, and consequently lead to reduced controllability of the airplane.