Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14086 · Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B Series Airplanes
Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-088, dated October 7, 2003.
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive detailed inspections of the windshield wiper assembly for discrepant conditions, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of the left and right wiper arm assemblies for damage, and corrective/related investigative actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by an additional incident of a windshield wiper blade separating from the wiper arm. We are issuing this AD to prevent separation of a wiper arm from the airplane, which could result in damage to the fuselage skin and propeller.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
For Model SAAB SF340A series airplanes, manufacturer serial number (S/Ns) 004 through 159 inclusive; and Model SAAB 340B series airplanes, manufacturer S/Ns 160 through 399 inclusive: Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 total flight hours, or within 3 months after October 28, 1998 (the effective date of AD 98-20-11), whichever occurs later, perform a detailed inspection of the windshield wiper assembly for discrepancies (corrosion; excessive wear; missing, loose, or broken parts; improper alignment; and insecure attachment), in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-081, dated November 14, 1997, including Attachment 1, Revision 1, dated September 14, 1997.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”
(1) If no discrepancy is detected during the inspection, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight hours until the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD is accomplished.
(2) If any discrepancy is detected during any inspection, prior to further flight, replace the windshield wiper assembly with a new or serviceable windshield wiper assembly, or repair in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-081, dated November 14, 1997, including Attachment 1, Revision 1, dated September 14, 1997. Repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight hours, until the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD is accomplished.
For all airplanes: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection of the left and right wiper arm assemblies for damage and any applicable corrective/investigative actions, by doing all of the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-088, dated October 7, 2003. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 800 flight hours. Accomplishment of this inspection terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD.
(h) Airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD is done within the compliance time specified in paragraph (f) of this AD are not required to accomplish the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
