Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18570 · Ice and rain protection
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Type Certificate Previously Held by Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2018-18-17. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Type Certificate Previously Held by Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes, serial numbers(S/Ns) 004 through 138 inclusive, on which Saab Modification 1462 has been embodied in production, or Saab Service Bulletin 340-55-008 has been embodied in service, except those on which Saab Modification 1793 has also been embodied in production, or Saab Service Bulletin 340-55-010 has been embodied in service; and Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes, S/Ns 139 through 159 inclusive. Applicable Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes S/N 004-138, Post Modification No. 1462 but Pre Modification No. 1793, have a maximum flap setting of 35 degrees instead of 20 degrees, and horizontal stabilizer boots with spanwise tubes instead of chordwise tubes.
(2) Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 340B airplanes, S/Ns 160 through 459 inclusive.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of ruptured horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots. This AD requires a revision of the applicable airplane flight manual (AFM), repetitive inspections of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, and applicable corrective actions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damage of the de- icing boot; such damage could lead to a ruptured boot, severe vibrations, and possible reduced control of the airplane.
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the “Abnormal Procedures” section of the applicable Saab 340 AFM to incorporate the revision specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD.
(1) For Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes, revise AFM 340A 001 by incorporating Revision 57, dated March 27, 2015.
(2) For Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 340B airplanes, revise AFM 340B 001 by incorporating Revision 35, dated March 27, 2015.
(3) For Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 340B airplanes with extended wing tips, revise AFM 340B 010 by incorporating Revision 28, dated March 27, 2015.
Within 400 flight hours or 6 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection for damage of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, and existing repairs of horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 flight hours. If, during any inspection required by this paragraph, any damage or existing repair outside the limits specified in Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015, is found, before further flight, repair or replace the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015. Repair or replacement on an airplane of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, as required by this paragraph, does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this paragraph for that airplane.
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
