95-21-19: Inspect Beams Over Emergency Overwing Exits

95-21-19 SAAB AIRCRAFT AB: Amendment 39-9406. Docket 95-NM-67-AD. Applicability: Model 340B airplanes having serial numbers -324 through -341 inclusive, and having serial number -347; certificated in any category. NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 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 use the authority provided in paragraph (b) of this AD to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent cabin pressure leakage and consequent reduction of the load carrying capability of the associated structure, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, or within 18 months of the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Perform a detailed visual and dye penetrant inspection to detect cracking of the beams located over the left-hand and right- hand emergency overwing exits, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-53-047, dated December 14, 1994. (1) If no cracking is detected, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If any cracking is detected, prior to further flight, replace the beam with a new one, 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113. NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113. (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 inspections and replacement shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-53-047, dated December 14, 1994. 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. (e) This amendment becomes effective on November 17, 1995.