Saab 340s get tougher gear checks from FAA
Published Date: 2/12/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly or maintain Saab 340A and 340B airplanes, listen up! The FAA is updating safety rules to add tougher inspections and maintenance checks, especially for landing gear parts and corrosion control. These changes kick in on March 19, 2025, helping keep flights safer without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Must update maintenance programs
If you operate or maintain Saab 340A or 340B airplanes, you must revise your maintenance or inspection program to include new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The required additions include inspection tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the main landing gear and corrosion prevention and control (CPCP) tasks, and you must comply with the AD effective March 19, 2025, following the compliance times specified in the rule.
FAA cost estimate per operator
The FAA estimates the AD affects 81 U.S.-registered Saab 340 airplanes. The agency estimates the retained actions from the prior AD cost $7,650 per operator (90 work-hours × $85/hour) and separately estimates the new actions also cost $7,650 per operator (90 work-hours × $85/hour).
Stricter, faster compliance deadline
Unlike the EASA AD's 12-month timing, this FAA AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program within 90 days after the AD's effective date (effective March 19, 2025). The initial compliance time for the specified tasks is at the applicable limitations and thresholds or within 90 days after the effective date, whichever occurs later.
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