Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series airplanes, that requires inspections to detect discrepancies of the support straps of the flaps and adjacent areas, and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment also requires replacement of the support straps with new straps made of steel. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this 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.