AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section. SAAB SF340 Series Aeroplanes AD/SF340/96 DC Starter Generator 10/2004 Applicability: Saab SF340A aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/N) SF340A-004 through -159 and Saab 340B aeroplanes S/N 340B-160 through -367 without Saab Aircraft Service Bulletin (SB) 340-24-026 (Mod 2533) incorporated. Note 1: Modification 2533 introduces Generator Control Unit part number 51539- 007B. Requirement: Generators overhauled in accordance with MRB task 243104 - Carry out repetitive inspections of the starter generator brushes in accordance with Saab Aircraft SB 340-24-035. Generators overhauled in accordance with MRB Task 243103 or with brush replacement in accordance with MRB Task 243101 are not affected by this Directive. Note 2: LFV AD 1-196 R1 refers. Compliance: Generators with less than 800 hours time in service (TIS) at the effective date of this Directive - Within 600 to 800 hours TIS after each overhaul. Generators with more than 800 hours TIS at the effective date of this Directive - Within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this Directive and thereafter between 600 and 800 hours TIS after each overhaul. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 30 September 2004. Background: The Swedish Luftfartsverket (LFV) has advised that current reliability of the generator brushes is causing premature failures of Starter Generators. These failures may result in a failed engine start or a low voltage situation whilst in flight. SAAB SF340 Series Aeroplanes AD/SF340/96 (continued) This Directive introduces a repetitive inspection of the brushes between overhauls. The LFV has also advised that further rulemaking providing terminating action may be anticipated. Bernard Malcolm Hole Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 30 July 2004 The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 8 September 2004.