Discussion
Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?
Fatigue cracks found on the engine mount assemblies of Socata Models MS 892A-150, MS 892E-150, MS 893A, MS 893E, Rallye 150T, and Rallye 150ST airplanes caused us to issue AD 77-15-06, Amendment 39- 2975. AD 77-15-06 currently requires the following:
--Inspecting the engine mount assembly for cracks at repetitive intervals;
--Repairing any cracks found; and
--Modifying the brackets on airplanes with right angle engine mounts.
What Has Happened Since AD 77-15-06 To Initiate This Action?
The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, recently notified FAA of the need to change AD 77-15-06. The DGAC reports that:
--The manufacturer has issued new service information to address the unsafe condition;
--Additional airplane models should be added to the applicability; and
--The initial compliance time should be changedfrom 100 hours time-in- service (TIS) to 50 hours TIS.
What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could cause the engine mount assembly to fail. Such failure could result in loss of control of the airplane.
Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?
We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all Socata Models MS 892A-150, MS 892E-150, MS 893A, MS 893E, MS 894A, MS 894E, Rallye 150T, and Rallye 150ST airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on December 17, 2001 (66 FR 64928). The NPRM proposed to supersede AD 77-15-06 with a new AD that would require you to:
--Repetitively inspect any engine mount assembly that is not part number 892-51-0-035-0 (or FAA-approved equivalent part number) for cracks;
--Repair cracks that do not exceed a certain length; and
--Replace the engine mount when the cracks exceed a certain length and cracks are found on an engine mount that already has two repairs.
Was the Public Invited To Comment?
The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule or on our determination of the cost to the public.
FAA's Determination
What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?
After careful review of all available information related to the subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:
--Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?
We estimate that this AD affects 81 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish each inspection:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
1 workhour x $60 = $60
No parts required
$60
$60 x 81 = $4,860
We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary repairs that will be required based on the results of each inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need such repair:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
3 workhours x $60 = $180
No parts required
$180
We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary replacements that will be required based on the results of each inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need such replacement:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
9 workhours x $60 = $540
$3,500
$540 + $3,500 = $4,040
Regulatory Impact
Does This AD Impact Various Entities?
The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 77-15-06, Amendment 39-2975, and by adding a new AD to read as follows: