A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 97-20-13, Amendment 39-10240 (62 FR 65198), which is applicable to Eurocopter Deutschland Model EC135 P1 and T1 helicopters, was published in the Federal Register on September 18, 2000 (65 FR 56276). That action proposed to require replacing any stator blade assembly, part number (P/N) L 535A4201 052, with a stator blade assembly, P/N L 535A4201 053, that incorporates a reinforced base and modified riveting. That action also proposed limiting the applicability to certain serial numbered tail booms.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
The FAA estimates that 25 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 12 work hours per helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. The manufacturer states in its service bulletin that parts and labor will be furnished at no cost. Based on that information, there is no cost impact from the AD on U.S. operators.
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.
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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to 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.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-10240 (62 FR 65198, December 11, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), Amendment 39-12049, to read as follows: