A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 737-200 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on June 23, 1999 (64 FR 33443). That action proposed to require removal of the existing emergency floor path lighting system and replacement with an FAA-approved emergency floor path lighting system. That proposal was prompted by information indicating that the existing emergency floor path lighting system does not provide adequate lighting and cueing for safe evacuation of the airplane in the event of an emergency. The actions specified by that proposal are intended to prevent such inadequate lighting and cueing, which could delay or impede the flight crew and passengers when exiting the airplane during an emergency. \n\n\tInterested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Dueconsideration has been given to the comments received. \n\n\tOne commenter concurs with the proposed rule. \n\n\tAnother commenter requests that the compliance time be extended to six months so that it will have adequate time to integrate the affected airplanes into the maintenance cycle. \n\n\tThe FAA concurs. The FAA has determined that such an extension of the compliance time to within 6 months after the effective date of the AD will not adversely affect safety. The final rule has been revised accordingly. \n\nConclusion \n\n\tAfter careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. \n\nCost Impact \n\n\tThere are approximately 40 Boeing Model 737-200 series airplanes of the affected design in theworldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 4 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 12 work hours per airplane to accomplish the removal of the system, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. It will take approximately 40 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required replacement with an FAA-approved system. Required parts for the replacement will cost approximately $10,000 for a new system, per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $524,800, or $13,120 per airplane. \n\n\tThe cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. \n\nRegulatory Impact \n\n\tThe 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. \n\n\tFor 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 location provided under the caption "ADDRESSES." \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.\n\n Adoption of the Amendment \n\nAccordingly, 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: \n\nPART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n\t1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n§ 39.13 (Amended) \n\n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: