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 757-200 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on November 13, 1997 (62 FR 60807). That action proposed to require modification of certain passenger doors. \n\n\tInterested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the comments received. \n\n\tFour commenters support the proposed rule.\n\n Request to Extend Compliance Time \n\n\tSeveral commenters request an extension to the proposed compliance time; two of the commenters suggest that the compliance time be extended to 24 months. One commenter notes that it has a large fleet of affected airplanes and states that, as the manufacturer did not recommend any compliance time, a longer compliance time would not compromise safety. Another commenter states that its equivalent "C" check interval is 24 months, and requests that the compliance time be extended accordingly. This commenter's own investigation confirms that this problem has never been found on any of its affected airplanes. Yet another commenter expresses concern that the proposed 18-month compliance time would not allow sufficient time for procurement of parts from its supplier. \n\n\tThe FAA does not concur with these requests to extend the compliance time. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this AD, the FAA considered not only the safety implications, but the manufacturer's recommendations, the availability of required parts, and the practical aspect of accomplishing the modification within an interval of time that parallels normal scheduled maintenance for affected operators. The FAA also considered the fact that Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0175, Revision 1, dated March 6, 1997 (which is referenced in the proposed AD as one of the appropriate sources of service information for accomplishment of the required actions), has been available to all operators of Boeing Model 757 series airplanes since March 1997. Therefore, the FAA considers that affected operators have had ample time to consider initiating those actions which this AD will require. However, under the provisions of paragraph (c) of the final rule, the FAA may consider requests for adjustments to the compliance time if data are submitted to substantiate that such an adjustment would provide an acceptable level of safety. \n\nRequest to Shorten Compliance Time \n\n\tOne commenter requests that the compliance time be shortened to six months. This commenter states that, since the proposed modification appears to be simple and would not require any complex parts, the 18-month compliance time seems to be excessive. \n\n\tThe FAA does not concur with the commenter's request to reduce the compliance time. After consideration of all the available information, the FAA cannot conclude that a reduction of the proposed compliance time is warranted. As stated previously, in developing an appropriate compliance time, the FAA considered the safety implications, parts availability, and normal maintenance schedules for timely accomplishment of the modifications. To reduce the compliance time of the proposal would necessitate (under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act) reissuing the notice, reopening the period for public comment, considering additional comments received, and eventually issuing a final rule; the time required for that procedure could take several months. In light of this, and in consideration of the amount of time that has already elapsed since issuance of the original notice, the FAA has determined that further delay of this final rule action is not appropriate. However, if additional data are presented that would justify a shorter compliance time, the FAA may consider further rulemaking on this issue. \n\nRequest for AdditionalInspections or Tests \n\n\tOne commenter requests that the proposed rule be changed to add a rigorous rigging inspection or, even more desirable, an operational test of the escape slide following completion of the modification. This commenter notes that there have been numerous cases where a repair action to an emergency evacuation device has resulted in a mis-rigging of the device. \n\n\tThe FAA does not concur. The FAA has determined, based on review of the relevant service information, that the instructions in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0175 are clear and easily followed, thus minimizing any chance of mis-rigging. In addition, making this requested change would necessitate (under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act) reissuing the notice, reopening the period for public comment, considering additional comments received, and eventually issuing the final rule. As stated above, any further delay in issuing this final rule would be inappropriate. \n\nRequest to Revise Number of Affected Airplanes \n\n\tOne commenter, the manufacturer, states that there are only 614 airplanes in the worldwide fleet that would be affected by this rule, instead of the 673 airplanes that were originally estimated. The commenter notes that Model 757-200 freighters should not have been counted in the estimate, as those airplanes do not have number 1, 2, or 4 passenger doors. The FAA concurs, and has revised the worldwide fleet number of affected airplanes in the cost impact information, below. \n\nRequest to Reference Revision to Service Bulletin \n\n\tThe manufacturer states that it is releasing a new revision to the referenced service bulletin. The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0175, Revision 2, dated January 29, 1998. This revision to the service bulletin eliminates a condition that might result in a passenger door becoming inoperable. Accordingly, the FAA has revised this final rule to reference Revision 2 of the service bulletin asan appropriate source of service information.\n\n Conclusion \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 614 Boeing Model 757-200 series airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 381 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $234 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $226,314, or $594 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 substantial direct effects 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, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.\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, Incorporation by reference, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \n\n\tAccordingly, 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. § 39.13 (Amended) \n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: