Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to Mooney Models M20F, M20J, and M20L airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March 26, 1997 (62 FR 14359). The action proposed to require removing the lanyard (nylon type material) from the fuel cap assembly. Accomplishment of the proposed action would be in accordance with Mooney Aircraft Service Bulletin M20-259, Issue Date: September 1, 1996.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been give to the one comment received.
The commenter was opposed to the AD based on the premise that the total cost impact to the U.S. fleet outweighs the report of only one incident. The commenter goes on to say that if the pilot had been following good operating practices by doing a visual check of the fueland using time as a basis for fuel consumption, there most probably wouldn't have been an incident to report. The commenter thinks the AD is not justified by one occurrence of a captured fuel cap lanyard.
The FAA disagrees. The FAA believes that one incident, in some cases, does justify the issuance of an AD. When the single incident indicates that there could be a loss of engine power to the affected airplane model, the justification for the AD is the continued safe flight and safe landing of over 2,000 airplanes. The total cost impact per airplane is minimal, $60 per airplane, when compared to the damage that could be done, should another fuel cap lanyard become trapped. The pilot that experienced a loss of engine power in his/her airplane was fortunate to have landed safely and without further incident. Therefore, this final rule will not change as a result of this comment.
The FAA's Determination
After careful review of all available information related to the subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 2,526 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it would take approximately 1 workhour per airplane to accomplish this action, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. There are no parts to include in this cost estimate. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $151,560 or $60 per airplane. The FAA has no way to determine how many owners/operators have already accomplished this action, and assumes that no operator has accomplished this action.
Regulatory Impact
The 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.
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 providedunder 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, 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: