Events Leading to Issuance of the Proposed AD
The Direction G n rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all Avion Pierre Robin Model R3000 airplanes. The DGAC reports an incident where the operator of one of these airplanes discovered unusual wear of the pitch control cables to the control column. Further examination revealed that the attachment bolt between the pitch control cables and control column lever had failed. This condition, if not corrected in a timely manner, could cause the pitch control cables on the control column to jam and result in a reduction in the directional controllability of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Avions Pierre Robin has issued Service Bulletin No. 146, Revision 1, dated September 26, 1996, which specifies procedures for replacing the attachment bolt between the pitch control cables and control column lever, part number (P/N) 95.13.19.000, with a bolt of improved design, P/N 27.36.03.140.
The DGAC classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued French AD 96-167(A)R1, dated December 4, 1996, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
The FAA's Determination
This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above.
The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC; reviewed all available information, including the service information referenced above; and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of the Provisions of This ADSince an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Pierre Robin Model R3000 airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, the FAA is issuing an AD. This AD requires replacing the attachment bolt between the pitch control cables and control column lever, part number (P/N) 95.13.19.000, with a bolt of improved design, P/N 27.36.03.140. Accomplishment of the replacement required by this AD is in accordance with the previously referenced service bulletin.
Cost Impact
None of the Avions Pierre Robin airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. However, the FAA considers this rule necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S.Register.
Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. Register, accomplishment of the required actions would take approximately 3 workhours at an average labor charge of $60 per workhour. Parts to accomplish the replacement cost $20. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD would be $200 per airplane that would become registered in the United States.
The Effective Date of This AD
Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this ruleby submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption "ADDRESSES." All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket No. 97-CE-87-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
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 Policiesand 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."
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: