A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on August 3, 1993 (58 FR 41210). [A correction of the rule was published in the Federal Register August 9, 1993 (58 FR 42361).] That action proposed to require replacement of the bottom joint fittings and modification of these new bottom joint fittings, the MLG rear spar fittings, and the rear spar webs by cold- expanding the bolt holes.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the comments received.
One commenter supports the rule as proposed.
The Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of one of its members, requests that paragraph (a) of the proposed AD be revised to include Fokker Service Bulletin Change Notification (SBCN) SBF100-57-020/01, dated February 4, 1993, as an additional source of service information. This commenter states that, since one operator has already begun the proposed modification, that operator would have to request an alternative method of compliance if the SBCN is not incorporated into the final rule. The FAA concurs. This SBCN makes certain minor corrections and clarifications to Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-57-020, dated April 27, 1992. Therefore, paragraph (a) of the final rule has been revised to include this SBCN as an additional source of appropriate service information.
After 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 change previously described. The FAA has determined that this change will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
The FAA estimates that 52 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 27 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $2,100 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $186,420, or $3,585 per airplane.
The total 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.
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 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 14 CFR part 39 of the FederalAviation Regulations as follows:
PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
39.13 - [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: