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 Jetstream Model BAe ATP airplanes was published as a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on November 8, 1996 (61 FR 57830). That action proposed to require repetitive detailed external visual inspections to detect damage (i.e., corrosion, cracks, pillowing, and rivet pulling) of the antenna mounting reinforcing plates and surrounding fuselage skin. For cases where any damage is detected during the inspection, that action also proposed to require replacement of the reinforcing plate with a new reinforcing plate and/or repair of the surrounding fuselage skin; this replacement/repair would constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the comments received.
Support for the Proposal
One commenter supports the proposed rule.
Request for Extension of Repetitive Inspection Interval
One commenter requests that the proposal be revised to extend the repetitive inspection interval (when no corrosion is detected) from the proposed 1 year to 2 years. The commenter states that both the manufacturer and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of the United Kingdom have determined that a 2-year repeat interval is a conservative figure, during which time any corrosion forming at the antenna reinforcing plates cannot progress to a state that would create a hazard. Additionally, the service bulletin referenced in the proposal recommends a 2-year repetitive inspection interval.
Based on the data presented, the FAA concurs. Paragraph (a)(1) of the final rule has been revised accordingly.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, the FAAhas 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.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 10 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,200, or $120 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
The 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.
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 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 Subjectsin 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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
39.13 - [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: