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 British Aerospace BAe Model ATP airplanes was published in the Federal Register on September 13, 1995 (60 FR 47501). That action proposed to require inspections and tests for damage of the engine power cables, and replacement of any damaged cable with a new cable.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the single comment received.
The commenter supports the proposed rule.
Actions Since Issuance of Proposal
Since the issuance of the proposal, the manufacturer has issued British Aerospace Service Bulletin ATP-76-18, dated June 21, 1995, which describes procedures for the modification of the engine power control cable pulley assembly. The modification involves increasing the diameter ofthe pulley of the engine power control quadrant s lower pulley group between stations 398FS to 408FS from 1.5 inches to 2.36 inches, and repositioning of the lower pulley group slightly forward and upward. The service bulletin specifies that, if accomplished, this modification would extend the fatigue life of the engine power control cables, and would allow the repetitive inspection interval to be increased from 1,000 landings to 5,000 landings. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom, classified this service bulletin as optional.
The FAA has revised this final rule to add accomplishment of this modification as an option to permit extension of the repetitive inspection interval specified in this AD. Additionally, the cost impact information, below, has been revised to specify the number of work hours that would be required to accomplish the optional modification.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comment 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.
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.
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.
Should an operator elect to accomplish the optional modification provided by this AD,it would take approximately 80 work hours per airplane to accomplish it, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this optional modification is estimated to be $4,800 per airplane.
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 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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: