Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 14, 2011 (76 FR 13539). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
* * * The pylon internal shear pin was found cracked during a regular check. Further investigation revealed that the failure occurred due to hydrogen embrittlement. The ANAC is issuing this [Brazilian] AD to prevent insufficient strength of the pylon to wing attachment, which in combination with an engine imbalance caused by a fan blade out could cause pylon to wing attachment failure and consequent engine separation.
* * * * *
Required actions include replacing pylon shear pins in the rear outboard and inboard shear pin assembly in the right- and left-hand pylons with new parts. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the comments received.
Request for Further Inspection
JetBlue requested that, in addition to replacement of the pylon rear inboard and outboard internal shear pins, a detailed visual inspection of the pylon rear outboard and inboard external shear pins should be done to ensure that
[[Page 55784]]
the external shear pins have no evidence of corrosion and corrosion products, or corrosion pitting. JetBlue found external shear pins with surface corrosion and pitting.
We disagree with the request. Embraer inspected the suspect external shear pins from JetBlue and found particles of sealant and other contaminants embedded in the inner surface, but there was no sign of corrosion or damage. The material of the external shear pin is corrosion-resistant stainless steel. No change has been made to the AD in this regard.
Request To Clarify Service Bulletin Reference
Embraer requested that paragraph (j) of the NPRM refer to EMBRAER Service Bulletin 190LIN-54-0001, dated June 21, 2010, rather than 190LIN-54-001.
We agree with the request and have made the change in paragraph (j) of this AD.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described previously. We determined that this change will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 73 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 10 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $2,360 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $234,330, or $3,210 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the UnitedStates Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. "Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in "Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, onthe relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
1. Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ''significant rule'' under the 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD: