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AD 2011-10-09 ACTIVE

Seat Rails and Roller Housing Inspections
Key Information
AD Number 2011-10-09 Status Active
Effective Date June 17, 2011 Issue Date April 27, 2011
Docket Number FAA-2010-1101 Amendment 39-16690
Product Type ["Aircraft"] Product Subtype ["Small Airplane"]
CFR Part --- - Part 39 CFR Section N/A
Citation (Federal Register Volume 76, Number 93 (Friday, May 13, 2011))
Applicability
Manufacturer(s) Cessna Aircraft Company
Model(s) 150A 150B 150C 150D 150E 150F 150G 150H 150J 150K 150L 150M 152 170 170A 170B 172 172A 172B 172C 172D 172E 172F (USAF T-41A) 172G 172H (USAF T-41A) 172I 172K 172L 172M 172N 172P 172Q 172RG 175 175A 175B 175C 177 177A 177B 177RG 180 180A 180B 180C 180D 180E 180F 180G 180H 180J 180K 182 182A 182B 182C 182D 182E 182F 182G 182H 182J 182K 182L 182M 182N 182P 182Q 182R 185 185A 185B 185C 185D 185E 188 188A 188B 190 195 195A 195B 206 207 207A 210 210-5 (205) 210-5A (205A) 210A 210B 210C 210D 210E 210F 210G 210H 210J 210K 210L 210M 210N 210R 336 337 337A 337B 337C 337D 337E 337F 337G 337H A150K A150L A150M A152 A185E A185F A188 A188A A188B F150F F150G F150H F150J F150K F150L F150M F152 F172D F172E F172F F172G F172H F172K F172L F172M F172N F172P F177RG F182P F182Q F337E F337F F337G F337H FA150K FA150L FA150M FA152 FR172E FR172F FR172G FR172H FR172J FR172K FR182 FRA150L FRA150M FT337E FT337F FT337GP FT337HP M337B P172D P206 P206A P206B P206C P206D P206E P210N P210R P337H R172E R172F R172G R172H R172J R172K R182 T182 T188C T207 T207A T210F T210G T210H T210J T210K T210L T210M T210N T210R T303 T337B T337C T337D T337E T337F T337G T337H T337H-SP TP206A TP206B TP206C TP206D TP206E TR182 TU206A TU206B TU206C TU206D TU206E TU206F TU206G U206 U206A U206B U206C U206D U206E U206F U206G
Related Airworthiness Directives
Supersedes 87-20-03 R2
Summary

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) 150, 152, 170, 172, 175, 177, 180, 182, 185, 188, 190, 195, 206, 207, 210, T303, 336, and 337 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections and replacement of parts, if necessary, \n\n((Page 27866)) \n\nof the seat rail and seat rail holes; seat pin engagement; seat rollers, washers, and axle bolts or bushings; wall thickness of roller housing and the tang; and lock pin springs. This new AD requires retaining all of the actions from the previous AD and adding steps to the inspection procedures in the previous AD. This AD was prompted by added steps to the inspection procedures, added revised figures, and clarification of some of the existing steps. We are issuing this AD to prevent seat slippage or the seat roller housing from departing the seat rail, which may consequently cause the pilot/copilot to be unable to reach all the controls. This failure could leadto the pilot/copilot losing control of the airplane.

Action Required

Final rule.

Regulatory Text

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 87-20-03 R2, Amendment 39-39-6669 (55 FR 36264, September 5, 1990; published as Docket No. 86-CE-71-AD, Amdt. 39-6669), and adding the following new AD: \n\n2011-10-09 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-16690; Docket No. FAA-2010-1101; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-013-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\n\t(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 17, 2011. \n\nAffected ADs \n\n\n\t(b) This AD supersedes AD 87-20-03 R2, Amendment 39-6669. \n\nApplicability \n\n\n\t(c) This AD applies to all serial numbers of the following Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models that arecertificated in any category: \n\n------------------------------------------------------------------------ \n\tModels ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) 150A, 150B, 150C, 150D, 150E, 150F, 150G, 150H, 150J, 150K, 150L, \n\t150M, A150K, A150L, A150M, F150F, F150G, F150H, F150J, F150K, F150L, \n\tF150M, FA150K, FA150L, FA150M, FRA150L, and FRA150M. (2) 152, A152, F152, and FA152. (3) 170, 170A, and 170B. \n\n((Page 27869)) \n\n\n\n(4) 172, 172A, 172B, 172C, 172D, 172E, 172F (USAF T-41A), 172G, 172H \n\t(USAF T-41A), 172I, 172K, 172L, 172M, 172N, 172P, 172Q, 172RG, F172D, \n\tF172E, F172F, F172G, F172H, F172K, F172L, F172M, F172N, F172P, FR172E, \n\tFR172F, FR172G, FR172H, FR172J, FR172K, P172D, R172E (USAF T(dash)41B) \n\t(USAF T-41C and D), R172F (USAF T-41D), R172G (USAF T-41C or D), R172H \n\t(USAF T-41D), R172J, and R172K. (5) 175, 175A, 175B, and 175C. (6) 177, 177A, 177B, 177RG, and F177RG. (7) 180, 180A, 180B, 180C, 180D, 180E, 180F, 180G, 180H,180J, and 180K. (8) 182, 182A, 182B, 182C, 182D, 182E, 182F, 182G, 182H, 182J, 182K, \n\t182L, 182M, 182N, 182P, 182Q, 182R, F182P, F182Q, FR182, R182, T182, \n\tand TR182. (9) 185, 185A, 185B, 185C, 185D, 185E, A185E, and A185F. (10) 188, 188A, A188, A188A, 188B, A188B, and T188C. (11) 190. (12) 195, 195A, and 195B. (13) 206, P206, P206A, P206B, P206C, P206D, P206E, TP206A, TP206B, \n\tTP206C, TP206D, TP206E, TU206A, TU206B, TU206C, TU206D, TU206E, TU206F, \n\tTU206G, U206, U206A, U206B, U206C, U206D, U206E, U206F, and U206G. (14) 207, 207A, T207, and T207A. (15) 210, 210-5 (205), 210-5A (205A), 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, 210E, \n\t210F, 210G, 210H, 210J, 210K, 210L, 210M, 210N, 210R, P210N, P210R, \n\tT210F, T210G, T210H, T210J, T210K, T210L, T210M, T210N, and T210R. (16) T303. (17) 336. (18) 337, 337A, 337B, 337C, 337D, 337E, 337F, 337G, 337H, F337E, F337F, \n\tF337G, F337H, FT337E, FT337F, FT337GP, FT337HP, M337B, P337H, T337B, \n\tT337C, T337D, T337E, T337F, T337G, T337H, and T337H-SP. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ \n\nSubject \n\n\n\t(d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 51; Standard Practices Structures. \n\nUnsafe Condition \n\n\n\t(e) This AD was prompted by reports of seats slipping on the rails where the primary latch pin for the pilot/copilot seat is not properly engaged in the seat rail/track and reports of the seat roller housing departing the seat rail. We are issuing this AD to prevent seat slippage or the seat roller housing from departing the seat rail, which may consequently cause the pilot/copilot to be unable to reach all the controls. This failure could lead to the pilot/copilot losing control of the airplane. \n\nCompliance \n\n\n\t(f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\nActions \n\n\n\t(g) For all airplanes, to address the unsafe condition described in paragraph (e) of this AD, you must do the following actions onthe seat rails; seat rollers, washers, and axle bolts or bushings; seat roller housings and the tangs; and lock pin springs, unless already done, initially within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the last inspection done following AD 87-20-03 R2 or within the next 12 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. Repetitively thereafter do the actions at intervals not to exceed every 100 hours TIS or every 12 months, whichever occurs first: \n\t(1) Visually inspect the pilot and copilot seat rails for dirt and debris that may prevent engagement of the seat locking pins. Before further flight, after any inspection where dirt or debris is found, remove the dirt or debris found. \n\t(2) Remove the seat from the seat rail. \n\t(i) Remove the seat stops. \n\t(ii) Disengage seat belt/shoulder harness from the seat, if necessary. \n\t(iii) Raise vertical adjusting seats to maximum height. \n\t(iv) Hold seat latches disengaged and slide the seat forward and aft to disengage rollers. \n\t(v) Lift the seat out of the airplane. \n\t(3) Inspect the diameter of each seat locking pin engagement hole in the pilot and copilot seat rails for excessive wear. Due to wear on the rail surface at the hole opening, we allow this measurement 0.020 of an inch below the surface of the rail. You must take this measurement somewhere between the surface of the rail or no more than 0.020 of an inch below the surface of the rail. \n\t(i) If the diameter of any of the holes is 0.42 of an inch or more (see figure 1), before further flight, replace the rail. \n\n((Page 27870)) \n\n(GRAPHIC) (TIFF OMITTED) TR13MY11.002 \n\nBILLING CODE 4910-13-C \n\t(ii) Rail replacement does not terminate the repetitive actions required in paragraph (g) of this AD. \n\t(4) Visually inspect the seat rollers for flat spots and inspect the rollers and washers for binding. Assure all rollers and washers, which are meant to rotate, turn freely on their axles (or bushings if installed).(i) Before further flight, replace any rollers with flat spots and any worn washers. \n\t(ii) Before further flight, remove and clean the parts if there is any binding between the bores of the rollers, washers, or axles. \n\t(iii) Do not lubricate the rollers, washers, or axles because the lubricant will attract dust and other particles that may cause binding. \n\t(5) Inspect the thickness of the tang (see figure 2 and figure 3). Due to wear of the tang chafing against the seat rail, measure the tang thickness where the tang inner edges contact the seat rail. \n\t(i) If the tang thickness measures less than 0.05 of an inch, before further flight replace the roller housing. \n\t(ii) Replacement of the roller housing does not terminate the repetitive actions required in paragraph (g) of this AD. \n\n((Page 27871)) \n\n(GRAPHIC) (TIFF OMITTED) TR13MY11.003 \n\n\n\t(6) Due to wear or deformation of the tangs, inspect the tang length from the inner edge of the tang to the outer edge (the bend area) of the roller housing (see figure 4). (GRAPHIC) (TIFF OMITTED) TR13MY11.004 \n\n\n\t(i) The minimum measurement allowed for the remaining tang length is 0.230 inches remaining on either of the tangs, from the inner edge of the tang to the outer edge (the bend area) of the roller housing. If the measurement is less than 0.230 inches on either of the tangs, before further flight, replace the roller housing. \n\t(ii) Replacement of the roller housing does not terminate the repetitive actions required in paragraph (g) of this AD. \n\t(7) Inspect the springs that keep the lock pins in position in the rail holes for positive engagement action. Before further flight, replace any spring that does not provide positive engagement. \n\t(8) Visually inspect the seat rails for cracks. \n\t(i) If there are seat rail cracks that exceed the crack criteria in figure 5, before further flight, replace the seat rail. \n\t(ii) Replacement of the seat rail does not terminate the repetitive actions required inparagraph (g) of this AD. \n\n((Page 27872)) \n\n(GRAPHIC) (TIFF OMITTED) TR13MY11.005 \n\n\n\t(9) Reinstall the seat on the seat rail. \n\t(i) Lift the seat into the airplane and place on the seat rail. \n\t(ii) Hold seat latches disengaged and slide the seat aft and then forward to re-engage rollers. \n\t(iii) Lower vertical adjusting seats to a comfortable height. \n\t(iv) Reattach seat belt/shoulder harness to the seat, if previously attached to the seat. \n\t(v) Reinstall the seat stops. \n\t(10) Lift up the forward edge of each seat to eliminate vertical play of the seat locking pin in the engagement hole, and from this position, inspect the depth of engagement of each seat locking pin (see figure 2). If the rail is worn, this depth is measured from the worn surface, not the manufactured surface. \n\t(i) If engagement of any of the seat locking pins measures less than 0.15 of an inch, before further flight, replace or repair any seat components necessary to achieve a seat pin engagementof a minimum of 0.15 of an inch. \n\t(ii) Repair or replacement of necessary seat components does not terminate the repetitive actions required in paragraph (g) of this AD. \n\nPaperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement \n\n\n\t(h) A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should bedirected to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(i)(1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. \n\t(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. \n\t(3) AMOCs approved for AD 87-20-03 R2 are approved for this AD. \n\nRelated Information \n\n\n\t(j) For more information about thisAD, contact Gary Park, Aerospace Engineer, ACE-118W, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4123; fax: (316) 946-4107; e-mail: gary.park@faa.gov.

Supplementary Information

Discussion \n\n\n\tWe issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 87-20-03 R2, Amendment 39-6669 (55 FR 36264, September 5, 1990; published as Docket No. 86-CE-71-AD, Amdt. 39-6669). That AD applies to the specified products. AD 87-20-03 R2 requires repetitive inspections and replacement of parts, if necessary, of the seat rail and seat rail holes; seat pin engagement; seat rollers, washers, and axle bolts or bushings; wall thickness of roller housing and the tang; and lock pin springs. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 8, 2010 (75 FR 68543). That NPRM proposed to retain all of the actions from the previous AD and add steps to the inspection procedures in the previous AD. \n\tThe additional steps involve inspections of the tang thickness and length on the seat roller housing. We also provided improved graphics for inspecting seat track hole wear and for inspecting proper seat lock pin engagement depth. We itemized the steps, in sequence, to provide clearer guidance for the inspector to do the inspections. \n\nComments \n\n\n\tWe gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal and the FAA's response to each comment. \n\nRequest Change to Compliance Time \n\n\n\tD.A., Ken Anderson, Don Barley, Timothy J. Berg, Joseph Carter, Gary W. Cleveland, Clifford Coy, Al Dyer, John M. Efinger, Greg Felton, Berry Gablin, Howard Greenberg, Steve James, Richard Koril, Michael Minton, Dustin J. Radford, Marc Stancy, Charles L. Trunck, and Walter Wasowski requested we change the inspection compliance time to annual inspections. They think that 100-hour time-in-service inspections are an excessive burden on manpower and an added expense with little benefit in safety. They also think the frequent inspections would be difficult to monitor. \n\tWe disagree with this comment. The unsafe condition of excessive wear results from usage, not calendar time. The more an airplane is used, the more likely wear will develop, causing an unsafe condition. Parts cost will not be incurred unless the inspection results require parts replacement. FAA regulations require posting compliance to ADs in the aircraft logbook. The maintainer should record compliance with this AD, which includes the 100-hour inspections, in the aircraft logbook. \n\tWe have not changed this final rule AD action based on this comment. \n\nRequest Change to Applicability Based on Secondary Seat Stops \n\n\n\tJoseph Carter, Greg Felton, Donald L. Griffith, and Richard M. Warner requested we change the applicability based on the installation of inertial reel secondary seat stops. They think that if the primary seat lock fails and the seat slips, the secondary seat stops provide additional safety. \n\tWe partially agree with this comment. We agree that the secondary seat stop provides additional safety for seat slippage.However, we disagree that secondary seat stops provide adequate safety for the unsafe condition associated with this AD action. The secondary seat stops may be installed only on one side of the airplane, so the pilot could occupy a seat without a secondary seat stop. Also, secondary seat stops will not prevent the seat from lifting off the seat track. \n\tWe have not changed this final rule AD action based on this comment. \n\nRequest To Remove Models 150, 152, and 188 From Applicability \n\n\n\tMark Stancy requested we remove Cessna Models 150, 152, and 188 from the airplane Applicability. He thinks the seat travel for those models is too limited to justify this AD even if the locking pin were to slip. \n\tWe disagree with this comment. Even a limited seat travel could affect short pilots' ability to reach the controls if the seat slips backwards due to failure of the seat system. This AD action not only requires inspections to prevent seat slippage but also requires inspections to prevent the seat from lifting off the seat track. \n\tWe have not changed this final rule AD action based on this comment. \n\nRequest Withdrawal of Proposed AD Action \n\n\n\tDavid Abler, Brian A. Andrus, James Barbee, Timothy J. Berg, Al Dyer, John M. Efinger, Berry Gamblin, Donald L. Giffith, Michael Minton, Robert J. Pasch, Dustin J. Radford, Charles L. Trunck, and Walter Wasowski requested we withdraw the proposed AD action because they think it adds no additional safety than AD 87-20-03 R2. \n\tWe disagree with this comment. This AD action provides additional measurements in the inspections, more clarity in the descriptions of the required inspections, and provides improved graphics. Inadvertent seat movement continues to be reported. Also, we received a report of a seat separating from the seat track due to wear of the seat roller housing tangs. \n\tWe have not changed this final rule AD action based on this comment. \n\nRequest Additional Inspection With Diagrams \n\n\n\tOne commenter requested we add an inspection of the seat stop with diagrams showing potential damage because if the integrity of the seat stop is retained, seat slippage will not occur. The commenter also requested we not allow repair to the seat roller housing. \n\tWe partially agree with this comment. We agree the seat stop should prevent seat slippage; however, other failure modes can cause seat slippage even with a functional seat stop. Providing \n\n((Page 27867)) \n\ndiagrams of possible damage to the seat stop area will not sufficiently eliminate the safety issue. Service history has shown that wear and damage to the seat installation components must be addressed. This AD action provides clarification to the inspections for those components. \n\tWe have not changed this final rule AD action based on this comment. \n\nRequest an Additional Measurement to the Inspection \n\n\n\tDave McFarlane requested we add a maximum allowable incremental 0.07-inch radius dimension to figure 1 at the outside diameter dimensions for clarification. \n\tWe disagree with this comment. The measurement dimensions in figure 1 adequately address the measurements necessary for this AD. Additional measurements will not provide any additional benefit. \n\tWe have not changed this final rule AD action based on this comment. \n\nRequest Changing Compliance Based on Frequency of Seat Movement \n\n\n\tJoseph Carter requested we change the compliance time for the inspection for seats that are moved infrequently because they would not experience the same amount of wear on the seat components. \n\tWe disagree with this comment. Inspectors would not be able to determine the frequency seat movement. \n\tWe have not changed this final rule AD action based on this comment. \n\nRequest Change to the Measurement of the Tangs \n\n\n\tBrian A. Andrus, Jim Currie, and Jerry Unruh requested we change the tang measurement to the outside of the seat roller housing and change the description of the tang measurement. This change would make it easier for the inspector to take the measurement and to better understand what is being measured. \n\tWe agree with this comment. We agree that measuring the tang length inside of the roller housing is difficult because of the presence of the rollers inside of the roller housing. \n\tWe have changed the callouts in figure 4 to measure the tang length from outside of the roller housing instead of from inside of the roller housing. We have also changed the description of the tang measurement in figure 4 to more accurately describe the measurement. \n\nRequest Detailed Description of Changes From AD 87-20-03 R2 \n\n\n\tRobert J. Pasch requested we better describe the changes or added steps to the inspections from AD 87-20-03 R2 so the owner/operator can better understand the requirements of this new AD action. \n\tWe agree with this comment. We retained all of the actions from the previous AD and added steps to the inspection. This AD action must be complied with in its entirety,not just the added steps. This AD action includes better descriptions and graphics for the mechanic to follow when complying with this AD. We have added language to the Discussion section describing in more detail the changes we made in this superseding AD action. \n\nRequest Different Requirements for New Seat Rail Installations \n\n\n\tHoward Greenberg requested different requirements for new seat rail installations. \n\tWe disagree with this comment. Documentation positively identifying that all seat assemblies and associated parts were replaced would be difficult to obtain. If documentation positively identifying replacement of the seat assemblies and associated parts can be found, the FAA will consider any applications we receive for an alternative method of compliance to extend the compliance time for the initial inspection. \n\tWe have not changed this final rule AD action based on this comments. \n\nRequest Training on Proper Seat Operation Instead of AD \n\n\n\tDavid Abler, Ken Anderson, and Timothy J. Berg requested we provide a means to educate the pilots on proper operation of the seats rather than take AD action. \n\tWe disagree with this comment. Wear and damage can occur, which may not be visibly recognizable by the pilot, and may cause the seat to slip even after proper engagement of the locking pin. In addition, many sources exist to educate those involved about this unsafe condition, including Advisory Circular 43-16A, Aviation Maintenance Alerts, found on the Internet at http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/Frameset?OpenPage; Special Aviation Information Bulletin, SAIB CE-09-10, Availability of Secondary Seat Stops for Pilot and Copilot Seats found on the Internet at http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSAIB.nsf/Frameset?OpenPage; Safety Alerts for Operators, SAFO 10016, Missing or Improper Seat Stops in Cessna Models found on the Internet at http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos/; and other related articles in Cessna Pilots Association Magazine. In spite of the sources of information regarding the necessity for proper maintenance and proper operations of the seats, inadvertent seat movement continues to be a safety issue. \n\tWe have not changed this final rule AD action based on this comment. \n\nRequest Requiring Reinspection After Repair or Replacement of Parts \n\n\n\tAn anonymous commenter requested we require verifying the seat stop pin engagement still meets the 0.150 inch criteria after replacement of parts as a result of any of the required inspections. \n\tWe disagree with this comment. The intent of this inspection is to detect wear or deformation. Any part used as a replacement part must be serviceable and not show signs of wear or deformation. Also, this inspection is a repetitive inspection at intervals not to exceed every 100 hours time-in-service. \n\tWe have not changed the final rule AD action based on thiscomment. \n\nAgreement With AD Action \n\n\n\tJohn M. Conti agrees with this AD action. He states the added procedures and criteria are good and must be done during annual inspections so the extra detail is a small price to pay that will further reduce this risk. \n\tWe have not changed this final rule AD action based on this comment. \n\nConclusion \n\n\n\tWe reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described previously to change the tang length measurement location to outside of the seat roller housing and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: \n\tAre consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and \n\tDo not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. \n\tWe also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increasethe scope of the AD. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\n\tWe estimate that this AD will affect 36,000 airplanes in the U.S. registry. \n\tThe estimated total cost on U.S. operators includes the cumulative costs associated with AD 87-20-03 R2. The required actions of this AD are the same \n\n((Page 27868)) \n\nas in AD 87-20-03 R2 with the exception of some added steps to the inspection, which do not increase work-hours. The increased estimated cost of this AD is due to increased labor cost and parts cost from 1987 when AD 87-20-03 R2 was issued. \n\tWe estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: \n\n\n\tEstimated Costs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\tCost per Cost on U.S. \n\tAction Labor cost Parts cost product operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inspections ofthe seat roller 1 work-hour x $85 Not applicable............. $85 $3,060,000 \n\thousings and seat rail. per hour = $85. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\n\n\tWe estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the inspections. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these replacements: \n\n\n\tOn-Condition Costs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\tCost per \n\tAction Labor cost Parts cost product ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Replace seat rail................... 2 work-hours x $85 per $225 per rail.................... $395 \n\thour = $170 per rail. Replace seat roller kit............. 2 work-hours per seat $110............................. 280 \n\t(less per leg) x $85 \n\tper hour = $170. Replace miscellaneous parts, such as 1 work-hour per seat x $15.............................. 100 \n\tseat rollers, washers, bushings, $85 per hour = $85. \n\tbolts, lock pin springs, etc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\n\tTitle 49 of the United States 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. \n\tWe 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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\n\tWe have 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, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\t(1) Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\t(2) Is not a ''significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), \n\t(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and(4) 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. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Addresses

Examining the AD Docket\n\n You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility \nbetween 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal \nholidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, \nany comments received, and other information. The address for the \nDocket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, \nU.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West \nBuilding Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., \nWashington, DC 20590.

For Further Information Contact

Gary Park, Aerospace Engineer, ACE- 118W, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4123; fax: (316) 946-4107; e-mail: gary.park@faa.gov.