Discussion
On March 10, 2006, we issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all Twin Commander Models 690, 690A, and 690B, airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on March 16, 2006 (71 FR 13558). The NPRM proposed to require you to inspect, visually and using fluorescent dye penetrant, the support structures for the inboard and center aileron hinge fittings on both wings for cracks and replace any cracked support structure. The NPRM proposed to require you to reinforce the support structures for the inboard and center aileron hinge fittings on both wings.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data anddetermined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections.
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 275 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to do the inspection of the support structures of the inboard aileron hinge fittings on both wings:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost for each airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
10 work-hours $80 an hour = $800
Not applicable
$800
$800 275 = $220,000
We estimate the following costs to do the inspection of the support structure of the center aileron hinge fittings on both wings:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost for each airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
12 work-hours $80 an hour = $960
Not applicable
$960
$960 275 = $264,000
We estimate the following costs to do the reinforcement to the support structures on the inboard aileron hinge fittings on both wings:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost for each airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
25 work-hours $80 an hour = $2,000
$1,526
$2,000 + $1,526 = $3,526
$3,526 275 = $969,650
We estimate the following costs to do the reinforcement of the support structure of the center aileron hinge fittings on both wings:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost for each airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
50 work-hours $80 an hour = $4,000
$551
$4,000 + $551 = $4,551.
$4,551 275 = $1,251,525
We estimate the following costs to do any replacements of the support structures for the inboard aileron hinge fittings on both wings that may be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the numb er of airplanes that may need this replacement:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost for each airplane
62 work-hours $80 an hour = $4,960
$2,320
$4,960 + $2,320 = $7,280
We estimate the following costs to do any replacements of support structure for the center aileron hinge fittings on both wings that may be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need this replacement.
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost for each airplane
176 work-hours $80 an hour = $14,080
$3,330
$14,080 + $3,330 = $17,410
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 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.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, "General requirement." 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 AD.
Regulatory Findings
We 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
1. Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive order 12866;
2. Is not a "significant rule" underthe 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 summary of the costs to comply with this AD (and other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include "Docket No. FAA-2006-23785; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-10-AD" in your request.
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 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. FAA amends Sec. 3913 by adding the following new AD: