Discussion
The FAA has received two reports of fuel line leaks within a compartment in the center console of Model SR22 airplanes. This compartment is drained to the belly of the aircraft. Investigation found that the leaks resulted from wire chafing on the fuel lines.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in unsafe fuel vapor within the cockpit and possible fire.
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 certain Cirrus Design Corporation (CDC) Models SR20 and SR22 airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on December 8, 2005 (70 FR 72945). The NPRM proposed to require you to inspect the fuel line and wire bundles for any chafing damage; replace any damaged fuel line and repair any damaged wires or sheathing of the wire harness if any chafing damage is found; and install the forward loop clamp, fuel line shield, aft loop clamp, and anti-chafe tubing.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comment received on the proposal and FAA's response to the comment:
Comment Issue: Revision Date for Cirrus Design Corporation Service Bulletin
The commenter notes that throughout the NPRM the date of Service Bulletin SB 2X-28-04 R1, Issued: November 1, 2005, Revised: November 8, 2005, should read, "Revised: November 14, 2005.''
The FAA agrees with the commenter. We will change the final rule to include the correct revised date for the service bulletin.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined 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 unsafecondition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 2,135 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to do the inspection of the fuel line and wire harness for any chafing damage:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
1 work hour $80 = $80
Not Applicable
$80
2,135 $80 = $170,800
We estimate the following costs to do necessary replacements of any damaged fuel line or repair any damaged wires or sheathing of the wire harness that would be required based on the results of this inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need these repairs or replacements:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
6 work hours $80 = $480
$67
$547
We estimate the following costs to do the installation of the forward loop clamp, fuel line shield, aft loop clamp, and anti-chafe tubing:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
1 work hour $80 = $80
$146
$226
2,135 $246 = $482,510
Warranty credit for parts and labor costs is referenced in the service bulletin.
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 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 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'' 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 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-2005-23023; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-49-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 theauthority 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. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows: