Examining the Docket \n\n\tYou may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. \n\nDiscussion \n\n\tThe FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 6, 2005 (70 FR 38821). That NPRM proposed to require measuring the turnbuckle gap of the inflation cylinder of the off-wing emergency escape slide; corrective action if necessary; and installing a safety device on the inflation cylinder of the off-wing emergency escape slide. \n\nComments \n\n\tWe provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We have considered the comments received. \n\nSupportive Comment \n\n\tOne commenter concurs with the content of the NPRM. \n\nRequests To Extend Compliance Time \n\n\tSeveral commenters ask that the compliance time for the actions specified in paragraph (f) of the NPRM be extended to 36 months. The commenters make their requests to extend the compliance time for several reasons, including: \n\n\tTo align the proposed actions with existing maintenance schedules for corresponding levels of maintenance on escape slide systems and increased efficiency and management of spare parts stocks of escape slides. \n\n\tTo correspond with the compliance time specified in the Goodrich service information (referenced in the NPRM) of accomplishing the actions at the next scheduled maintenance visit. \n\n\tTo be consistent with slide restoration intervals that allow the modifications of the inflation cylinder to be accomplishedin a controlled shop environment. In addition, accomplishing the actions within 18 months would require operators to significantly increase spare parts stock for escape slides, which would cause an undue burden and substantial cost increase. \n\n\tTo be consistent with the removal of the off-wing escape slide cylinders from the airplane for cylinder hydrostatic testing and overhaul, which eliminates the need for multiple removals. Additional removals would increase the potential for injuries to maintenance personnel and damage to parts. \n\n\tWe agree that the compliance time may be extended. We have reconsidered the urgency of the unsafe condition and the amount of work related to the required actions, in addition to the fact that our intent was to require the actions be accomplished during regular maintenance visits. We find that extending the compliance time from 18 to 36 months will not adversely affect safety, and, for the majority of affected operators, will allow the required actions to be performed during regularly scheduled maintenance at a base where special equipment and trained maintenance personnel will be available if necessary. We have changed the compliance time for accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD accordingly. \n\nRequest To Revise Goodrich Service Bulletin \n\n\tTwo commenters ask that Goodrich Service Bulletin 130104-25-328, Revision 1, dated July 23, 2003, referenced in the NPRM as an additional source of service information for accomplishing the actions, be revised to include a change to the part numbers for modified off- wing cylinder assemblies. One commenter states that this should be done in order to track compliance with the AD. \n\n\tWe disagree with the commenters' request. Revision 1 of the service bulletin already specifies a change to the part numbers for the off- wing cylinder assemblies and the regulator valve to account for the modification. The parts are identified in Table 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. We have made no change to the AD in this regard. \n\nRequest To Increase Work Hours \n\n\tOne commenter asks that we increase the amount of time needed to complete the proposed actions to 6 work hours per airplane. \n\n\tWe do not agree that it is necessary to revise the work hour estimates of the NPRM, which reflect only the actual time needed for accomplishing the actions based on the best data available from the manufacturer. The work hours do not include the time for planning, access and close, and associated administrative actions. The compliance times in this AD should allow ample time for operators to do the required actions at the same time as scheduled major airplane inspection and maintenance activities, which would reduce the additional time associated with special scheduling. We have made no change to the AD in this regard. \n\nClarification of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) Paragraph \n\n\tWe have changed this AD to clarify the appropriate procedure for notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies. \n\nConclusion \n\n\tWe have carefully reviewed the available data, including the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\tThere are about 696 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. This AD will affect about 297 airplanes of U.S. registry. \n\n\tThe inspection takes about 1 work hour per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the inspection for U.S. operators is $19,305, or $65 per airplane. \n\n\tThe safety device installation takes about 3 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts cost isminimal. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the installation for U.S. operators is $57,915, or $195 per airplane. \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \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\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\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\n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\n\t(1) Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; \n\n\t(2) Is not a "significant rule" under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and \n\n\t(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. \n\n\tWe prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. \n\nList of Subjects in14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \n\nAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):