A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD for Bell Model 206A and 206B helicopters that have Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. crosstubes installed was published in the Federal Register on May 17, 2005 (70 FR 28220). That action proposed to require the following within 300 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 60 days, whichever occurs first, and after that at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first:
Inspecting each forward crosstube, part number (P/N) 206- 321-001 with serial number (S/N) 1001 through 1152, for a crack and replacing any cracked crosstube with an airworthy crosstube before further flight; and
Inspecting each high aft crosstube, P/N 206-321-002, with S/N 2001 through 2152, for a crack and replacing any cracked crosstube with an airworthy crosstube before further flight.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were receivedon the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
We estimate that this AD will affect 150 helicopters of U.S. registry. Inspecting both crosstubes on each helicopter will take approximately 3 work hours and replacing both crosstubes, if necessary, will also take approximately 3 work hours. The average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $2,260 per crosstube. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $736,500 ($4,910 per helicopter, assuming one inspection and one forward and one aft crosstube replacement on the entire fleet).
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 Governmentand the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation:
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 an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD. See the DMS to examine the economic evaluation.
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 rulemaking action.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.