The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with an AD for certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes. That action, published in the Federal Register on April 6, 2005 (70 FR 17347), proposed to require modifying the wiring of the autopilot pitch torque limiter switch.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We have considered the one comment that has been submitted on the proposed AD.
Support for the Proposed AD
The commenter supports the proposed AD.
Change to This AD
We have updated reference to Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes in paragraph (c) of this AD to match the common model designation identified in the latest revision of the type certificate data sheet.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the comment that has been submitted, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 20 airplanes of U.S. registry. The actions take between 8 and 11 work hours per airplane, depending on airplane configuration, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts cost between $1,840 and $4,280 per airplane, depending on airplane configuration. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the AD for U.S. operators is between $47,200 and $99,900, or between $2,360 and $4,995 per airplane.
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 ofcivil 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.
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 DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
(3) Will not have a significant economicimpact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
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 FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):