The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with a proposed AD. The proposed AD applies to RRD models Spey 555-15, 555-15H, 555-15N, and 555-15P turbojet engines, with magnesium split LP compressor case, P/N EU.73418A installed. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register on February 20, 2003 (68 FR 8157). That action proposed to require replacement of the magnesium split LP compressor case with a serviceable LP compressor case that is a combination of a steel front LP compressor case and a shortened split LP compressor case.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the location.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We have considered the one comment received.
One commenter requests that special flightpermits be added to the final rule. We do not agree. On July 22, 2002, the FAA revised 14 CFR part 39 by adding the Special Flight Permit provision. Doing this allowed us to omit that provision from ADs, to help place the focus of ADs on the unsafe condition that created the need for each directive. ADs that allow Special Flight Permits with conditions, or that prohibit Special Flight Permits, will state those conditions in the compliance section. ADs that do not specify special flight conditions or do not prohibit special flight permits will not reference Special Flight Permits. If operators want to request Special Flight Permits, they must request them by following the procedure in 14 CFR part 39, Sec. 39.25. Also, because this final rule requires that the actions be done within 60 months after the effective date of the AD, we anticipate no requests for a Special Flight Permit due to the amount of lead time available to comply with the AD.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 184 RRD models Spey 555-15, 555-15H, 555-15N, and 555-15P turbojet engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 34 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD. We also estimate that it will take about 6 work hours per engine to perform the actions, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost about $37,000 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be $1,271,260.
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 andresponsibilities 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 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 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 "AD Docket No. 2003-NE-51-AD" in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part39 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.
39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: