The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with a proposed airworthiness directive (AD). The proposed AD applies to Becker Flugfunkwerk GmbH AR 4201 VHF AM transceivers. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register on May 20, 2004 (69 FR 29108). That action proposed to require adding an aircraft flight manual (AFM) limitation to the Limitations Section of the AFM, and cockpit placard due to the intermittent malfunctioning of the transceiver, or removing the affected transceiver from service.
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 received no comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
There are 9,349 Becker Flugfunkwerk GmbH AR 4201 VHF AM transceivers of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. There are about 1,000 transceivers installed on aircraft of U.S. registry. We estimate that it would take about 2 work hours per transceiver to inspect and or remove a transceiver from service, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. The average retail cost of an AR 4201 transceiver is $1,149. If all transceivers were replaced, the total purchase cost would be about $1,149,000. Based on these figures, the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators to replace transceivers is estimated to be $1,279,000.
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 betweenthe 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 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-68-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 meby 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.
39.13 [Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):