A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on July 21, 2003 (68 FR 43042). That action proposed to require an inspection to detect chafing or damage to the electrical wire harnesses in the left and right wing fuel tanks, applicable corrective action(s) if necessary, and installation of harnesses. For certain airplanes, that action also proposed to require modifying the collector tank walls.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Changes to Final Rule
Paragraph (e) of the proposed AD states: "For all airplanes: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, install new electrical wire harnesses by accomplishing all the actions specified in paragraph 2.E. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 2000-28-012, dated October 1, 2001." In preparing this final rule, we re-examined the requirements of the proposed AD, and in doing so, we find it necessary to clarify that our intent in including paragraph (e) was NOT to require that all operators install "new" electrical wire harnesses. Rather, paragraph (e) was intended to capture the recommendation in paragraph 2.E. of the service bulletin, which addresses installation of harnesses following inspection, corrective actions (which may include installing new harnesses for some airplanes), and modification (if applicable).
For purposes of clarifying the requirements of this AD, we have combined paragraphs (a) through (e) of the proposed AD into paragraphs (a) and (b) of this final rule to reference accomplishing the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously described. These changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the AD
On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness directives system. The regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. However, for clarity and consistency in this final rule, we have retained the language of the NPRM regarding that material.
Change to Labor Rate Estimate
We have reviewed the figures we have used over the past several years to calculate AD costs to operators. To account for various inflationary costs in the airline industry, we find it necessary to increase the labor rate used in these calculations from $60 per work hour to $65 per work hour. The cost impact information, below, reflects this increase in the specified hourly labor rate.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 80 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $455 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $16,965, or $5,655 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation hasbeen prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: