Discussion
What events have caused this AD? The FAA has received reports from Raytheon that during manufacturing rivets were not installed in the following locations:
--Lower frame forward of the airstair door below the pilot's floor;
--Forward of the upper forward corner of the airstair door;
--The bulkhead forward of the cargo door below floor level; and
--The lower fuselage panel aft of the wing.
These rivets must be installed for the fuselage to carry the ultimate design load. Without the rivets, these areas are understrength.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? The understrength condition in the fuselage could result in the failure of the fuselage. Such failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane in flight.
Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain Raytheon Model 1900D airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on December 31, 2002 (67 FR 79891). The NPRM proposed to require you to accomplish a one-time inspection for missing rivets on certain areas of the airplane and, if necessary, install rivets.
Was the public invited to comment? The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule or on our determination of the cost to the public.
FAA's Determination
What is FAA's final determination on this issue? After careful review of all available information related to the subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:
--Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
--Do notadd any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.
Cost Impact
How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD affects 370 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the inspection:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
Total cost U.S. operators
8 workhours x $60 per hour = $480
No parts required
$480
$480 x 370 = $177,600
We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary rivet installation that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need such installation:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
15 workhours x $60 per hour = $900
$25
$925
Compliance Time of This AD
What is the compliance time of this AD? The compliance time of this AD is within the next 1,200 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 1 year after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
Why is the compliance time of this AD presented in both hours TIS and calendar time? The usage of these airplanes varies widely because operators or lessors are cycling these airplanes between airplane storage and flight operations. The unsafe condition on these airplanes is not a direct result of the number of times the airplane is operated. For this reason, FAA has determined that the compliance time of this AD should be specified in both hours TIS and calendar time in order to ensure this condition is not allowed to go uncorrected over time.
Regulatory Impact
Does this AD impact various entities? 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.
Does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? 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 copy of the final evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting 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, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, theFederal 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.
39.13 [Amended]
2. FAA amends 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows: