A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 by revising AD 2001-13-03, Amendment 39-12283 (66 FR 34102, June 27, 2001), for 1 Kaman Model K-1200 helicopters, was published in the Federal Register on May 13, 2002 (67 FR 31992). The action proposed retaining the existing life limit for each rotor shaft, teeter pin assembly, and flap clevis, except flap clevis, part number (P/N) K911049-021. That action was prompted by the determination after an analysis of testing results that flap clevis, P/N K911049-021, should have an unlimited life.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the comment received. The one commenter, the manufacturer, states that the flap clevis assembly part numbers should be identified instead of the flap clevis part numbers to be consistent with actual current maintenance practices. The FAA agrees because we have approved a revision to the Airworthiness Limitations of the Kaman Model K-1200 helicopter maintenance manual that imposes the life limit on the flap clevis assembly part numbers not the flap clevis part numbers. The proposed change will make this AD consistent with the Airworthiness Limitations section. Additionally, two part numbers for the flap clevis were incorrectly stated in paragraph (b) of the proposed AD; however, this change to flap clevis assembly parts number also corrects that error.
After careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the rule with the changes described previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
The FAA estimates that this AD will affect nine helicopters of U.S. registry. No additional costs will be incurred to accomplish the proposed actions because it would relieve a previously-imposed AD life limit for flap clevis, P/N K911049-021.
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 has been 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 FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-12283 (66 FR 34102, June 27, 2001), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), Amendment 39-13123, to read as follows: