Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom, recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on aircraft (specifically balloons) that incorporate certain Lindstrand fuel hoses. The CAA reports six incidents of 3/8-inch bore fuel supply hoses, batch identification number FHL 38381 or FHL 40579, failing in service.
The typical failure observed is of liquid fuel escaping at any position along the length of the hose and through the pinpricking on the outer surface. The leakage observed varies from small bubbles, when leak detection fluid is used on the surface of the hose, to visible jets of liquid propane.
What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?
Such propane fuel leaks could lead to a propane fuel fire.
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 all aircraft (specifically balloons) that incorporate certain Lindstrand fuel hoses. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on December 4, 2002 (67 FR 72119). The NPRM proposed to require you to inspect for certain batches of installed fuel hoses and replace any of these fuel hoses.
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 not add 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 204 aircraft (specifically balloons) 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 on U.S. operators
1 workhour x $60 per hour = $60
Not applicable
$60
$60 x 204 = $12,240
We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that may need such replacement:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per hose
1 workhour x $60 per hour = $60 per hose
Replacement hoses provided by manufacturer.
$60
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, 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. FAA amends 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows: