AD 2001-20-04

Effective November 7, 2001.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of November 7, 2001.

The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Agusta, 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA) Italy, Via Giovanni Agusta 520, telephone 39 (0331) 229111, fax 39 (0331) 229605-222595. This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Richard Monschke, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5116, fax (817) 222-5961.

A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD for Agusta Model A109E helicopters was published in the Federal Register on June 25, 2001 (66 FR 33651). That action proposed to require modifying the doors installed on Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E helicopters up to and including serial number 11099 by installing door-locking mechanism kits, part number 109-0823-03-101 and -102, within 90 days.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

The FAA estimates that 11 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD and that it will take approximately 8 work hours per helicopter to modify the doors. The average labor rate is $60 per work hour. The manufacturer states in its alert service bulletin that it will reimburse 8 work hours at $40 per work hour and will supply the parts to modify the locking mechanism on the doors. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1760.

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 location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

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:

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: