AD 2002-15-06

This AD becomes effective on September 13, 2002.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of September 13, 2002.

You may get the service information referenced in this AD from Air Tractor, Inc., PO Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374. You may view this information at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-76-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.

Garry D. Sills, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5154; facsimile: (817) 222-5960.

What Events Have Caused This AD?

The FAA received reports of the rudder control cables wearing at the aft fairlead area on Air Tractor Models AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes. In one instance, the rudder cable broke on a Model AT-802 airplane.

Air Tractor has designed a new cable that incorporates a stainless steel sleeve that is crimped to the cable in the fairlead area. The stainless steel sleeve is intended to prevent wear of the new cable in that area.

What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?

If this condition is not corrected, rudder control cables may wear and break at the fairlead area. Broken rudder control cables could result in loss of rudder control.

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 Air Tractor Models AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on March 20, 2002 (67 FR 12914). The NPRM proposed to replace the rudder control cables and fairleads with parts of improved design.

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.

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.

How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?

We estimate that this AD affects 81 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 modification:

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.

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:

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

2. FAA amends § 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows: