AD 94-13-10

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain PA24, PA30, and PA39 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on February 1, 1994 (59 FR 4605). The action proposed to supersede AD 74-13-01, Amendment 39-1870, with a new AD that would retain the initial inspection of the stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings, and make these inspections repetitive unless Piper Part No. 760 835 (Hi-Shear Rivet Replacement Kit) is incorporated.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the proposed rule or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

After careful review of all available information, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor corrections will not change the meaning of the AD nor add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.

The FAA estimates that 4,409 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 workhour per airplane to accomplish the required action, and that the average labor rate is approximately $55 an hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $242,495. This figure does not account for any repetitive inspections that would be required by this AD. However, incorporating Piper Part No. 760 835 (Hi-Shear Rivet Replacement Kit) on all four stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings eliminates the need for the repetitive inspection requirement of this AD. In addition, this kit may have been incorporated through compliance with AD 75-27-08, Amendment 39-2624. This AD requires inspecting the rivets of the stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings, and incorporating the referenced kit if any rivets are found misaligned. The cost figure presented above is based on the assumption that none of the owners/operators affected by this AD have incorporated Piper Part No. 760 835. The FAA anticipates that numerous owners/operators have incorporated this kit, thereby reducing the cost impact of the required action.

The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects 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, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

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 RegulatoryPolicies 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, 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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.

Section 39.13 - [AMENDED] 2. Section 39.13is amended by removing AD 74-13-01, Amendment 39-1870, and by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: