AD 94-16-04

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Schweizer Aircraft Corporation and Hughes Helicopters, Inc. Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, and TH55A series helicopters was published in the Federal Register on May 3, 1993 (58 FR 26264). That action proposed to require, within the next 100 hours' time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, a one-time visual inspection to detect missing or cracked gussets, elongated rivet holes, and loose or missing rivets. Also proposed, before further flight, was the initial installation of any missing gussets or replacement of cracked gussets, gussets with elongated rivet holes, or gussets that contain loose or missing rivets.

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 costto the public. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed with only editorial changes. 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 934 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $80 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $177,460.

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, itis 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 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."

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, 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.

39.13 - [AMENDED] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: