AD 95-04-07 R2

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by revising AD 95-04-07 R1, amendment 39-9317 (60 FR 38477, July 27, 1995), which is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, -15, and -30 airplanes, and KC-10A (military) airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on July 21, 1999 (64 FR 39104). The action proposed to revise AD 95-04-07 R1 to continue to require inspections to determine the condition of the lockwires on the forward engine mount bolts and correction of any discrepancies found. The action also proposed to continue to provide for termination of the inspections for some airplanes by installing retainers on the bolts. In addition, the action proposed to provide an additional optional terminating modification and clarification of the requirements of the previous optional terminating modification, and proposed to remove the reporting requirements for the repetitive inspections.

CommentsInterested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

There are approximately 389 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 229 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.

The inspections that are currently required by AD 95-04-07 R1, and retained in this AD, will take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the currently required inspections on U.S. operators is estimated to be approximately $27,480, or $120 per airplane, per inspection cycle.

The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator hasyet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

Should an operator elect to accomplish the optional terminating modification, as specified in AD 95-04-07 R1, and the requirements clarified in this AD, it will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per hour. Required parts will cost between $2,744 and $2,822 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the optional terminating modification specified by AD 95-04-07 R1 on U.S. operators is estimated to be between $2,984 and $3,062 per airplane.

Should an operator elect to accomplish the optional terminating modification specified in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC10-71-159 that will be provided by this AD, it will take approximately 16 work hours per airplane to accomplish this required action, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost between $2,744 and $2,822 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the optional terminating modification provided for by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be between $3,704 and $3,782 per airplane.

Regulatory Impact

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 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13 (Amended)

2. Section 39.13 is amended by revising amendment 39-9317 (60 FR 38477, July 27, 1995), and by adding a new airworthiness directive(AD), amendment 39-11354, to read as follows: