AD 95-22-01

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 90-14-06, Amendment 39-6640 (55 FR 27457, July 3, 1990), which is applicable to Aerospace Lighting Corporation (ALC) lamp connectors, Part Number (P/N) 31.85.1.A, and Series 66 fluorescent lamps, was published in the Federal Register on January 4, 1995 (60 FR 382). That action proposed to continue to require an inspection, and adjustment or replacement of improperly installed, damaged, or improperly configured lamp connectors and fluorescent lamps used in cabin fluorescent lighting systems in accordance with ALC Information Bulletin No. IB 90-001, dated August 15, 1992. That AD also proposed to add an optional replacement of power units, and power supplies and dimmers, with new technology protected power units, and protected power supplies, as applicable. Installation of these protected power units and protected power supplies constitutes terminating actionto the repetitive inspections. The actions required by that proposed AD would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the following ALC Installation Instructions (II): AL-11023M, Revision A, dated May 20, 1994; AL-11024M, dated March 15, 1992; and AL-11025M, dated March 15, 1992. These II's describe procedures for installing improved design protected power units, and protected power supplies, as applicable.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the comments received.

Three commenters support the rule as proposed.

One commenter suggests that the real problem lies with Series "66" lamps, which have spring tension split rings that cause arcing as the lamps wear. The commenter suggests that a terminating action need only require replacing all Series "66" lamps with Series "AL-12" lamps. The FAA does not concur. While the FAA agrees that replacing the Series "66" lamps will eliminate the lamp connection as a possible arcing site, the rest of the lamp output loop contains the same arcing potential as the lamp connector. The FAA has determined that replacing the Series "66" lamps is not a satisfactory terminating action as it does not completely prevent arcing in the aircraft from fluorescent lighting high voltage.

The manufacturer states that the economic analysis work hours and parts should be lowered to better reflect field practice. The FAA concurs and the economic analysis has been revised accordingly.

The manufacturer also states that the list of aircraft installations in the applicability should be revised to delete a Beech model and add certain Raytheon Corporate Jets, Inc. and Bombardier Inc. Canadair models. The FAA concurs and this final rule has been revised accordingly.

The manufacturer also commented that the ALC part numbers listed in paragraphs (d)(3) and (d)(4) of the proposed rule represented the same unit. The manufacturer suggests that paragraphs (d)(3) and (d)(4) can be combined into a single paragraph. The FAA concurs. The part number for ALC P/N 18-95D was changed in January 1991 to P/N AL-0598, and P/N 22-311 to P/N AL-0542. These old and new part number units are functionally and physically identical. ALC has integrated the dimmer functions of P/N 22-311 and P/N AL-0542 into power units P/N AL-5118 and P/N AL-5130. Because of these changes, the FAA has revised paragraphs (d)(3) and (d)(4) by combining them into a single paragraph (d)(3) in the final rule.

The manufacturer also states that the word "removal" should be deleted from paragraph (a)(2). The FAA does not concur. Operators are required to remove unserviceable parts and then replace those parts with serviceable parts. The FAA has, however, reworded paragraph (a)(2) for clarity and to update the referenced service information.

Lastly, the manufacturer states that paragraph (d)(2) should provide that the optional replacement actions constitute alternative methods of compliance with the AD. The FAA does not concur. The replacement actions in paragraph (d)(2) work to end an operator's obligation to continue repetitive inspections, and, therefore, compliance with those inspection requirements of the AD. The FAA views those actions as an end to the AD for that operator rather than as an alternate method of complying with the AD.

After careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described previously. 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 it will take approximately 1 work hour per power unit or power supply to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $400 per power unit or $900 per power supply. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $460 per power unit or $960 per power supply.

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 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.

§39.13 - (AMENDED) 2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-6640 (55 FR 27457, July 3, 1990) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, Amendment 39-9408, to read as follows: