AD 96-10-01 R1

Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to Piper Models PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-160, and PA-28-180 airplanes was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on June 9, 1998 (63 FR 31374). The NPRM proposed to revise AD 96-10-01 to retain the requirement of accomplishing a complete landing light support replacement, and proposed to change the applicability of the AD, as follows: Models PA-28-140 airplanes, serial numbers (S/N) 28-20000 through 28-7725290, Models PA-28-150, 160, and 180 airplanes, S/N 28-1 through 28-7505259, and S/N 28-E13 to Models PA-28-140 airplanes, S/N 28-20000 through 28-7725290, PA-28-150, PA-28-160, and PA-28-180, serial numbers 28-1 through 28-1760. Accomplishment of the proposed action as specified in the NPRM would be required in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 975, dated November 2, 1994.

The NPRM was the result of inadvertent mistakes in the serial number effectivity of certain airplane models referenced in AD 96-10-01.

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.

The FAA's Determination After careful review of all available information related to the subject presented above, 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 and will not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.

Cost Impact The FAA estimates that 10,100 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 workhours per airplane to accomplish this action, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $140 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,626,000. This figure is based on the assumption that all of the affected airplanes have old landing light support and seal assemblies and that none of the owners/operators of the affected airplanes have replaced the landing light support and seal assemblies with parts of improved design.

Piper has informed the FAA that parts have been distributed to equip approximately 7,021 airplanes. Assuming that these distributed parts are incorporated on the affected airplanes, the cost of this AD will be reduced by $1,825,460, from $2,626,000 to $800,540.

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 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, 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 96-10-01, Amendment 39-9606 (61 FR 19813, May 3, 1996), and adding a new AD to read as follows: