AD 96-12-03 R2

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 Aviat Models S-1S, S-1T, S-2, S-2A, S-2S, and S-2B airplanes that are equipped with aft lower fuselage wing attach fittings incorporating P/N 76090, P/N 2-2107-1, or P/N 1-210-102, was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on June 5, 1998 (63 FR 30658). The NPRM proposed to revise AD 96-12-03 R1, which currently requires the following on Aviat Models S-1S, S-1T, S-2, S-2A, S-2S, and S-2B airplanes that are equipped with aft lower fuselage wing attach fittings incorporating P/N 76090, P/N 2-2107-1, or P/N 1-210-102:

- Repetitively inspecting the aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting on both wings for cracks; and

- Modifying any cracked aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting. Modifying both aft lower fuselage wing attach fittings eliminates the repetitive inspection requirement of AD 96-12-03.

The NPRM also proposed to retain the repetitive inspection and possible modification requirements of AD 96-12-03 R1, and would change the applicability of the Model S-2B airplanes from an ending serial number of 5348 to an ending serial number of 5336. Accomplishment of the proposed action as specified in the NPRM would be in accordance with Aviat Service Bulletin No. 25, dated April 3, 1996; Revised: November 12, 1996; Revised: November 11, 1997.

The NPRM was the result of Aviat reporting to the FAA that the ending serial number for the Model S-2B airplanes is incorrect.

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 andthe 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 500 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 workhours per airplane to accomplish the initial inspection, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts to accomplish the inspections cost approximately $100 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $110,000. These figures do not take into account the cost of repetitive inspections. The FAA has no way of determining how many repetitive inspections each owner/operator may incur over the life of each airplane.

AD 96-12-03 R1 currently requires the same actions on the affected airplanes as this AD. The only difference between this AD and AD 96-12-03 R1 is a change in the ending serial number of the Model S-2B airplanes. Therefore, this AD has no additional cost impact over that already required by AD 96-12-03 R1.

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 economicimpact, 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) 96-12-03 R1, Amendment 39-10109 (62 FR 44535, August 22, 1997), and byadding a new AD to read as follows: