AD 97-01-01 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-24, PA-28R, PA-30, PA-32R, PA-34, and PA-39 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on May 22, 1998 (63 FR 28294). The NPRM proposed to supersede AD 97-01-01, Amendment 39-9872 (62 FR 10, January 2, 1997), which currently requires repetitively inspecting the main gear sidebrace studs for cracks on the above-referenced airplanes, and replacing any main gear sidebrace stud found cracked. The NPRM proposed to retain all the actions of AD 97-01-01, and incorporate certain alternative methods of compliance (AMOC's) as a way of accomplishing the actions specified in AD 97-01-01.

The NPRM was the result of the FAA approving AMOC's for modifying the existing bracket assembly as terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirement of that AD.

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 cost impact of this AD will be the same as is currently required by AD 97-01-01. As a courtesy, the FAA is reprinting that cost information in the following paragraphs.

The FAA estimates that 13,200 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 5 workhours perairplane to accomplish the initial inspection, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,960,000. This figure represents the total cost of the initial inspection, and does not reflect costs for any of the repetitive inspections or possible replacements. The FAA has no way of determining how many main gear side brace studs may need replacement or how many repetitive inspections each owner/operator may incur over the life of the airplane.

In addition, this AD will require the same inspections required by AD 95-20-07 (which was superseded by AD 97-01-01). The only difference between this AD and AD 95-20-07 is the addition of an inspection-terminating modification option and the elimination of (from the "Applicability" section of the AD) certain airplanes that incorporate a certain main side brace stud assembly. This AD will also not provide any additional cost impacts over that already required by AD 95-20-07.

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, 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) 97-01-01, Amendment 39-9872 (62 FR 10, January 2, 1997), and by adding a new AD to read as follows: