AD 97-03-01

Events Leading to 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 certain Raytheon Model 1900D airplanes (formerly referred to as Beech Model 1900D airplanes) was published in the Federal Register on September 30, 1996 (61 FR 51060). The action proposed to require replacing the right-hand exhaust stack for both the left and right engines. Accomplishment of the proposed replacement as specified in the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) would be in accordance with the INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS to Raytheon Kit No. 129-9013-1, as referenced in Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 2686, dated June 1996.

The NPRM resulted from reports of wing skin damage (with associated fuel seepage) and cabin window damage on the affected airplanes, which was determined to be caused by the heat of the right-hand exhaust stacks.

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 199 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 10 workhours per airplane to accomplish the required action, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts will be provided at no cost to the owners/operators of the affected airplanes until June 1997 (after that the cost will be $6,452). Based on these figures and utilizing the assumption that all owners/operators of the affected airplanes will obtain parts prior to June 1997, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $119,400. This figure is based upon the assumption that no affected airplane owner/operator has already accomplished this action.

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 Policiesand 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.

39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: