AD 97-15-13 R1

Discussion AD 97-15-13, Amendment 39-10087 (62 FR 39927, July 25, 1997), currently requires installing lubrication fittings in the airstair door handle and latch housing mechanisms on Raytheon Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D airplanes. Accomplishment of the actions specified in this AD are in accordance with Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 2572, dated July 1996.

The FAA has since realized that it inadvertently referenced the Model 1900C (C-12J) airplanes, serial numbers UD-1 through UD-6, as Model 1900D (C-12J) airplanes.

These Raytheon Model 1900C (C12J) airplanes are all owned by the U.S. military and are not currently on the U.S. Register. The FAA believes that the actions of AD 97-15-13 are already incorporated on these airplanes. With this in mind, there would be no further cost impact upon U.S. operators over that of AD 97-15-13 if these airplanes are transferred from military to civilian service.

The FAA's Determination Afterexamining the circumstances and reviewing all available information related to the incidents described above, the FAA has determined that AD action should be taken in order to prevent moisture from accumulating and freezing in the airstair door handle and latch housing, which could result in the door freezing shut and passengers not being able to evacuate the airplane in an emergency situation.

Explanation of the Provisions of the AD Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop in other Raytheon Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D airplanes of the same type design, this AD revises AD 97-15-13 to require the same actions, but changes the designation of the Model 1900D (C-12J) airplanes, serial numbers UD-1 through UD-6, to Model 1900C (C-12J) airplanes, serial numbers UD-1 through UD-6.

Determination of the Effective Date of the AD Since the portion of AD 97-15-13 that is being revised does not affect any airplane that is currently on the U.S. register, there are no adverse economic impacts or additional burdens on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public procedures hereon are unnecessary and the AD may be made effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Comments Invited Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting immediate flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and opportunity to comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket No. 96-CE-60-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

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.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket (otherwise, an evaluation is not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained fromthe Rules Docket.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-15-13, Amendment 39-10087, and by adding a new AD to read as follows: