AD 97-25-05

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R22 helicopters with a Lycoming 0-360-J2A engine installation was published in the Federal Register on May 19, 1997 (62 FR 27211). That action proposed to require replacing the carburetor and carburetor air temperature (CAT) gage with an improved carburetor that does not require manual leaning of the fuel/air mixture during flight, and remarking the CAT gage; and inserting revision procedures into the Rotorcraft Flight Manual that remove the reference to leaning the engine.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the comment received.

The commenter requests that "or later" be inserted following the revision and date of the kit instructions to allow for possible changes. The FAA does not concur with this request. The kit instructions contain information that is most generally contained in the body of a manufacturer's service bulletin. Subsequent revisions to these instructions will be evaluated by the FAA and if a change is warranted, issuance of a subsequent AD is the proper procedure for making such a change. Additionally, the phrase "or a later FAA-approved revision" is removed from paragraph (b) of the AD. As with the kit instructions, if the FAA deems it necessary to require the insertion into the Rotorcraft Flight Manual of revised procedures, issuance of a subsequent AD is the proper procedure for making such a change.

After careful review of the available data, including the comment noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of this AD.

The FAA estimates that 50 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 5 work hours per helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $3,641 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $197,050.

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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from 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 to read as follows: