AD 98-08-20

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 certain AlliedSignal Aerospace Bendix/King Model KSA 470 autopilot servo actuators, part numbers 065-0076-10 through 065-0076-15, that are installed on aircraft was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on December 19, 1997 (62 FR 66565). The NPRM proposed to require replacing the autopilot servo actuator with a modified actuator. Accomplishment of the proposed action as specified in the NPRM would be in accordance with Bendix/King Service Bulletin No. SB KSA 470-3, dated May 1997.

The NPRM was the result of two reports of the affected autopilot servo actuators containing loose roll pins within the servo housing. Loose roll pins could fall out, become lodged in the output shaft clutch mechanism, and prevent this mechanism from disengaging.

Interestedpersons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the one comment received. No comments were received on the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Comment Disposition The commenter states that the reference to the Raytheon 350 series aircraft in the proposal is incorrect. The commenter explains that the Raytheon 350 series is actually a Raytheon 300 series aircraft. The commenter requests that the FAA reference these aircraft accordingly.

The FAA concurs that these aircraft should be referenced as Raytheon 300 series instead of Raytheon 350 series. Since the Raytheon 300 series is already referenced in the AD, the FAA will remove all reference to the Raytheon 350 series in the final rule.

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 adoptionof the rule as proposed except for the change referenced above and minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that this change and the 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 of the affected servo actuators could be installed on aircraft in the U.S. registry. This replacement will take approximately 2 workhours per aircraft to accomplish, at an average labor rate of approximately $60 an hour. Servo actuators with Mod 3 incorporated cost $2,350. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,235,000, or $2,470 per aircraft. These figures are based on the presumption that no owner/operator of the affected aircraft has accomplished this replacement.

AlliedSignal has informed the FAA that costs of the required labor and modification of the servo actuators on affected aircraft may berecovered under an AlliedSignal conditional warranty program. Information regarding warranty claims associated with this action can be obtained directly from AlliedSignal at the address included in the "ADDRESSES" section of this AD.

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 adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: