AD 99-05-03

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 certain Boeing Model 757-200 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on December 17, 1998 (63 FR 69569). That action proposed to require replacement of the stringer clip(s) with a new stringer clip(s), and modification of the life raft support structure and/or life raft doors, as applicable.

Comments

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the five comments received. Three commenters support the proposed rule. Two commenters indicate that they are not affected by the proposed rule.

Conclusion

After careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.Cost Impact

There are approximately 256 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 139 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.

For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes (as specified in the service bulletin), it will take approximately 32 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $4,544 (for Group 1 airplanes) or $4,801 (for Group 2 airplanes) per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the actions required by this AD on U.S. operators of Groups 1 and 2 airplanes is estimated to be $6,464 (for Group 1 airplanes), or $6,721 (for Group 2 airplanes) per airplane.

For Groups 3 and 4 airplanes, it will take approximately 30 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $3,668 (for Group 3 airplanes) or $3,530 (for Group 4 airplanes) per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the actions required by this AD on U.S. operators of Groups 3 and 4 airplanes is estimated to be $5,468 (for Group 3 airplanes), or $5,330 (for Group 4 airplanes) per airplane.

For Group 5 airplanes, it will take approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $680 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the actions required by this AD on this group of U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,040 per airplane.

For Group 6 airplanes, it will take approximately 20 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $2,785 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the actions required by this AD on this group of U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,985 per airplane.For Group 7 airplanes, it will take approximately 13 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $1,019 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the actions required by this AD on this group of U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,799 per airplane.

For Group 8 airplanes, it will take approximately 15 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $2,187 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the actions required by this AD on this group of U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,087 per airplane.

The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

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 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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 (Amended) 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: