AD 99-16-06

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 Piper Model PA-46-350P airplanes was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on March 19, 1999 (64 FR 13530). The NPRM proposed to require installing reinforcement plates to the wing forward and aft attach fittings by incorporating the Wing to Fuselage Reinforcement Installation Kit, Piper part number 766-656. Accomplishment of the proposed action as specified in the NPRM would be required in accordance with the instructions to the above-referenced kit, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1027, dated November 19, 1998.

The NPRM was the result of a report that sheet steel material that is below design strength standards may have been utilized on the wing attach fittings on the Model PA-46-350P airplanes manufactured since January 1995.

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 185 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 30 workhours per airplane to accomplish the installation, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Piper will give warranty credit for parts on all affected aircraft. Based on these figures, the totalcost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $333,000, or $1,800 per airplane.

Piper has informed the FAA that parts have been distributed to accomplish the installation on 6 of the affected airplanes. Presuming that these parts were incorporated on 6 of the affected airplanes, this will reduce the cost impact of this AD by $10,800 from $333,000 to $322,200.

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