AD 99-23-02

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that is applicable to Eurocopter France Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, and AS-365N2 helicopters was published in the Federal Register on August 4, 1999 (64 FR 42295). That action proposed to require replacing certain defective electrical modules with airworthy electrical modules.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for two nonsubstantive changes that have been made to paragraph (b) and Note 3 of the AD. In paragraph (b), the NPRM incorrectly states that alternative methods of compliance (AMOC) or adjustments of the compliance time may be approved by the "Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Rotorcraft Directorate." This is incorrect and has been changed to state that the Manager, Regulations Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, is responsible for approving any AMOC or adjustment of the compliance time. Note 3 of the NPRM states that information concerning the existence of approved AMOC may be obtained from the "Rotorcraft Standards Staff;" this is also incorrect and has been changed to state that information may be obtained from the "Regulations Group." The FAA has determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

The FAA estimates that 41 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 300 work hours per helicopter to replace all affected modules, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $29,520, but the helicopter manufacturer has stated that the parts will be provided at no cost. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $738,000 to replace all affected modules.

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 FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

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 to read as follows: