[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 98 (Friday, May 20, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29176-29179]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-12463]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0218; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-006-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. PA-23, PA-31, and
PA-42 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to revise an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
that applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc. PA-23, PA-31, and PA-42 airplanes.
The existing AD currently establishes life limits for safety-critical
nose baggage door components. That AD also requires you to replace
those safety-critical nose baggage door components and repetitively
inspect and lubricate the nose baggage door latching mechanism and lock
assembly. Since we issued that AD, through further investigation and a
request for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC), we determined
the nose baggage door compartment light does not impact the unsafe
condition addressed by the AD. This proposed AD would remove the
requirement for the nose baggage door compartment interior light
inspection and retain the other requirements from AD 2009-13-06,
Amendment 39-15944 (74 FR 29118). The door opening in flight could
significantly affect the handling and performance of the aircraft. It
could also allow baggage to be ejected from the nose baggage
compartment and strike the propeller. This failure could lead to loss
of control.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 5, 2011.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper
Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone:
(772) 567-4361; fax: (772) 978-6573; Internet: http://www.newpiper.com/company/publications.asp. You may review copies of the referenced
service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory K. Noles, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1701 Columbia Avenue,
College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474-5551; fax: (404) 474-
5606.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2009-0218;
Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-006-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
On June 12, 2009, we issued AD 2009-13-06, Amendment 39-15944 (74
FR 29118), for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. PA-23, PA-31, and PA-42
airplanes. That AD established life limits for safety-critical nose
baggage door components. That AD also required replacement of those
safety-critical nose baggage door components and repetitive inspections
and lubrications of the nose baggage door latching mechanism and lock
assembly. That AD resulted from several incidents and accidents,
including fatal accidents, where the nose baggage door opening in
flight was listed as a causal factor. We issued that AD to detect and
correct damaged, worn, corroded, or non-conforming nose baggage door
components, which could result in the nose baggage door opening in
flight. The door opening in flight could significantly affect the
handling and performance of the aircraft. It could also allow baggage
to be ejected from the nose baggage compartment and strike the
propeller. This failure could lead to loss of control.
Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2009-13-06, through further investigation and a
request for a AMOC, we determined that requiring the inspection of the
nose baggage door compartment light does not impact the unsafe
condition addressed by the AD.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No.
1194A, dated November 10, 2008. The service bulletin establishes life
limits for safety-critical nose baggage door components, provides
instructions on inspection and replacement of nose baggage door
components, and provides instructions for lubrication of the nose
baggage door latching mechanism and lock assembly.
[[Page 29177]]
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2009-13-
06. This proposed AD would remove the requirement for the nose baggage
door compartment interior light inspection and retain the requirements
to established life limits for safety-critical nose baggage door
components, detect and correct damaged, worn, corroded, or non-
conforming nose baggage door components, and repetitive inspections and
lubrications of the nose baggage door latching mechanism and lock
assembly.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information
This proposed AD would remove the requirement for the nose baggage
door compartment light inspection referenced in the last sentence of
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1194A, dated
November 10, 2008, Part 1, Step 1.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 8,000 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection and parts replacement of 4 work-hours x $85 per $190 $530 $4,240,000
nose baggage door. hour = $340.
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The new requirements of this proposed AD add no additional economic
burden. The increased estimated cost of this AD is due to increased
labor cost from 2009 when AD 2009-13-06 was issued.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2009-13-06, Amendment 39-15944 (74 FR 29118), and adding the
following new AD:
Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2009-0218; Directorate
Identifier 2009-CE-006-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 5,
2011.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD revises AD 2009-13-06, Amendment 39-15944.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Models PA-23, PA-23-160, PA-23-235, PA-
23-250, PA-23-250 (Navy UO-1), PA-E23-250, PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-
325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31P-350, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, PA-
31T3, PA-42, PA-42-720, and PA-42-1000 airplanes, all serial
numbers, that are:
(1) Certificated in any category; and
(2) Equipped with a baggage door in the fuselage nose section (a
nose baggage door).
Subject
(d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport
Association (ATA) of America Code, 52, Doors.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD was prompted by several incidents and accidents,
including fatal accidents, where the nose baggage door opening in
flight was listed as a causal factor. We are issuing this AD to
establish life limits for safety-critical nose baggage door
components, replace those safety-critical nose baggage door
components, and repetitively inspect and lubricate the nose baggage
door latching mechanism and lock assembly. The door opening in
flight could significantly affect the handling and performance of
the aircraft. It could also allow baggage to be ejected from the
nose baggage compartment and strike the propeller. This failure
could lead to loss of control.
Compliance
(f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
[[Page 29178]]
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) For all aircraft: Initially within 1,000 hours Follow INSTRUCTIONS: PART I of Piper
(i) Inspect the nose baggage door time[dash]in[dash]service (TIS) Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service
assembly for damaged, worn, since all life[dash]limited Bulletin No. 1194A, dated November
corroded, or non[dash]conforming components were installed new 10, 2008. As an alternative to
components; following Piper Aircraft, Inc. using part number 100700-079
(ii) Replace life[dash]limited Mandatory Service Bulletin No. placard, you may fabricate a
components specified in the service 1194A, dated November 10, 2008, or placard (using at least 1/
information; and within the next 100 hours TIS after 8[dash]inch letters) with the words
(iii) Install or inspect, as July 24, 2009 (the effective date in figure 1 of this AD and install
applicable, the nose baggage retained from AD 2009-13-06), the placard directly above the nose
placard following the service whichever occurs later. baggage door handle. This AD does
information. Repetitively thereafter at not require verification of proper
intervals not to exceed 1,000 hours functioning of the nose baggage
TIS. compartment interior light as
stated in the last sentence of PART
1, paragraph 1, of Piper Aircraft,
Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No.
1194A, dated November 10, 2008.
(2) For all aircraft: Initially within 100 hours TIS after Follow INSTRUCTIONS: PART II of
(i) Lubricate and inspect all nose July 24, 2009 (the effective date Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory
baggage door latching and locking retained from AD 2009-13-06); and Service Bulletin No. 1194A, dated
components for damaged, worn, Repetitively thereafter at November 10, 2008.
corroded, or non[dash]conforming intervals not to exceed 100 hours
components; and TIS.
(ii) Verify the key can only be
removed from the lock assembly
in the locked position in
accordance with the service
instructions.
(3) For all aircraft with damaged, Before further flight after any Follow Piper Aircraft, Inc.
worn, corroded, or inspection required in paragraphs Mandatory Service Bulletin No.
non[dash]conforming components: (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD where 1194A, dated November 10, 2008.
repair/replace any damaged, worn, any evidence of damaged, worn,
corroded, or non[dash]conforming corroded or non-conforming
components. components was found.
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP20MY11.066
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g)(1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(3) AMOCs approved for AD 2009-13-06 are approved as AMOCs for
this AD.
Related Information
(h) For more information about this AD, contact Gregory K.
Noles, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia
[[Page 29179]]
Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474-5551; fax:
(404) 474-5606.
(i) For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper
Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960;
telephone: (772) 567-4361; fax: (772) 978-6573; Internet: http://www.newpiper.com/company/publications.asp. You may review copies of
the referenced service information at the FAA, Central Region,
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (816) 329-3768.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 13, 2011.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-12463 Filed 5-19-11; 8:45 am]
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