[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 222 (Thursday, November 17, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71246-71248]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-29554]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-0954; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-028-AD;
Amendment 39-16865; AD 2011-24-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A.
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Piaggio
Aero Industries S.p.A. Model P-180 airplanes. This AD results from
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an
aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
Some lock sleeves (part number (P/N) 114146681), which were
installed in some Main Landing Gear (MLG) actuators, had been
incorrectly manufactured.
If left uncorrected, this condition could lead to failure to
lock the MLG actuator or to its unlock from the correct position,
with subsequent possible damage to the aeroplane and injuries to
occupants during landing.
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 22, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 22,
2011.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC
20590.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Piaggio Aero
Industries S.p.A. Airworthiness Office; Via Luigi Cibrario, 4-16154
Genova-Italy; telephone: +39 010 6481353; fax: +39 010 6481881; Email:
[email protected]. You may review copies of the referenced
service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on September 1, 2011
(76 FR 54403). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for
the specified products. The MCAI states:
Some lock sleeves (part number (P/N) 114146681), which were
installed in some Main Landing Gear (MLG) actuators, had been
incorrectly manufactured.
If left uncorrected, this condition could lead to failure to
lock the MLG actuator or to its unlock from the correct position,
with subsequent possible damage to the aeroplane and injuries to
occupants during landing.
This AD requires replacing defective MLG actuators with
serviceable ones.
Defective actuators can be repaired by the manufacturer and
identified with the ``P180-32-29'' marking on the name plate.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received.
Comment Issue: MLG Actuator Compliance Time
Carlo Cardu, Piaggio Aero Industries, stated the MLG actuator has a
life-limit based on landings and most operators note the landings
accrued on the actuator. Mr. Cardu reasoned that for operators with a
higher hours time-in-service (TIS)/landing ratio (more than 1), the AD
compliance limit presented in hours TIS would be more stringent than
required. As for operators with a lower hours TIS/landing ratio, the AD
compliance limit presented in hours TIS would be relaxed with reference
to the compliance time of the service information. Mr. Cardu
recommended changing the actuator replacement compliances times to
read:
before affected MLG actuators reach 3000 landings, replace * * *;
only if landings data are not available, replace the affected
actuator before 3000 FH TIS * * * or similar statement
The FAA agrees with the commenter and we changed paragraph (f)(3)
of the AD.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described previously. We determined that these
changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or
increase the scope of the AD.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 102 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 0.5 work-hour per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per product.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S.
operators to be $4,335, or $43 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will
take about 7 work-hours and require parts costing $64,822, for a cost
of $65,417 per product. There are a maximum of 17 actuators that are
identified by the
[[Page 71247]]
manufacturer that will be required to be replaced. We have no way of
determining the number of affected airplanes on the U.S. registry that
may have these actuators that may have to be replaced by these actions.
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
There is a warranty expiration date for the replacement of the
actuators. The FAA recommends owners/operators that have affected main
landing gear actuators contact the manufacturer immediately and replace
the actuators under warranty.
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 determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
(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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.
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 the NPRM (76 FR 54403), the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2011-24-01 Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A.: Amendment 39-16865;
Docket No. FAA-2011-0954; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-028-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 22,
2011.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model PIAGGIO
P-180 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:
(1) Certificated in any category; and
(2) Have any of the following main landing gear (MLG) actuators
installed:
(i) Messier-Dowty Part Number (P/N) 114346003 (left hand side):
with serial number (S/N) SA0706275, SA0706276, SA0706726, SA0706727,
SA0706728, SA0706729, SA0706738, SA0706739,SA0707243, SA0707864, or
SA0708072; or
(ii) Messier-Dowty P/N 114346004 (right hand side): with S/N
SA0703800, SA0703801, SA0705520, SA0706219, SA0706960, or SA0706961.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing
Gear.
(e) Reason
The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Some lock sleeves (part number (P/N) 114146681), which were
installed in some Main Landing Gear (MLG) actuators, had been
incorrectly manufactured.
If left uncorrected, this condition could lead to failure to
lock the MLG actuator or to its unlock from the correct position,
with subsequent possible damage to the aeroplane and injuries to
occupants during landing.
This AD requires replacing defective MLG actuators with
serviceable ones.
Defective actuators can be repaired by the manufacturer and
identified with the ``P180-32-29'' marking on the name plate.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following actions:
(1) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after December 22,
2011 (the effective date of this AD), inspect both installed MLG
actuators to determine if an affected P/N and S/N actuator is
installed.
(2) If any affected P/N and S/N actuator is identified with the
``P180-32-29'' marking on the name plate, no further action is
required by this AD on that actuator.
(3) If one or both affected MLG actuators are not identified
with the ``P180-32-29'' marking on the name plate, before reaching a
total of 3,000 landings on the actuator or within the next 150
landings after December 22, 2011 (the effective date of this AD),
whichever occurs later, replace the affected actuator(s) with
serviceable parts following Part B of the Accomplishments
Instructions of Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service
Bulletin No. 80-0304, dated July 9, 2010. If landing data is not
available, the use of a one-to-one landing to flight hour conversion
must be applied (example: 3,000 landings equal 3,000 hours TIS).
(4) After December 22, 2011 (the effective date of this AD), do
not install any MLG actuator having an affected P/N and S/N, unless
it is identified with the ``P180-32-29'' marking on the name plate.
Note 1: There is a warranty expiration date for the replacement
of the actuators. The FAA recommends owners/operators that have
affected main landing gear actuators contact the manufacturer
immediately and replace the actuators under warranty.
FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: None.
(g) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send
information to ATTN: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
[[Page 71248]]
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144;
fax: (816) 329-4090; email: [email protected]. Before using any
approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your
appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards
District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.:
2011-0133, dated July 12, 2011; and Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A.
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0304, dated July 9, 2010, for
related information.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
You must use the following service information to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 of the following
service information on the date specified:
(1) Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin
No. 80-0304, dated July 9, 2010, approved for IBR on December 22,
2011.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Airworthiness Office; Via Luigi
Cibrario, 4-16154 Genova-Italy; telephone: +39 010 6481353; fax: +39
010 6481881; Email: [email protected].
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call (816) 329-4148.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at an NARA facility, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 8, 2011.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-29554 Filed 11-16-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P