[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 224 (Wednesday, November 20, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69597-69600]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-27837]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0967; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-042-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Model P-180 airplanes that would
supersede an existing AD. This proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
[[Page 69598]]
originated 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 cases of un-commanded operation of switched off
nose-wheel steering system caused by internal leakage of a steering
select/bypass valve, which could lead to loss of directional control on
ground during take-off or landing, possibly resulting in a runway
excursion. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 6, 2014.
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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A-Airworthiness Office, Via Luigi Cibrario,
4-16154 Genova-Italy; phone: +39 010 6481353; fax: +39 010 6481881;
email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.piaggioaero.com/#/en/aftersales/service-support. 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-
2013-0967; 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 (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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:
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-2013-0967;
Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-042-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://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 December 30, 2009, we issued AD 2009-21-08 R1, Amendment 39-
16169 (75 FR 904, January 7, 2010). That AD required actions intended
to address an unsafe condition on the products listed above.
Since we issued AD 2009-21-08 R1, Amendment 39-16169 (75 FR 904,
January 7, 2010), the manufacturer has developed a modification that
will terminate the required repetitive functional tests required in AD
2009-21-08 R1.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD
No. 2013-0242R1, dated October 9, 2013 (referred to after this as ``the
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The
MCAI states:
Cases of un-commanded operation of switched off nose-wheel
steering system were reported. Internal leakage of a Steering
Select/Bypass Valve, installed in the nose landing gear (NLG)
Steering Manifold, was identified as a failure cause.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
loss of directional control on ground during take-off or landing,
possibly resulting in a runway excursion.
To address this unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2009-0129 to
require repetitive functional checks of the Steering Manifold to
verify internal leakage proofness and accomplishment of the
functional check upon installation of a replacement Steering
Manifold on an aeroplane.
Since that AD was issued, PAI issued Service Bulletin (SB) 80-
0249 at revision 3, providing improved testing procedures.
For the reasons described above, this AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2009-0129, which is superseded, but requires
accomplishment of the functional checks in accordance with the
improved procedures and additionally, before release to service of
an aeroplane after installation of a replacement NLG. This AD also
introduces an optional modification, which constitutes terminating
action for the repetitive functional checks required by this AD.
This AD is revised to introduce a relieving compliance time for
aeroplanes earlier inspected in accordance with EASA AD 2009-0129.
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-0967.
Relevant Service Information
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin
N. 80-0249, Rev. 3, dated July 22, 2013; Recommended Service Bulletin
N. 80-0285, and Recommended Service Bulletin N. 80-0286, Rev. 1, both
dated September 30, 2013. The actions described in this service
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in
the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type
design.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 112 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per
product to comply with the basic functional test requirements of this
proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on
U.S. operators to be $19,040, or $170 per product.
In addition, we estimate the following cost to do the proposed
optional modification to terminate the proposed required repetitive
functional tests. For Model P-180 Avanti airplanes, it would take about
40 work-hours and require
[[Page 69599]]
parts costing $2,000, for a cost of $5,400 per product. For Model P-180
Avanti II airplanes, it would take about 40 work-hours and require
parts costing $4,000, for a cost of $7,400 per product. We have no way
of determining the number of operators that may choose this optional
action.
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 proposed 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 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 this 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, Incorporation by
reference, 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
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 removing Amendment 39-16169 (75 FR
904, January 7, 2010), and adding the following new AD:
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A: Docket No. FAA-2013-0967; Directorate
Identifier 2013-CE-042-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 6, 2014.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2009-21-08 R1, Amendment 39-16169 (75 FR
904, January 7, 2010).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model P-180
airplanes, serial numbers 1004 through 1218, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing
Gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated 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 cases of un-
commanded operation of switched off nose-wheel steering system
caused by internal leakage of a steering select/bypass valve. We are
issuing this AD to prevent loss of directional control on ground
during take-off or landing, which could result in a runway
excursion.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the actions required in paragraphs
(f)(1) through (f)(5) of this AD, including all subparagraphs:
(1) At whichever of the compliance times specified in paragraphs
(f)(1)(i) and (f)(1)(ii) of this AD that occurs first and
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 165 hours TIS, do
a functional test of the nose landing gear (NLG) steering manifold
following Part A2 of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in PIAGGIO AERO
INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-0249, Rev. 3,
dated July 22, 2013 (includes CONFIRMATION SLIP).
(i) Within the next 165 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
effective date of this AD or within the next 6 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first; or
(ii) Within the next 165 hours TIS after the last inspection
done in compliance with AD 2009-21-08 R1, Amendment 39-16169 (75 FR
904, January 7, 2010).
(2) Within the next 220 hours TIS or the next 6 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and repetitively
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 660 TIS or 12 months,
whichever occurs first, do a functional test of the nose landing
gear (NLG) steering manifold following Part A1 of the ACCOMPLISHMENT
INSTRUCTIONS in PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin
(Mandatory) N. 80-0249, Rev. 3, dated July 22, 2013 (includes
CONFIRMATION SLIP).
(3) If, during any functional test required in paragraphs (f)(1)
and (f)(2) of this AD, any NLG steering actuator movement
discrepancy is detected, before further flight, replace the NLG
steering manifold with a serviceable part as specified in Part A1
and Part A2 of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in PIAGGIO AERO
INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-0249, Rev. 3,
dated July 22, 2013 (includes CONFIRMATION SLIP).
(4) As of the effective date of this AD, installation of a
replacement NLG steering manifold or a replacement NLG is allowed,
provided that, before release to service, the NLG steering manifold
passes a functional test following Part A1 of the ACCOMPLISHMENT
INSTRUCTIONS in PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin
(Mandatory) N. 80-0249, Rev. 3, dated July 22, 2013.
(5) To terminate the repetitive functional tests required in
paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, at any time after the
initial functional test required in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of
this AD, you may modify the electrical configuration of the steering
system following the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in PIAGGIO AERO
INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Recommended) N. 80-0285, dated
September 20, 2013 (includes CONFIRMATION SLIP), or the
ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A.
Service Bulletin (Recommended) N. 80-0286, Rev. 1, dated September
20, 2013, as applicable.
(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, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email:
[email protected].
(i) 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.
(ii) AMOCs approved for AD 2009-21-08 R1 (75 FR 904, January 7,
2010) are not approved for AMOCs for this AD.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from
[[Page 69600]]
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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2013-
0242R1, dated October 9, 2013, for related information. You may
examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-0967. For
service information related to this AD, contact Piaggio Aero
Industries S.p.A-Airworthiness Office, Via Luigi Cibrario, 4-16154
Genova-Italy; phone: +39 010 6481353; fax: +39 010 6481881; email:
[email protected]; Internet: http://www.piaggioaero.com/#/en/aftersales/service-support. 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.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 5, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-27837 Filed 11-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P