[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 196 (Thursday, October 9, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58289-58291]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-25581]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-CE-32-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-
46-500TP Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Model PA-46-500TP 
airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to replace all electronic 
control modules in the airplane electrical system with newly designed 
modules. This proposed AD is the result of reports of smoke in the 
cockpit and loss of electrical systems function. We are issuing this 
proposed AD to prevent short circuit failure and electrical arcing of 
the electronic control modules, which could result in loss of the 
electrical systems components or burning of wiring insulation and cause 
smoke in the cockpit. Such a condition could lead to the inability to 
properly control the airplane.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by December 9, 
2003.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed 
AD:
    [sbull] By mail: FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-32-AD, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    [sbull] By fax: (816) 329-3771.
    [sbull] By e-mail: [email protected]. Comments sent 
electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2003-CE-32-AD'' in the subject 
line. If you send comments electronically as attached electronic files, 
the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or ASCII.
    You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, 
Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (772) 567-4361; facsimile: (772) 
978-6584.
    You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-32-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m. 
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth B. Mobley, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 
Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770) 
703-6046; facsimile: (770) 703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

How Do I Comment on This Proposed AD?

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-32-AD'' in the 
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of 
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with 
the docket number written on it. We will date-stamp your postcard and 
mail it back to you.

Are There Any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay 
Attention To?

    We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. If you 
contact us through a nonwritten communication and that contact relates 
to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the 
contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD in 
light of those comments and contacts.

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?

    We have received several reports that a condition exists in some of 
the electrical control modules in the airplane electrical system.
    FAA analysis indicates that there is inadequate clearance and 
inadequate electrical isolation between the load terminal and metal 
case. The modules load terminal is cutting through the rubber 
insulating grommet and contacting the module's metal case. This causes 
the electrical short circuit and electrical arcing.
    The following electrical system components are potentially affected 
by this condition:

Engine start
Strobe light
Left/right taxi light

[[Page 58290]]

Liquid crystal display (LCD) dimming
Dual flasher (recognition light)
Left/right pitot heat
Avionics dimming (Bezel buttons for radios)
Prop heat
Left/right fuel pump
Position light landing light
Instrument panel light dimming
Ice light
Vent defog (vent blower)
Hi/low blower
Stall heat
Dimmer switch lighting (overhead switch panel switches)

What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    If not corrected, short circuit failure and electrical arcing of 
the electronic control modules could result in loss of the electrical 
systems components or burning of wiring insulation and cause smoke in 
the cockpit. Such a condition could lead to the inability to properly 
control the airplane.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    Piper has issued the Service Bulletin No. 1132, dated June 4, 2003.

What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?

    The service bulletin includes procedures for:

--Removing the pilot's circuit breaker panel assembly (part-number (P/
N) 102228-002); the co-pilot's circuit breaker panel assembly (P/N 
102228-006); the dimmer lighting module assembly (P/N 102226-002); the 
stall vane heat module assembly (P/N 102227-002); and the propeller 
heat module assembly (P/N 102227-006);
--Returning the panel assemblies and remote module parts to the 
manufacture for modification;
--Visually inspecting all remaining exposed wires and equipment for 
evidence of heat damage;
--Repairing any damage found; and
--Installing the newly modified panel assemblies and remote module 
parts.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

What Has FAA Decided?

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products 
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing AD action.

What Would This Proposed AD Require?

    This proposed AD would require you to incorporate the actions in 
the previously-referenced service bulletin.

How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This Proposed AD?

    On July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This 
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, 
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This 
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this 
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in 
future AD actions.

Costs of Compliance

How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 130 airplanes in the U.S. 
registry.

What Would Be the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD on Owners/Operators 
of the Affected Airplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish this proposed 
modification:

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                                                            Total cost
            Labor cost                    Parts cost       per airplane       Total cost on  U.S. operators
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22 x $65 per hour = $1,430........  Parts will be covered       $1,430   $1,430 x 130 = $185,900
                                     under warranty by
                                     the manufacturer.
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Regulatory Findings

Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?

    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.

Would This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed AD:
    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); 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 summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD 
and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-32-AD'' in your request.

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 Federal Aviation Administration 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. 2003-CE-32-AD

When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?

    (a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD) by December 9, 2003.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects Model PA-46-500TP airplanes, serial numbers 
4697001 through 4697140 and 4697142 through 4697153, that are 
certificated in any category.

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of reports of smoke in the cockpit and 
loss of electrical system functions. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent short circuit failure of the electronic control modules, 
which could result in loss of the electrical system components or

[[Page 58291]]

burning of wiring insulation and cause smoke in the cockpit. Such a 
condition could lead to the inability to properly control the 
airplane.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Remove the following      Within the next 100   Per the instructions
 parts:                        hours time-in-        in Piper Service
(i) The pilot's circuit        service (TIS) after   Bulletin No. 1132,
 breaker panel assembly        the effective date    dated June 4, 2003.
 (part-number (P/N) 102228-    of this AD.
 002);.
(ii) The co-pilot's circuit
 breaker panel assembly (P/N
 102228-006);.
(iii) The dimmer lighting
 module assembly (P/N 102226-
 002);.
(iv) The stall vane heat
 module assembly (P/N 102227-
 002); and.
(v) The propeller heat
 module assembly (P/N 102227-
 006).
(2) Return the circuit        Prior to further      Per the instructions
 breaker panels and the        flight after doing    in Piper Service
 remote modules identified     the actions           Bulletin No. 1132,
 in paragraph (e)(1) of this   required in           dated June 4, 2003.
 AD to the manufacturer        paragraph (e)(1) of
 listed in paragraph (g) of    this AD.
 this AD for modification.
(3) Visually inspect all      Prior to further      Per the instructions
 remaining exposed wires and   flight after doing    in Piper Service
 equipment for evidence of     the actions           Bulletin No. 1132,
 heat damage and repair any    required in           dated June 4, 2003.
 damage found.                 paragraph (c)(1) of
                               this AD.
(4) Install the modified      Prior to further      Use the instructions
 circuit breaker panel         flight after doing    in Piper Service
 assemblies and the remote     the actions           Bulletin No. 1132,
 modules received from the     required in           dated June 4, 2003.
 manufacturer.                 paragraphs (e)(1),
                               (e)(2), and (e)(3)
                               of this AD.
(5) Do not install any part   As of the effective   Not applicable.
 referenced in paragraph       date of this AD.
 (e)(1) of this AD unless it
 has been modified per Piper
 Service Bulletin No. 1132,
 dated June 4, 2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What About Alternative Methods of Compliance?

    (f) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.13. Send your request to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already 
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Kenneth B. 
Mobley, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, 
Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770) 703-6046; facsimile: (770) 
703-6097.

How Do I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?

    (g) You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD 
from The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper 
Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (772) 567-4361; 
facsimile: (772) 978-6584. You may view these documents at FAA, 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 3, 2003.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-25581 Filed 10-8-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P