[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:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(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.
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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