Airworthiness directives: New Piper Aircraft, Inc.,
[Federal Register: July 21, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 141)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 45319-45323]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21jy00-22]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-CE-29-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA- 31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, PA-31T3, and PA-31P-350 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede three existing airworthiness directives (AD's) that apply to certain The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Models PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31P, PA-31T, and PA- 31T1 airplanes. These AD's currently require you to repetitively inspect and/or modify the elevator structure. The proposed AD would: initially retain the inspection and modification requirements that are currently required; add certain other airplane models to the AD applicability; and require a modification at a certain time period, as terminating action for the currently required repetitive inspections. This action coincides with the Federal Aviation Adminstration's policy of incorporating modifications, when available, that will terminate the need for repetitive inspections. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to continue to detect and correct damage to the elevator structure. A damaged elevator structure could lead to reduced or loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any comments on this rule on or before September 8, 2000.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-CE-29-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may get the service information referenced in the proposed AD from The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. You may examine this information at FAA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William O. Herderich, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770) 703-6084; facsimile: (770) 703-6097; e-mail: william.o.herderich@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How do I comment on this AD? We invite your comments on the proposed rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to include the rule's docket number and submit your comments in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all comments received on or before the closing date specified above, before acting on the proposed rule. We may change the proposals contained in this notice in light of the comments received.
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How can we communicate more clearly with you? The FAA is reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of June 1, 1998. That memorandum requires federal agencies to communicate more clearly with the public. We are interested in your comments on the ease of understanding this document, and any other suggestions you might have to improve the clarity of FAA communications that affect you. You can get more information about the Presidential memorandum and the plain language initiative at http://www.faa.gov/language/.
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule that might necessitate a need to modify the proposed rule. You may examine all comments we receive. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each FAA contact with the public that concerns the substantive parts of this proposal.
How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? If you want us to acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you must include a self- addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to Docket No. 99-CE-29-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard back to you.
Discussion
Has FAA taken any action to this point? The following AD's currently require you to repetitively inspect and/or modify the elevator structure on certain Piper Models PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31P, PA-31T, and PA-31T1 airplanes.
--AD 70-26-06, Amendment 39-1132, which requires you to repetitively inspect the elevator structure on Piper Models PA-31 and PA-31-300 airplanes, serial numbers 31-2 through 31-694. The AD requires you to modify the elevator structure if cracks are found; --AD 76-03-01, Amendment 39-2505, which requires you to modify the elevator structure on Piper Models PA-31T airplanes, serial numbers 31T-7400002 through 31T-7620007. This AD requires you to inspect the elevator support and replace any defective parts on Piper Model PA-31T airplanes, serial numbers 31T-7400002 through 31T-7520020, 31T-7520022 through 31T-7520038; and 31T-7520040 through 31T-760012; and --AD 80-02-15, Amendment 39-3676, which requires you to inspect and alter the elevator structure and replace any defective parts on Piper Model PA-31P airplanes, serial numbers 31P-1 through 31P-7730012; Model PA-31T airplanes, serial numbers 31T-7400002 through 31T-7920075; and Model PA-31T1 airplanes, serial numbers 31T-7804001 through 31T-7904036 and 31T-7904038 through 31T-7904044.
What has happened to necessitate further AD action? Piper has informed FAA of reports of damage in the elevator structure area on additional airplanes. These are Piper Models PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA- 31T3, and PA-31P-350 airplanes.
On December 24, 1996, FAA issued a special airworthiness information bulletin (SAIB) to encourage compliance with new service information related to the elevator structure on the above-referenced airplanes. We continue to receive reports of damage in the elevator structure area on these airplanes.
Relevant Service Information
Is there service information that applies to this subject? Piper has issued the following:
--Service Bulletin No. 323, dated September 21, 1970; --Service Bulletin No. 897B, Date: July 15, 1997; and --Service Bulletin No. 1008, Date: September 30, 1997.
What are the provisions of these service bulletins? These service bulletins specify and include procedures for the following:
Specifies and includes Service bulletin
Applies to
procedures for
Other information
Piper Service Bulletin No. 323....... Certain Piper Models PA- Inspecting replacing Procedures for 31 and PA-31-300
the rudder and
installing the new airplanes.
elevator spars and rudder and elevator elevator butt ribs. spar hinges are included in Piper Kit No. 760 465. Modifying the rudder ....................... and elevator spar assemblies through new rudder and elevator spar hinges. Piper Service Bulletin No. 897B...... Certain Piper Models PA- Incorporating an
The intent of this 31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, elevator butt rib
service bulletin is PA-31T2, and PA-31T3 refinement kit, Piper met when Piper Service airplanes.
part number 766-219. Bulletin 897A is accomplished. Piper Service Bulletin No. 1008...... Certain Piper Models PA- Incorporating an
You must have 31, PA-31-300, PA-31- elevator butt rib
accomplished actions 325, PA-31-350, PA-31P- refinement kit, Piper of Piper Service 350 airplanes.
part number 766-642. Bulletin 323; and Piper Service Bulletin 998 or 998A prior to or in conjunction with accomplishing Piper Service Bulletin No. 1008.
The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of the Proposed AD
What has FAA decided? After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available information related to the incidents described above, including the relevant service information, we have determined that:
--an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on Piper Models PA- 31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, PA-31T3, and PA-31P-350 of the same type design; --the actions of the above-referenced service bulletins should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and --AD action should be taken to detect and correct damage to the elevator structure. A damaged elevator structure could lead to reduced or loss of control of the airplane.
What are the provisions of the proposed AD? The proposed AD would supersede AD 70-26-06, AD 76-03-01, and AD 80-02-15, with a new AD that would:
--initially retain the inspection and modification requirements that are currently required;
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--add certain other airplane models to the AD applicability; and --require a modification at a certain time period, as terminating action for the currently required repetitive inspections.
Does this proposed AD follow FAA's aging commuter-class aircraft policy? The actions proposed in this NPRM are consistent with FAA's aging commuter aircraft policy, which briefly states that, when a modification exists that could eliminate or reduce the number of required critical inspections, the modification should be incorporated. This policy is based on our determination that reliance on critical repetitive inspections on airplanes utilized in commuter service carries an unnecessary safety risk when a design change exists that could eliminate or, in certain instances, reduce the number of those critical inspections. In determining what inspections are critical, we consider (1) the safety consequences of the airplane if the known problem is not detected by the inspection; (2) the reliability of the inspection such as the probability of not detecting the known problem; (3) whether the inspection area is difficult to access; and (4) the possibility of damage to an adjacent structure as a result of the problem.
The alternative to modifying the elevator structure on the affected airplanes would be to require you to repetitively inspect this area for the life of the airplane.
Cost Impact
How many airplanes does this proposed AD impact? We estimate that 2,344 airplanes in the U.S. registry would be affected by the proposed AD.
What is the cost impact of the proposed modification for affected airplanes on the U.S. Register? We estimate that it would take approximately 20 workhours per airplane to accomplish the proposed modification, at an average labor rate of $60 an hour. Parts to accomplish the proposed modification cost approximately $600 per airplane.
Based on these figures, FAA estimates the cost to accomplish the proposed modification at $4,219,200, or $1,800 per airplane.
What is the cost impact of the proposed inspections for affected airplanes on the U.S. Register? We estimate that it would take approximately 8 workhours per airplane to accomplish each proposed inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 an hour. Based on these figures, FAA estimates the cost to accomplish each proposed inspection at $480 per airplane. Accomplishment of the proposed modification would eliminate the need for the proposed inspections.
Regulatory Impact
How does this AD impact relations between Federal and State governments? The proposed regulations 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. We have determined that this proposed rule would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
How does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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) if put into effect, 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 have placed a copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action in the Rules Docket. You may obtain a copy of it by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
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 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
-
The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
-
FAA amends Section 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 70-26-06, Amendment 39-1132; AD 76-03-01, Amendment 39-2505; and AD 80-02-15, Amendment 39-3676, and by adding a new AD to read as follows:
The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. 99-CE-29-AD; Supersedes AD 70-26-06, Amendment 39-1132; AD 76-03-01, Amendment 39-2505; and AD 80-02-15, Amendment 39-3676.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the following airplanes, certificated in any category:
(1) Part I of this AD: Inspection, replacement, and installation as specified in Piper Service Bulletin No. 323, dated September 21, 1970:
Models: PA-31 and PA-31-300--Serial Numbers: 31-2 through 31- 694.
(2) Part II of this AD: Modification as specified in Piper Service Bulletin No. 897B, Date: July 15, 1997:
Models: PA-31P--Serial Numbers 31P-1 through 31P-7730012.
PA-31T--31T-7400002 through 31T-8120104.
PA-31T1--31T-7804001 through 31T-8304003, and 31T-1104004 through 31T-1104017.
PA-31T2--31T-8166001 through 31T-8166076, and 31T-1166001 through 31T-1166008.
PA-31T3--31T-8275001 through 31T-8475001 and 31T-5575001.
(3) Part III of this AD: Modification as specified in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1008, Date: September 30, 1997:
Models: PA-31, PA-31-300, and PA-31-325--Serial Numbers: 31-2 through 31-8312019.
PA-31-350--31-5001 through 31-8452021.
PA-31-350--31-8253001 through 31-8553002.
PA-31P-350--31P-8414001 through 31P-8414050.
(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate any of the above airplanes on the U.S. Register must comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct damage to the elevator structure. A damaged elevator structure could lead to reduced or loss of control of the airplane.
(d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this problem, you must accomplish the following actions:
(1) Part I of this AD: For the airplane models and serial numbers listed in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, accomplish the actions in the following chart:
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Action
Compliance time
Service information Other information
(i) Initially inspect the rudder and (i) Within 100 hours Do this inspection in This inspetion is elevator spars and elevator butt time-in-service (TIS) accordance in
retained from AD 70-26- ribs for cracks.
after the last
accordance with the 06. inspection required by instructions in Piper AD 70-26-06, and
Service Bulletin No. thereafter at
323, dated September intervals not to
21, 1970. exceed 100 hours TIS until Piper Elevator and Rudder Hinge Installation Kit No. 760 465 is incorporated. (ii) If cracks are found in the
Prior to further flight (A) Do the inspections elevator structure during any
after the inspection in accordance with the inspection required by this portion where the cracks were instructions in Piper of the AD, replace the cracked part, found.
Service Bulletin No. and either continue to reinspect or
323, dated September incorporate Kit No. 760 465.
21, 1970; OR (B) Do the kit incorporation in accordance with the instructions to Piper Elevator and Rudder Hinge Installation Kit No. 760 465, Revised October 25, 1989.. (iii) Incorporate Piper Elevator and Upon accumulating Do this kit Rudder Hinge Installation Kit No. 2,000 hours TIS on the incorporation in 760 465.
airplane or within the accordance with the next 100 hours TIS instructions to Piper after the effective Elevator and Rudder date of this AD,
Hinge Installation Kit whichever occurs
No. 760 465, Revised later.
October 25, 1989.
(2) Part II of this AD: For the airplane models and serial numbers listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this AD, accomplish the actions in the following chart:
Action
Compliance time
Service information Other information
(i) Modify the elevator trim tab Upon accumulating 2,000 Do this modification (A) This modification system and elevator control tube, hours TIS or within in accordance with the is retained from AD 76- through the incorporation of Piper 100 hours TIS after instructions to Piper 03-01, and applies to Kit No. 760 989.
the effective date of Kit No. 760 989, as Piper Model PA-31T this AD, whichever referenced in Piper airplanes, serial occurs later.
Service Bulletin No. numbers 31T-400002 477A, dated November through 31T-7620012. 3, 1975.
(B) Unless already accomplished credit may be taken for this portion of the AD if the airplane is in compliance with the actions of AD 76-03- 01. (ii) Incorporate Elevator Butt Rib Upon accumulating 2,000 Do this kit
Reinforcement Kit, Reinforcement Kit, Piper Part Number hours TIS or within incorporation in
Piper Part Number 766- 766-219.
the next 100 hours TIS accordance with the 219, may have been after the effective instructions to
incorporated as date of this AD,
Elevator Butt Rib
specified in Piper whichever occurs
Reinforcement Kit, Service Bulletin 897A. later.
Piper Part Number 766- If so, unless already 219, as referenced in accomplished credit Piper Service Bulletin may be taken for this No. 897B, Date: July portion of the AD. 15, 1997.
(3) Part III of this AD: For the airplane models and serial numbers listed in paragraph (a)(3) of this AD, accomplish the actions in the following chart:
Action
Compliance time
Service information Other information
(i) Incorporate Elevator Butt Rib Upon accumulating 2,000 Do this kit
(A) If AD 99-12-05, Refinement Kit, Piper Part Number hours TIS or within incorporation in
Amendment 39-11189 (63 766-642.
the next 100 hours TIS accordance with the FR 31687, June 14, after the effective instructions to
1999), applies to one date of this AD,
Elevator Butt Rib
of the above- whichever occurs later. Refinement Kit, Piper referenced airplanes, Part Number 766-642, then the actions of AD as specified in Piper 99-12-05 must be Service Bulletin No. accomplished prior to 1008, Date: September incorporating Elevator 30, 1997.
Butt Rib Refinement Kit, Piper Part Number 766-642. (B) No credit toward this AD is given for accomplishing the actions of Piper SB 864.
(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
(1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent level of safety; and
(2) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO.
(3) Alternative methods of compliance that were approved in accordance with any of the following airworthiness directives (all superseded by this action) are not considered approved for this AD:
(i) AD 70-26-06, Amendment 39-1132;
(ii) AD 76-03-01, Amendment 39-2505; and
(iii) AD 80-02-15, Amendment 39-3676.
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Note: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific actions you propose to address it.
(f) Where can I get information about any already-approved alternative methods of compliance? You can contact William O. Herderich, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770) 703-6084; facsimile: (770) 703-6097; e-mail: william.o.herderich@faa.gov.
(g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
(h) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? You may obtain copies of the documents referenced in this AD from The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. You may examine this service information at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
(i) Does this AD action affect any existing AD actions? This amendment supersedes the following AD actions:
(1) AD 70-26-06, Amendment 39-1132;
(2) AD 76-03-01, Amendment 39-2505; and
(3) AD 80-02-15, Amendment 39-3676.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 17, 2000. Marvin R. Nuss, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 00-18524Filed7-20-00; 8:45 am]
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