Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. PA-23, PA-31, and PA-42 Series Airplanes, 10195-10197 [E9-4987]
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10195
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 74, No. 45
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2009–0218; Directorate
Identifier 2009–CE–006–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Piper
Aircraft, Inc. PA–23, PA–31, and PA–42
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) PA–23 series
airplanes and all PA–31 and PA–42
series airplanes. This proposed AD
would establish life limits for safetycritical nose baggage door components.
This proposed AD would also require
you to replace those safety-critical nose
baggage door components and
repetitively inspect and lubricate the
nose baggage door latching mechanism
and lock assembly. This proposed AD
results from several incidents and
accidents, including fatal accidents,
where the nose baggage door opening in
flight was listed as a causal factor. We
are proposing this AD to detect and
correct worn, corroded, or nonconforming nose baggage door
components, which could result in the
nose baggage door opening in flight. The
door opening in flight could
significantly affect the handling and
performance of the aircraft. It could also
allow baggage to be ejected from the
nose baggage compartment and strike
the propeller. This failure could lead to
loss of control.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by May 11, 2009.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to comment on this proposed
AD:
VerDate Nov<24>2008
14:40 Mar 09, 2009
Jkt 217001
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://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 Piper
Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero
Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (772)
567–4361; fax: (772) 978–6573; Internet:
https://www.newpiper.com/company/
publications.asp.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gregory K. Noles, Aerospace Engineer,
One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Blvd.,
Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349;
telephone: (770) 703–6085; fax: (770)
703–6097.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposed AD. Send your
comments to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include the docket
number, ‘‘FAA–2009–0218; Directorate
Identifier 2009–CE–006–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
the proposed AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend the proposed AD in
light of those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
concerning this proposed AD.
Discussion
On January 5, 2008, a Piper PA–31–
350 airplane crashed shortly after
takeoff. The National Transportation
Safety Board preliminary report of the
fatal accident indicates the nose baggage
door opened in flight. Our investigation
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
of the accident indicates the nose
baggage door opening in flight was a
causal factor in the accident. The
investigation also indicated that the
baggage door did not conform to the
type design and was not in a condition
for safe operation. We have also
received several other incident and
accident reports where the nose baggage
door opening in flight was listed as a
causal factor.
Our investigation of PA–31 airplanes
has found additional nonconforming
nose baggage door components.
Examples of problems discovered are:
key locks that have been replaced with
locks that allow the key to be removed
when the door is unlocked; bent,
corroded, worn, or broken parts; parts
installed backwards; inoperative
warning systems; and installation of
secondary latches that are not strong
enough to secure the door in a closed
position.
This condition, if not corrected, could
result in the nose baggage door opening
in flight. The door opening in flight
could significantly affect the handling
and performance of the aircraft. It could
also allow baggage to be ejected from the
nose baggage compartment and strike
the propeller. This failure could lead to
loss of control.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Piper Aircraft, Inc.
Service Bulletin No. 1194A, dated
November 10, 2008.
The service information describes
procedures for:
• Repetitive inspection of the nose
baggage door latching mechanism and
lock assembly and replacement of life
limited parts as identified in the service
bulletin; and
• Repetitive lubrication and
inspection of the nose baggage door
latching and locking components.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all information and
determined the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design. This proposed AD would
require you to replace safety-critical
nose baggage door components and
repetitively inspect and lubricate the
nose baggage door latching mechanism
and lock assembly. This proposed AD
would also establish life limits for
E:\FR\FM\10MRP1.SGM
10MRP1
10196
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 45 / Tuesday, March 10, 2009 / Proposed Rules
safety-critical nose baggage door
components.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Service Information
The applicability of this AD is
expanded to include Models PA–23,
PA–23–160, and PA–23–235 airplanes
that have a nose baggage door installed.
These models were not manufactured
with a nose baggage door and are not
included in Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service
Bulletin No. 1194A, dated November 10,
2008. However there are PA–23, PA–23–
160, and PA–23–235 airplanes in
service that may have been modified
with the applicable nose baggage door
installed. The requirements of this
proposed AD, if adopted as a final rule,
would take precedence over the
provisions in the service information.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 8,000 airplanes in the U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to do
the proposed inspection and parts
replacement:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per
airplane
Total cost on
U.S. operators
4 work-hours × $80 per hour = $320 ..........................................................................................
$190
$510
$4,080,000
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 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that the 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); and
VerDate Nov<24>2008
14:40 Mar 09, 2009
Jkt 217001
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 proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2009–
0218; Directorate Identifier 2009–CE–
006–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) action by May
11, 2009.
You may examine the AD docket that
contains the proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information on the
Internet at https://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 Docket Office (telephone
(800) 647–5527) is located at the street
address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from several incidents
and accidents, including some fatal
accidents, where the nose baggage door
opening in flight was listed as a causal factor.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
worn, corroded, or non-conforming nose
baggage door components, which could
result in the nose baggage door opening in
flight. The door opening in flight could
significantly affect the handling and
performance of the aircraft. It could also
allow baggage to be ejected from the nose
baggage compartment and strike the
propeller. This failure could lead to loss of
control.
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Models PA–23, PA–
23–160, PA–23–235, PA–23–250, PA–23–250
(Navy UO–1), PA–31, PA–31–300, PA–31–
325, PA–31–350, PA–31P, PA–31P–350, PA–
31T, PA–31T1, PA–31T2, PA–31T3, PA–42,
PA–42–720, PA–42–1000, and PA–E23–250
airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:
(1) Certificated in any category; and
(2) Equipped with a baggage door in the
fuselage nose section (a nose baggage door).
Compliance
(e) To address this problem, you must do
the following, unless already done:
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Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 45 / Tuesday, March 10, 2009 / Proposed Rules
10197
Actions
Compliance
Procedures
(1) For all aircraft:
(i) Inspect the nose baggage door assembly for damaged, worn, or corroded
components;
(ii) Replace life-limited components specified in the service information; and
(iii) Install or inspect, as applicable, the
nose baggage placard following the
service information.
(2) For all aircraft:
(i) Lubricate and inspect all nose baggage
door latching and locking components
for damaged, worn, or corroded components; and
(ii) Verify the key can only be removed
from the lock assembly in the locked position in accordance with the service instructions.
(3) For all aircraft with damaged, worn, or corroded components: Repair/replace any damaged, worn, or corroded components.
(A) Initially: Within 1,000 hours time-in-service
(TIS) since all life-limited components were
installed new following Piper Aircraft, Inc.
Service Bulletin No. 1194A, dated November 10, 2008, or within the next 100 hours
TIS after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later; and
(B) Repetitively thereafter: At intervals not to
exceed 1,000 hours TIS.
(A) Initially: Within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD; and
(B) Repetitively thereafter: At intervals not to
exceed 100 hours TIS.
Follow INSTRUCTIONS: PART I of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1194A, dated
November 10, 2008.
Before further flight after any inspection required in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this
AD where any evidence of damaged, worn,
or corroded components was found.
Follow Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No.
1194A, dated November 10, 2008.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(f) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 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: Gregory
K. Noles, Aerospace Engineer, One Crown
Center, 1895 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 450,
Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770) 703–
6085; fax: (770) 703–6097. 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.
Federal Aviation Administration
to maintain the safe flight and landing
of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by April 24, 2009.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://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 AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,
Seattle, Washington 98124–2207;
telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1,
fax 206–766–5680; e-mail
me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
may review copies of the referenced
service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.
For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425–227–
1221 or 425–227–1152.
Related Information
(g) To get copies of the service information
referenced in this AD, contact Piper Aircraft,
Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida
32960; telephone: (772) 567–4361; fax: (772)
978–6573; Internet: https://
www.newpiper.com/company/
publications.asp. To view the AD docket, go
to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, or on
the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March
3, 2009.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9–4987 Filed 3–9–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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14:40 Mar 09, 2009
Jkt 217001
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2009–0212; Directorate
Identifier 2008–NM–122–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800,
–900 and –900ER Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Boeing Model 737–600, –700, –700C,
–800, –900 and –900ER series airplanes.
This proposed AD would require
repetitive testing of the rudder pedal
forces or repetitive detailed inspections
of the inner spring of the rudder feel
and centering unit, and corrective
actions if necessary. This proposed AD
also requires replacement of the spring
assembly in the rudder feel and
centering unit, which terminates the
repetitive tests or inspections. This
proposed AD results from reports of low
rudder pedal forces that were caused by
a broken inner spring in the rudder feel
and centering unit; a broken inner
spring in conjunction with a broken
outer spring would significantly reduce
rudder pedal forces. We are proposing
this AD to prevent reduced rudder pedal
forces, which could result in increased
potential for pilot-induced oscillations
and reduce the ability of the flightcrew
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Fmt 4702
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Follow INSTRUCTIONS: PART II of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1194A, dated
November 10, 2008.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the
Docket Management Facility between 9
E:\FR\FM\10MRP1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 10, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10195-10197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-4987]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 45 / Tuesday, March 10, 2009 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 10195]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0218; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-006-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. PA-23, PA-31, and
PA-42 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) PA-23 series airplanes and all PA-
31 and PA-42 series airplanes. This proposed AD would establish life
limits for safety-critical nose baggage door components. This proposed
AD would also require you to replace those safety-critical nose baggage
door components and repetitively inspect and lubricate the nose baggage
door latching mechanism and lock assembly. This proposed AD results
from several incidents and accidents, including fatal accidents, where
the nose baggage door opening in flight was listed as a causal factor.
We are proposing this AD to detect and correct worn, corroded, or non-
conforming nose baggage door components, which could result in the nose
baggage door opening in flight. The door opening in flight could
significantly affect the handling and performance of the aircraft. It
could also allow baggage to be ejected from the nose baggage
compartment and strike the propeller. This failure could lead to loss
of control.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 11, 2009.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this
proposed AD:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
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
Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960;
telephone: (772) 567-4361; fax: (772) 978-6573; Internet: https://
www.newpiper.com/company/publications.asp.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory K. Noles, Aerospace Engineer,
One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia
30349; telephone: (770) 703-6085; fax: (770) 703-6097.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, ``FAA-
2009-0218; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-006-AD'' at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may
amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive concerning this proposed AD.
Discussion
On January 5, 2008, a Piper PA-31-350 airplane crashed shortly
after takeoff. The National Transportation Safety Board preliminary
report of the fatal accident indicates the nose baggage door opened in
flight. Our investigation of the accident indicates the nose baggage
door opening in flight was a causal factor in the accident. The
investigation also indicated that the baggage door did not conform to
the type design and was not in a condition for safe operation. We have
also received several other incident and accident reports where the
nose baggage door opening in flight was listed as a causal factor.
Our investigation of PA-31 airplanes has found additional
nonconforming nose baggage door components. Examples of problems
discovered are: key locks that have been replaced with locks that allow
the key to be removed when the door is unlocked; bent, corroded, worn,
or broken parts; parts installed backwards; inoperative warning
systems; and installation of secondary latches that are not strong
enough to secure the door in a closed position.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in the nose baggage
door opening in flight. The door opening in flight could significantly
affect the handling and performance of the aircraft. It could also
allow baggage to be ejected from the nose baggage compartment and
strike the propeller. This failure could lead to loss of control.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1194A,
dated November 10, 2008.
The service information describes procedures for:
Repetitive inspection of the nose baggage door latching
mechanism and lock assembly and replacement of life limited parts as
identified in the service bulletin; and
Repetitive lubrication and inspection of the nose baggage
door latching and locking components.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD
would require you to replace safety-critical nose baggage door
components and repetitively inspect and lubricate the nose baggage door
latching mechanism and lock assembly. This proposed AD would also
establish life limits for
[[Page 10196]]
safety-critical nose baggage door components.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The applicability of this AD is expanded to include Models PA-23,
PA-23-160, and PA-23-235 airplanes that have a nose baggage door
installed. These models were not manufactured with a nose baggage door
and are not included in Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No.
1194A, dated November 10, 2008. However there are PA-23, PA-23-160, and
PA-23-235 airplanes in service that may have been modified with the
applicable nose baggage door installed. The requirements of this
proposed AD, if adopted as a final rule, would take precedence over the
provisions in the service information.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 8,000 airplanes in
the U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to do the proposed inspection and
parts replacement:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $80 per hour = $320........................... $190 $510 $4,080,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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); 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information on
the Internet at https://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 Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527)
is located at the street address stated 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.
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
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 AD:
Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2009-0218; Directorate
Identifier 2009-CE-006-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by May 11, 2009.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Models PA-23, PA-23-160, PA-23-235, PA-
23-250, PA-23-250 (Navy UO-1), PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, PA-31-
350, PA-31P, PA-31P-350, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, PA-31T3, PA-42,
PA-42-720, PA-42-1000, and PA-E23-250 airplanes, all serial numbers,
that are:
(1) Certificated in any category; and
(2) Equipped with a baggage door in the fuselage nose section (a
nose baggage door).
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from several incidents and accidents,
including some fatal accidents, where the nose baggage door opening
in flight was listed as a causal factor. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct worn, corroded, or non-conforming nose baggage
door components, which could result in the nose baggage door opening
in flight. The door opening in flight could significantly affect the
handling and performance of the aircraft. It could also allow
baggage to be ejected from the nose baggage compartment and strike
the propeller. This failure could lead to loss of control.
Compliance
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless
already done:
[[Page 10197]]
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) For all aircraft: (A) Initially: Within Follow
(i) Inspect the nose 1,000 hours time-in- INSTRUCTIONS: PART
baggage door assembly service (TIS) since all I of Piper
for damaged, worn, or life-limited components Aircraft, Inc.
corroded components; were installed new Service Bulletin
(ii) Replace life-limited following Piper No. 1194A, dated
components specified in Aircraft, Inc. Service November 10, 2008.
the service information; Bulletin No. 1194A,
and dated November 10,
(iii) Install or inspect, 2008, or within the
as applicable, the nose next 100 hours TIS
baggage placard after the effective
following the service date of this AD,
information. whichever occurs later;
and
(B) Repetitively
thereafter: At
intervals not to exceed
1,000 hours TIS.
(2) For all aircraft: (A) Initially: Within Follow
(i) Lubricate and inspect 100 hours TIS after the INSTRUCTIONS: PART
all nose baggage door effective date of this II of Piper
latching and locking AD; and Aircraft, Inc.
components for damaged, (B) Repetitively Service Bulletin
worn, or corroded thereafter: At No. 1194A, dated
components; and intervals not to exceed November 10, 2008.
(ii) Verify the key can 100 hours TIS.
only be removed from the
lock assembly in the
locked position in
accordance with the
service instructions.
(3) For all aircraft with Before further flight Follow Piper
damaged, worn, or after any inspection Aircraft, Inc.
corroded components: required in paragraphs Service Bulletin
Repair/replace any (e)(1) and (e)(2) of No. 1194A, dated
damaged, worn, or this AD where any November 10, 2008.
corroded components. evidence of damaged,
worn, or corroded
components was found.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(f) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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: Gregory K. Noles, Aerospace Engineer, One Crown Center, 1895
Phoenix Blvd., Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770)
703-6085; fax: (770) 703-6097. 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.
Related Information
(g) To get copies of the service information referenced in this
AD, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach,
Florida 32960; telephone: (772) 567-4361; fax: (772) 978-6573;
Internet: https://www.newpiper.com/company/publications.asp. To view
the AD docket, go to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, or on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 3, 2009.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-4987 Filed 3-9-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
