Airworthiness Directives; PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model P-180 Airplanes, 27872-27875 [2011-11330]
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 93 / Friday, May 13, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with RULES
(9) Reinstall the seat on the seat rail.
(i) Lift the seat into the airplane and place
on the seat rail.
(ii) Hold seat latches disengaged and slide
the seat aft and then forward to re-engage
rollers.
(iii) Lower vertical adjusting seats to a
comfortable height.
(iv) Reattach seat belt/shoulder harness to
the seat, if previously attached to the seat.
(v) Reinstall the seat stops.
(10) Lift up the forward edge of each seat
to eliminate vertical play of the seat locking
pin in the engagement hole, and from this
position, inspect the depth of engagement of
each seat locking pin (see figure 2). If the rail
is worn, this depth is measured from the
worn surface, not the manufactured surface.
(i) If engagement of any of the seat locking
pins measures less than 0.15 of an inch,
before further flight, replace or repair any
seat components necessary to achieve a seat
pin engagement of a minimum of 0.15 of an
inch.
(ii) Repair or replacement of necessary seat
components does not terminate the repetitive
actions required in paragraph (g) of this AD.
Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
(h) 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
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Jkt 223001
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.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(i)(1) The Manager, Wichita 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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector
or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the
Related Information section of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(3) AMOCs approved for AD 87–20–03 R2
are approved for this AD.
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Related Information
(j) For more information about this AD,
contact Gary Park, Aerospace Engineer, ACE–
118W, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100,
Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946–
4123; fax: (316) 946–4107; e-mail:
gary.park@faa.gov.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April
27, 2011.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011–10988 Filed 5–12–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2011–0468; Directorate
Identifier 2011–CE–013–AD; Amendment
39–16697; AD 2011–10–16]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; PIAGGIO
AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model P–180
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
AGENCY:
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27872
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 93 / Friday, May 13, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
Final rule; request for
comments.
ACTION:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above that will
supersede an existing AD. This
emergency AD was sent previously to
all known U.S. owners and operators of
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A
(Piaggio) Model PIAGGIO P–180
airplanes. This AD results from
mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the
aviation authority of another country to
identify and correct an unsafe condition
on an aviation product. The MCAI
describes the unsafe condition as:
SUMMARY:
WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with RULES
Prompted by reports of water accumulated
in the lower part of the fuselage on a number
of Piaggio Model P.180 aeroplanes, which
resulted in jamming of the flight controls, on
17 December 2010, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), the authority of the
State of Registry of the affected aeroplanes,
issued Emergency AD 2011–01–51 to require
an immediate functional test of the fuselage
drain holes and a report of the results to the
FAA. That AD was later superseded, on 20
December 2010, by FAA Emergency AD
2011–01–53.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could, when the aeroplane reaches
and holds an altitude where the temperature
is below the freezing point, cause the flight
controls to freeze and jam, possibly resulting
in loss of control of the aeroplane.
Since these AD actions were taken, Piaggio
Aero Industries, the type design approval
holder and manufacturer of these aeroplanes,
have published Alert Service Bulletin (SB)
80–0324, which describes the same
inspection, testing and correction
instructions as contained in the FAA
Emergency AD. EASA AD 2010–0269–E
required the inspection and functional
testing of the fuselage drain holes, corrective
actions depending on findings, and reporting
of the findings to Piaggio Aero Industries.
Following issuance of EASA AD, another
event of in-flight blockage of flight controls
was reported by an operator. The aeroplane
was already compliant with EASA AD 2010–
0269–E, and during accomplishment of the
AD required inspection no discrepancies had
been noted, nor water or ice accumulation
were reported. As a consequence, additional
drain holes were not drilled.
This AD requires actions that are
intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD is effective May 31,
2011 to all persons except those persons
to whom it was made immediately
effective by Emergency AD 2011–09–51,
issued on April 26, 2011, which
contained the requirements of this
amendment.
On May 31, 2011, the Director of the
Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in this AD.
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Jkt 223001
We must receive comments on this
AD by June 27, 2011.
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 Piaggio Aero Industries
S.p.A–Airworthiness Office; Via Luigi
Cibrario, 4—16154 Genova—Italy;
telephone: +39 010 6481353; fax: +39
010 6481881; E-mail:
airworthiness@piaggioaero.it. 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 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 AD
docket contains this 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, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–
4144; fax: (816) 329–4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA received information on two
incidents where Piaggio Model P–180
airplanes had water accumulation in the
belly of the fuselage that froze and
caused the flight controls to jam. On
December 20, 2010, we issued
Emergency AD 2011–01–53, amendment
39–16582 (76 FR 4056, January 24,
2011) to require an immediate
functional test of the fuselage drain
holes and a report of the results to the
FAA. It also allows, with noted
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27873
exceptions, for the return/position of the
airplane to a home base, hangar,
maintenance facility, etc.
Since we issued AD 2011–01–53,
another Piaggio P–180 airplane
experienced jamming of the flight
control cables also due to water
accumulating and freezing in the lower
fuselage area. This event happened after
this airplane had complied with AD
2011–01–53, noting no problems with
the fuselage drain system.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued AD No.: 2011–
0074–E, dated April 22, 2011 (referred
to after this as ‘‘the MCAI″), to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
* * * another event of in-flight blockage of
flight controls was reported by an operator.
The aeroplane was already compliant with
EASA AD 2010–0269–E, and during
accomplishment of the AD required
inspection no discrepancies had been noted,
nor water or ice accumulation were reported.
As a consequence, additional drain holes
were not drilled.
For the reasons described above, this AD,
which supersedes EASA AD 2010–0269–E,
requires, in order to improve efficiency of the
drainage system, to cut the rubber flap of the
2 aft flapper valves, to inspect the flapper
valves for proper functioning and the
subsequent accomplishment of a functional
test of the fuselage drain holes.
Furthermore, for those MSN not compliant
with Piaggio Aero Industries Service Bulletin
(SB) 80–0291 and where no additional drain
holes had been drilled in accordance with
the accomplishment instructions of Piaggio
Aero Industries Alert Service Bulletin ASB–
80–0324, step 5, this AD requires drilling
additional drain holes.
It is finally required to report the
inspection results to Piaggio Aero industries.
You may obtain further information
by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A
has issued Service Bulletin (Mandatory)
N.: 80–0330, dated April 21, 2011. 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 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 issuing this
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 93 / Friday, May 13, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
AD because we evaluated all
information provided by the State of
Design Authority and determined the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other products of the
same type design.
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and
related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But
we might have found it necessary to use
different words from those in the MCAI
to ensure the AD is clear for U.S.
operators and is enforceable. In making
these changes, we do not intend to differ
substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related
service information.
We might have also required different
actions in this AD from those in the
MCAI in order to follow FAA policies.
Any such differences are described in a
separate paragraph of the AD. These
requirements take precedence over
those copied from the MCAI.
WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with RULES
FAA’s Determination of the Effective
Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD. The FAA has found that the risk to
the flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because water may accumulate in
the belly of the fuselage and freeze,
which may cause the flight controls to
jam. This condition may lead to loss of
control. Therefore, we determined that
notice and opportunity for public
comment before issuing this AD are
impracticable and that good cause exists
for making this amendment effective in
fewer than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not precede it by notice and
opportunity for public comment. We
invite you to send any written relevant
data, views, or arguments about this AD.
Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section.
Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2011–0468;
Directorate Identifier 2011–CE–013–AD″
at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this AD. We will consider all comments
received by the closing date and may
amend this AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
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will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
102 products of U.S. registry. We also
estimate that it would take about 9
work-hours per product to comply with
the basic requirements of this AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to
be $78,030, or $765 per product.
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 determined that this AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
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 this AD:
(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) 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
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Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
removing Amendment 39–16582 (76 FR
4056, January 24, 2011), and adding the
following new AD:
■
2011–09–51 Piaggio Aero Industries S.P.A.:
Amendment 39–16697; Docket No.
FAA–2011–0468; Directorate Identifier
2011–CE–013–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD)
becomes effective May 31, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2011–01–53,
Amendment 39–16582.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Piaggio Aero
Industries S.p.A. Models P–180 airplanes, all
serial numbers, certified in any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 53: Fuselage.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
* * * another event of in-flight blockage of
flight controls was reported by an operator.
The aeroplane was already compliant with
EASA AD 2010–0269–E, and during
accomplishment of the AD required
inspection no discrepancies had been noted,
nor water or ice accumulation were reported.
As a consequence, additional drain holes
were not drilled.
For the reasons described above, this AD,
which supersedes EASA AD 2010–0269–E,
requires, in order to improve efficiency of the
drainage system, to cut the rubber flap of the
2 aft flapper valves, to inspect the flapper
valves for proper functioning and the
subsequent accomplishment of a functional
test of the fuselage drain holes.
Furthermore, for those MSN not compliant
with Piaggio Aero Industries Service Bulletin
(SB) 80–0291 and where no additional drain
holes had been drilled in accordance with
the accomplishment instructions of Piaggio
Aero Industries Alert Service Bulletin ASB–
80–0324, step 5, this AD requires drilling
additional drain holes.
It is finally required to report the
inspection results to Piaggio Aero industries.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following
actions:
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 93 / Friday, May 13, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
(1) Within the next 10 hours time-inservice (TIS) after May 31, 2011 (the effective
date of this AD) or within the next 10 days
after May 31, 2011 (the effective date of this
AD), whichever occurs first, cut off the
rubber flap of the two flapper valves near
frame 36, inspect the flapper valves, and do
the functional test of the valves and fuselage
drainage holes following Part A of PIAGGIO
AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin
(Mandatory) N.: 80–0330, dated April 21,
2011.
(2) If in the inspection and functional test
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD the
valves and drain holes are found to not drain
properly, before further flight, take corrective
action following Part A of PIAGGIO AERO
INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin
(Mandatory) N.: 80–0330, dated April 21,
2011.
(3) Within the next 165 hours TIS after
May 31, 2011 (the effective date of this AD)
or within the next 90 days after May 31, 2011
(the effective date of this AD), whichever
occurs first, add drain holes on keel beam
webs connecting the lateral bays to the center
bays following Part B of PIAGGIO AERO
INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin
(Mandatory) N.: 80–0330, dated April 21,
2011; or PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A.
Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: 80–0291,
dated November 29, 2010.
(4) Within 10 days after complying with
the actions required in paragraphs (f)(1),
(f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD or within 10 days
after May 31, 2011 (the effective date of this
AD), whichever occurs later, report the
results (including no findings) using the
Confirmation Slip attached to PIAGGIO
AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin
(Mandatory) N.: 80–0330, dated April 21,
2011. Send the report to Piaggio at one of the
addresses (facsimile, email) referenced in the
Related Information section, paragraph (i)(2)
of this AD.
FAA AD Differences
WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with RULES
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/
or service information as follows: No
differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) 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. 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.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
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
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to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For the
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.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 4,
2011.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
Related Information
AGENCY:
(h) Refer to EASA AD No.: 2011–0074–E,
dated April 22, 2011; PIAGGIO AERO
INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin
(Mandatory) N.: 80–0330, dated April 21,
2011; and PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES
S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: 80–
0291, dated November 29, 2010 for related
information.
SUMMARY:
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use PIAGGIO AERO
INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin
(Mandatory) N.: 80–0330, dated April 21,
2011; and PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES
S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: 80–
0291, dated November 29, 2010, to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
this service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Piaggio Aero Industries
S.p.A–Airworthiness Office; Via Luigi
Cibrario, 4—16154 Genova—Italy; telephone:
+39 010 6481353; fax: +39 010 6481881;
E-mail: airworthiness@piaggioaero.it.
(3) 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.
(4) You may also review copies of the
service information incorporated by reference
for this AD at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
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[FR Doc. 2011–11330 Filed 5–12–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2011–0030; Directorate
Identifier 2009–NM–183–AD; Amendment
39–16698; AD 2011–10–17]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A300 and A310 Series Airplanes, and
Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–
600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4–
605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively
Called A300–600 Series Airplanes)
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
We are superseding three
existing airworthiness directives (ADs)
that apply to the products listed above.
This AD results from 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:
The airworthiness limitations applicable to
the Damage Tolerant Airworthiness
Limitation Items (DT ALI) are currently listed
in Airbus ALI Documents, which are
referenced in the A300, A310, and A300–600
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part
2. Airbus has recently revised the ALI
Documents, which have been approved by
the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA).
*
*
*
*
*
The actions contained in these revised
documents, which introduce more restrictive
maintenance requirements and/or
airworthiness limitations, have been
identified as mandatory actions for continued
airworthiness. * * *
The unsafe condition is fatigue
cracking, damage, or corrosion in
principal structural elements, which
could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane. We are issuing
this AD to require actions to correct the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June
17, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 93 (Friday, May 13, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27872-27875]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-11330]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-0468; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-013-AD;
Amendment 39-16697; AD 2011-10-16]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model P-
180 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
[[Page 27873]]
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above that will supersede an existing AD. This
emergency AD was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators
of PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A (Piaggio) Model PIAGGIO P-180
airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country
to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The
MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
Prompted by reports of water accumulated in the lower part of
the fuselage on a number of Piaggio Model P.180 aeroplanes, which
resulted in jamming of the flight controls, on 17 December 2010, the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the authority of the State of
Registry of the affected aeroplanes, issued Emergency AD 2011-01-51
to require an immediate functional test of the fuselage drain holes
and a report of the results to the FAA. That AD was later
superseded, on 20 December 2010, by FAA Emergency AD 2011-01-53.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could, when the
aeroplane reaches and holds an altitude where the temperature is
below the freezing point, cause the flight controls to freeze and
jam, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane.
Since these AD actions were taken, Piaggio Aero Industries, the
type design approval holder and manufacturer of these aeroplanes,
have published Alert Service Bulletin (SB) 80-0324, which describes
the same inspection, testing and correction instructions as
contained in the FAA Emergency AD. EASA AD 2010-0269-E required the
inspection and functional testing of the fuselage drain holes,
corrective actions depending on findings, and reporting of the
findings to Piaggio Aero Industries.
Following issuance of EASA AD, another event of in-flight
blockage of flight controls was reported by an operator. The
aeroplane was already compliant with EASA AD 2010-0269-E, and during
accomplishment of the AD required inspection no discrepancies had
been noted, nor water or ice accumulation were reported. As a
consequence, additional drain holes were not drilled.
This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD is effective May 31, 2011 to all persons except those
persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2011-
09-51, issued on April 26, 2011, which contained the requirements of
this amendment.
On May 31, 2011, the Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD.
We must receive comments on this AD by June 27, 2011.
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 Piaggio Aero
Industries S.p.A-Airworthiness Office; Via Luigi Cibrario, 4--16154
Genova--Italy; telephone: +39 010 6481353; fax: +39 010 6481881; E-
mail: airworthiness@piaggioaero.it. 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 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 AD docket contains this 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, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-
4144; fax: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA received information on two incidents where Piaggio Model
P-180 airplanes had water accumulation in the belly of the fuselage
that froze and caused the flight controls to jam. On December 20, 2010,
we issued Emergency AD 2011-01-53, amendment 39-16582 (76 FR 4056,
January 24, 2011) to require an immediate functional test of the
fuselage drain holes and a report of the results to the FAA. It also
allows, with noted exceptions, for the return/position of the airplane
to a home base, hangar, maintenance facility, etc.
Since we issued AD 2011-01-53, another Piaggio P-180 airplane
experienced jamming of the flight control cables also due to water
accumulating and freezing in the lower fuselage area. This event
happened after this airplane had complied with AD 2011-01-53, noting no
problems with the fuselage drain system.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD
No.: 2011-0074-E, dated April 22, 2011 (referred to after this as ``the
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The
MCAI states:
* * * another event of in-flight blockage of flight controls was
reported by an operator. The aeroplane was already compliant with
EASA AD 2010-0269-E, and during accomplishment of the AD required
inspection no discrepancies had been noted, nor water or ice
accumulation were reported. As a consequence, additional drain holes
were not drilled.
For the reasons described above, this AD, which supersedes EASA
AD 2010-0269-E, requires, in order to improve efficiency of the
drainage system, to cut the rubber flap of the 2 aft flapper valves,
to inspect the flapper valves for proper functioning and the
subsequent accomplishment of a functional test of the fuselage drain
holes.
Furthermore, for those MSN not compliant with Piaggio Aero
Industries Service Bulletin (SB) 80-0291 and where no additional
drain holes had been drilled in accordance with the accomplishment
instructions of Piaggio Aero Industries Alert Service Bulletin ASB-
80-0324, step 5, this AD requires drilling additional drain holes.
It is finally required to report the inspection results to
Piaggio Aero industries.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A has issued Service Bulletin
(Mandatory) N.: 80-0330, dated April 21, 2011. 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 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 issuing this
[[Page 27874]]
AD because we evaluated all information provided by the State of Design
Authority and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might have also required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
described in a separate paragraph of the AD. These requirements take
precedence over those copied from the MCAI.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because water
may accumulate in the belly of the fuselage and freeze, which may cause
the flight controls to jam. This condition may lead to loss of control.
Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment
before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-0468; Directorate
Identifier 2011-CE-013-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because 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 about this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 102 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 9 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S.
operators to be $78,030, or $765 per product.
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 determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
(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) 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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 39-16582 (76 FR
4056, January 24, 2011), and adding the following new AD:
2011-09-51 Piaggio Aero Industries S.P.A.: Amendment 39-16697;
Docket No. FAA-2011-0468; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-013-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 31,
2011.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2011-01-53, Amendment 39-16582.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Models P-
180 airplanes, all serial numbers, certified in any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 53:
Fuselage.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
* * * another event of in-flight blockage of flight controls was
reported by an operator. The aeroplane was already compliant with
EASA AD 2010-0269-E, and during accomplishment of the AD required
inspection no discrepancies had been noted, nor water or ice
accumulation were reported. As a consequence, additional drain holes
were not drilled.
For the reasons described above, this AD, which supersedes EASA
AD 2010-0269-E, requires, in order to improve efficiency of the
drainage system, to cut the rubber flap of the 2 aft flapper valves,
to inspect the flapper valves for proper functioning and the
subsequent accomplishment of a functional test of the fuselage drain
holes.
Furthermore, for those MSN not compliant with Piaggio Aero
Industries Service Bulletin (SB) 80-0291 and where no additional
drain holes had been drilled in accordance with the accomplishment
instructions of Piaggio Aero Industries Alert Service Bulletin ASB-
80-0324, step 5, this AD requires drilling additional drain holes.
It is finally required to report the inspection results to
Piaggio Aero industries.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
[[Page 27875]]
(1) Within the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after May 31,
2011 (the effective date of this AD) or within the next 10 days
after May 31, 2011 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs
first, cut off the rubber flap of the two flapper valves near frame
36, inspect the flapper valves, and do the functional test of the
valves and fuselage drainage holes following Part A of PIAGGIO AERO
INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: 80-0330, dated
April 21, 2011.
(2) If in the inspection and functional test required in
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD the valves and drain holes are found to
not drain properly, before further flight, take corrective action
following Part A of PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin
(Mandatory) N.: 80-0330, dated April 21, 2011.
(3) Within the next 165 hours TIS after May 31, 2011 (the
effective date of this AD) or within the next 90 days after May 31,
2011 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first, add
drain holes on keel beam webs connecting the lateral bays to the
center bays following Part B of PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A.
Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: 80-0330, dated April 21, 2011; or
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: 80-
0291, dated November 29, 2010.
(4) Within 10 days after complying with the actions required in
paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD or within 10 days
after May 31, 2011 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs
later, report the results (including no findings) using the
Confirmation Slip attached to PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service
Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: 80-0330, dated April 21, 2011. Send the
report to Piaggio at one of the addresses (facsimile, email)
referenced in the Related Information section, paragraph (i)(2) of
this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) 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. 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.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from 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 the 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.
Related Information
(h) Refer to EASA AD No.: 2011-0074-E, dated April 22, 2011;
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: 80-
0330, dated April 21, 2011; and PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A.
Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: 80-0291, dated November 29, 2010
for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin
(Mandatory) N.: 80-0330, dated April 21, 2011; and PIAGGIO AERO
INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: 80-0291, dated
November 29, 2010, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the
AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A-Airworthiness Office; Via Luigi
Cibrario, 4--16154 Genova--Italy; telephone: +39 010 6481353; fax:
+39 010 6481881; E-mail: airworthiness@piaggioaero.it.
(3) 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.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information
incorporated by reference for this AD at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 4, 2011.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-11330 Filed 5-12-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
