Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes, 31169-31172 [2012-12092]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 102 / Friday, May 25, 2012 / Rules and Regulations (g) Pivot Pin Replacement At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–55A0018, Revision 1, dated March 6, 2012, except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD: Replace the pivot pins of the horizontal stabilizer with new or reworked pivot pins, including replacing the spacer with a new spacer or with one that has been determined to be without corrosion damage or other irregularities; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–55A0018, Revision 1, dated March 6, 2012. (h) Repetitive Inspections At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–55A0018, Revision 1, dated March 6, 2012: Do detailed inspections for cracks, corrosion damage, or other irregularity of the outer and inner pivot pins; and an ultrasonic inspection for cracking of the outer pivot pins; and do all applicable corrective actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–55A0018, Revision 1, dated March 6, 2012. Corrective actions must be done before further flight. Repeat the inspections at the applicable interval specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–55A0018, Revision 1, dated March 6, 2012. (i) Exception Where paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–55A0018, Revision 1, dated March 6, 2012, specifies a compliance time ‘‘after the Revision 1 date of this service bulletin,’’ this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time ‘‘after the effective date of this AD.’’ wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES (j) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–55A0018, dated July 27, 2011. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle 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. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (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) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:21 May 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. ACTION: BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 31169 Examining the AD Docket Final rule. We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (type certificate previously held by The New Piper Aircraft Inc.) Models PA–31T and (l) Related Information PA–31T1 airplanes. That AD currently requires correcting a model For more information about this AD, identification error on the aircraft data contact James Sutherland, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, plate. Since we issued that AD, we have FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, become aware that some owner/ 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington operators of the affected airplanes 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6533; fax: 425– modified the aircraft data plate in error 917–6590; email: james.sutherland@faa.gov. because of confusion in the serial (m) Material Incorporated by Reference number applicability. Because of the confusion, the manufacturer has issued You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this new service information to clarify AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The affected airplane serial numbers. This Director of the Federal Register approved the new AD requires determining the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the airplane model based on the serial following service information under 5 U.S.C. number and modifying the aircraft data 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51: plate to properly identify the airplane (1) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777– model. This new AD also requires doing 55A0018, Revision 1, dated March 6, 2012. a detailed search for all applicable (2) For service information identified in airworthiness related documents that this AD, contact Boeing Commercial apply to any airplane that has an Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, incorrectly marked data plate and take Seattle, Washington 98124–2207; telephone necessary corrective actions based on 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766– the search findings. We are issuing this 5680; email me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet AD to correct the unsafe condition on https://www.myboeingfleet.com. these products. (3) You may review copies of the service DATES: This AD is effective June 29, information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 2012. Washington. For information on the The Director of the Federal Register availability of this material at the FAA, call approved the incorporation by reference 425–227–1221. of a certain publication listed in the AD (4) You may also review copies of the as of June 29, 2012. service information that is incorporated by ADDRESSES: For service information reference at the National Archives and identified in this AD, contact Piper Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this Aircraft, Inc., 926 Piper Drive, Vero material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (772) to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/ 567–4361; Internet: www.piper.com. cfr/ibr-locations.html. You may review copies of the Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 11, referenced service information at the 2012. FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Michael Kaszycki, Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. this material at the FAA, call (816) 329– 4148. [FR Doc. 2012–12087 Filed 5–24–12; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0251; Directorate Identifier 2012–CE–002–AD; Amendment 39–17058; AD 2012–10–09] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 SUMMARY: 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 address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. E:\FR\FM\25MYR1.SGM 25MYR1 31170 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 102 / Friday, May 25, 2012 / Rules and Regulations FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory ‘‘Keith’’ Noles, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474–5551; fax: (404) 474– 5606; email: gregory.noles@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 80–11–06, amendment 39–3776 (45 FR 35309, May 27, 1980). That AD applies to the specified products. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2012 (77 FR 14316). The NPRM proposed to retain all requirements of AD 80–11–06, amendment 39–3776 (45 FR 35309, May 27, 1980) and clarify the serial number applicability of the affected model airplanes. The NPRM also proposed to require a detailed search for all applicable airworthiness related documents that apply to any airplane that has an incorrectly marked aircraft data plate and take necessary corrective actions. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 14316, March 9, 2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 14316, March 9, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 14316, March 9, 2012). Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 158 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Cost per product Action Labor cost Parts cost Inspect the aircraft data plate ........ 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 Not applicable ................................ We estimate the following costs to do any necessary modification and/or records search that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the Cost on U.S. operators $85 $13,430 number of aircraft that might need modification: ON-CONDITION COSTS Labor cost Parts cost Modify the aircraft data plate .............................. Detailed search for all applicable airworthiness related documents that apply to any airplane that has an incorrectly marked aircraft data plate. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES Action 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .... 4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 Cost per product Not applicable .................................... Not applicable .................................... 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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:21 May 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 Regulatory Findings We have 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), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) 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. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 $85 $340 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 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 airworthiness directive (AD) 80–11–06, amendment 39–3776 (45 FR 35309, May 27, 1980), and adding the following new AD: ■ E:\FR\FM\25MYR1.SGM 25MYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 102 / Friday, May 25, 2012 / Rules and Regulations 2012–10–09 Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by The New Piper Aircraft Inc.): Amendment 39– 17058; Docket No. FAA–2012–0251; Directorate Identifier 2012–CE–002–AD. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 29, 2012. (b) Affected ADs This AD supersedes AD 80–11–06, Amendment 39–3776 (45 FR 35309, May 27, 1980). wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES (c) Applicability This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category. (1) Model PA–31T airplanes, serial numbers 31T–7820001, 31T–7820002, 31T– 7820003, 31T–7820004, 31T–7820005, 31T– 7820006, 31T–7820007, 31T–7820008, 31T– 7820009, 31T–7820010, 31T–7820011, 31T– 7820012, 31T–7820013, 31T–7820014, 31T– 7820015, 31T–7820016, 31T–7820017, 31T– 7820018, 31T–7820019, 31T–7820020, 31T– 7820021, 31T–7820022, 31T–7820023, 31T– 7820024, 31T–7820025, 31T–7820026, 31T– 7820027, 31T–7820028, 31T–7820029, 31T– 7820030, 31T–7820031, 31T–7820032, 31T– 7820033, 31T–7820034, 31T–7820035, 31T– 7820036, 31T–7820037, 31T–7820038, 31T– 7820039, 31T–7820040, 31T–7820041, 31T– 7820042, 31T–7820043, 31T–7820044, 31T– 7820045, 31T–7820046, 31T–7820047, 31T– 7820048, 31T–7820049, 31T–7820050, 31T– 7820051, 31T–7820052, 31T–7820053, 31T– 7820054, 31T–7820055, 31T–7820056, 31T– 7820057, 31T–7820058, 31T–7820059, 31T– 7820060, 31T–7820061, 31T–7820062, 31T– 7820063, 31T–7820064, 31T–7820065, 31T– 7820066, 31T–7820067, 31T–7820068, 31T– 7820069, 31T–7820070, 31T–7820071, 31T– 7820072, 31T–7820073, 31T–7820074, 31T– 7820075, 31T–7820076, 31T–7820077, 31T– 7820078, 31T–7820079, 31T–7820080, 31T– 7820081, 31T–7820082, 31T–7820083, 31T– 7820084, 31T–7820085, 31T–7820086, 31T– 7820087, 31T–7820088, 31T–7820089, 31T– 7820090, 31T–7820091, 31T–7820092; and (2) Model PA–31T1 airplanes, serial numbers 31T–7804001, 31T–7804002, 31T– 7804003, 31T–7804004, 31T–7804005, 31T– 7804006, 31T–7804007, 31T–7804008, 31T– 7804009, 31T–7804010, 31T–7804011, 31T– 7904001, 31T–7904002, 31T–7904003, 31T– 7904004, 31T–7904005, 31T–7904006, 31T– 7904007, 31T–7904008, 31T–7904009, 31T– 7904010, 31T–7904011, 31T–7904012, 31T– 7904013, 31T–7904014, 31T–7904015, 31T– 7904016, 31T–7904017, 31T–7904018, 31T– 7904019, 31T–7904020, 31T–7904021, 31T– 7904022, 31T–7904023, 31T–7904024, 31T– 7904025, 31T–7904026, 31T–7904027, 31T– 7904028, 31T–7904029, 31T–7904030, 31T– 7904031, 31T–7904032, 31T–7904033, 31T– 7904034, 31T–7904035, 31T–7904036, 31T– 7904037, 31T–7904038, 31T–7904039, 31T– 7904040, 31T–7904041, 31T–7904042, 31T– 7904043, 31T–7904044, 31T–7904045, 31T– 7904046, 31T–7904047, 31T–7904048, 31T– 7904049, 31T–7904050, 31T–7904051, 31T– 7904052, 31T–7904053, 31T–7904056, 31T– 7904057. VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:21 May 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 1100, Placards and Markings. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports that some owner/operators of the affected airplanes modified the aircraft data plate in error because of confusion in the serial number applicability. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Inspect the Aircraft Data Plate Within the next 100 hours after June 29, 2012 (the effective date of this AD), inspect the markings on the aircraft data plate. Do the inspection following Part I of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1235, dated November 3, 2011. (1) If the aircraft data plate is correctly marked, make a logbook entry showing compliance with this AD, and no further action is required. (2) If the aircraft data plate is incorrectly marked, continue with paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD. (h) Modify the Aircraft Data Plate Before further flight after the inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD, modify the aircraft data plate following Part II of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1235, dated November 3, 2011. (i) Detailed Aircraft Records Search Before further flight after the modification required in paragraph (h) of this AD: (1) Do a detailed search of the aircraft maintenance records and documents to include, but not limited to, ADs, special airworthiness information bulletins (SAIBs), service bulletins (SBs), and other service documents; installed supplemental type certificates (STCs) and parts manufacturing approval (PMAs); and instructions for continued airworthiness (ICAs). Each document found must be assessed to ensure proper actions have been made to maintain airworthiness as affected by the model number of the aircraft. Part 135 operators and other operators utilizing FAA-approved maintenance programs will need to address changes to their inspection programs and related documents. Note 1 to paragraph (i)(1) of this AD: Although some of the above documents may not be mandatory for compliance, it is still necessary to evaluate them to ensure that any voluntary compliance does not negatively affect the airworthiness of the airplane. (2) Identify all discrepant conditions for misidentified aircraft and coordinate with the geographic Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) and the Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) to determine necessary corrective actions. Also, coordinate with the geographic FSDO to arrange for revisions to the airworthiness certificate, registration, and other potential document/certificate PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 31171 revisions. The following is a list of example discrepant conditions that may be found during the records search: (i) An AD was complied with that was applicable to the incorrect model, but not applicable to the corrected model. (ii) A required AD for the corrected model was not complied with. (iii) A maintenance action was performed that was recommended, but not mandatory, for the incorrect model, but not applicable to the corrected model. (iv) A PMA part was installed that was applicable for the incorrect model, but not for the corrected model. (v) An STC was installed that was applicable for the incorrect model, but not for the corrected model. (vi) An STC was installed that was applicable for both the incorrect and corrected model, but all related, applicable ADs for the corrected model were not complied with. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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 80–11–06 (45 FR 35309, May 27, 1980), are approved as AMOCs for this AD. (k) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Gregory ‘‘Keith’’ Noles, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474–5551; fax: (404) 474–5606; email: gregory.noles@faa.gov. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) You must use Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1235, dated November 3, 2011, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (772) 567–4361; Internet: www.piper.com. (3) You may review copies of the 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 that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and E:\FR\FM\25MYR1.SGM 25MYR1 31172 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 102 / Friday, May 25, 2012 / Rules and Regulations 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/ cfr/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 14, 2012. Earl Lawrence, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–12092 Filed 5–24–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0084; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–089–AD; Amendment 39–17050; AD 2012–10–01] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: Discussion We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 427 helicopters which requires replacing certain tailboom attachment hardware and at certain intervals thereafter, determining the torque of that tailboom attachment hardware. This AD was prompted by a review of the tailboom attachment installation, which revealed that the torque value of the bolts specified in the BHTC Model 427 Maintenance Manual and applied during manufacturing was incorrect and exceeded the torque range recommended for the bolts. The actions are intended to prevent an over-torque of the tailboom attachment bolt (bolt), bolt failure, loss of the tailboom, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. SUMMARY: This AD is effective June 29, 2012. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of June 29, 2012. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437–2862 or (800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433–0272; or at https://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES DATES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:21 May 24, 2012 Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. Examining the AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, any incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800– 647–5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email sharon.y.miles@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Jkt 226001 On February 3, 2012, at 77 FR 5425, the Federal Register published our Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to BHTC Model 427 helicopters, serial numbers 56001 through 56084. That NPRM proposed to require within 150 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 90 days, whichever occurs first, the following actions: • Remove the left upper bolt, washers, and nut. Install the new bolt, part number (P/N) NAS627–27; washers, P/N 140–007–29S25E6 and P/ N NAS1149G0732P; and new nut, P/N 42FLW–720. Run the nut onto the threads of the mating bolt with a torque wrench and measure the existing tare torque. Any bolt and nut used must have a minimum tare torque value of 14 inch/lbs. Torque the nut and coat the bolt head, nut, and washers with appropriate corrosion preventive compound to seal the joint. Repeat these actions at the three remaining bolt locations. • After installation of the new attachment hardware, at intervals of not less than 1 hour TIS but not exceeding 5 hours TIS, determine the torque of each nut until torque stabilizes at each attachment location. Thereafter, determine the torque of each nut at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent an over-torque of the bolt, bolt failure, loss of the PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 tailboom, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Transport Canada (TC), which is the aviation authority for Canada, issued Canadian AD CF–2010–32, dated September 30, 2010 (AD CF–2010–32), to correct an unsafe condition for the BHTC Model 427 helicopters, serial numbers (S/Ns) 56001 through 56084, and S/Ns 58001 and 58002. TC advises that a review of the tailboom attachment installation determined that the torque value of the bolts specified in the BHTC Model 427 Maintenance Manual and applied during manufacturing exceeded the torque range recommended for the bolts. They state that this situation, if not corrected, could lead to a bolt failure, detachment of the tailboom, and loss of control of the helicopter. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM. FAA’s Determination This helicopter model has been approved by the aviation authority of Canada and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Canada, TC, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the TC AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by TC and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of this same type design and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Differences Between This AD and the TC AD The differences between this AD and the TC AD are as follows: • The TC AD applies to the BHTC Model 427 helicopter, serial numbers 58001 and 58002; however, this AD is not applicable to the BHTC Model 427 helicopters with these serial numbers because they are not eligible for an FAA Certificate of Airworthiness. Related Service Information BHTC has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 427–10–31, dated March 1, 2010 (ASB), which specifies installing new attachment hardware with a reduced torque value. This ASB specifies determining the torque of the newly installed bolts and nuts every 1 to 5 flight hours until torque stabilizes at all locations, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 flight hours. TC classified this ASB as mandatory and issued AD CF–2010–32 to ensure E:\FR\FM\25MYR1.SGM 25MYR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 102 (Friday, May 25, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31169-31172]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-12092]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0251; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-002-AD; 
Amendment 39-17058; AD 2012-10-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (type certificate previously held by 
The New Piper Aircraft Inc.) Models PA-31T and PA-31T1 airplanes. That 
AD currently requires correcting a model identification error on the 
aircraft data plate. Since we issued that AD, we have become aware that 
some owner/operators of the affected airplanes modified the aircraft 
data plate in error because of confusion in the serial number 
applicability. Because of the confusion, the manufacturer has issued 
new service information to clarify affected airplane serial numbers. 
This new AD requires determining the airplane model based on the serial 
number and modifying the aircraft data plate to properly identify the 
airplane model. This new AD also requires doing a detailed search for 
all applicable airworthiness related documents that apply to any 
airplane that has an incorrectly marked data plate and take necessary 
corrective actions based on the search findings. We are issuing this AD 
to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 29, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of June 29, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper 
Aircraft, Inc., 926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: 
(772) 567-4361; Internet: www.piper.com. 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 address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

[[Page 31170]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory ``Keith'' Noles, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1701 Columbia 
Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5551; fax: (404) 
474-5606; email: gregory.noles@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 80-11-06, amendment 39-3776 (45 FR 35309, May 
27, 1980). That AD applies to the specified products. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2012 (77 FR 14316). The 
NPRM proposed to retain all requirements of AD 80-11-06, amendment 39-
3776 (45 FR 35309, May 27, 1980) and clarify the serial number 
applicability of the affected model airplanes. The NPRM also proposed 
to require a detailed search for all applicable airworthiness related 
documents that apply to any airplane that has an incorrectly marked 
aircraft data plate and take necessary corrective actions.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 14316, March 9, 
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 14316, March 9, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 14316, March 9, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 158 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect the aircraft data plate...  1 work-hour x $85 per  Not applicable.......             $85         $13,430
                                     hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary modification 
and/or records search that will be required based on the results of the 
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need modification:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                 Action                           Labor cost                  Parts cost              product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modify the aircraft data plate.........  1 work-hour x $85 per hour   Not applicable............             $85
                                          = $85.
Detailed search for all applicable       4 work-hours x $85 per hour  Not applicable............            $340
 airworthiness related documents that     = $340.
 apply to any airplane that has an
 incorrectly marked aircraft data plate.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

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 airworthiness directive (AD) 
80-11-06, amendment 39-3776 (45 FR 35309, May 27, 1980), and adding the 
following new AD:


[[Page 31171]]


2012-10-09 Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
The New Piper Aircraft Inc.): Amendment 39-17058; Docket No. FAA-
2012-0251; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-002-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 29, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 80-11-06, Amendment 39-3776 (45 FR 35309, 
May 27, 1980).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Model PA-31T airplanes, serial numbers 31T-7820001, 31T-
7820002, 31T-7820003, 31T-7820004, 31T-7820005, 31T-7820006, 31T-
7820007, 31T-7820008, 31T-7820009, 31T-7820010, 31T-7820011, 31T-
7820012, 31T-7820013, 31T-7820014, 31T-7820015, 31T-7820016, 31T-
7820017, 31T-7820018, 31T-7820019, 31T-7820020, 31T-7820021, 31T-
7820022, 31T-7820023, 31T-7820024, 31T-7820025, 31T-7820026, 31T-
7820027, 31T-7820028, 31T-7820029, 31T-7820030, 31T-7820031, 31T-
7820032, 31T-7820033, 31T-7820034, 31T-7820035, 31T-7820036, 31T-
7820037, 31T-7820038, 31T-7820039, 31T-7820040, 31T-7820041, 31T-
7820042, 31T-7820043, 31T-7820044, 31T-7820045, 31T-7820046, 31T-
7820047, 31T-7820048, 31T-7820049, 31T-7820050, 31T-7820051, 31T-
7820052, 31T-7820053, 31T-7820054, 31T-7820055, 31T-7820056, 31T-
7820057, 31T-7820058, 31T-7820059, 31T-7820060, 31T-7820061, 31T-
7820062, 31T-7820063, 31T-7820064, 31T-7820065, 31T-7820066, 31T-
7820067, 31T-7820068, 31T-7820069, 31T-7820070, 31T-7820071, 31T-
7820072, 31T-7820073, 31T-7820074, 31T-7820075, 31T-7820076, 31T-
7820077, 31T-7820078, 31T-7820079, 31T-7820080, 31T-7820081, 31T-
7820082, 31T-7820083, 31T-7820084, 31T-7820085, 31T-7820086, 31T-
7820087, 31T-7820088, 31T-7820089, 31T-7820090, 31T-7820091, 31T-
7820092; and
    (2) Model PA-31T1 airplanes, serial numbers 31T-7804001, 31T-
7804002, 31T-7804003, 31T-7804004, 31T-7804005, 31T-7804006, 31T-
7804007, 31T-7804008, 31T-7804009, 31T-7804010, 31T-7804011, 31T-
7904001, 31T-7904002, 31T-7904003, 31T-7904004, 31T-7904005, 31T-
7904006, 31T-7904007, 31T-7904008, 31T-7904009, 31T-7904010, 31T-
7904011, 31T-7904012, 31T-7904013, 31T-7904014, 31T-7904015, 31T-
7904016, 31T-7904017, 31T-7904018, 31T-7904019, 31T-7904020, 31T-
7904021, 31T-7904022, 31T-7904023, 31T-7904024, 31T-7904025, 31T-
7904026, 31T-7904027, 31T-7904028, 31T-7904029, 31T-7904030, 31T-
7904031, 31T-7904032, 31T-7904033, 31T-7904034, 31T-7904035, 31T-
7904036, 31T-7904037, 31T-7904038, 31T-7904039, 31T-7904040, 31T-
7904041, 31T-7904042, 31T-7904043, 31T-7904044, 31T-7904045, 31T-
7904046, 31T-7904047, 31T-7904048, 31T-7904049, 31T-7904050, 31T-
7904051, 31T-7904052, 31T-7904053, 31T-7904056, 31T-7904057.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 1100, Placards and Markings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that some owner/operators of the 
affected airplanes modified the aircraft data plate in error because 
of confusion in the serial number applicability. We are issuing this 
AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspect the Aircraft Data Plate

    Within the next 100 hours after June 29, 2012 (the effective 
date of this AD), inspect the markings on the aircraft data plate. 
Do the inspection following Part I of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory 
Service Bulletin No. 1235, dated November 3, 2011.
    (1) If the aircraft data plate is correctly marked, make a 
logbook entry showing compliance with this AD, and no further action 
is required.
    (2) If the aircraft data plate is incorrectly marked, continue 
with paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD.

(h) Modify the Aircraft Data Plate

    Before further flight after the inspection required in paragraph 
(g) of this AD, modify the aircraft data plate following Part II of 
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1235, dated 
November 3, 2011.

(i) Detailed Aircraft Records Search

    Before further flight after the modification required in 
paragraph (h) of this AD:
    (1) Do a detailed search of the aircraft maintenance records and 
documents to include, but not limited to, ADs, special airworthiness 
information bulletins (SAIBs), service bulletins (SBs), and other 
service documents; installed supplemental type certificates (STCs) 
and parts manufacturing approval (PMAs); and instructions for 
continued airworthiness (ICAs). Each document found must be assessed 
to ensure proper actions have been made to maintain airworthiness as 
affected by the model number of the aircraft. Part 135 operators and 
other operators utilizing FAA-approved maintenance programs will 
need to address changes to their inspection programs and related 
documents.

    Note 1 to paragraph (i)(1) of this AD: Although some of the 
above documents may not be mandatory for compliance, it is still 
necessary to evaluate them to ensure that any voluntary compliance 
does not negatively affect the airworthiness of the airplane.

    (2) Identify all discrepant conditions for misidentified 
aircraft and coordinate with the geographic Flight Standards 
District Office (FSDO) and the Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO) to determine necessary corrective actions. Also, coordinate 
with the geographic FSDO to arrange for revisions to the 
airworthiness certificate, registration, and other potential 
document/certificate revisions. The following is a list of example 
discrepant conditions that may be found during the records search:
    (i) An AD was complied with that was applicable to the incorrect 
model, but not applicable to the corrected model.
    (ii) A required AD for the corrected model was not complied 
with.
    (iii) A maintenance action was performed that was recommended, 
but not mandatory, for the incorrect model, but not applicable to 
the corrected model.
    (iv) A PMA part was installed that was applicable for the 
incorrect model, but not for the corrected model.
    (v) An STC was installed that was applicable for the incorrect 
model, but not for the corrected model.
    (vi) An STC was installed that was applicable for both the 
incorrect and corrected model, but all related, applicable ADs for 
the corrected model were not complied with.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 80-11-06 (45 FR 35309, May 27, 1980), 
are approved as AMOCs for this AD.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Gregory ``Keith'' 
Noles, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5551; fax: (404) 474-
5606; email: gregory.noles@faa.gov.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) You must use Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin 
No. 1235, dated November 3, 2011, to do the actions required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper 
Aircraft, Inc., 926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; 
telephone: (772) 567-4361; Internet: www.piper.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the 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 that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and

[[Page 31172]]

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/cfr/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 14, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-12092 Filed 5-24-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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