Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes, 15171-15173 [2015-06414]

Download as PDF 15171 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 80, No. 55 Monday, March 23, 2015 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2015–0627; Directorate Identifier 2015–CE–002–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Examining the AD Docket Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA–23–250, PA–24–250, PA–24–260, PA–24–400, PA–30, PA–31, PA–31–300, PA–31P, PA–39, and PA–E23–250 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an accident caused by fuel starvation where the shape of the wing fuel tanks and fuel below a certain level in that tank may have allowed the fuel to move away from the tank outlet during certain maneuvers. This proposed AD would require installing a fuel system management placard on the aircraft instrument panel and adding text to the Limitations section of the pilot’s operating handbook (POH)/airplane flight manual (AFM). We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 7, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, 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. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Mar 20, 2015 Jkt 235001 • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Service, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (877) 879–0275; fax: none; email: customer.service@piper.com; Internet: www.piper.com. You may review 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. You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– 0627; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ansel James, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474–5576; fax: (404) 474–5606; email: ansel.james@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2015–0627; Directorate Identifier 2015– CE–002–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion We received a report of an accident where the shape of the wing fuel tanks on Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA–23– 250, PA–24–250, PA–24–260, PA–24– 400, PA–30, PA–31, PA–31–300, PA– 31P, PA–39, and PA–E23–250 airplanes, combined with fuel below a certain level in the selected tank, may have allowed the fuel to move away from the tank outlet during certain maneuvers causing fuel starvation. These airplanes do not have baffles in the fuel tanks. Baffles in the fuel tanks slow the movement of fuel in the tank during certain maneuvers and prevent the unsafe condition. Certain maneuvers, such as prolonged turns during taxi prior to takeoff and inflight maneuvers like prolonged slips and skids at any pitch attitude, can cause the fuel in the tanks to temporarily move away from the tank outlet. This could result in an interruption in the flow of the fuel to the engine. It was also noted, the manufacturer insufficiently defined procedures for low fuel operation. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to loss of engine power or engine shutdown, which may result in loss of control. Relevant Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014. Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014, calls for/describes actions for, when necessary, installing the correct fuel warning placard on the instrument panel and adding correct text of that fuel warning placard in the Limitations section of the POH/AFM. This service information is reasonably available; see ADDRESSES for ways to access this service information. FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. E:\FR\FM\23MRP1.SGM 23MRP1 15172 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 55 / Monday, March 23, 2015 / Proposed Rules Proposed AD Requirements Costs of Compliance This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. We estimate that this proposed AD affects 3,000 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Inspection to determine if placard, if installed, and Limitations section of the POH/AFM are compliant with Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014. .5 work-hour × $85 per hour = $42.50. Cost per product Not Applicable We estimate the following costs to do any necessary placard/POH/AFM order and installation that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that $42.50 Cost on U.S. operators $127,500 might need any necessary placard/POH/ AFM order and installation: ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Order and install replacement placard ......................... Order updated POH/AFM and install updated pages .. 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ............................... .5 work-hour × $85 per hour = $42.50 ......................... 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. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: 16:19 Mar 20, 2015 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Regulatory Findings VerDate Sep<11>2014 (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (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. Jkt 235001 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Parts cost $40 300 Cost per product $125 342.50 (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by May 7, 2015. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA–23–250, PA–24–250, PA–24–260, PA–24–400, PA–30, PA–31, PA–31–300, PA– 31P, PA–39, and PA–E23–250 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 1130, PLACARDS AND MARKINGS; Interior Placards. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by an accident caused by fuel starvation where the shape of the wing fuel tanks and fuel below a certain level in that tank may have allowed the fuel to move away from the tank outlet during certain maneuvers. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to loss of engine power or engine shutdown, which may result in loss of control. ■ (f) Compliance Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes: Docket No. FAA–2015–0627; Directorate Identifier 2015–CE–002–AD. Unless already done, within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, do the actions in paragraphs (g) and (h), as applicable, including all subparagraphs: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\23MRP1.SGM 23MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 55 / Monday, March 23, 2015 / Proposed Rules (g) Fuel Warning Placard Inspection (1) Inspect the fuel warning placard, if existing, following the Instructions section, of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014. If the placard is present and compliant with the Instructions section of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014, then no further action regarding the placard is required. (2) If the fuel warning placard is not present or not compliant with the Instructions section of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014, then order or, as applicable, fabricate, and install the applicable fuel warning placard following the Instructions section of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014. You may order the applicable placard from Piper Aircraft, Inc. at the address identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. (h) Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)/ Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Inspection (1) Inspect the Limitations section of the applicable POH/AFM following the Instructions section of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014. (2) If the Limitations section of the applicable POH/AFM contains the exact text found in table 2 of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014, there is no need for a POH/AFM revision. (3) If the Limitations section of the applicable POH/AFM does not contain the exact text found in table 2, a POH/AFM revision is required. Contact Piper Aircraft, Inc. at the address identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD and request the applicable POH/AFM revision. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. 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 paragraph (j)(1) 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. (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Ansel James, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474–5576; fax: (404) 474–5606; email: ansel.james@ faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Service, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (877) 879– VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Mar 20, 2015 Jkt 235001 0275; fax: none; email: customer.service@ piper.com; Internet: www.piper.com. You may view this 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. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 12, 2015. Robert Busto, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015–06414 Filed 3–20–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 16 CFR Part Chapter II [CPSC Docket No. CPSC–2013–0028] Corded Window Coverings: Notice of Extension of Comment Period U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking; extension of comment period. AGENCY: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission or CPSC) published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) in the Federal Register on January 16, 2015, concerning corded window coverings. The ANPR invited the public to submit written comments; the comment period as set in the ANPR ended on Tuesday, March 17, 2015. In response to a request for extension, the Commission is extending the comment period to Monday, June 1, 2015. DATES: The comment period for the ANPR published on January 16, 2015 (80 FR 2327), is extended. Comments must be received by Monday, June 1, 2015. SUMMARY: You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. CPSC–2013– 0028, by any of the following methods: Electronic Submissions: Submit electronic comments to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. The Commission does not accept comments submitted by electronic mail (email), except through www.regulations.gov. The Commission encourages you to submit electronic comments by using the Federal eRulemaking Portal, as described above. Written Submissions: Submit written submissions by mail/hand delivery/ courier to: Office of the Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission, ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 15173 Room 820, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814; telephone (301) 504–7923. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this notice. All comments received may be posted without change, including any personal identifiers, contact information, or other personal information provided, to: https://www.regulations.gov. Do not submit confidential business information, trade secret information, or other sensitive or protected information that you do not want to be available to the public. If furnished at all, such information should be submitted in writing. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to: https:// www.regulations.gov, and insert the docket number CPSC–2013–0028, into the ‘‘Search’’ box, and follow the prompts. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rana Balci-Sinha, Office of Hazard Identification and Reduction, 5 Research Place, Rockville, MD 20850, telephone 301–987–2584, email windowcoveringtechnologies@cpsc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 8, 2014, the Commission granted a petition to initiate a rulemaking to develop a mandatory safety standard for window coverings. The petition sought to prohibit window covering cords when a feasible cordless alternative exists. The petition requested that all window covering cords be made inaccessible by using passive guarding devices when a feasible cordless alternative does not exist. On January 16, 2015, the Commission published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) initiating rulemaking and seeking information and comment on regulatory options for a mandatory rule to address the risk of strangulation to young children on window covering cords. 80 FR 2327. The comment period on the ANPR was scheduled to end on March 17, 2015. In a letter dated February 2, 2015, the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) requested a 75-day extension of the comment period to complete multiple studies that WCMA commissioned. WCMA states that the request is ‘‘based on the need for sufficient opportunity to develop and present a more factual record for CPSC’s consideration to permit a well-informed analysis before considering whether the agency can move to the next stage of promulgating such a significant rule.’’ E:\FR\FM\23MRP1.SGM 23MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 55 (Monday, March 23, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 15171-15173]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-06414]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 55 / Monday, March 23, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 15171]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0627; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-002-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-23-250, PA-24-250, PA-24-260, 
PA-24-400, PA-30, PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31P, PA-39, and PA-E23-250 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an accident caused by fuel 
starvation where the shape of the wing fuel tanks and fuel below a 
certain level in that tank may have allowed the fuel to move away from 
the tank outlet during certain maneuvers. This proposed AD would 
require installing a fuel system management placard on the aircraft 
instrument panel and adding text to the Limitations section of the 
pilot's operating handbook (POH)/airplane flight manual (AFM). We are 
proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 7, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Service, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, 
Florida 32960; telephone: (877) 879-0275; fax: none; email: 
customer.service@piper.com; Internet: www.piper.com. You may review 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0627; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ansel James, Aerospace Engineer, 
Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474-5576; fax: (404) 474-
5606; email: ansel.james@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-0627; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-002-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    We received a report of an accident where the shape of the wing 
fuel tanks on Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-23-250, PA-24-250, PA-24-
260, PA-24-400, PA-30, PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31P, PA-39, and PA-E23-250 
airplanes, combined with fuel below a certain level in the selected 
tank, may have allowed the fuel to move away from the tank outlet 
during certain maneuvers causing fuel starvation. These airplanes do 
not have baffles in the fuel tanks. Baffles in the fuel tanks slow the 
movement of fuel in the tank during certain maneuvers and prevent the 
unsafe condition. Certain maneuvers, such as prolonged turns during 
taxi prior to takeoff and inflight maneuvers like prolonged slips and 
skids at any pitch attitude, can cause the fuel in the tanks to 
temporarily move away from the tank outlet. This could result in an 
interruption in the flow of the fuel to the engine. It was also noted, 
the manufacturer insufficiently defined procedures for low fuel 
operation. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to loss of 
engine power or engine shutdown, which may result in loss of control.

Relevant Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated 
December 16, 2014. Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1266, 
dated December 16, 2014, calls for/describes actions for, when 
necessary, installing the correct fuel warning placard on the 
instrument panel and adding correct text of that fuel warning placard 
in the Limitations section of the POH/AFM. This service information is 
reasonably available; see ADDRESSES for ways to access this service 
information.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

[[Page 15172]]

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 3,000 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection to determine if          .5 work-hour x $85     Not Applicable.......          $42.50        $127,500
 placard, if installed, and          per hour = $42.50.
 Limitations section of the POH/
 AFM are compliant with Piper
 Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin
 No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary placard/POH/AFM 
order and installation that would be required based on the results of 
the proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need any necessary placard/POH/AFM order and 
installation:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Order and install replacement placard.........  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85             $40            $125
Order updated POH/AFM and install updated       .5 work-hour x $85 per hour =                300          342.50
 pages.                                          $42.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes: Docket No. FAA-2015-0627; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-002-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 7, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-23-250, PA-24-
250, PA-24-260, PA-24-400, PA-30, PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31P, PA-39, 
and PA-E23-250 airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 
1266, dated December 16, 2014.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 1130, PLACARDS AND MARKINGS; Interior 
Placards.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an accident caused by fuel starvation 
where the shape of the wing fuel tanks and fuel below a certain 
level in that tank may have allowed the fuel to move away from the 
tank outlet during certain maneuvers. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. This condition, 
if not corrected, could lead to loss of engine power or engine 
shutdown, which may result in loss of control.

(f) Compliance

    Unless already done, within the next 50 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) after the effective date of this AD, do the actions in 
paragraphs (g) and (h), as applicable, including all subparagraphs:

[[Page 15173]]

(g) Fuel Warning Placard Inspection

    (1) Inspect the fuel warning placard, if existing, following the 
Instructions section, of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service 
Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014. If the placard is 
present and compliant with the Instructions section of Piper 
Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 
16, 2014, then no further action regarding the placard is required.
    (2) If the fuel warning placard is not present or not compliant 
with the Instructions section of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory 
Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014, then order or, 
as applicable, fabricate, and install the applicable fuel warning 
placard following the Instructions section of Piper Aircraft, Inc. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014. You 
may order the applicable placard from Piper Aircraft, Inc. at the 
address identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD.

(h) Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)/Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) 
Inspection

    (1) Inspect the Limitations section of the applicable POH/AFM 
following the Instructions section of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory 
Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014.
    (2) If the Limitations section of the applicable POH/AFM 
contains the exact text found in table 2 of Piper Aircraft, Inc. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1266, dated December 16, 2014, there 
is no need for a POH/AFM revision.
    (3) If the Limitations section of the applicable POH/AFM does 
not contain the exact text found in table 2, a POH/AFM revision is 
required. Contact Piper Aircraft, Inc. at the address identified in 
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD and request the applicable POH/AFM 
revision.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. 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 paragraph (j)(1) 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Ansel James, 
Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1701 
Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474-
5576; fax: (404) 474-5606; email: ansel.james@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper 
Aircraft, Inc., Customer Service, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, 
Florida 32960; telephone: (877) 879-0275; fax: none; email: 
customer.service@piper.com; Internet: www.piper.com. You may view 
this 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 12, 2015.
Robert Busto,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-06414 Filed 3-20-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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