Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc., 3064-3067 [2018-01059]

Download as PDF sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES 3064 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations Special Condition 1 requires that each individual cell within a rechargeable lithium battery be designed to maintain safe temperatures and pressures. Special Condition 2 addresses these same issues but for the entire battery. Special Condition 2 requires the battery be designed to prevent propagation of a thermal event, such as self-sustained, uncontrolled increases in temperature or pressure from one cell to adjacent cells. Special Conditions 1 and 2 are intended to ensure that the cells and battery are designed to eliminate the potential for uncontrollable failures. However, a certain number of failures will occur due to various factors beyond the control of the designer. Therefore, other special conditions are intended to protect the airplane and its occupants if failure occurs. Special Conditions 3, 7, and 8 are selfexplanatory. Special Condition 4 clarifies that the flammable fluid fire-protection requirements of § 25.863 apply to rechargeable lithium battery installations. Section 25.863 is applicable to areas of the airplane that could be exposed to flammable fluid leakage from airplane systems. Rechargeable lithium batteries contain electrolyte that is a flammable fluid. Special Condition 5 requires each rechargeable lithium battery installation to not damage surrounding structure or adjacent systems, equipment, or electrical wiring from corrosive fluids or gases that may escape in such a way as to cause a major or more severe failure condition. Special Condition 6 requires each rechargeable lithium battery installation to have provisions to prevent any hazardous effect on airplane structure or systems caused by the maximum amount of heat it can generate due to any failure of it or its individual cells. The means of meeting special conditions 5 and 6 may be the same, but they are independent requirements addressing different hazards. Special Condition 5 addresses corrosive fluids and gases, whereas Special Condition 6 addresses heat. Special Condition 9 requires rechargeable lithium batteries to have ‘‘automatic’’ means due to the fast acting nature of lithium battery chemical reactions. Manual intervention would not be timely or effective in mitigating the hazards associated with these batteries. These conditions apply to all rechargeable lithium battery installations in lieu of § 25.1353(b)(1) through (4) at amendment 25–123, or § 25.1353(c)(1) through (4) at earlier amendments. These regulations will VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:56 Jan 22, 2018 Jkt 244001 remain in effect for other battery installations on these airplanes. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards. Applicability As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to Boeing Model DC3C airplanes as modified by Preferred Improvements, LLC. Should Preferred Improvements, LLC, apply at a later date for a supplemental type certificate to modify any other model included on Type Certificate No. A699 to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions would apply to those models as well. Conclusion This action affects only a certain novel or unusual design feature on one model of airplane. It is not a rule of general applicability. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25 Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704. The Special Conditions Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the following special conditions are issued as part of the type certification basis for Boeing Model DC3C airplanes as modified by Preferred Improvements, LLC. Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 17, 2018. Victor Wicklund, Manager, Transport Standards Branch, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–01102 Filed 1–22–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Federal Aviation Administration In lieu of § 25.1353(b)(1) through (4) at amendment 25–123, or § 25.1353(c)(1) through (4) at earlier amendments, each rechargeable lithium battery installation must: 1. Be designed to maintain safe cell temperatures and pressures under all foreseeable operating conditions to prevent fire and explosion. 2. Be designed to prevent the occurrence of self-sustaining, uncontrollable increases in temperature or pressure, and automatically control the charge rate of each cell to protect against adverse operating conditions, such as cell imbalance, back charging, overcharging and overheating. 3. Not emit explosive or toxic gases, either in normal operation or as a result of its failure that may accumulate in Frm 00006 Note: A battery system consists of the battery, battery charger and any protective, monitoring and alerting circuitry or hardware inside or outside of the battery. It also includes vents (where necessary) and packaging. For the purpose of this special condition, a battery and battery system are referred to as a battery. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Rechargeable Lithium Battery Installations PO 00000 hazardous quantities within the airplane. 4. Meet the requirements of § 25.863. 5. Not damage surrounding structure or adjacent systems, equipment, or electrical wiring from corrosive fluids or gases that may escape in such a way as to cause a major or more-severe failure condition. 6. Have provisions to prevent any hazardous effect on airplane structure or systems caused by the maximum amount of heat it can generate due to any failure of it or its individual cells. 7. Have a failure sensing and warning system to alert the flight crew if its failure affects safe operation of the airplane. 8. If its function is required for safe operation of the airplane, have a monitoring and warning feature that alerts the flight crew when its charge state falls below acceptable levels. 9. Have a means to automatically disconnect from its charging source in the event of an over-temperature condition, cell failure or battery failure. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0015; Product Identifier 2017–CE–045–AD; Amendment 39–19158; AD 2018–02–05] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA–28–140, PA–28–150, PA–28–151, PA–28–160, PA–28–161, PA–28–180, PA–28–181, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\23JAR1.SGM 23JAR1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES PA–28–236, PA–28–201T, PA–28R–180, PA–28R–200, PA–28R–201, PA–28R– 201T, PA–28RT–201, and PA–28RT– 201T airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the fuel tank selector cover to verify the left and right fuel tank selector placards are located at the proper positions and replacing those that are improperly located with new placards. This AD was prompted by a quality control issue at the manufacturer that resulted in the installation of the fuel tank selector covers with the left and right fuel tank selector placards improperly located. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective February 7, 2018. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 7, 2018. We must receive comments on this AD by March 9, 2018. 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: 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 final rule, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960; telephone: (772) 567–4361; internet: www.piper.com/technicalpublications-documents/. You may view this service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329– 4148. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0015. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:56 Jan 22, 2018 Jkt 244001 www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0015; or in person at the Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations (phone: 800–647– 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald Segall, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474–5541; fax: (404) 474–5506; email: ronald.segall@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We received a report from Piper Aircraft, Inc., that they had a quality control issue that resulted in the installation of fuel tank selector covers with the placement of the left and right fuel tank selector placards installed in reverse on certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA–28–140, PA–28–150, PA– 28–151, PA–28–160, PA–28–161, PA– 28–180, PA–28–181, PA–28–236, PA– 28–201T, PA–28R–180, PA–28R–200, PA–28R–201, PA–28R–201T, PA–28RT– 201, and PA–28RT–201T airplanes. This condition, if not addressed, could result in fuel management errors resulting in fuel starvation and loss of engine power in flight. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1309, dated October 10, 2017. The service bulletin describes procedures for inspecting the fuel tank selector cover to verify the left and right fuel tank selector placards are located at the 12:00 and 3:00 clock positions, respectively, and replacing those that are improperly located with new placards. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. FAA’s Determination We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 3065 and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. AD Requirements This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. FAA’s Justification and Determination of the Effective Date An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because improper fuel selection could result in fuel starvation and loss of engine power in flight. Therefore, we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. In addition, for the reason stated above, we find that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA–2018–0015 and Product Identifier 2017–CE–045–AD at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this final rule 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 final rule. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 17,957 airplanes, of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: E:\FR\FM\23JAR1.SGM 23JAR1 3066 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations ESTIMATED COSTS Cost per product Action Labor cost Parts cost Inspect the left and right fuel tank selector placards for proper installation. .5 work-hour × $85 per hour = $42.50 ...... Not applicable ........ We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of Cost on U.S. operators $42.50 $763,172.50 determining the number of aircraft that might need this replacements: ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Install new fuel selector placards on the fuel selector cover. .5 work-hour × $85 per hour = $42.50 ......................... According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. 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. This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. Parts cost Cost per product $9.26 In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders, and domestic business jet transport airplanes and associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation Division. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Regulatory Findings $51.76 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 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. 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: 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): ■ 2018–02–05 Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39–19158; Docket No. FAA–2018–0015; Product Identifier 2017–CE–045–AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is effective February 7, 2018. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the following Piper Aircraft, Inc. airplane models and serial numbers (S/Ns) that are certificated in any category: TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (c) OF THIS AD—APPLICABLE AIRPLANE MODELS AND S/NS sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES Model PA–28–140 PA–28–150 PA–28–151 PA–28–160 PA–28–161 Serial No. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ PA–28–180 ................ VerDate Sep<11>2014 28–20001 through 28–26946; 28–7125001 through 28–7725290. 28–03, 28–1 through 28–4377, and 28–1760A. 28–741500l through 28–7715314. 28–03, 28–1 through 28–4377, and 28–1760A. 2841001 through 2841365, 28–7716001 through 28–8216300, 28–8316001 through 28–8616057, 2816001 through 2816109, 2816110 through 2816119, and 2842001 through 2842420. 28–03, 28–671 through 28–5859, 28–7105001 through 28–7205318, 28–E13, and 28–7305001 through 28–7505261. 15:56 Jan 22, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\23JAR1.SGM 23JAR1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 3067 TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (c) OF THIS AD—APPLICABLE AIRPLANE MODELS AND S/NS—Continued Model Serial No. PA–28–181 ................ 28–769000l through 28–8690056, 28–8690061, 28–8690062, 289000l through 2890205, 2890206 through 2890231, and 2843001 through 2843879. 28–7911001 through 28–8611008 and 2811001 through 2811050. 28–7921001 through 28–7921095. 28R–30002 through 28R–31270 and 28R–7130001 through 28R–7130019. 28R–30482, 28R–35001 through 28R–35820, 28R–7135001 through 28R–7135238, and 28R–7235001 through 28R– 7635545. 28R–7737002 through 28R–7837317, 2837001 through 2837061, and 2844001 through 2844171. 28R–7703001 through 28R–7803374 and 2803001 through 2803015. 28R–7918001 through 28R–8218026. 28R–7931001 through 28R–8631005, and 2831001 through 2831038. PA–28–236 ................ PA–28–201T .............. PA–28R–180 ............. PA–28R–200 ............. PA–28R–201 ............. PA–28R–201T ........... PA–28RT–201 ........... PA–28RT–201T ......... (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 11, Placard and Markings. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a quality control issue at the manufacturer that resulted in the installation of fuel tank selector covers with the left and right fuel tank selector placards improperly located. We are issuing this AD to prevent fuel management error. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in fuel starvation and loss of engine power in flight. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Inspect Fuel Selector Cover Before further flight after February 7, 2018 (the effective date of this AD), inspect the left and right fuel selector cover placards for proper installation using Part I of Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Service Bulletin (SB) No. 1309, dated October 10, 2017. If the fuel selectors placards are properly installed, no further action is required. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES (h) Install Temporary Fuel Selector Placards If improper (reversed clock positions) installation of the left and right fuel selector placards is found during the inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, fabricate and install temporary left and right fuel selector placards using Part II of Piper SB No. 1309, dated October 10, 2017. In lieu of installing the temporary placards required by this paragraph, you may install the permanent placards specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. (i) Install Permanent Fuel Selector Placards Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after February 7, 2018 (the effective date of this AD), replace the temporary placard installed in paragraph (h) of this AD with permanent left and right fuel selector placards using Part III of Piper SB No. 1309, dated October 10, 2017, unless already done in lieu of installing the temporary placards specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. (j) Special Flight Permit A special flight permit is allowed for this AD per 14 CFR 39.23 with the following limitations: Flights are not to exceed a total VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:56 Jan 22, 2018 Jkt 244001 of 100 hours TIS with temporary placards installed. www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in Related Information, paragraph (l), 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. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 16, 2018. Melvin J. Johnson, Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (l) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Ronald Segall, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474–5541; fax: (404) 474–5506; email: ronald.segall@faa.gov. Amendment of Class E Airspace; Kane, PA (m) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1309, dated October 10, 2017. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Piper Aircraft, Inc. service information identified in this AD, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960; telephone: (772) 567–4361; internet: www.piper.com/technicalpublications-documents/. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference 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:// SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 [FR Doc. 2018–01059 Filed 1–22–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2017–1060; Airspace Docket No. 17–AEA–19] Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; technical amendment. AGENCY: This action amends the legal description of the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Kane Community Hospital Heliport, Kane, PA, by correcting the geographic coordinates of the heliport and point in space coordinates. This action does not affect the boundaries or operating requirements of the airspace. DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, March 29, 2018. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under title 1, Code of Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments. ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11.B Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/ airtraffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy and Regulations Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, E:\FR\FM\23JAR1.SGM 23JAR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 23, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3064-3067]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01059]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0015; Product Identifier 2017-CE-045-AD; Amendment 
39-19158; AD 2018-02-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc.

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-151, PA-28-160, 
PA-28-161, PA-28-180, PA-28-181,

[[Page 3065]]

PA-28-236, PA-28-201T, PA-28R-180, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-201, PA-28R-201T, 
PA-28RT-201, and PA-28RT-201T airplanes. This AD requires inspecting 
the fuel tank selector cover to verify the left and right fuel tank 
selector placards are located at the proper positions and replacing 
those that are improperly located with new placards. This AD was 
prompted by a quality control issue at the manufacturer that resulted 
in the installation of the fuel tank selector covers with the left and 
right fuel tank selector placards improperly located. We are issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 7, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 7, 
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by March 9, 2018.

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: 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 final rule, contact 
Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960; 
telephone: (772) 567-4361; internet: www.piper.com/technical-publications-documents/. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call (816) 329-4148. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0015.

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-2018-
0015; or in person at the Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations (phone: 
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald Segall, Aerospace Engineer, 
Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 
30337; phone: (404) 474-5541; fax: (404) 474-5506; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We received a report from Piper Aircraft, Inc., that they had a 
quality control issue that resulted in the installation of fuel tank 
selector covers with the placement of the left and right fuel tank 
selector placards installed in reverse on certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. 
Models PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-151, PA-28-160, PA-28-161, PA-28-
180, PA-28-181, PA-28-236, PA-28-201T, PA-28R-180, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-
201, PA-28R-201T, PA-28RT-201, and PA-28RT-201T airplanes. This 
condition, if not addressed, could result in fuel management errors 
resulting in fuel starvation and loss of engine power in flight. We are 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1309, dated 
October 10, 2017. The service bulletin describes procedures for 
inspecting the fuel tank selector cover to verify the left and right 
fuel tank selector placards are located at the 12:00 and 3:00 clock 
positions, respectively, and replacing those that are improperly 
located with new placards. This service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing 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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because improper fuel selection could result in fuel starvation and 
loss of engine power in flight. Therefore, we find good cause that 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. In 
addition, for the reason stated above, we find that good cause exists 
for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2018-
0015 and Product Identifier 2017-CE-045-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
final rule 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 final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 17,957 airplanes, of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 3066]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
             Action                  Labor cost               Parts cost              product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect the left and right fuel  .5 work-hour x $85  Not applicable.............          $42.50     $763,172.50
 tank selector placards for       per hour = $42.50.
 proper installation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this 
replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install new fuel selector placards on the fuel  .5 work-hour x $85 per hour =              $9.26          $51.76
 selector cover.                                 $42.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders, and 
domestic business jet transport airplanes and associated appliances to 
the Director of the Policy and Innovation Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-02-05 Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-19158; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0015; Product Identifier 2017-CE-045-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 7, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Piper Aircraft, Inc. airplane 
models and serial numbers (S/Ns) that are certificated in any 
category:

Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of This AD--Applicable Airplane Models and S/Ns
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Model                             Serial No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PA-28-140...................  28-20001 through 28-26946; 28-7125001
                               through 28-7725290.
PA-28-150...................  28-03, 28-1 through 28-4377, and 28-1760A.
PA-28-151...................  28-741500l through 28-7715314.
PA-28-160...................  28-03, 28-1 through 28-4377, and 28-1760A.
PA-28-161...................  2841001 through 2841365, 28-7716001
                               through 28-8216300, 28-8316001 through 28-
                               8616057, 2816001 through 2816109, 2816110
                               through 2816119, and 2842001 through
                               2842420.
PA-28-180...................  28-03, 28-671 through 28-5859, 28-7105001
                               through 28-7205318, 28-E13, and 28-
                               7305001 through 28-7505261.

[[Page 3067]]

 
PA-28-181...................  28-769000l through 28-8690056, 28-8690061,
                               28-8690062, 289000l through 2890205,
                               2890206 through 2890231, and 2843001
                               through 2843879.
PA-28-236...................  28-7911001 through 28-8611008 and 2811001
                               through 2811050.
PA-28-201T..................  28-7921001 through 28-7921095.
PA-28R-180..................  28R-30002 through 28R-31270 and 28R-
                               7130001 through 28R-7130019.
PA-28R-200..................  28R-30482, 28R-35001 through 28R-35820,
                               28R-7135001 through 28R-7135238, and 28R-
                               7235001 through 28R-7635545.
PA-28R-201..................  28R-7737002 through 28R-7837317, 2837001
                               through 2837061, and 2844001 through
                               2844171.
PA-28R-201T.................  28R-7703001 through 28R-7803374 and
                               2803001 through 2803015.
PA-28RT-201.................  28R-7918001 through 28R-8218026.
PA-28RT-201T................  28R-7931001 through 28R-8631005, and
                               2831001 through 2831038.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 11, Placard and Markings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a quality control issue at the 
manufacturer that resulted in the installation of fuel tank selector 
covers with the left and right fuel tank selector placards 
improperly located. We are issuing this AD to prevent fuel 
management error. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in fuel starvation and loss of engine power in flight.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspect Fuel Selector Cover

    Before further flight after February 7, 2018 (the effective date 
of this AD), inspect the left and right fuel selector cover placards 
for proper installation using Part I of Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 1309, dated October 10, 2017. If the fuel 
selectors placards are properly installed, no further action is 
required.

(h) Install Temporary Fuel Selector Placards

    If improper (reversed clock positions) installation of the left 
and right fuel selector placards is found during the inspection 
required in paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, 
fabricate and install temporary left and right fuel selector 
placards using Part II of Piper SB No. 1309, dated October 10, 2017. 
In lieu of installing the temporary placards required by this 
paragraph, you may install the permanent placards specified in 
paragraph (i) of this AD.

(i) Install Permanent Fuel Selector Placards

    Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after February 
7, 2018 (the effective date of this AD), replace the temporary 
placard installed in paragraph (h) of this AD with permanent left 
and right fuel selector placards using Part III of Piper SB No. 
1309, dated October 10, 2017, unless already done in lieu of 
installing the temporary placards specified in paragraph (h) of this 
AD.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    A special flight permit is allowed for this AD per 14 CFR 39.23 
with the following limitations: Flights are not to exceed a total of 
100 hours TIS with temporary placards installed.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in Related Information, paragraph (l), 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.

(l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Ronald Segall, 
Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5541; fax: (404) 474-
5506; email: [email protected].

 (m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1309, dated 
October 10, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Piper Aircraft, Inc. service information identified in 
this AD, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, 
FL 32960; telephone: (772) 567-4361; internet: www.piper.com/technical-publications-documents/.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Policy and 
Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 16, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-01059 Filed 1-22-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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