Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes, 51636-51639 [2021-19959]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 177 / Thursday, September 16, 2021 / Proposed Rules
Confidential Business Information.
Pursuant to 10 CFR 1004.11, any person
submitting information that he or she
believes to be confidential and exempt
by law from public disclosure should
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copies: One copy of the document
marked ‘‘confidential’’ including all the
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believed to be confidential deleted. DOE
will make its own determination about
the confidential status of the
information and treat it according to its
determination.
It is DOE policy that all comments
may be included in the public docket,
without change and as received,
including any personal information
provided in the comments (except
information deemed to be exempt from
public disclosure).
B. Issues on Which DOE Seeks
Comments
DOE welcomes comments on all
aspects of this proposed determination.
DOE is particularly interested in
receiving comments and views of
interested parties concerning the
following issues:
• Proposed definition and scope of
coverage of air cleaners;
• Data and information regarding
current annual shipments of air cleaners
and the installed base of air cleaners,
specifying the scope of products
included in any such estimates (e.g.,
portable, non-portable (wall-mounted,
ceiling-mounted, whole-home), etc.);
• Availability or lack of availability of
technologies for improving energy
efficiency of air cleaners.
• Data and information regarding
annual energy use estimates for air
cleaners, particularly for products not
covered by the ENERGY STAR program,
such as non-portable products (wallmounted, ceiling-mounted, and wholehome units); and
• Whether classifying air cleaners as
a covered product is necessary or
appropriate to carry out the purposes of
EPCA.
DOE is interested in receiving views
concerning other relevant issues that
participants believe would affect its
ability to establish test procedures and
energy conservation standards for air
cleaners.
After the expiration of the period for
submitting written statements, DOE will
consider all comments and additional
information that is obtained from
interested parties or through further
analyses, and it will prepare a final
determination.
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VII. Approval of the Office of the
Secretary
The Secretary of Energy has approved
publication of this notification of
proposed determination.
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of
Energy was signed on September 10,
2021, by Kelly Speakes-Backman,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
and Acting Assistant Secretary for
Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy, pursuant to delegated authority
from the Secretary of Energy. That
document with the original signature
and date is maintained by DOE. For
administrative purposes only, and in
compliance with requirements of the
Office of the Federal Register, the
undersigned DOE Federal Register
Liaison Officer has been authorized to
sign and submit the document in
electronic format for publication, as an
official document of the Department of
Energy. This administrative process in
no way alters the legal effect of this
document upon publication in the
Federal Register.
Signed in Washington, DC, on September
10, 2021
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S.
Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021–19950 Filed 9–15–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1006; Project
Identifier 2019–CE–047–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Piper
Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
78–02–03, which applies to all Piper
Aircraft, Inc. (Piper), Model PA–23–250
airplanes. AD 78–02–03 requires
repetitively inspecting the stabilator tip
tube and weight assemblies for cracks,
inspecting for missing rivets and screws,
replacing the forward rib/horn
assemblies, and reinforcing the
mounting. Since AD 78–02–03 was
issued, Piper developed a newly-
SUMMARY:
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designed stabilator, which is not subject
to the unsafe condition, and revised its
service information. This proposed AD
would retain the actions of AD 78–02–
03, but would reduce the applicability
and require the actions in the revised
service information. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by November 1,
2021.
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 NPRM, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc.,
2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960;
phone: (772) 299–2141; website: https://
www.piper.com/. You may view this
service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, MO 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 at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–1006; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
NPRM, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
Marshall, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701
Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA
30337; phone: (404) 474–5524; fax: (404)
474–5605; email: john.r.marshall@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket
Number FAA–2020–1006; Project
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 177 / Thursday, September 16, 2021 / Proposed Rules
Identifier 2019–CE–047–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. The most
helpful comments reference a specific
portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change,
and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by
the closing date and may amend the
proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to John Marshall,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO
Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue,
College Park, GA 30337. Any
commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 78–02–03 [Reg.
Docket No. 77–EA–81, Amendment 39–
3128] (43 FR 3079, January 23, 1978)
(AD 78–02–03), for all Piper Model PA–
23–250 airplanes. AD 78–02–03 was
prompted by cracks found on the
stabilator structure during routine
inspections, including cracks in the tip
balance weight, abnormal trim tab horn
bushing wear, and skin and nose rib
cracks. The FAA issued AD 78–02–03 to
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prevent weakening of the stabilator
structure and loss of the trim tab and
counter balance weight, which could
result in reduced airplane control.
For all Model PA–23–250 airplanes,
AD 78–02–03 requires repetitively
inspecting both the stabilator tip tube
and the weight assemblies for cracks,
with follow-on alterations or
replacements as necessary, in
accordance with Piper Service Bulletin
(SB) No. 540, dated January 4, 1977
(Piper SB 540). For different groups of
serial-numbered airplanes, AD 78–02–
03 requires a one-time inspection of the
stabilator tip ribs for missing rivets and
missing tube and weight assembly
attachment screws with alteration as
necessary, replacement of the right and
left stabilator tab forward inboard rib/
horn assemblies, and/or reinforcement
of the mounting of the stabilator tube
and weight assemblies. The repetitive
inspections in AD 78–02–03 for all
serial-numbered airplanes have no
terminating action and are required
regardless of any corrective actions
performed.
Actions Since AD 78–02–03 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 78–02–03,
Piper changed the design of the
stabilator structure. Airplanes beginning
with serial number 27–7954122 were
manufactured with the stabilator design
change and are not subject to the unsafe
condition addressed by AD 78–02–03.
The FAA determined the applicability
of AD 78–02–03 should be revised to
exclude those later-manufactured
airplanes.
In addition, Piper revised SB 540, the
service bulletin required by AD 78–02–
03 for the repetitive inspections of the
stabilator tip tube and the weight
assemblies. Piper SB 540B, dated
February 9, 2021 (Piper SB 540B),
reduces the applicability of the affected
serial numbers and contains separate
instructions for inspecting and repairing
airplanes with a modified tube and
weight assembly or with a stabilizer
balance weight replacement kit part
number (P/N) 763 987.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed the following
service documents proposed for
compliance with this NPRM:
• Piper SB No. 547, dated March 1,
1977, which contains instructions for
inspecting the stabilator tip rib;
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51637
• Piper SB No. 569, dated August 24,
1977, which contains information for
replacing the stabilator tab horn;
• Piper Service Letter No. 807A,
dated September 8, 1977, which
contains information for installing the
stabilator outboard nose rib; and
• Piper SB No. 540B, February 9,
2021, which contains instructions for
inspecting the stabilator tip tube and
weight assembly and addressing any
cracks found.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed the following
documents for information related to
this NPRM:
• Piper SB 540, which contains
instructions for inspecting and
reinforcing the stabilator tip tube and
weight assembly; and
• Piper Aztec Service Manual, Part
Number 753–564, dated January 1, 2009.
Paragraphs 4–65 through 4–67 of this
manual contain procedures for checking
control surface balance.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after
determining the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop in other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would retain all of
the requirements of AD 78–02–03 but
would reduce the applicability and
update some of the service information
that would be required for compliance.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Service Information
Piper SB 540B specifies contacting
Piper for repair instructions. This
proposed AD would require contacting
the FAA for an approved repair method
instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 625
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 177 / Thursday, September 16, 2021 / Proposed Rules
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Inspect the stabilator tip
tube and weight assembly.
Inspect the stabilator tip
ribs.
Replace the stabilator tab
forward rib/horn assemblies.
Install additional nose ribs
Parts cost
Cost on U.S.
operators
Cost per product
0.5 work-hour × $85 per
hour = $42.50.
Not applicable ...................
$42.50 per inspection
cycle.
$26,562.50 per inspection
cycle.
0.5 work-hour × $85 per
hour = $42.50.
4 work-hours × $85 per
hour = $340.
Not applicable ...................
$42.50 ...............................
$26,562.50.
$817 ..................................
$1,157 ...............................
$723,125.
1 work-hour × $85 per
hour = $85.
$367 ..................................
$452 ..................................
$282,500.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary repairs or
replacements that would be required
based on the results of the proposed
inspection. The FAA has no way of
determining the number of airplanes
that might need these repairs or
replacements:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Cost per
product
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Repair stabilator tip tube and weight assemblies (airplanes without kit P/N
763 987).
Install missing stabilator tip rib rivets
and/or the stabilator tip tube and
weight assembly attachment screws.
Balance stabilator ....................................
4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 ......
$80 ...........................................................
$420
1 work hour × $85 per hour = $85 ..........
39 .............................................................
124
5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $425 ......
Not applicable ..........................................
425
For airplanes with kit P/N 763 987,
the cost to repair cracking may vary
significantly from airplane to airplane,
and therefore the FAA has no way of
determining an estimated cost.
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA has determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
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Jkt 253001
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) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
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§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive
78–02–03 [Reg. Docket No. 77–EA–81,
Amendment 39–3128] (43 FR 3079,
January 23, 1978); and
■ b. Adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
■
■
Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2020–
1006; Project Identifier 2019–CE–047–
AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by November 1,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 78–02–03 [Reg.
Docket No. 77–EA–81, Amendment 39–3128]
(43 FR 3079, January 23, 1978) (AD 78–02–
03).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc.,
Model PA–23–250 airplanes, serial numbers
27–7654001 through 27–7954121, certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 5510, Horizontal Stabilizer Structure.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks
developing on the stabilator structure. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent weakening
of the stabilator structure and to detect and
correct cracks on the stabilator tip tube and
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 177 / Thursday, September 16, 2021 / Proposed Rules
weight assembly. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could cause weakening of the
complete structure and lead to loss of the
trim tab and counter balance weight, which
may result in reduced airplane control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Previously Required Actions Retained
From AD 78–02–03
(1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS)
after January 26, 1978 (the effective date of
AD 78–02–03), do the following inspections
and modifications.
(i) For airplanes with serial numbers 27–
7654001 through 27–7754054, inspect both
stabilator tip ribs for missing rivets and
missing tube and weight assembly
attachment screws and if necessary alter in
accordance with Piper Service Bulletin (SB)
547, dated March 1, 1977.
(ii) For airplanes with serial numbers 27–
7654001 through 27–7754127, 27–7754130,
27–7754131, 27–7754133 through 27–
7754136, and 27–7754138 through 27–
7754144, replace the right and left stabilator
tab forward inboard rib/horn assemblies by
installing Piper Kit 761 143 or equivalent kit
in accordance with Piper SB 569, dated
August 24, 1977.
(iii) For airplanes with serial numbers 27–
7654001 through 27–7754041 equipped with
stabilators Piper part number (P/N) 15658–2,
15658–3, 15658–22 or 15658–23, reinforce
the mounting of the stabilator tube and
weight assemblies by installing additional
nose-ribs with Piper Kit 761 141 or
equivalent kit in accordance with Piper
Service Letter 807A, dated September 8,
1977.
(2) Before further flight after completing
the alterations in paragraphs (g)(1)(ii) and
(iii) of this AD, balance the stabilator.
(h) Inspection of Stabilator Tip Tube and
Weight Assembly
Within 10 hours TIS after the effective date
of this AD or within 100 hours TIS after
completing the last inspection required by
paragraph (a) of AD 78–02–03, whichever
occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 100 hours TIS, inspect the left and
right stabilator balance weight assemblies for
cracks and complete any necessary repairs by
following Parts I and II of the Instructions in
Piper SB No. 540B, dated February 9, 2021,
except you are not required to contact Piper
for repair instructions. Instead, repair in
accordance with FAA-approved procedures.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the initial
inspection and corrective actions required by
paragraph (h) of this AD if you performed
those actions before the effective date of this
AD using Piper SB No. 540, dated January 4,
1977, or SB No. 540A, dated October 20,
1980.
(j) 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
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Jkt 253001
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.
(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) For service information that contains
steps that are labeled as Required for
Compliance (RC), the following provisions
apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including
substeps under an RC step and any figures
identified in an RC step, must be done to
comply with the AD. An AMOC is required
for any deviations to RC steps, including
substeps and identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in
accordance with the operator’s maintenance
or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,
including substeps and identified figures, can
still be done as specified, and the airplane
can be put back in an airworthy condition.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact John Marshall, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701
Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337;
phone: (404) 474–5524; fax: (404) 474–5605;
email: john.r.marshall@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926
Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960; phone:
(772) 299–2141; website: https://
www.piper.com/. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO
64106. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
Issued on September 9, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–19959 Filed 9–15–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY
COMMISSION
16 CFR Part 1634
[Docket No. CPSC–2008–0005]
Standard for the Flammability of
Residential Upholstered Furniture
Consumer Product Safety
Commission.
ACTION: Termination of rulemaking.
AGENCY:
The Consumer Product Safety
Commission is withdrawing its
proposed rule on flammability
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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51639
standards for residential upholstered
furniture that published March 4, 2008
in the Federal Register. This rulemaking
is no longer active because it has been
superseded by the COVID–19
Regulatory Relief and Work From Home
Safety Act.
DATES: As of September 16, 2021 the
proposed rule publish March 4, 2008 at
73 FR 11701 is withdrawn.
ADDRESSES: National Product Testing
and Evaluation Center, 5 Research
Place, Rockville, MD 20850.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Andrew Lock, Project Manager,
Directorate for Laboratory Sciences,
National Product Testing and
Evaluation Center, 5 Research Place,
Rockville, MD 20850; telephone: 301–
987–2099; email: alock@cpsc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
A. Upholstered Furniture Rulemaking
Under the FFA
1. Advance Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking. In 1993, the National
Association of State Fire Marshals
(NASFM) petitioned the Commission to
issue regulations under the FFA
addressing upholstered furniture fire
risks. On June 15, 1994, the Commission
granted the petition, in part, and issued
an advance notice of proposed
rulemaking (ANPR) on the specific risk
of small, open flame-ignited fires. 59 FR
30735. The Commission denied the
petition regarding large, open flameignited fires, and deferred action on the
petition for cigarette-ignited fires. On
October 23, 2003, the Commission
published a subsequent ANPR,
expanding the upholstered furniture
proceeding to address ignition of
upholstered furniture by small open
flames and smoldering cigarettes. 68 FR
60629.
2. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. On
March 4, 2008, the Commission issued
a notice of proposed rulemaking (2008
NPR) for a flammability standard for
residential upholstered furniture under
the FFA. 73 FR 11702. The 2008 NPR
proposed performance requirements to
reduce the likelihood of upholstered
furniture fires ignited by cigarettes or
small open flames. Manufacturers and
importers of upholstered furniture could
choose one of two possible methods for
compliance: (1) Use upholstery cover
material that met the specified cigaretteignition performance test, i.e., ‘‘Type I’’
furniture; or (2) incorporate an interior
fire barrier between the cover fabric and
interior filling materials that met both
the smoldering and small open-flame
resistance tests, i.e., ‘‘Type II’’ furniture.
An ‘‘interior fire barrier’’ was defined as
a fire-resistant material that is
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 177 (Thursday, September 16, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51636-51639]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19959]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1006; Project Identifier 2019-CE-047-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 78-
02-03, which applies to all Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper), Model PA-23-
250 airplanes. AD 78-02-03 requires repetitively inspecting the
stabilator tip tube and weight assemblies for cracks, inspecting for
missing rivets and screws, replacing the forward rib/horn assemblies,
and reinforcing the mounting. Since AD 78-02-03 was issued, Piper
developed a newly-designed stabilator, which is not subject to the
unsafe condition, and revised its service information. This proposed AD
would retain the actions of AD 78-02-03, but would reduce the
applicability and require the actions in the revised service
information. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 1,
2021.
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 NPRM, contact Piper
Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960; phone: (772)
299-2141; website: https://www.piper.com/. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1006; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Marshall, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park,
GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5524; fax: (404) 474-5605; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket Number FAA-2020-1006; Project
[[Page 51637]]
Identifier 2019-CE-047-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. The most
helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain
the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The
FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may
amend the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to John
Marshall, Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701
Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 78-02-03 [Reg. Docket No. 77-EA-81, Amendment 39-
3128] (43 FR 3079, January 23, 1978) (AD 78-02-03), for all Piper Model
PA-23-250 airplanes. AD 78-02-03 was prompted by cracks found on the
stabilator structure during routine inspections, including cracks in
the tip balance weight, abnormal trim tab horn bushing wear, and skin
and nose rib cracks. The FAA issued AD 78-02-03 to prevent weakening of
the stabilator structure and loss of the trim tab and counter balance
weight, which could result in reduced airplane control.
For all Model PA-23-250 airplanes, AD 78-02-03 requires
repetitively inspecting both the stabilator tip tube and the weight
assemblies for cracks, with follow-on alterations or replacements as
necessary, in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin (SB) No. 540,
dated January 4, 1977 (Piper SB 540). For different groups of serial-
numbered airplanes, AD 78-02-03 requires a one-time inspection of the
stabilator tip ribs for missing rivets and missing tube and weight
assembly attachment screws with alteration as necessary, replacement of
the right and left stabilator tab forward inboard rib/horn assemblies,
and/or reinforcement of the mounting of the stabilator tube and weight
assemblies. The repetitive inspections in AD 78-02-03 for all serial-
numbered airplanes have no terminating action and are required
regardless of any corrective actions performed.
Actions Since AD 78-02-03 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 78-02-03, Piper changed the design of the
stabilator structure. Airplanes beginning with serial number 27-7954122
were manufactured with the stabilator design change and are not subject
to the unsafe condition addressed by AD 78-02-03. The FAA determined
the applicability of AD 78-02-03 should be revised to exclude those
later-manufactured airplanes.
In addition, Piper revised SB 540, the service bulletin required by
AD 78-02-03 for the repetitive inspections of the stabilator tip tube
and the weight assemblies. Piper SB 540B, dated February 9, 2021 (Piper
SB 540B), reduces the applicability of the affected serial numbers and
contains separate instructions for inspecting and repairing airplanes
with a modified tube and weight assembly or with a stabilizer balance
weight replacement kit part number (P/N) 763 987.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed the following service documents proposed for
compliance with this NPRM:
Piper SB No. 547, dated March 1, 1977, which contains
instructions for inspecting the stabilator tip rib;
Piper SB No. 569, dated August 24, 1977, which contains
information for replacing the stabilator tab horn;
Piper Service Letter No. 807A, dated September 8, 1977,
which contains information for installing the stabilator outboard nose
rib; and
Piper SB No. 540B, February 9, 2021, which contains
instructions for inspecting the stabilator tip tube and weight assembly
and addressing any cracks found.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed the following documents for information related to
this NPRM:
Piper SB 540, which contains instructions for inspecting
and reinforcing the stabilator tip tube and weight assembly; and
Piper Aztec Service Manual, Part Number 753-564, dated
January 1, 2009. Paragraphs 4-65 through 4-67 of this manual contain
procedures for checking control surface balance.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of
the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 78-02-
03 but would reduce the applicability and update some of the service
information that would be required for compliance.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Piper SB 540B specifies contacting Piper for repair instructions.
This proposed AD would require contacting the FAA for an approved
repair method instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 625 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
[[Page 51638]]
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect the stabilator tip tube 0.5 work-hour x Not applicable.... $42.50 per $26,562.50 per
and weight assembly. $85 per hour = inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
$42.50.
Inspect the stabilator tip ribs. 0.5 work-hour x Not applicable.... $42.50............ $26,562.50.
$85 per hour =
$42.50.
Replace the stabilator tab 4 work-hours x $85 $817.............. $1,157............ $723,125.
forward rib/horn assemblies. per hour = $340.
Install additional nose ribs.... 1 work-hour x $85 $367.............. $452.............. $282,500.
per hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs
or replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
airplanes that might need these repairs or replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair stabilator tip tube and weight 4 work-hours x $85 per $80....................... $420
assemblies (airplanes without kit P/N hour = $340.
763 987).
Install missing stabilator tip rib 1 work hour x $85 per hour 39........................ 124
rivets and/or the stabilator tip tube = $85.
and weight assembly attachment screws.
Balance stabilator...................... 5 work-hours x $85 per Not applicable............ 425
hour = $425.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For airplanes with kit P/N 763 987, the cost to repair cracking may
vary significantly from airplane to airplane, and therefore the FAA has
no way of determining an estimated cost.
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA has 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 78-02-03 [Reg. Docket No. 77-EA-81,
Amendment 39-3128] (43 FR 3079, January 23, 1978); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2020-1006; Project Identifier
2019-CE-047-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by November 1, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 78-02-03 [Reg. Docket No. 77-EA-81,
Amendment 39-3128] (43 FR 3079, January 23, 1978) (AD 78-02-03).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc., Model PA-23-250
airplanes, serial numbers 27-7654001 through 27-7954121,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5510, Horizontal
Stabilizer Structure.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks developing on the
stabilator structure. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
weakening of the stabilator structure and to detect and correct
cracks on the stabilator tip tube and
[[Page 51639]]
weight assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could cause
weakening of the complete structure and lead to loss of the trim tab
and counter balance weight, which may result in reduced airplane
control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Previously Required Actions Retained From AD 78-02-03
(1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after January 26, 1978
(the effective date of AD 78-02-03), do the following inspections
and modifications.
(i) For airplanes with serial numbers 27-7654001 through 27-
7754054, inspect both stabilator tip ribs for missing rivets and
missing tube and weight assembly attachment screws and if necessary
alter in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin (SB) 547, dated
March 1, 1977.
(ii) For airplanes with serial numbers 27-7654001 through 27-
7754127, 27-7754130, 27-7754131, 27-7754133 through 27-7754136, and
27-7754138 through 27-7754144, replace the right and left stabilator
tab forward inboard rib/horn assemblies by installing Piper Kit 761
143 or equivalent kit in accordance with Piper SB 569, dated August
24, 1977.
(iii) For airplanes with serial numbers 27-7654001 through 27-
7754041 equipped with stabilators Piper part number (P/N) 15658-2,
15658-3, 15658-22 or 15658-23, reinforce the mounting of the
stabilator tube and weight assemblies by installing additional nose-
ribs with Piper Kit 761 141 or equivalent kit in accordance with
Piper Service Letter 807A, dated September 8, 1977.
(2) Before further flight after completing the alterations in
paragraphs (g)(1)(ii) and (iii) of this AD, balance the stabilator.
(h) Inspection of Stabilator Tip Tube and Weight Assembly
Within 10 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD or
within 100 hours TIS after completing the last inspection required
by paragraph (a) of AD 78-02-03, whichever occurs later, and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, inspect the
left and right stabilator balance weight assemblies for cracks and
complete any necessary repairs by following Parts I and II of the
Instructions in Piper SB No. 540B, dated February 9, 2021, except
you are not required to contact Piper for repair instructions.
Instead, repair in accordance with FAA-approved procedures.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the initial inspection and corrective
actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD if you performed those
actions before the effective date of this AD using Piper SB No. 540,
dated January 4, 1977, or SB No. 540A, dated October 20, 1980.
(j) 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.
(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) For service information that contains steps that are labeled
as Required for Compliance (RC), the following provisions apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps,
including substeps and identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact John Marshall,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia
Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5524; fax: (404)
474-5605; email: [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper
Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960; phone: (772)
299-2141; website: https://www.piper.com/. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
Issued on September 9, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19959 Filed 9-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
