[Federal Register: November 13, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 219)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 68782-68785]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13no02-14]
[[Page 68782]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-CE-46-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Model P-
180 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive
(AD) that would apply to all Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. (PIAGGIO)
Model P-180 airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to inspect
and determine whether any firewall shutoff or crossfeed valve with a
serial number in a certain range are installed and would require you to
replace any valve that has a serial number within this range. The
proposed AD would allow the pilot to check the logbook and would not
require additional action if the check showed that one of these valves
was definitely not installed. This proposed AD is the result of
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the
airworthiness authority for Italy. The actions specified by this
proposed AD are intended to prevent a faulty firewall shutoff or
crossfeed valve from developing cracks and leaking fuel. This could
result in an engine fire.
DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any
comments on this proposed rule on or before December 16, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-46-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays.
You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD
from Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A, Via Cibrario 4, 16154 Genoa, Italy;
telephone: +39 010 6481 856; facsimile: +39 010 6481 374. You may also
view this information at the Rules Docket at the address above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How Do I Comment on This Proposed AD?
The FAA invites comments on this proposed rule. You may submit
whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to
include the rule's docket number and submit your comments to the
address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all
comments received on or before the closing date. We may amend this
proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual information that
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of this proposed AD action and determining whether we
need to take additional rulemaking action.
Are There Any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay
Attention to?
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed rule that
might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we
receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules
Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each
contact we have with the public that concerns the substantive parts of
this proposed AD.
How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?
If you want FAA to acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you
must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write
``Comments to Docket No. 2002-CE-46-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail
the postcard back to you.
Discussion
What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?
The Ente Nazionale per l' Aviazione Civile (ENAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for Italy, recently notified FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on all PIAGGIO Model P-180 airplanes. The ENAC
reports an incident of a ground fire on the left-hand engine nacelle of
one of the affected airplanes. Investigation revealed that the fire was
caused by a cracked crossfeed valve that had leaked fuel.
Further analysis led the ENAC to determine that the part number (P/
N) EM484-3 valve was part of a manufacturing batch of nonconforming
valves. This batch incorporates serial numbers 148 through 302 of these
P/N EM484-3 valves. These valves can be utilized as either firewall
shutoff or crossfeed valves.
What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?
If these valves are not removed from service, they could develop
cracks and leak fuel. This could result in an engine fire.
Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?
PIAGGIO Aero Industries has issued:
--Alert Service Bulletin: 80-0173, Original Issue: February 8, 2002,
which includes procedures for inspecting the three Electo Mech P/N
EM484-3 firewall shutoff and crossfeed valves to determine whether they
incorporate a serial number in the range of 148 through 302; and
--Service Bulletin: 80-0174, Original Issue: February 20, 2002, which
includes procedures for modifying any valve incorporating a serial
number in the range of 148 through 302 (the valve will be re-identified
with a ``A'' at the end of the serial number).
What Action Did the ENAC Take?
The ENAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued
Italian RAI-AD 2002-442, dated February 21, 2002, in order to ensure
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Italy.
Was This in Accordance With the Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement?
This airplane model is manufactured in Italy and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.
Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the ENAC has
kept FAA informed of the situation described above.
The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of This
Proposed AD
What Has FAA Decided?
The FAA has examined the findings of the ENAC; reviewed all
available information, including the service information referenced
above; and determined that:
--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could
develop on other PIAGGIO Model P-180 airplanes of the same type design
that are on the U.S. registry;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service
[[Page 68783]]
information should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.
What Would This Proposed AD Require?
This proposed AD would require you inspect and determine whether
any firewall shutoff or crossfeed valve with a serial number in a
certain range is installed and would require you to replace any valve
that has a serial number within this range. The proposed AD would allow
the pilot to check the logbook and would not require additional action
if the check showed that one of these valves was definitely not
installed.
Compliance Time of this AD
What Will Be the Compliance Time of This AD?
The inspection compliance time of this AD is ``within the next 30
days after the effective date of the AD.''
Why Is the Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead of Hours
Time-in-Service (TIS)?
The compliance of this AD is presented in calendar time instead of
hours TIS because the affected shutoff and crossfeed valves are unsafe
as a result of a quality control problem. The problem has the same
chance of existing on an airplane with 50 hours TIS as it would for an
airplane with 1,000 hours TIS. Therefore, we believe that a compliance
time of 30 days will:
--Ensure that the unsafe condition does not go undetected for a long
period of time on the affected airplanes; and
--Not inadvertently ground any of the affected airplanes.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 22 airplanes in the U.S.
registry.
What Would Be the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD on Owners/Operators
of the Affected Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed
inspection:
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Total cost
Labor cost Parts cost Total cost on U.S.
per airplane operators
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2 workhours x $60 per hour = $120............... Not applicable.................... $120 $2,640
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We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed
replacement/modification:
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Total cost
Labor cost Parts cost per airplane
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8 workhours x $60 per hour = Manufacturer will $480
$480. provide free of charge.
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Regulatory Impact
Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?
The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this proposed rule would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
Would This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
action (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if
promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft regulatory
evaluation prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules
Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at
the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD) to read as follows:
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A.: Docket No. 2002-CE-46-AD.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects
Model P-180 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in
any category.
(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must
comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to prevent a faulty firewall shutoff or
crossfeed valve from developing cracks and leaking fuel. This could
result in an engine fire.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Maintenance Records
Check:
(i) Check the Within the next 30 No special
maintenance records to days after the procedures required
determine whether an effective date of to check logbook.
Electo Mech part number this AD, the unless
(P/N) EM484-3 firewall already
shutoff or crossfeed accomplished.
valve with a serial
number in the range of
148 through 302 is
installed. The owner/
operator holding at
least a private pilot
certificate as
authorized by section
43.7 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations
(14 CFR 43.7) may
perform this check.
(ii) If, by checking the
maintenance records,
the owner/operator can
definitely show that no
Electo Mech P/N EM484-3
firewall shutoff or
crossfeed valves with a
serial number in the
range of 148 through
302 are installed, then
the inspection
requirement of
paragraph (d)(2) and
the replacement
requirement of
paragraph (d)(3) of
this AD do not apply.
You must make an entry
into the aircraft
records that shows
compliance with these
portions of the AD in
accordance with section
43.9 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations
(14 CFR 43.9).
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(2) Inspection: Inspect the Within the next 30 In accordance with
three Electo Mech P/N EM484- days after the the Accomplishment
3 firewall shutoff and effective date of Instructions in
crossfeed valves to this AD, unless PIAGGIO Aero
determine whether they already Industries S.p.A.
incorporate a serial number accomplished. Alert Service
in the range of 148 through Bulletin: 80-0173,
302. Original Issue:
February 8, 2002.
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(3) Replacement: If any Accomplish any Replace in
Electro Mech P/N EM484-3 necessary accordance with
firewall shutoff or replacements or applicable
crossfeed valve is found modifications prior maintenance manual.
that incorporates a serial to further flight Modify in
number in the range of 148 after the accordance with the
through 302, accomplish one inspection required Accomplishment
of the following:. by paragraph (d)(2) Instructions in
(i) Install valve(s) that of this AD, unless PIAGGIO Aero
does not (do not) already Industries S.p.A.
incorporate a serial number accomplished. Service Bulletin:
in the range of 148 through 80-0174, Original
302; or. Issue: February 20,
(ii) Modify any valve(s) 2002.
that incorporates
(incorporate) a serial
number in the range of 148
through 302. The valve will
be re-identified with an
``A'' at the end of the
serial number.
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(4) Spares: Do not install, As of the effective Not applicable.
on any airplane, any date of this AD.
Electro Mech P/N EM484-3
firewall shutoff or
crossfeed valve that
incorporates a serial
number in the range of 148
through 302, unless it has
been modified as specified
in paragraph (d)(3)(ii) of
this AD.
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(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
(1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent
level of safety; and
(2) The Manager, Standards Office, Small Airplane Directorate,
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, Standards Office, Small Airplane Directorate.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph
(a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered,
or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For
airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the
performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/
operator must request approval for an alternative method of
compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request
should include an assessment of the effect of the modification,
alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD;
and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific
actions you propose to address it.
(f) Where can I get information about any already-approved
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Doug Rudolph, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile:
(816) 329-4090.
(g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
(h) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD?
You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A, Via Cibrario 4, 16154 Genoa, Italy;
telephone: +39 010 6481 856; facsimile: +39 010 6481 374. You may
view these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Italian RAI-AD
2002-442, dated February 21, 2002.
[[Page 68785]]
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 5, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-28750 Filed 11-12-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P