FR Doc 05-14389

[Federal Register: July 26, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 142)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 43029-43032]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26jy05-6]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21590; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-33-AD;
Amendment 39-14199; AD 2005-15-10]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-
34-200T, PA-34-220T, PA-44-180, and PA-44-180T Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA adopts an airworthiness directive (AD) to supersede AD
2003-11-14, which applies to certain The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.
(Piper) Models PA-34-200T, PA-34-220T, PA-44-180, and PA-44-180T
airplanes that have a model 91E92-1 or model 91E93-1 combustion heater
fuel pump installed. AD 2003-11-14 currently requires you to do a one-
time inspection of the combustion heater fuel pumps for fuel leakage.
If leakage is found, repair or replace the fuel pump. This AD retains
all the actions of AD 2003-11-14 and includes additional serial numbers
for the Models PA-34-220T and PA-44-180 airplanes in the applicability
section. This AD results from an investigation that concluded that
after

[[Page 43030]]

the issuance of AD 2003-11-14, additional fuel pumps that did not meet
the quality control (inspection or design) requirements of the AD had
been installed in Models PA-34-220T and PA-44-180 airplanes. We are
issuing this AD to correct quality control problems with the heater
fuel pump, which could result in failure of the heater fuel pump. Such
failure could lead to fire or explosion in the cockpit.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on August 26, 2005.
On June 20, 2003 (68 FR 33356, June 4, 2003), the Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of The New
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1127, dated February 26,
2003, and Kelly Aerospace Power Systems Service Information Letter
Bulletin No. A-110A, dated March 6, 2003.
As of August 26, 2005, the Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of the following:

--The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1127B, dated April
18, 2005; and
--Kelly Aerospace Power Systems Service Information Letter Bulletin No.
A-110B, dated December 20, 2004.

We must receive any comments on this AD by September 26, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this AD:
DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow

the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide Rulemaking Web Site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your

comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-001.
Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
To get the service information identified in this AD, contact The
New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero
Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (772) 567-4361; facsimile: (772) 978-
6584.
To view the comments to this AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. The

docket number is FAA-2005-21590; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-33-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hector Hernandez, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895
Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770)
703-6069; facsimile: (770) 703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
What events have caused this AD? Several reports of fuel leakage
(resulting from a quality control problem) from the combustion heater
fuel pumps installed on Piper Models PA-34-200T, PA-34-220T, PA-44-180,
and PA-44-180T airplanes caused us to issue AD 2003-11-14, Amendment
39-13173 (68 FR 33356, June 4, 2003). AD 2003-11-14 currently requires
you to do a one-time (quality control) inspection of the combustion
heater fuel pumps for fuel leakage. If leakage is found, repair or
replace the fuel pump.
Since AD 2003-11-14 was issued, there has been an investigation of
two reports of fuel leakage from the combustion heater fuel pumps in
December 2004. These two reports of fuel leakage were similar to those
that led to the issuance of AD 2003-11-14. Improper torque was applied
to the mounting screws of the fuel pump filter cover and resulted in
sealing surface abnormalities such as nicks, gouges, or warping. This
condition is a result of a quality control problem.
The findings of the investigation concluded that after issuance of
AD 2003-11-14 additional fuel pumps that did not meet the quality
control (inspection or design) requirements of the AD have been
installed in Piper Models PA-34-220T and PA-44-180 airplanes. Other
fuel pumps that do not meet the quality control (inspection or design)
requirements may be held as spares.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Quality control
problems with the heater fuel pump could result in failure of the
heater fuel pump. Such failure could lead to fire or explosion in the
cockpit.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? Piper
has issued:

--Service Bulletin No. 1127, dated February 26, 2003. This Piper
service bulletin includes Kelly Aerospace Service Information Letter
Bulletin No. A-110A, dated March 6, 2003; and
--Service Bulletin No. 1127B, dated April 18, 2005. This Piper service
bulletin includes Kelly Aerospace Service Information Letter Bulletin
No. A-110B, dated December 20, 2004

What are the provisions of this service information? These service
bulletins include procedures for:

--Inspecting the combustion heater fuel pump for leaks; and
--Inspecting the sealing surface of the fuel pump.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD

What has FAA decided? We have evaluated all pertinent information
and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop
on other products of this same type design.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other Piper Models PA-34-200T, PA-34-220T, PA-44-180, and
PA-44-180T airplanes of the same type design, we are issuing this AD to
correct quality control problems with the heater fuel pump, which could
result in failure of the heater fuel pump. Such failure could lead to
fire or explosion in the cockpit.
What does this AD require? This AD requires you to incorporate the
actions in the previously-referenced service bulletins.
In preparing this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft
operators to get technical information and information on operational
and economic impacts. We did not receive any information through these
contacts. If received, we would have included a discussion of any
information that may have influenced this action in the rulemaking
docket.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10,
2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July
22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation now includes
material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, and
alternative methods of compliance. This material previously was
included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14
CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.

Comments Invited

Will I have the opportunity to comment before you issue the rule?
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 submit any written relevant data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-21590;
Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-33-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed
comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the docket
number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and mail it back
to you. We specifically invite comments

[[Page 43031]]

on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects
of the rule that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person
contacts us through a nonwritten communication, and that contact
relates to a substantive part of this AD, we will summarize the contact
and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments
received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light of those
comments.

Authority for This Rulemaking

What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action?
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 AD.

Regulatory Findings

Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that this
AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government.
Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? 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 the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD (and
other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) and placed
it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a
request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD
Docket FAA-2005-21590; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-33-AD'' in your
request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2003-11-14, Amendment 39-13173 (68 FR 33356, June 4, 2003), and by
adding a new AD to read as follows:

2005-15-10 The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-14199; Docket
No. FAA-2005-21590; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-33-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

(a) This AD becomes effective on August 26, 2005.

Are Any Other ADs Affected By This Action?

(b) This AD supersedes AD 2003-11-14, Amendment 39-13173.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

(c) This AD applies to the following airplane models and serial
numbers that are certificated in any category, equipped with a model
91E92-1 or model 91E93-1 aircraft heater fuel pump:
(1) Group 1: The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. airplanes retained
from AD 2003-11-14:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PA-34-200T................................ 34-7570002 through 34-
8170092.
PA-34-220T................................ 34-8133002 through 3449278.
PA-44-180................................. 44-7995001 through 4496168.
PA-44-180T................................ 44-8107001 through 44-
8207020.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(2) Group 2: The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. airplanes (not
included in AD 2003-11-14) added to the applicability of this AD:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PA-34-220T................................ 3449279 through 3449309.
PA-44-180................................. 4496169 through 4496190.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of an investigation that concluded
that after issuance of AD 2003-11-14, additional fuel pumps that did
not meet the quality control (inspection or design) requirements of
the AD were installed in Models PA-34-220T and PA-44-180 airplanes.
We are issuing this AD to correct quality control problems with the
heater fuel pump, which could result in failure of the heater fuel
pump. Such failure could lead to fire or explosion in the cockpit.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

(e) What actions must I do to address this problem for Group 1
airplanes? To address this problem for Group 1 airplanes, you must
do the following:

[[Page 43032]]

(3) Do not install any As of June 20, 2003 Follow The New Piper
heater fuel pump (model (the effective date Aircraft, Inc.
91E92-1 or model 91E93-1) of AD 2003-11-14). Service Bulletin
unless you have visually No. 1127, dated
inspected the pump for February 26, 2003,
leakage and corrected any and Kelly Aerospace
abnormalities specified in Power Systems
paragraph (e)(2) of the AD. Service Information
Letter Bulletin No.
A-110A, dated March
6, 2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(f) What actions must I do to address this problem for Group 2
airplanes? To address this problem for Group 2 airplanes, you must
do the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Compliance Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Visually inspect any Within the next 10 Follow The New Piper
installed aircraft heater hours time-in- Aircraft, Inc.
fuel pump (model 91E92-1 or service (TIS), Service Bulletin
model 91E93-1) for leakage. after August 26, No. 1127B, dated
2005 (the effective April 18, 2005, and
date of this AD), Kelly Aerospace
unless already done. Power Systems
Service Information
Letter Bulletin No.
A-110B, dated
December 20, 2004.
(2) If any leak is found, Before further Follow The New Piper
inspect the pump sealing flight after the Aircraft, Inc.
surface for abnormalities inspection required Service Bulletin
(for example, nicks, in paragraph (f)(1) No. 1127B, dated
gouges, or warping). of this AD. April 18, 2005, and
Correct any abnormality Kelly Aerospace
found. If any abnormality Power Systems
cannot be corrected, Service Information
replace the heater fuel Letter Bulletin No.
pump. A-110B, dated
December 20, 2004.
(3) Do not install any As of August 26, Follow The New Piper
heater fuel pump (model 2005 (the effective Aircraft, Inc.
91E92-1 or model 91E93-1) date of this AD). Service Bulletin
unless you have visually No. 1127B, dated
inspected the pump for April 18, 2005, and
leakage and corrected any Kelly Aerospace
abnormalities specified in Power Systems
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD. Service Information
Letter Bulletin No.
A-110B, dated
December 20, 2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

(g) You may request a different method of compliance or a
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments
and will send your request to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO). For information on any already approved
alternative methods of compliance, contact Hector Hernandez,
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One
Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia
30349; telephone: (770) 703-6069; facsimile: (770) 703-6097.

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?

(h) You must do the actions required by this AD following the
instructions in The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No.
1127, dated February 26, 2003; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service
Bulletin No. 1127B, dated April 18, 2005; Kelly Aerospace Power
Systems Service Information Letter Bulletin No. A-110A, dated March
6, 2003; and Kelly Aerospace Power Systems Service Information
Letter Bulletin No. A-110B, dated December 20, 2004.
(1) On June 20, 2003 (68 FR 33356, June 4, 2003), and in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, the Director of
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of The
New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1127, dated February
26, 2003, and Kelly Aerospace Power Systems Service Information
Letter Bulletin No. A-110A, dated March 6, 2003.
(2) As of August 26, 2005, and in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, the Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of The New Piper Aircraft,
Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1127B, dated April 18, 2005, and Kelly
Aerospace Power Systems Service Information Letter Bulletin No. A-
110B, dated December 20, 2004.
(3) To get a copy of this service information, contact The New
Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero
Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (772) 567-4361; facsimile: (772)
978-6584. To review copies of this service information, go to the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information
on the availability of this material at NARA, go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
or call (202) 741-6030. To view the AD docket,

go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-
401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
The docket number is FAA-2005-21590; Directorate

Identifier 2005-CE-33-AD.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 14, 2005.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-14389 Filed 7-25-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P