[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 193 (Wednesday, October 6, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 61655-61657]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-25208]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1006; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-057-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-28-161
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Model PA-28-161 airplanes equipped with
Thielert Aircraft Engine GmbH (TAE) Engine Model TAE-125-01 installed
per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. SA03303AT. This proposed AD
would require installing a full authority digital engine control
(FADEC) backup battery, replacing the supplement pilot's operating
handbook and FAA approved airplane flight manual, and revising the
limitations section of the supplement airplane maintenance manual. This
proposed AD results from an incident where an airplane experienced an
in-flight engine shutdown caused by a momentary loss of electrical
power to the FADEC. We are proposing this AD to prevent interruption of
electrical power to the FADEC, which could result in an uncommanded
engine shutdown. This failure could lead to a loss of engine power.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 22,
2010.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this
proposed AD:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://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 proposed AD, contact
Thielert Aircraft Engines Service GmbH, Platanenstra[szlig]e 14, 09350
Lichtenstein, Deutschland; telephone: +49 (37204) 696-0; fax: +49
(37204) 696-1910; Internet: http://www.thielert.com/.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Don O. Young, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue,
College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474-5585; fax: (404) 474-
5606; e-mail: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, ``FAA-
2010-1006; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-057-AD'' at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may
amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any
[[Page 61656]]
personal information you provide. We will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive concerning this
proposed AD.
Discussion
In 2007, a Diamond DA42 airplane experienced a dual in-flight
engine shutdown. Our review of the incident determined the root cause
was an unsafe design feature that allowed momentary interruption of
electrical power to both engine FADECs. The interruption caused the
FADECs to reset, shutting down both engines with a consequent loss of
engine power. Piper Model PA-28-161 airplanes modified by STC No.
SA03303AT have a similar unsafe design feature that can allow the FADEC
to shut down or reset if the main battery is depleted and the
electrical charging system malfunctions.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in an uncommanded
engine shutdown. This failure could lead to a loss of engine power.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH Service Bulletin TM
TAE 651-0007, Revision 7, dated July 30, 2010.
The service information describes procedures for installation of a
FADEC backup battery.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD
would require installation of a FADEC backup battery, replacement of
the supplement pilot's operating handbook and FAA approved airplane
flight manual, and revision of the limitations section of the
supplement airplane maintenance manual.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect zero airplanes in
the U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to do the proposed modification:
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Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
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7 work-hours x $85 per hour = $780 $1,375........................ Not applicable.
$595.
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have 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 that the proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information on
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527)
is located at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2010-1006; Directorate
Identifier 2009-CE-057-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by November 22, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model PA-28-161 airplanes, all serial
numbers, that are:
(1) Equipped with Thielert Aircraft Engine GmbH (TAE) Engine
Model TAE-125-01 installed per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
No. SA03303AT; and
(2) Certificated in any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 72: Engine.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from an incident where an airplane
experienced an in-flight engine shutdown caused by a momentary loss
of electrical power to the FADEC. We are issuing this AD to prevent
interruption of electrical power to the FADEC, which could result in
an uncommanded engine shutdown. This failure could lead to a loss of
engine power.
[[Page 61657]]
Compliance
(f) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless
already done:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Modify the engine electrical Within the next 100 hours time-in- Follow Thielert Aircraft Engines
system by installing a backup service after the effective date of GmbH Service Bulletin TM TAE 651-
battery system and associated this AD or within 30 days after the 0007, Revision 7, dated July 30,
wiring and circuitry. effective date of this AD, 2010.
whichever occurs first.
(2) Revise the airworthiness Before further flight after doing Incorporate Chapter 40-AMM-04-01
limitations section to require the modification required in ``Airworthiness Limitations,
repetitive replacement of the FADEC paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. Revision 1'', dated January 25,
backup battery every 12 calendar 2010, of Thielert Aircraft Engines
months. Thereafter, except as GmbH Supplement Airplane
provided in paragraph (g) of this Maintenance Manual Piper PA28-161
AD, no alternative replacement TAE 125-01, Doc. No.: AMM-40-01 US-
times may be approved for this Version) Version: 1/1, into TAE
part. Airplane Maintenance Manual
Supplement, Piper PA28/TAE 125-01,
AMM-40-01 (US-Version), Rev. Issue
1, dated February 3, 2006.
(3) Incorporate Thielert Aircraft Before further flight after doing Not applicable.
Engines GmbH Supplement Pilot's the modification required in
Operating Handbook and FAA Approved paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
Airplane Flight Manual, TAE-No.: 40-
0310-40042, issue 2, revision 0,
dated June 1, 2010, into the
pilot's operating handbook.
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Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to
ATTN: Don O. Young, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 1701
Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474-
5585; fax: (404) 474-5606; e-mail: [email protected]. Before using
any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify
your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight
Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
Related Information
(h) To get copies of the service information referenced in this
AD, contact Thielert Aircraft Engines Service GmbH,
Platanenstra[szlig]e 14, 09350 Lichtenstein, Deutschland; telephone:
+49 (37204) 696-0; fax: +49 (37204) 696-1910; Internet: http://www.thielert.com/. To view the AD docket, go to U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, or
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 30, 2010.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-25208 Filed 10-5-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P