Proposed Rule2021-19959
Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
September 16, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 177 (Thursday, September 16, 2021)</title>
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[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 [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19959]
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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).
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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:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> 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: <a href="https://www.piper.com/">https://www.piper.com/</a>. 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 <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> 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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5933363137772b7734382b2a31383535193f3838773e362f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="503a3f383e7e227e3d31222338313c3c103631317e373f26">[email protected]</span></a>.
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
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, 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:
<bullet> Piper SB No. 547, dated March 1, 1977, which contains
instructions for inspecting the stabilator tip rib;
<bullet> Piper SB No. 569, dated August 24, 1977, which contains
information for replacing the stabilator tab horn;
<bullet> Piper Service Letter No. 807A, dated September 8, 1977,
which contains information for installing the stabilator outboard nose
rib; and
<bullet> 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:
<bullet> Piper SB 540, which contains instructions for inspecting
and reinforcing the stabilator tip tube and weight assembly; and
<bullet> 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
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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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.
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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
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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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.
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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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c3a9acabadedb1edaea2b1b0aba2afaf83a5a2a2eda4acb5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="86ece9eee8a8f4a8ebe7f4f5eee7eaeac6e0e7e7a8e1e9f0">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper
Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960; phone: (772)
299-2141; website: <a href="https://www.piper.com/">https://www.piper.com/</a>. 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
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