Rule2021-27510
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
December 21, 2021
Effective
January 25, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 78-02-03, which applied to all Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Model PA-23-250 airplanes. AD 78-02-03 required 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 AD retains the actions of AD 78-02-03, but reduces the applicability and requires the actions in the revised service information. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 242 (Tuesday, December 21, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 242 (Tuesday, December 21, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72186-72188]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27510]
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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; Amendment
39-21855; AD 2021-25-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 78-02-03,
which applied to all Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Model PA-23-250
airplanes. AD 78-02-03 required 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 AD retains the
actions of AD 78-02-03, but reduces the applicability and requires the
actions in the revised service information. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 25, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 25,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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 (817)
222-5110. It is also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1006.
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 final rule, 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#f79d989f99d985d99a9685849f969b9bb7919696d9909881"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5a30353234742874373b2829323b36361a3c3b3b743d352c">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by superseding AD 78-02-03 [Reg. Docket No. 77-EA-81,
Amendment 39-3128] (43 FR 3079, January 23, 1978) (AD 78-02-03). AD 78-
02-03 applied to all Piper Model PA-23-250 airplanes and required
repetitively inspecting both the stabilator tip tube and weight
assemblies for cracks. For different groups of serial-numbered
airplanes, AD 78-02-03 required a one-time inspection of the stabilator
tip ribs for missing rivets and screws, replacement of the forward rib/
horn assemblies, and reinforcement of the mounting. The repetitive
inspections in AD 78-02-03 for all serial-numbered airplanes had no
terminating action and were required regardless of any corrective
actions performed.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2021
(86 FR 51636). The NPRM was prompted by Piper developing a newly-
designed stabilator, which is not subject to the unsafe condition, and
revising its service information. The FAA determined the applicability
of AD 78-02-03 should be revised to exclude airplanes beginning with
serial number 27-7954122, which were manufactured with the stabilator
design change. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain all of the
requirements of AD 78-02-03 but reduce the applicability and update
some of the service information that would be required for compliance.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed the following service documents required for
compliance with this AD:
<bullet> Piper Service Bulletin (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 section.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed the following documents for information related to
this AD:
<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.
[[Page 72187]]
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
Piper SB 540B specifies contacting Piper for repair instructions.
This AD requires contacting the FAA for an approved repair method
instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 625 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost airplane operators
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Inspect the stabilator tip 0.5 work-hour x $85 Not applicable...... $42.50 per $26,562.50 per
tube and weight assembly. per hour = $42.50. inspection inspection
cycle. cycle.
Inspect the stabilator tip 0.5 work-hour x $85 Not applicable...... $42.50.......... $26,562.50.
ribs. per hour = $42.50.
Replace the stabilator tab 4 work-hours x $85 per $817................ $1,157.......... $723,125.
forward rib/horn assemblies. hour = $340.
Install additional nose ribs.. 1 work-hour x $85 per $367................ $452............ $282,500.
hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs
or replacements that will be required based on the results of the
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 airplane
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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 $39........................... 124
rivets and/or the stabilator tip tube hour = $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
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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:
2021-25-11 Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-21855; Docket No. FAA-
2020-1006; Project Identifier 2019-CE-047-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 25, 2022.
(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
[[Page 72188]]
correct cracks on the stabilator tip tube and 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 paragraph (k) of this AD.
(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
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#274d484f490955094a4655544f464b4b6741464609404851"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="89e3e6e1e7a7fba7e4e8fbfae1e8e5e5c9efe8e8a7eee6ff">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Piper Service Bulletin No. 547, dated March 1, 1977.
(ii) Piper Service Bulletin No. 569, dated August 24, 1977.
(iii) Piper Service Letter No. 807A, dated September 8, 1977.
(iv) Piper Service Bulletin No. 540B, February 9, 2021.
(3) For the 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>.
(4) 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 (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8debffa3e4e3fefde8eef9e4e2e3cde3ecffeca3eae2fb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0d6b7f2364637e7d686e796462634d636c7f6c236a627b">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on December 3, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-27510 Filed 12-20-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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