Rule2022-12762
Airworthiness Directives; Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. 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
June 14, 2022
Effective
July 19, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model P2012 Traveller airplanes. This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as free play in the trim tab actuator and trim tab surface. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the trim tab trailing edge to determine if free play exists and taking corrective actions as needed. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 114 (Tuesday, June 14, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 114 (Tuesday, June 14, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35892-35895]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-12762]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0151; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00521-A;
Amendment 39-22078; AD 2022-12-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A.
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model P2012 Traveller
airplanes. This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as free play in the
trim tab actuator and trim tab surface. This AD requires repetitively
inspecting the trim tab trailing edge to determine if free play exists
and taking corrective actions as needed. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 19, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 19,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A., Airworthiness Office
Via S. D'acquisto 62, Boscotrecase, 80042, Italy; phone: +39 0823
997538; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#add9dfccdbc8c1c1c8df83ded8ddddc2dfd9edf9c8cec3ccc083cec2c0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e195938097848d8d8493cf929491918e9395a1b584828f808ccf828e8c">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.Tecnam.com">https://www.Tecnam.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>
[[Page 35893]]
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0151.
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-2022-0151; 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, the
MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Rutherford, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International
Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone:
(816) 329-4165; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#751f1c185b0700011d1007131a0711351314145b121a03"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f49e9d99da8681809c9186929b8690b4929595da939b82">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered
Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model P2012 Traveller airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 7, 2022 (87 FR
12627). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI originated by the European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the
Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2021-0119, dated
April 30, 2021 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to address the
unsafe condition on Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model P2012
Traveller airplanes with serial numbers (S/Ns) 002 through 030
inclusive. The MCAI states:
Occurrences have been reported of vibration in the horizontal
stabiliser control yoke and pedals, both sides. The subsequent
investigation identified free play in the trim tab actuator and trim
tab surface.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a
significant free play on the trim tab connection, with consequent
increase in dynamic loads and vibrations, possibly resulting in
reduced control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, TECNAM issued the
[Service Bulletin] SB to provide inspection instructions.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive inspections of the trim tab trailing edge and, depending
on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0151.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting
the trim tab trailing edge to determine if free play exists and taking
corrective actions as needed. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
reduced airplane control.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from Hyannis Air Service, Inc. (Hyannis).
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request To Withdraw the NPRM
Hyannis stated that the unsafe condition has been addressed by the
manufacturer's revision to the Airworthiness Limitations section (ALS)
of the aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) to include the repetitive
inspections and criteria to determine continued serviceability of the
elevator trim tab control system as described in paragraphs (f) and (g)
of the proposed AD. Hyannis further stated that 14 CFR 43.16 and 14 CFR
91.403(c) require compliance with the ALS of a manufacturer's AMM. The
FAA infers that Hyannis is requesting that the FAA withdraw the NPRM.
The FAA disagrees. Although the regulations cited by the commenter
do require maintenance be performed in accordance with a manufacturer's
ALS, an operator is only required to use the version of the ALS that
was delivered with its airplane. The NPRM applied to Costruzioni
Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model P2012 Traveller airplanes with S/Ns
002 through 030, inclusive, which were delivered with a version of the
ALS that pre-dated the inspection and criteria required by paragraphs
(f) and (g) of this AD. Later manufacturer revisions to the ALS are not
mandatory for all operators, absent an AD or other rule that would
require the new ALS provisions to be used. Therefore, this AD is
necessary to ensure that the identified unsafe condition is addressed
on these airplanes.
Request To Change the Service Information
Hyannis requested that the FAA revise the proposed inspection and
maintenance actions to require using Section 55 of the AMM instead of
Tecnam Service Bulletin 398-CS-Edition 2, Rev. 1, dated August 17, 2020
(Tecnam SB 398-CS-Edition 2, Rev. 1). Hyannis stated that Tecnam SB
398-CS-Edition 2, Rev. 1, is not current. Specifically, Hyannis
explained that the manufacturer improved the design of the elevator
trim actuator (modification 2012/157), which is installed on new
airplanes beginning with S/N 025, and that the servicing instructions
for this actuator are not included in Tecnam SB 398-CS-Edition 2, Rev.
1. However, Hyannis stated that the servicing instructions for both the
older elevator trim actuator and the improved elevator trim actuator
were included in Edition 5, dated January 14, 2022, of Section 55 of
the AMM.
The FAA disagrees that requiring compliance with Section 55 of the
AMM is necessary to correct the unsafe condition. Tecnam SB 398-CS-
Edition 2, Rev. 1, refers to Tecnam Job Card 1249, which includes
servicing instructions for both the older and the modification 2012/157
actuators. If an operator prefers to use the latest AMM revision for
accomplishing the inspection and servicing tasks, the operator may
request to do so through the alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
process following paragraph (i) of this AD. The FAA has not changed the
AD in this regard.
Request To Expand the Applicability
Hyannis requested the FAA revise the applicability of the proposed
AD to include all Model P2012 Traveller airplanes, regardless of S/N.
Hyannis stated that there are airplanes on the U.S. Registry with S/Ns
greater than S/N 030 with the same elevator tab control system design.
The FAA disagrees. The ALS in Edition 4, Revision 0, dated March
19, 2021, of the AMM includes the repetitive inspections and criteria
to determine continued serviceability of the elevator trim tab control
system required by paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD. Model P2012
airplanes having S/Ns 031 and later were delivered with the updated ALS
found in AMM, Edition 4, Revision 0, or a later version. 14 CFR 43.16
and 14 CFR 91.403(c) require inspection and maintenance specified in an
ALS of a manufacturer's AMM to be completed in accordance with that
section. Therefore, Model P2012 airplanes with S/Ns 031 and larger are
not subject to the unsafe condition. The FAA has not changed this final
rule regarding this comment.
Conclusion
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described
[[Page 35894]]
in the MCAI and service information referenced above. The FAA reviewed
the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined
that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product.
This AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Tecnam Service Bulletin 398-CS-Edition 2, Rev. 1,
dated August 17, 2020. The service information specifies procedures for
inspecting the trim tab trailing edge to determine if free play exists
and taking corrective actions as needed.
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 also reviewed Tecnam Service Bulletin 398-CS-Edition 2,
Rev. 0, dated August 5, 2020. The service information specifies
procedures for inspecting the trim tab trailing edge to determine if
free play exists and taking corrective actions as needed.
In addition, the FAA reviewed Tecnam Job Card No. 1249 Ed.1, Rev.1,
dated May 5, 2021. The service information specifies procedures for
servicing free play of the mechanical trim actuator.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 21 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per airplane operators
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Trim tab surface free play 1 work-hour x $85 Not applicable.... $85 per inspection $1,785 per
inspection. per hour = $85. cycle. inspection cycle.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions
that would be required based on the results of the mandated inspection.
The FAA has no way of determining the number of airplanes that might
need these actions.
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trim actuator free play inspection...... 2 work-hours x $85 per Not applicable............ $170
hour = $170.
Trim actuator servicing................. 2 work-hours x $85 per $100...................... 270
hour = $170.
Trim actuator replacement............... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour 1,000..................... 1,085
= $85.
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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.
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 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2022-12-06 Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A.: Amendment 39-
22078; Docket No. FAA-2022-0151; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00521-
A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 19, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model
P2012 Traveller airplanes, serial numbers 002 through 030 inclusive,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2731: Elevator Tab
Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI
[[Page 35895]]
describes the unsafe condition as free play in the trim tab actuator
and trim tab surface. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and
correct free play in the trim tab connection, which could lead to
reduced airplane control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Trim Tab Surface Free Play Inspection and Maintenance
Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date
of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS,
measure the trim tab surface for free play in accordance with
Appendix A, Accomplishment Instructions, section 2 (Step 1--Trim Tab
surface free play measurement) on pages 3 and 4 of Tecnam Service
Bulletin 398-CS-Edition 2, Rev. 1, dated August 17, 2020 (Tecnam SB
398-CS-Edition 2, Rev. 1). If there is free play that exceeds the
allowable tolerance, before further flight, measure the trim tab
actuator for free play and take any corrective actions in accordance
with Appendix A, Accomplishment Instructions, section 3 (Step 2--
Trim Actuator free play measurement) on page 5 of Tecnam SB 398-CS-
Edition 2, Rev 1.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the initial inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD if you performed that action before the
effective date of this AD using Tecnam Service Bulletin 398-CS-
Edition 2, Rev. 0, dated August 5, 2020.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#be8793ffe8ed93fff7ec93898d8e93fff3f1fdfed8dfdf90d9d1c8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fec7d3bfa8add3bfb7acd3c9cdced3bfb3b1bdbe989f9fd0999188">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Jim Rutherford,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301,
Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4165; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#aac0c3c784d8dfdec2cfd8ccc5d8ceeacccbcb84cdc5dc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="056f6c682b7770716d6077636a7761456364642b626a73">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2021-0119, dated April 30, 2021, for more information. You may
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0151.
(k) 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) Tecnam Service Bulletin 398-CS-Edition 2, Rev. 1, dated
August 17, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A., Airworthiness Office, Via S.
D'acquisto 62, Boscotrecase, 80042, Italy; phone: +39 0823 997538;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c2b6b0a3b4a7aeaea7b0ecb1b7b2b2adb0b68296a7a1aca3afeca1adaf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f084829186959c9c9582de838580809f8284b0a495939e919dde939f9d">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.Tecnam.com">https://www.Tecnam.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#c7a1b5e9aea9b4b7a2a4b3aea8a987a9a6b5a6e9a0a8b1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e58397cb8c8b96958086918c8a8ba58b849784cb828a93">[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 June 4, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-12762 Filed 6-13-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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