Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Airplanes
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Issuing agencies
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. (Piaggio) Model P-180 airplanes. This AD is 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 identifies the unsafe condition as altimetry system errors in the air data computers (ADCs) and stand-by instrument systems. This AD requires amending the existing airplane flight manual (AFM), installing improved ADCs and a detachable configuration module (DCM), and revising the existing instructions for continued airworthiness. 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 171 (Tuesday, September 6, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 171 (Tuesday, September 6, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54358-54360]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19055]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0397; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01354-A;
Amendment 39-22151; AD 2022-17-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aero Industries 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 Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. (Piaggio) Model P-180 airplanes.
This AD is 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 identifies the unsafe condition as altimetry system errors in the
air data computers (ADCs) and stand-by instrument systems. This AD
requires amending the existing airplane flight manual (AFM), installing
improved ADCs and a detachable configuration module (DCM), and revising
the existing instructions for continued airworthiness. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 11, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 11,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A., P180 Customer Support, via
Pionieri e Aviatori d'Italia, snc--16154 Genoa, Italy; phone: (+39) 331
679 74 93; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#83f7e6e0ebedeae0e2eff0f6f3f3ecf1f7c3f3eae2e4e4eaece2e6f1ecf0f3e2e0e6adeaf7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1a6e7f79727473797b76696f6a6a75686e5a6a737b7d7d73757b7f6875696a7b797f34736e">[email protected]</span></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="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0397.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0397; 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: Mike Kiesov, Aviation Safety Engineer,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-
4144; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cca1a5a7a9e2a7a5a9bfa3ba8caaadade2aba3ba"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f4999d9f91da9f9d91879b82b4929595da939b82">[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
Piaggio Model P-180 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on April 8, 2022 (87 FR 20790). 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 EASA AD 2019-0269, dated October 29, 2019 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on Piaggio
Model P.180 Avanti II airplanes. The MCAI states:
During monitoring of P.180 Avanti II fleet by EUROCONTROL
(checks performed by Air Traffic Control stations) a mean altimetry
system error and some singular measurement exceedances were reported
being outside of limits defined by rules applicable to Reduced
Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airworthiness standards.
Subsequent investigation determined that the static source error
correction curves embedded in the ADC of pilot and co-pilot, as well
as in the stand-by instrument system, did not ensure the required
RVSM performance of the aeroplane.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to delivery [of]
erroneous air data information and consequent impairment of
aeroplane altitude-keeping capability, possibly resulting in a mid-
air collision within RVSM airspace.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Piaggio issued the
AFM TC [Temporary
[[Page 54359]]
Change No. 107] introducing additional limitations for operation
within RVSM airspace and issued the SB [Piaggio Aerospace Service
Bulletin 80-0467] providing instructions to modify the aeroplane.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
amendment of the AFM and modification of the aeroplane by installing
improved ADCs and DCM.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0397.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require amending the existing AFM,
installing improved ADCs and a DCM, and revising the existing
instructions for continued airworthiness. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent a mean altimetry system error measurement from exceeding the
limits defined for operations within airspace designed as RVSM
airspace. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a
potential mid-air collision within RVSM airspace.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from Piaggio. The following presents the
comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to the comment.
Request To Update Obsolete Contact Information for Piaggio
Piaggio requested that the FAA revise the NPRM to update their
contact information for service information.
The FAA agrees and has updated the contact information for Piaggio
accordingly.
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 in the MCAI and
service information referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data, considered the comment 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. Except for the
changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the
NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any
operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. A.S. Service
Bulletin No. 80-0467, Revision 2, dated March 6, 2020, which specifies
procedures for replacing the two ADCs and the DCM with improved parts.
The FAA also reviewed Piaggio Aviation P.180 Avanti II/EVO
Temporary Change No. 107, dated September 17, 2019, which updates the
limitations section of the AFM by prohibiting operations in RVSM
airspace if the ADCs and DCM have not been replaced.
In addition, the FAA reviewed Piaggio Aviation P.180 Avanti EVO
Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision No. 126, dated June 6, 2019,
which updates and adds certain tasks for the navigation system.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI requires informing all flight crews of the AFM revision
and operating accordingly thereafter, and this AD does not because
those actions are already required by FAA operating regulations.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 101 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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Revise AFM...................... 1 work-hour x $85 Not Applicable........... $85 $8,585
per hour = $85.
Update AFM...................... 1 work-hour x $85 Not Applicable........... 85 8,585
per hour = $85.
Replace two ADCs and one DCM.... 16 work-hours x $85 $21,900.................. 23,260 2,349,260
per hour = $1,360.
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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:
[[Page 54360]]
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:
2022-17-13 Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A.: Amendment 39-22151;
Docket No. FAA-2022-0397; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01354-A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 11, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Model P-180
airplanes, serial number (S/N) 1002 and S/Ns 1105 through 3010
inclusive, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3417, Air Data
Computer.
(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 identifies the unsafe condition as altimetry
system errors in the air data computers (ADCs) and stand-by
instrument systems. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent a mean
altimetry system error measurement from exceeding the limits defined
for operations within airspace designed as reduced vertical
separation minimum (RVSM) airspace. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in a potential mid-air collision within RVSM
airspace.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, revise
the Limitations section of the existing airplane flight manual (AFM)
for your airplane by adding the information in Piaggio Aviation
P.180 Avanti II/EVO Temporary Change No. 107, dated September 17,
2019. Using a different document with language identical to that on
page 2-33-bis or 2-33.C-bis (as applicable to the S/N of your
airplane) of Piaggio Aviation P.180 Avanti II/EVO Temporary Change
No. 107, dated September 17, 2019, is acceptable for compliance with
this requirement.
(2) Within 660 hours time-in-service after the effective date of
this AD or 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first, modify the airplane by replacing the ADCs and
detachable configuration module (DCM) in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs (5) through (14), of Piaggio
Aero Industries S.p.A. A.S. Service Bulletin No. 80-0467, Revision
2, dated March 6, 2020, and revise the instructions for continued
airworthiness for your airplane by incorporating the information in
Piaggio Aviation P.180 Avanti EVO Maintenance Manual Temporary
Revision No. 126, dated June 6, 2019.
(3) The AFM revision required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if
included, may be removed after completing the actions required by
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
(4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install on any
airplane an ADC part number (P/N) 822-1109-018, DCM P/N 501-1870-31,
or DCM P/N 501-1870-51.
(h) 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 certification office, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD
and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eed7c3afb8bdc3afa7bcc3d9dddec3afa3a1adae888f8fc0898198"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c6ffeb879095eb878f94ebf1f5f6eb878b898586a0a7a7e8a1a9b0">[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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Mike Kiesov,
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas
City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4144; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a3733313f7431333f29352c1a3c3b3b743d352c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6d00040608430604081e021b2d0b0c0c430a021b">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Refer to MCAI European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD 2019-0269, dated October 29, 2019, for related information. You
may examine the EASA AD at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0397.
(j) 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) Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. A.S. Service Bulletin No. 80-
0467, Revision 2, dated March 6, 2020.
(ii) Piaggio Aviation P.180 Avanti EVO Maintenance Manual
Temporary Revision No. 126, dated June 6, 2019.
(iii) Piaggio Aviation P.180 Avanti II/EVO Temporary Change No.
107, dated September 17, 2019.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A., P180 Customer Support, via Pionieri
e Aviatori d'Italia, snc--16154 Genoa, Italy; phone: (+39) 331 679
74 93; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c7b3a2a4afa9aea4a6abb4b2b7b7a8b5b387b7aea6a0a0aea8a6a2b5a8b4b7a6a4a2e9aeb3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ea9e8f89828483898b86999f9a9a85989eaa9a838b8d8d83858b8f9885999a8b898fc4839e">[email protected]</span></a>.
(4) 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.
(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#9cfaeeb2f5f2efecf9ffe8f5f3f2dcf2fdeefdb2fbf3ea"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="badcc894d3d4c9cadfd9ced3d5d4fad4dbc8db94ddd5cc">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on August 12, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19055 Filed 9-2-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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