Rule2023-27494
Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
December 14, 2023
Effective
December 19, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Model PA-46-350P, PA-46-500TP, and PA-46-600TP airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that a bearing fell out of a control column mount during routine handling prior to installation in an affected airplane and the discovery that a quality escape condition could exist on other airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the left and right control column mounts to determine if a retaining ring is installed. If a retaining ring is not installed, this AD requires inspecting the bearing in the mount block for the presence of retaining compound, and depending on the inspection results, installing a retaining ring and applying retaining compound to the bearing, as applicable. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 239 (Thursday, December 14, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 239 (Thursday, December 14, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 86571-86574]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-27494]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-2241; Project Identifier AD-2023-01214-A;
Amendment 39-22629; AD 2023-25-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Model PA-46-350P, PA-46-500TP, and
PA-46-600TP airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that a bearing
fell out of a control column mount during routine handling prior to
installation in an affected airplane and the discovery that a quality
escape condition could exist on other airplanes. This AD requires
inspecting the left and right control column mounts to determine if a
retaining ring is installed. If a retaining ring is not installed, this
AD requires inspecting the bearing in the mount block for the presence
of retaining compound, and depending on the inspection results,
installing a retaining ring and applying retaining compound to the
bearing, as applicable. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 19, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 19,
2023.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by January 29, 2024.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
[[Page 86572]]
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-2241; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960;
phone: (772) 291-2141; website: <a href="http://www.piper.com">www.piper.com</a>.
<bullet> 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://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-2241.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tuan Tran, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-
5522; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cff6e28e9c80e28e9b838e8c80e28e8bbc8fa9aeaee1a8a0b9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="556c7814061a7814011914161a78141126153334347b323a23">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``FAA-2023-2241 Project Identifier AD-2023-01214-A''
at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference
a specific portion of the final rule, 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 this final rule
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="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Tuan
Tran, Aviation Safety Engineer, 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
On November 15, 2023, the FAA received a report that a bearing fell
out of a control column mount during routine handling, prior to
installation on a Piper Model PA-46-600TP airplane. To conform to the
type design, this bearing is installed in the mount block using a
retaining compound into a recess in the control column mount with
secondary retention provided by a retaining ring. Piper's investigation
into this incident revealed that the retaining ring was not installed.
If the bearing is not secure due to the absence of the retaining ring
the quadrant assembly and shaft could migrate aft and separate from the
firewall attachment, creating a free end on the affected control
column. With a free end on the control column, combined with other
factors, the aileron cables could become slack, resulting in loss of
aileron control, and it could also bind the free operation of the
elevator control system. Slack aileron cables and binding of the
elevator controls would affect both the pilot and copilot controls. On
November 17, 2023, further investigation by Piper into this situation
found a quality escape issue on certain Piper Model PA-46-350P, PA-46-
500TP, and PA-46-600TP airplanes where the possibility exists that the
retaining ring was not installed during production or retaining
compound was not applied to the bearing. A missing retaining ring in a
control column mount, if not addressed, could lead to a major failure
in the aileron quadrant assembly and result in loss of pitch and roll
control of the airplane during flight with consequent loss of control
of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in
other products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Piper Service Bulletin No. 1409A, dated November
21, 2023 (Piper SB 1409A). This service information specifies
procedures for inspecting the left and right control column mounts to
determine if a retaining ring is installed, inspecting the bearing in
the mount block for the presence of retaining compound, installing a
retaining ring, and applying retaining compound to the bearing. 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 ADDRESSES.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions identified as ``RC''
(required for compliance) in Part III. of the Instructions in Piper SB
1409A.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because a missing retaining ring in a control column mount, if not
addressed, could lead to a major failure
[[Page 86573]]
in the aileron quadrant assembly without warning and result in loss of
pitch and roll control of the airplane during flight with consequent
loss of control of the airplane. Because this could happen without
warning, the left and right control column mounts must be inspected
before further flight to determine if the retaining ring is missing.
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(3)(B).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and
comment.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 57 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
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Inspection of Model PA-46-350P 3 work-hours x $85 $0 $255 $3,825 (15 airplanes).
airplanes. per hour = $255.
Inspection of Model PA-46-500TP 16 work-hours x $85 0 1,360 $57,120 (42 airplanes).
and Model PA-46-600TP airplanes. per hour = $1,360.
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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 inspection. The
agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need
these actions:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Installation of retaining ring................ 0.50 work-hour x $85 per hour = $10 $52.50
$42.50.
Application of retaining compound............. 0.50 work-hour x $85 per hour = 10 52.50
$42.50.
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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:
2023-25-02 Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-22629; Docket No. FAA-
2023-2241; Project Identifier AD-2023-01214-A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 19,
2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc. airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model PA-46-350P airplanes, serial numbers 4636811 through
4636814 inclusive and 4636816 through 4636829 inclusive.
(2) Model PA-46-500TP airplanes, serial numbers 4697692 through
4697700 inclusive.
(3) Model PA-46-600TP airplanes, serial numbers 4698224 through
4698240 inclusive and 4698242 through 4698274 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2701, Control Column
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a bearing fell out of a
control column mount during routine handling prior to installation
[[Page 86574]]
in an affected airplane and the discovery that a quality escape
condition could exist on other airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address a missing retaining ring in a control column mount. A
missing retaining ring in a control column mount, if not addressed,
could lead to a major failure in the aileron quadrant assembly and
result in loss of pitch and roll control during flight with
consequent loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, do
all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for
compliance) in, and in accordance with Part III. of the Instructions
in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1409A, dated November 21, 2023 (Piper
SB 1409A).
(h) Special Flight Permit
For airplanes with greater than 25 flight hours time since new,
a one-time flight is allowed to reach the nearest facility that is
capable of doing the inspection and repair described in Part III. of
the Instructions in Piper SB 1409A, provided the flight is with
minimum required crew and after verification of the integrity of the
left and right control columns (the control columns do not feel or
visually appear to be loose, do not have a substantial increase in
control force requirements, or do not have a reduction in control
authority).
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, East Certification 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 East Certification Branch, send it to
the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD
and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#83baaec2d0ccaec2d7cfc2c0ccaec2c7f0c3e5e2e2ade4ecf5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c4fde985978be985908885878be98580b784a2a5a5eaa3abb2">[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.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD
if it is approved by the Piper Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, East
Certification Branch to make those findings. To be approved, the
repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(4) Except as required by paragraph (g) of this AD: 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) The 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.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Tuan Tran, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337;
phone: (404) 474-5522; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#073e2a4654482a46534b4644482a4643744761666629606871"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="427b6f03110d6f03160e03010d6f030631022423236c252d34">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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. 1409A, dated November 21, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper
Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960; phone: (772)
291-2141; website: <a href="http://www.piper.com">www.piper.com</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 material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e78195c98e8994978284938e8889a789869586c9808891"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0167732f686f7271646275686e6f416f6073602f666e77">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on December 8, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-27494 Filed 12-11-23; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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