[Federal Register: June 4, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 107)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 33356-33358]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04jn03-5]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-CE-23-AD; Amendment 39-13173; AD 2003-11-14]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-
34-200T, PA-34-220T, PA-44-180, and PA-44-180T Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to certain The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Models PA-34-
200T, PA-34-220T, PA-44-180, and PA-44-180T airplanes that have a model
91E92-1 or model 91E93-1 combustion heater fuel pump installed. This AD
requires you to accomplish a one-time inspection of the combustion
heater fuel pumps for fuel leakage. If leakage is found, repair or
replace the fuel pump. This AD is the result of recent reports of fuel
leakage. The actions specified by this AD are intended to correct
quality control problems with the heater fuel pump, which could result
in failure of the heater fuel pump. Such failure could lead to fire or
explosion in the cockpit.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on June 20, 2003.
The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the regulation as of June
20, 2003.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any comments
on this rule on or before August 8, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-23-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also send comments
electronically to the following address: 9-ACE-7-Docket@faa.gov.
Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2003-CE-23-AD''
in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached
electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for
Windows or ASCII text.
You may get the service information referenced in this AD from The
New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero
Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (772) 567-4361; facsimile: (772) 978-
6584. You may view this information at FAA, Central Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-23-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington,
DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hector Hernandez, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895
Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770)
703-6069; facsimile: (770) 703-6097.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 33357]]
Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
The FAA has received several reports of fuel leakage from the
combustion heater fuel pumps installed on Piper Models PA-34-200T, PA-
34-220T, PA-44-180, and PA-44-180T airplanes.
Improper torque was applied to the mounting screws of the fuel pump
filter cover. This condition was found during a quality control
inspection.
Improper torquing of the mounting screws may result in sealing
surface abnormalities such as nicks, gouges, or warping.
What Are the Consequences If the Condition Is Not Corrected?
This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the
combustion heater fuel pump and lead to fire or explosion in the
cockpit.
Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?
Piper has issued Service Bulletin No. 1127, dated February 26,
2003. This Piper service bulletin includes Kelly Aerospace Service
Information Letter Bulletin No. A-110A, dated March 6, 2003.
What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?
These service bulletins include procedures for:
--Inspecting the combustion heater fuel pump for leaks; and
--Inspecting the sealing surface of the fuel pump.
The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of This AD
What Has FAA Decided?
The FAA has reviewed all available information, including the
service information referenced above; and determined that:
--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could
develop on other Piper Models PA-34-200T, PA-34-220T, PA-44-180, and
PA-44-180T airplanes of the same type design;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service
information should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.
What Does This AD Require?
This AD requires you to incorporate the actions in the previously-
referenced service bulletin.
In preparation of this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft
operators to obtain technical information and information on
operational and economic impacts. We have included, in the rulemaking
docket, a discussion of information that may have influenced this
action.
How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This AD?
On July 10, 2002, FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This
regulation now includes material that relates to special flight
permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. This
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in
future AD actions.
Will I Have the Opportunity To Comment Prior to the Issuance of the
Rule?
Because the unsafe condition described in this document could
result in fire or explosion in the cockpit, we find that notice and
opportunity for public prior comment are impracticable. Therefore, good
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
How Do I Comment on This AD?
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, FAA invites your
comments on the rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or
arguments you choose. You need to include the rule's docket number and
submit your comments to the address specified under the caption
ADDRESSES. We will consider all comments received on or before the
closing date specified above. We may amend this rule in light of
comments received. Factual information that supports your ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking
action.
Are There Any Specific Portions of the AD I Should Pay Attention to?
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we receive
before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules Docket. We
will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each FAA contact
with the public that concerns the substantive parts of this AD.
How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?
If you want us to acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you
must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write
``Comments to Docket No. 2003-CE-23-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail
the postcard back to you.
Regulatory Impact
Does This AD Impact Various Entities?
These regulations 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. Therefore, FAA has determined that this
final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132.
Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
We have determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation
that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in
aircraft, and is not a significant regulatory action under Executive
Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves
an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this
emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket (otherwise, an evaluation is
not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules
Docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD)
to read as follows:
[[Page 33358]]
2003-11-14 The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-13173; Docket
No. 2003-CE-23-AD.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD applies to
the following airplane models and serial numbers that are
certificated in any category, equipped with a model 91E92-1 or model
91E93-1 aircraft heater fuel pump:
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Model Serial Nos.
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PA-34-200T.......................... 34-7570002 through 34-8170092.
PA-34-220T.......................... 34-8133002 through 3449278.
PA-44-180........................... 44-7995001 through 4496168.
PA-44-180T.......................... 44-8107001 through 44-8207020.
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(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must
comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to correct quality control problems with the
heater fuel pump, which could result in failure of the heater fuel
pump. Such failure could lead to fire or explosion in the cockpit.
(d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this
problem, you must accomplish the following actions:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Visually inspect any Within the next 10 In accordance with
aircraft heater fuel pump (mode hours time-in- The New Piper
A-91E92-1 or model 91E93-1) for service (TIS) Aircraft, Inc.
leakage. after June 20, Service Bulletin
2003 (the No. installed
effective date of 1127, dated
this AD), unless February 26,
already 2003; Kelly
accomplished. Aerospace Power
Systems Service
Information
Letter Bulletin
No. 110A, dated
March 6, 2003;
and the
applicable
airplane
maintenance
instructions.
---------------------------------
(2) If any leak is found, Prior to further In accordance with
inspect the pump sealing flight after the The New Piper
surface for abnormalities (for inspection Aircraft, Inc.
example, nicks, gouges, or required in Service Bulletin
warping). Correct any paragraph (d)(1) No. 1127, dated
abnormality found. If any of this AD. February 26,
abnormality cannot be 2003; Kelly
corrected, replace the heater Aerospace Power
fuel pump. Systems Service
Information
Letter Bulletin
No. A-110A, dated
March 6, 2003;
and the
applicable
airplane
maintenance
instructions.
---------------------------------
(3) Do not install any heater As of June 20, In accordance with
fuel pump (model 91E92-1 or 2003 (the The New Piper
model 91E93-1) unless you have effective date of Aircraft, Inc.
visually inspected the pump for this AD). Service Bulletin
leakage. No. 1127, dated
February 26,
2003; Kelly
Aerospace Power
Systems Service
Information
Letter Bulletin
No. A-110A, dated
March 6, 2003;
and the
applicable
airplane
maintenance
instructions.
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(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? To use an
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time,
follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Send these requests to the
Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO). For
information on any already approved alternative methods of
compliance, contact Hector Hernandez, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895
Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone:
(770) 703-6069; facsimile: (770) 703-6097.
(f) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance
with The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1127, dated
February 26, 2003, and Kelly Aerospace Power Systems Service
Information Letter Bulletin No. A-110A, dated March 6, 2003.The
Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by
reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get
copies from The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926
Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (772) 567-4361;
facsimile: (772) 978-6584. You may view this information at FAA,
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room
506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(g) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment
becomes effective on June 20, 2003.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 27, 2003.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-13650 Filed 6-3-03; 8:45 am]
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