[Federal Register: November 20, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 224)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 69994-69996]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20no02-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-CE-48-AD; Amendment 39-12954; AD 2002-23-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Model P-
180 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 all Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Model P-180 airplanes.
This AD requires you to inspect for proper clearance between the first
outboard flap control rod and the bleed air duct for interference,
replace worn or damaged parts or correct interference, and adjust
clearance. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Italy. The
actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct
interference or damage of the first outboard flap control rod and bleed
air duct, which could result in failure of the flap control rod. Such
failure could lead to loss of airplane control.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on December 17, 2002.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the regulation as of
December 17, 2002.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any comments
on this rule on or before January 22, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-48-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. 2002-CE-48-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
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A., Via Cibrario 4, 16154 Genoa, Italy. You
may view this information at FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-48-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: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
The Ente Nazionale per l' Aviazione Civile (ENAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for Italy, recently notified FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on all Piaggio Model P-180 airplanes. The ENAC
reports an incorrect installation with insufficient clearance between
the first outboard flap control rod and the bleed air duct. This caused
interference with consequent loss of flap control.
What Are the Consequences If the Condition Is Not Corrected?
The failure of the flap control rod could lead to loss of airplane
control.
Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?
PIAGGIO has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 80-0182, Original
Issue: June 7, 2002.
The service bulletin includes procedures for:
--Inspecting for interference between the first outboard flap control
rod and bleed air duct, and inspecting for damage or wear in this area;
--Replacing damaged parts or correcting interference; and
--Correcting where clearance is less than the correct value, but no
interference is found.
What Action Did the ENAC Take?
The ENAC classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued
Italian AD Number 2002-442, dated August 22, 2002, in order to ensure
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Italy.
Was This in Accordance With the Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement?
This airplane model is manufactured in Italy and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.
Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the ENAC has
kept us informed of the situation described above.
The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of This AD
What Has FAA Decided?
The FAA has examined the findings of the ENAC; 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 Piaggio Model P-180 airplanes of the same type design;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service
information (as specified in this AD) 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 did not receive any information
through these contacts. If received, we would have included, in the
rulemaking docket, a discussion of any information that may have
influenced this action.
Will I Have the Opportunity To Comment Prior to the Issuance of the
Rule?
Because the unsafe condition described in this document could
result
[[Page 69995]]
in failure of the flap control rod and loss of airplane control, 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
this AD action and determining whether we need to take additional
rulemaking action.
Are There Any Specific Portions of This 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. 2002-CE-48-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail
the postcard back to you.
Compliance Time of this AD
What Is the Compliance Time of This AD?
The compliance time of this AD is within the next 15 days after the
effective date of the AD.
Why Is the Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead of Hours
Time-in-Service (TIS)?
The compliance of this AD is presented in calendar time instead of
hours TIS because the affected first outboard flap control rod and
bleed air duct components are unsafe as a result of an incorrect
installation. The problem has the same chance of existing on an
airplane with 50 hours TIS as it would for an airplane with 1,000 hours
TIS. Therefore, we believe that a compliance time of 15 days will:
--Ensure that the unsafe condition does not go undetected for a long
period of time on the affected airplanes; and
--Not inadvertently ground any of the affected airplanes.
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
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
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]
2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD) to read as follows:
2002-23-10 Piaggio Aero Industries S.P.A.: Amendment 39-12954;
Docket No. 2002-CE-48-AD
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects
Model P-180 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in
any category.
(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 detect and correct interference or damage of
the first outboard flap control rod and bleed air duct, which could
result in failure of the flap control rod. Such failure could lead
to loss of airplane control.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Inspect the first Within the next 15 In accordance with
outboard flap control rod days after December the Accomplishment
part number (P/N) C132761- 17, 2002 (the Instructions in
1, and the bleed air ducts, effective date of Piaggio Aero
P/N 80-247475-405 (left- the AD), unless Industries S.p.A.
hand wing), and P/N 80- already Alert Service
247475-407 (right-hand accomplished. Bulletin No.: ASB-
wing) for required 80-0182, Original
clearance and wear/damage. Issue: June 7,
2002.
(2) If interference or wear/ Accomplish any In accordance with
damage is found during the necessary the Accomplishment
inspection required in replacements or Instructions in
paragraph (d)(1) of this correct Piaggio Aero
AD, correct the interference prior Industries S.p.A.
interference and replace to further flight Alert Service
any damaged parts. after the Bulletin No.: ASB-
inspection required 80-0182, Original
by paragraph (d)(1) Issue: June 7,
of this AD, unless 2002, and the
already applicable
accomplished. maintenance manual.
[[Page 69996]]
(3) If neither wear/damage Accomplish any In accordance with
nor interference is found necessary the Accomplishment
but the clearance between adjustment prior to Instructions in
the first outboard flap further flight Piaggio Aero
control rod and bleed air after the Industries S.p.A.
duct on both the left- and inspection required Alert Service
right-hand side is less by paragraph (d)(1) Bulletin No.: ASB-
than the correct value, of this AD, unless 80-0182, Original
adjust to the correct already Issue: June 7,
value, adjust to the accomplished. 2002, and the
correct value specified in applicable
the service bulletin. maintenance manual.
(4) If no wear/damage or Not Applicable...... Not Applicable.
interference is found and
the clearance between the
first outboard flap control
rod and bleed air duct on
both the left- and right-
hand side is correct, no
further action is required.
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(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
(1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent
level of safety; and
(2) The Standards Office Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Standards Office Manager.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph
(a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered,
or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For
airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the
performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/
operator must request approval for an alternative method of
compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request
should include an assessment of the effect of the modification,
alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD;
and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific
actions you propose to address it.
(f) Where can I get information about any already-approved
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Doug Rudolph, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile:
(816) 329-4090.
(g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
(h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance
with Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Alert Service Bulletin No. 80-
0182, dated June 7, 2002. 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 Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A,
Via Cibrario 4, 16154 Genoa, Italy. You may view copies 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.
(i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment
becomes effective on December 17, 2002.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Italian AD No.
2002-442, issued August 22, 2002.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 8, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-29133 Filed 11-19-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P