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[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 224 (Wednesday, November 20, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69597-69600]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-27837]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0967; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-042-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Model P-180 airplanes that would 
supersede an existing AD. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)

[[Page 69598]]

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 cases of un-commanded operation of switched off 
nose-wheel steering system caused by internal leakage of a steering 
select/bypass valve, which could lead to loss of directional control on 
ground during take-off or landing, possibly resulting in a runway 
excursion. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 6, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     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.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A-Airworthiness Office, Via Luigi Cibrario, 
4-16154 Genova-Italy; phone: +39 010 6481353; fax: +39 010 6481881; 
email: airworthiness@piaggioaero.it; Internet: http://www.piaggioaero.com/#/en/aftersales/service-support. You may review 
copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-
2013-0967; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
mike.kiesov@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0967; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-042-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On December 30, 2009, we issued AD 2009-21-08 R1, Amendment 39-
16169 (75 FR 904, January 7, 2010). That AD required actions intended 
to address an unsafe condition on the products listed above.
    Since we issued AD 2009-21-08 R1, Amendment 39-16169 (75 FR 904, 
January 7, 2010), the manufacturer has developed a modification that 
will terminate the required repetitive functional tests required in AD 
2009-21-08 R1.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 
No. 2013-0242R1, dated October 9, 2013 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    Cases of un-commanded operation of switched off nose-wheel 
steering system were reported. Internal leakage of a Steering 
Select/Bypass Valve, installed in the nose landing gear (NLG) 
Steering Manifold, was identified as a failure cause.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
loss of directional control on ground during take-off or landing, 
possibly resulting in a runway excursion.
    To address this unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2009-0129 to 
require repetitive functional checks of the Steering Manifold to 
verify internal leakage proofness and accomplishment of the 
functional check upon installation of a replacement Steering 
Manifold on an aeroplane.
    Since that AD was issued, PAI issued Service Bulletin (SB) 80-
0249 at revision 3, providing improved testing procedures.
    For the reasons described above, this AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2009-0129, which is superseded, but requires 
accomplishment of the functional checks in accordance with the 
improved procedures and additionally, before release to service of 
an aeroplane after installation of a replacement NLG. This AD also 
introduces an optional modification, which constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive functional checks required by this AD.
    This AD is revised to introduce a relieving compliance time for 
aeroplanes earlier inspected in accordance with EASA AD 2009-0129.

You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-0967.

Relevant Service Information

    PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin 
N. 80-0249, Rev. 3, dated July 22, 2013; Recommended Service Bulletin 
N. 80-0285, and Recommended Service Bulletin N. 80-0286, Rev. 1, both 
dated September 30, 2013. The actions described in this service 
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in 
the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 112 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic functional test requirements of this 
proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $19,040, or $170 per product.
    In addition, we estimate the following cost to do the proposed 
optional modification to terminate the proposed required repetitive 
functional tests. For Model P-180 Avanti airplanes, it would take about 
40 work-hours and require

[[Page 69599]]

parts costing $2,000, for a cost of $5,400 per product. For Model P-180 
Avanti II airplanes, it would take about 40 work-hours and require 
parts costing $4,000, for a cost of $7,400 per product. We have no way 
of determining the number of operators that may choose this optional 
action.

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.
    We are 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 proposed 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

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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 Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 removing Amendment 39-16169 (75 FR 
904, January 7, 2010), and adding the following new AD:

PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A: Docket No. FAA-2013-0967; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-CE-042-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 6, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2009-21-08 R1, Amendment 39-16169 (75 FR 
904, January 7, 2010).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model P-180 
airplanes, serial numbers 1004 through 1218, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    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 cases of un-
commanded operation of switched off nose-wheel steering system 
caused by internal leakage of a steering select/bypass valve. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent loss of directional control on ground 
during take-off or landing, which could result in a runway 
excursion.

 (f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the actions required in paragraphs 
(f)(1) through (f)(5) of this AD, including all subparagraphs:
    (1) At whichever of the compliance times specified in paragraphs 
(f)(1)(i) and (f)(1)(ii) of this AD that occurs first and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 165 hours TIS, do 
a functional test of the nose landing gear (NLG) steering manifold 
following Part A2 of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in PIAGGIO AERO 
INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-0249, Rev. 3, 
dated July 22, 2013 (includes CONFIRMATION SLIP).
    (i) Within the next 165 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD or within the next 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first; or
    (ii) Within the next 165 hours TIS after the last inspection 
done in compliance with AD 2009-21-08 R1, Amendment 39-16169 (75 FR 
904, January 7, 2010).
    (2) Within the next 220 hours TIS or the next 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and repetitively 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 660 TIS or 12 months, 
whichever occurs first, do a functional test of the nose landing 
gear (NLG) steering manifold following Part A1 of the ACCOMPLISHMENT 
INSTRUCTIONS in PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin 
(Mandatory) N. 80-0249, Rev. 3, dated July 22, 2013 (includes 
CONFIRMATION SLIP).
    (3) If, during any functional test required in paragraphs (f)(1) 
and (f)(2) of this AD, any NLG steering actuator movement 
discrepancy is detected, before further flight, replace the NLG 
steering manifold with a serviceable part as specified in Part A1 
and Part A2 of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in PIAGGIO AERO 
INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-0249, Rev. 3, 
dated July 22, 2013 (includes CONFIRMATION SLIP).
    (4) As of the effective date of this AD, installation of a 
replacement NLG steering manifold or a replacement NLG is allowed, 
provided that, before release to service, the NLG steering manifold 
passes a functional test following Part A1 of the ACCOMPLISHMENT 
INSTRUCTIONS in PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin 
(Mandatory) N. 80-0249, Rev. 3, dated July 22, 2013.
    (5) To terminate the repetitive functional tests required in 
paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, at any time after the 
initial functional test required in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of 
this AD, you may modify the electrical configuration of the steering 
system following the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in PIAGGIO AERO 
INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Recommended) N. 80-0285, dated 
September 20, 2013 (includes CONFIRMATION SLIP), or the 
ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. 
Service Bulletin (Recommended) N. 80-0286, Rev. 1, dated September 
20, 2013, as applicable.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
mike.kiesov@faa.gov.
    (i) Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the 
AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in 
the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, 
your local FSDO.
    (ii) AMOCs approved for AD 2009-21-08 R1 (75 FR 904, January 7, 
2010) are not approved for AMOCs for this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from

[[Page 69600]]

a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-
approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are 
approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated 
agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before 
it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing, and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2013-
0242R1, dated October 9, 2013, for related information. You may 
examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-0967. For 
service information related to this AD, contact Piaggio Aero 
Industries S.p.A-Airworthiness Office, Via Luigi Cibrario, 4-16154 
Genova-Italy; phone: +39 010 6481353; fax: +39 010 6481881; email: 
airworthiness@piaggioaero.it; Internet: http://www.piaggioaero.com/#/en/aftersales/service-support. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 5, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-27837 Filed 11-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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