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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 90 (Friday, May 9, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26603-26605]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-09431]

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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; 
Amendment 39-17839; AD 2014-09-04]
RIN 2120-AA64

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

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-21-08 R1 
for Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Model P-180 airplanes. This AD 
results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
issued 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 require actions to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 13, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 13, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0967; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, 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 service information identified in 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 view this 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.

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:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain PIAGGIO AERO 
INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model P-180 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the 
Federal Register on November 20, 2013 (78 FR 69597), and proposed to 
supersede AD 2009-21-08 R1, Amendment 39-16169 (75 FR 904, January 7, 
2010).
    The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states that:

    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.

The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://

[[Page 26604]]

www.regulations.gov/!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0967-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Add an Additional Method of Compliance for Doing the 
Functional Test of the Nose Landing Gear (NLG) Steering Manifold

    Carlo Cardu of Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A requested that we add 
an additional method of compliance for doing the functional tests of 
the NLG steering manifold required in paragraph (f)(1) of the proposed 
AD.
    Carlo Cardu stated that following Part A1 of Piaggio Aero 
Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-0249, Rev. 3, 
dated July 22, 2013, should be allowed to show compliance for doing the 
functional tests required in paragraph (f)(1) of the proposed AD 
because the procedures in Part A1 are more thorough than the procedures 
in Part A2 and meet the full intent of Part A2.
    We agree with the commenter and have changed the final rule AD 
action based on this comment.

Request To Clarify the Compliance Time for the Repetitive 165-Hour 
Time-in-Service (TIS) Functional Tests

    Carlo Cardu of Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A requested that we 
clarify that each time a functional test of the nose landing gear (NLG) 
steering manifold is done 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, that the time 
counting towards the required 165-hour TIS repetitive functional test 
is reset to zero.
    We agree with the commenter and have changed the final rule AD 
action based on this comment.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the changes described previously and any minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 69597, November 20, 2013), for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 69597, November 20, 2013).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 112 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic functional test requirements of this AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $19,040, or $170 per product.
    In addition, we estimate the following cost to do the optional 
modification to terminate the required repetitive functional tests. For 
Model P-180 Avanti airplanes, it will take about 40 work-hours and 
require parts costing $2,000, for a cost of $5,400 per product. For 
Model P-180 Avanti II airplanes, it will 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 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 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) 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=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 the NPRM, 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.

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 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 removing Amendment 39-16169 (75 FR 
904, January 7, 2010), and adding the following new AD:

2014-09-04 Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A: Amendment 39-17839; Docket 
No. FAA-2013-0967; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-042-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 13, 
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

[[Page 26605]]

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 paragraph (f)(1) 
through paragraph (f)(5) of this AD, including all subparagraphs:
    (1) At whichever of the compliance times specified in paragraph 
(f)(1)(i) and paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD that occurs first and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 165 hours time-
in-service (TIS), do a functional test of the nose landing gear 
(NLG) steering manifold following Part A1 or 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). Any functional test completed 
following either Part A1 or Part A2 resets the time counting towards 
the 165-hour TIS repetitive functional test to zero.
    (i) Within the next 165 hours TIS after June 13, 2014 (the 
effective date of this AD) or within the next 6 months after June 
13, 2014 (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 after June 13, 2014 (the 
effective date of this AD) or within the next 6 months after June 
13, 2014 (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). Any functional test completed 
following either Part A1 or Part A2 resets the time counting towards 
the 165-hour TIS repetitive functional test required by paragraph 
(f)(1) of this AD to zero.
    (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 June 13, 2014 (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 
(includes Confirmation Slip).
    (5) To terminate the repetitive functional tests required in 
paragraph (f)(1) and paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, at any time after 
the initial functional test required in paragraph (f)(1) and 
paragraph (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 30, 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 30, 2013 (includes Confirmation Slip), 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 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/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0967-0002.

(i) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) 
N. 80-0249, Rev. 3, dated July 22, 2013 (includes Confirmation 
Slip).
    (ii) Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin 
(Recommended) N. 80-0285, dated September 30, 2013 (includes 
Confirmation Slip).
    (iii) Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin 
(Recommended) N. 80-0286, Rev. 1, dated September 30, 2013 (includes 
Confirmation Slip).
    (3) For Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A service information 
identified in 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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.
    (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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 17, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-09431 Filed 5-8-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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