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[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 201 (Monday, October 19, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63151-63153]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26230]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-4213; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-022-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-46-500TP airplanes. This proposed 
AD was prompted by a report of the wing upper skin joints being 
manufactured without sealant, which allows water to enter and stay in 
sealed, bonded stringers. This proposed AD would require inspecting the 
upper wing surface for sealant; inspecting the wing stringers for water 
intrusion; inspecting for deformation and corrosion if evidence of 
water intrusion exists; and taking corrective actions as necessary. We 
are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 3, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Service, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, 
Florida 32960; telephone: (877) 879-0275; fax: none; email: 
customer.service@piper.com; Internet: www.piper.com. You may review 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 Docket No. FAA-2015-
4213; 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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory ``Keith'' Noles, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1701 Columbia 
Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5551; fax: (404) 
474-5606; email: gregory.noles@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-4213; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-022-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://www.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

    We received a report of wing upper skin joints on Piper Aircraft, 
Inc. Model PA-46-500TP airplanes being manufactured without sealant, 
which allows water to enter and stay in sealed, bonded stringers. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in water entering the 
stringers common to the upper wing skin. Left uncorrected, corrosion 
could develop, and freeze/thaw cycles of water at this location could 
cause deformation of the skin with follow-on disbonding between the 
stringer flanges and the inner surface of the wing skin. Consequently, 
the corrosion or disbonding could reduce the structural integrity of 
the wing.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated 
April 23, 2015. The service bulletin provides instructions for 
inspecting the upper wing surface for sealant and sealing or resealing 
(if necessary). This service bulletin also provides instructions for 
inspecting the wing stringers for water intrusion, and, if water 
intrusion was found as a result of the inspection, inspecting for 
corrosion or deformation. 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 the 
ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 440 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 63152]]

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Cost per        Cost on U.S.
             Action                      Labor cost            Parts cost          product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection for sealant..........  2 work-hours x $85 per   Not Applicable....            $170            $74,800
                                   hour = $170.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any additional necessary 
inspections, rework of the stringers, and installation of sealant that 
would be required based on the results of the proposed initial 
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that 
might need this rework of the stringers and installation of sealant:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rework stringers and seal skin joints......  12 work-hours x $85 per hour =                 $200          $1,220
                                              $1,020.
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    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2015-4213; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-CE-022-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 3, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-46-500TP 
airplanes, serial numbers 4697001 through 4697528, certificated in 
any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 5700, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of wing upper skin joints being 
manufactured without sealant, which allows water to enter and stay 
in sealed, bonded stringers. We are issuing this AD to prevent water 
from entering the stringers common to the upper wing skin. Left 
uncorrected, corrosion could develop, and freeze/thaw cycles of 
water at this location could cause deformation of the skin with 
follow-on disbonding between the stringer flanges and the inner 
surface of the wing skin. Consequently, the corrosion or disbonding 
could reduce the structural integrity of the wing.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspect the Upper Skin Joints for Adequate Sealant

    Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD or 12 months after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect the upper skin joints for 
adequate sealant following Part I of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service 
Bulletin No. 1262B, dated April 23, 2015. No further action per this 
AD is required if adequate sealant is already applied.

(h) Inspect for Evidence of Water Intrusion/Moisture

    If you find missing or inadequate sealant during the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, inspect 
for evidence of water intrusion/moisture following Part II of Piper 
Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated April 23, 2015.
    (1) If no evidence of water intrusion/moisture is found during 
the inspection required in paragraph (h) of this AD, before further 
flight, rework the stringers and apply sealant as required in 
paragraph (k) of this AD.
    (2) If evidence of water intrusion/moisture is found during the 
inspection required in

[[Page 63153]]

paragraph (h) of this AD, before further flight, do the actions 
required in paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD.

(i) Inspect for Corrosion

    If you find, as a result of the inspection required by paragraph 
(h) of this AD, evidence of water intrusion/moisture, before further 
flight, inspect for corrosion following Part II of Piper Aircraft, 
Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated April 23, 2015.
    (1) If no evidence of corrosion is found during the inspection 
required in paragraph (i) of this AD, before further flight, rework 
the stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this 
AD.
    (2) If evidence of corrosion is found during the inspection 
required in paragraph (i) of this AD, before further flight, obtain 
and implement an FAA-approved corrective action, approved 
specifically for this AD. At the operator's discretion, assistance 
may be provided by contacting Piper Aircraft, Inc. at the address 
identified in paragraph (o)(2) of this AD. After obtaining and 
implementing an FAA-approved corrective action, approved 
specifically for this AD, before further flight, rework the 
stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this AD.

(j) Inspect for Deformation

    If you find, as a result of the inspection required by paragraph 
(h) of this AD, evidence of water intrusion/moisture, before further 
flight, do a visual inspection for skin or stringer deformation.
    (1) If no evidence of deformation is found during the inspection 
required in paragraph (j) of this AD, before further flight, rework 
the stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this 
AD.
    (2) If any visible deformation is found during the inspection 
required in paragraph (j) of this AD, before further flight, obtain 
and implement an FAA-approved corrective action, approved 
specifically for this AD. At the operator's discretion, assistance 
may be provided by contacting Piper Aircraft, Inc. at the address 
identified in paragraph (o)(2) of this AD. After obtaining and 
implementing an FAA-approved corrective action, approved 
specifically for this AD, before further flight, rework the 
stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this AD.

(k) Rework Stringers and Seal Skin Joints

    If any inspection required by paragraphs (g) through (j) of this 
AD reveals discrepancies (no sealant/inadequate sealant, evidence of 
water intrusion/moisture, corrosion, or deformation), before further 
flight, after completing any necessary corrective actions, rework 
wing stringers and seal skin joints following Part II of Piper 
Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated April 23, 2015.

(l) Credit for Actions Done in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    Actions done before the effective date of this AD following Part 
I and Part II of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262, 
dated October 16, 2013; or Part I and Part II of Piper Aircraft, 
Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262A, dated November 14, 2013, as 
applicable, are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding actions specified in paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (k) 
(including subparagraphs) of this AD. Additional inspections beyond 
Service Bulletin No. 1262 are required to fully comply with 
paragraph (j) of this AD.

(m) Special Flight Permit

    (1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.23, a single flight is allowed 
to a location to do the actions in paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (2) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.23, a single flight is allowed 
to a location to do the inspections, rework and installation of 
sealant required in paragraphs (h) through (k) of this AD. Prior to 
the flight to perform the inspections, rework, and installation of 
sealant, the following inspection must be performed: If the 
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD reveals no sealant, 
inspect for evidence of wing damage (skin or stringer deformation, 
e.g. buckling). Any wing damage that is found must be repaired 
before further flight and before any special flight permit is 
authorized.

(n) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.
    (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.

(o) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Gregory 
``Keith'' Noles, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia 
Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5551; fax: 
(404) 474-5606; email: gregory.noles@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper 
Aircraft, Inc., Customer Service, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, 
Florida 32960; telephone: (877) 879-0275; fax: none; email: 
customer.service@piper.com; Internet: www.piper.com. 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 7, 2015.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-26230 Filed 10-16-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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