Document ID: FAA-2019-0447-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Piper Aircraft, Inc.
Posted Date: 2019-06-27T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 124 (Thursday, June 27, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30590-30593]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-13603]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0447; Product Identifier 2018-CE-055-AD; Amendment 
39-19667; AD 2019-12-12]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc.

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Model PA-46-600TP (M600) 
airplanes. This AD requires inserting a ground operations limitation 
into the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) and 
installing a placard limiting ground operations. This AD also includes 
optional actions to terminate the ground operating limitations. This AD 
was prompted by a report of understrength rivets installed during 
manufacture of the bulkhead assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 12, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 12, 
2019.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by August 12, 2019.

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: 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 final rule, contact 
Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; 
telephone: (772) 567-4361; internet: www.piper.com. You may view this 
service information at the

[[Page 30591]]

FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call (816) 329-4148. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0447.

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-2019-
0447; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed 
above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan McCully, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Atlanta ACO Branch, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; 
telephone: (404) 474-5548; fax: (404) 474-5606; email: 
william.mccully@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA received a report from Piper that incorrect rivets were 
installed in the bulkhead assembly at fuselage station (FS) 79.00 
during the manufacture of certain serial-numbered Model PA-46-600TP 
(M600) airplanes. The rivets were not in accordance with the type 
design drawing, nor did they meet the strength requirements of the 
aircraft design. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
failure of the rivets, which could lead to structural failure of the 
bulkhead assembly and loss of control of the airplane. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Piper Service Bulletin No. 1332A, dated January 
29, 2019. The service bulletin contains procedures for inserting the 
temporary ground operating limitation into the pilot's operating 
handbook (POH) and installing a placard with the temporary ground 
operating limitation, either a fabricated placard or placard part 
number 46G110013-702, in the airplane cockpit. The service bulletin 
also contains procedures for inspecting the FS 79.00 bulkhead assembly 
for cracks, wrinkling, or missing rivets and for replacing the 
understrength rivets with new rivets. 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.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the FAA 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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires inserting a ground operating limitation into the 
Limitations section of the AFM and installing a placard in the airplane 
cockpit that limits ground operations. This AD also includes an 
optional action to terminate the ground operating limitation by 
replacing the rivets to reinforce the bulkhead assembly. Although 
Piper's service information specifies inserting the operating 
limitation into the POH, Piper's POH for the Model PA-46-600TP 
constitutes its FAA-approved AFM.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD interim action. The FAA may require 
replacement of the rivets to reinforce the bulkhead assembly. However, 
the planned compliance time for the replacement of the rivets would 
allow enough time to provide notice and opportunity for prior comment 
on the merit of the replacement.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the required corrective actions must be accomplished before 
further flight. Providing prior notice and comment would delay 
implementing these safety actions needed to correct this known unsafe 
condition, which could result in structural failure of the FS 79.00 
bulkhead, resulting in loss of control of the airplane. Therefore, the 
FAA finds good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public 
comment are impracticable. In addition, for the reason stated above, 
the FAA finds that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, the FAA invites you to send any written data, views, 
or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2019-
0447 and Product Identifier 2018-CE-055-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final 
rule. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments the FAA receives, without change, to 
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive 
verbal contact the FAA receives about this final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 69 airplanes, of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insert the ground operating limitation  1 work-hour x $85 per              $6.00             $91          $6,279
 into the AFM and install placard        hour = $85.
 limiting ground operations.
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[[Page 30592]]

                                           Optional Terminating Action
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Optional terminating action to replace  100 work-hours x $85 per            $200          $8,700        $600,300
 rivets.                                 hour = $8,500.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in their 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.
    The FAA is 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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders, 
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and 
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation 
Division.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, 
RFA analysis is not required.

Regulatory Findings

    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 that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2019-12-12 Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-19667; Docket No. FAA-
2019-0447; Product Identifier 2018-CE-055-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 12, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc., Model PA-46-600TP 
(M600) airplanes, serial numbers 4698001, 4698004 through 4698010, 
4698012 through 4698016, and 4698018 through 4698076, certificated 
in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 5312, bulkhead.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of understrength rivets 
installed on the bulkhead assembly during manufacture. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the understrength rivets, 
which could lead to structural failure of the fuselage station (FS) 
79 bulkhead with consequent loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Ground Operating Limitation

    (1) Before further flight after July 12, 2019 (the effective 
date of this AD), insert the ground operations limitation into the 
Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) and install 
on the airplane cockpit instrument panel a placard limiting ground 
operations by following the Instructions, Part I Temporary Ground 
Operating Limitation, of Piper Aircraft, Inc., Service Bulletin No. 
1332A, dated January 29, 2019 (Piper SB No. 1332A).

    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD:  The Piper 
Aircraft, Inc. pilot's operating handbook for the Model PA-46-600TP 
(M600) airplane constitutes its FAA-approved AFM.

    (2) The actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be 
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private 
pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records 
showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 
(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be 
maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

(h) Optional Action To Terminate the Ground Operating Limitation

    (1) After July 12, 2019 (the effective date of this AD), you may 
replace the FS 79.00 bulkhead rivets in accordance with the 
Instructions, Part II Rework, of Piper SB No. 1332A.
    (2) If the FS 79.00 bulkhead rivets have been replaced as 
specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, you may remove the AFM 
revision and placard required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions in paragraphs (g) 
and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before July 12, 
2019 (the effective date of this AD) using Piper Aircraft, Inc. SB 
No. 1332, dated October 16, 2018.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs

[[Page 30593]]

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 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (k) 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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Dan McCully, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta ACO Branch, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474-5548; fax: (404) 
474-5606; email: william.mccully@faa.gov.

(l) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1332A, dated 
January 29, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Piper Aircraft, Inc. service information identified in 
this AD, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, 
FL 32960; telephone: (772) 567-4361; internet: www.piper.com/technical-publications-documents/.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Policy and 
Innovation Division, 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 June 17, 2019.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation 
Division, AIR-601.
[FR Doc. 2019-13603 Filed 6-26-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P