Document ID: FAA-2012-0634-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Airplanes
Posted Date: 2012-09-17T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 180 (Monday, September 17, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56987-56989]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-22542]

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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 180 / Monday, September 17, 2012 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 56987]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0634; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-016-AD; 
Amendment 39-17182; AD 2012-18-06]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) 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 jamming of the external bearing of the screwjack drive 
gear, which resulted in failure of the main wing outboard flap external 
actuator. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 22, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of October 22, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at Document 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 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.

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 the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 15, 2012 (77 FR 
35888). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Failures of the Main Wing Outboard Flap external actuator have 
been reported by P.180 operators.
    The investigation revealed that due to jamming of the external 
bearing, the screwjack drive gear disengaged from its seat and the 
external actuator stopped, while the inner one continued its run.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to an asymmetrical 
flap actuators operation and cause an interference between the flap 
and adjacent aileron, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires the 
installation of a covering cage on the screwjack, as a temporary 
corrective action, which does not allow the disengagement of the 
affected gear.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 35888, June 15, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 110 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 6 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $2,770 per 
product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $360,800, or $3,280 per product.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this 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 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,

[[Page 56988]]

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; 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 adding the following new AD:

2012-18-06 PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A: Amendment 39-17182; Docket 
No. FAA-2012-0634; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-016-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 22, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model P-180 
airplanes, serial numbers (S/Ns) 1002 and 1004 through 1223, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

(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. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, before October 22, 2012 (the effective date 
of this AD), following the Accomplishment Instructions of Piaggio 
Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0318, 
revision 2, dated March 28, 2012, do the following actions:
    (1) For S/Ns 1002 and 1004 through 1135:
    (i) For aircraft with less than 1,500 hours total time-in-
service (TIS) at the effective date of this AD: Within 1,500 hours 
TIS after October 22, 2012 (the effective date of this AD) or within 
12 calendar months after October 22, 2012 (the effective date of 
this AD), whichever occurs first, install covering cages on both 
left and right wing outboard flap external screwjacks. Follow the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0318, revision 2, dated March 28, 
2012.
    (ii) For aircraft with 1,500 hours total TIS or more but less 
than 2,800 hours total TIS at October 22, 2012 (the effective date 
of this AD): Upon or before reaching a total of 3,000 hours TIS 
after October 22, 2012 (the effective date of this AD) or within 12 
calendar months after October 22, 2012 (the effective date of this 
AD), whichever occurs first, install covering cages on both left and 
right wing outboard flap external screwjacks. Follow the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0318, revision 2, dated March 28, 
2012.
    (iii) For aircraft with 2,800 hours total TIS or more at October 
22, 2012 (the effective date of this AD): Within 200 hours TIS after 
October 22, 2012 (the effective date of this AD) or within 12 
calendar months after October 22, 2012 (the effective date of this 
AD), whichever occurs first, install covering cages on both left and 
right wing outboard flap external screwjacks. Follow the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0318, revision 2, dated March 28, 
2012.
    (2) For S/Ns 1136 through 1223 (inclusive): Within 1,500 hours 
TIS after October 22, 2012 (the effective date of this AD) or within 
12 calendar months after October 22, 2012 (the effective date of 
this AD), whichever occurs first, install covering cages on both 
left and right wing outboard flap external screwjacks. Follow the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0318, revision 2, dated March 28, 
2012.
    Note to paragraph (f) of this AD: S/Ns 1224 and subsequent have 
covering cages on both left and right wing outboard flap external 
screwjacks installed during production.

(g) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    This AD provides credit for the actions required in this AD if 
already done before October 22, 2012 (the effective date of this AD) 
following Service Bulletin No. 80-0318, dated October 24, 2011; 
Service Bulletin No. 80-0318, revision 1, dated February 3, 2012; 
and Service Bulletin No. 80-0318, revision 2, dated March 28, 2012.

(h) 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. 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.
    (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.

(i) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2012-0066, dated April 24, 2012; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0318, dated October 24, 2011; 
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-
0318, revision 1, dated February 3, 2012; and Piaggio Aero 
Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0318,

[[Page 56989]]

revision 2, dated March 28, 2012, for related information.

(j) 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) Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin 
No. 80-0318, dated October 24, 2011;
    (ii) Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin 
No. 80-0318, revision 1, dated February 3, 2012; and
    (iii) Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin 
No. 80-0318, revision 2, dated March 28, 2012.
    (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 August 29, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-22542 Filed 9-14-12; 8:45 am]
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