Document ID: FAA-2013-0527-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Airplanes
Posted Date: 2013-06-19T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 19, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36691-36693]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-14569]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 19, 2013 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 36691]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0527; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-014-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).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Model P-180 airplanes. This proposed AD 
results from 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 cracks at the joint between the hinge pin sub-
assembly and the lock pin of the main landing gear lever hinge fitting. 
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 August 5, 2013.

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; and Messier-Dowty 
Limited, Cheltenham Road, Gloucester, GL2 9QH, England; phone: 
+44(0)1452 712424; fax: +44(0)1452 713821; email: 
americatassc@safranmbd.com; Internet: www.safranmbd.com. 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; 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-2013-0527; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-014-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

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 
No. 2013-0084, dated April 5, 2013 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

During scheduled maintenance, cracks have been detected at the joint 
between the hinge pin sub-assembly and the lock pin of the main 
landing gear (MLG) lever hinge fitting (LHF) of a Piaggio P.180 
aeroplane.
    The results of the subsequent investigation revealed that the 
cracks were initiated by an unforeseen friction in the MLG wheel 
lever sub-assembly.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a 
structural failure of the MLG, possibly resulting in loss of control 
of the aeroplane during take-off or landing runs.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Piaggio Aero 
Industries (PAI) issued Service Bulletin (SB) 80-0345 to provide 
instructions for early identification of cracks in the MLG LHF and, 
in case of identification of the crack, replacement of the MLG.
    For the reasons described above, this AD required inspections of 
the MLG LHF and, depending on findings, replacement of the MLG.
    This AD is considered to be an interim action, and based on 
gathered experience, further AD action may follow.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. has issued Mandatory Service 
Bulletin No. 80-0345, and Appendix A, both dated September 20, 2012, 
which includes Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin No. P180-32-32, dated 
September 10, 2012. 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

[[Page 36692]]

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.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. We are requiring inspection(s) 
of the left and right MLG LHF with a report to the manufacturer of the 
results if cracks are found. We will work with the type certificate 
holder to evaluate the report results to determine repetitive 
inspection intervals and subsequent terminating action. Based on this 
evaluation, we may initiate further rulemaking action to address the 
unsafe condition identified in this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 109 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 11 total work-
hours, which is 2 work-hours for the initial visual inspection; 2 work-
hours for the detailed visual inspection; and 7 work-hours for the 
fluorescent penetrant inspection, per product to comply with the basic 
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 $101,915, or $935 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 7 work-hours and require parts costing $21,540 to replace a 
left-hand LHF, for a cost of $22,153, and $20,662 to replace a right-
hand LHF, for a cost of $21,257.
    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 AD:

Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A: Docket No. FAA-2013-0527; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-CE-014-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 5, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Model P-180 
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by results from 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 cracks 
at the joint between the hinge pin sub-assembly and the lock pin of 
the main landing gear (MLG) lever hinge fitting (LHF). We are 
issuing this AD to prevent structural failure of the MLG LHF, which 
could result in loss of control during take-off or landing runs.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs 
(f)(1) through (f)(8), including all subparagraphs, of this AD:
    (1) Within the next 200 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD or within the next 3 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and repetitively 
thereafter before further flight after each MLG (subassembly) 
replacement, visually inspect each MLG LHF for cracks and verify 
freedom of rotation of the MLG wheel lever subassemblies. Do the 
inspection following Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions in 
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-
0345, dated September 20, 2012; and Paragraph A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Appendix A, dated September 20, 2012, which includes Messier-Dowty 
Service Bulletin No. P180-32-32, dated September 10, 2012.
    (2) If, during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of 
this AD, freedom of rotation of the MLG wheel lever subassembly is 
not assured, before further flight, mark the LHF on the affected MLG 
as ``inspect as per SB-80-0345'' with an indelible pen, and replace 
the MLG LHF with a serviceable part. Do the replacement following 
Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries 
S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0345, dated September 20, 
2012. The newly installed MLG LHF is subject to the repetitive 
inspection requirement specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD and 
all inspection requirements specified in paragraphs (f)(3) and 
(f)(4) of this AD.
    (3) Within the compliance times specified in paragraphs 
(f)(3)(i), (f)(3)(ii), and (f)(3)(iii) of this AD, and repetitively 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS, do a detailed 
visual inspection of each MLG LHF for cracks. Do the inspection 
following Part

[[Page 36693]]

2 of the Accomplishment Instructions in PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES 
S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0345, dated September 20, 
2012, and Paragraph B of the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio 
Aero Industries S.p.A. Appendix A, dated September 20, 2012, that 
includes Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin No. P180-32-32, dated 
September 10, 2012.
    (i) As of the effective date of this AD, if the MLG LHF has 
accumulated 2,300 hours TIS or less since new, inspect before 
exceeding 2,500 hours TIS since new.
    (ii) As of the effective date of this AD, if the MLG LHF has 
accumulated more than 2,300 hours TIS since new, but less than 2,500 
hours TIS since new, inspect within the next 200 hours TIS after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (iii) As of the effective date of this AD, if the MLG LHF has 
accumulated 2,500 hours TIS or more since new, inspect within the 
next 200 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD or within the 
next 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
first.
    (4) Within the compliance times specified in paragraphs 
(f)(3)(i), (f)(3)(ii), and (f)(3)(iii) of this AD and repetitively 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 750 hours TIS, do a 
fluorescent penetrant inspection on each MLG LHF for cracks. Do the 
inspection following Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions in 
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-
0345, dated September 20, 2012, and Paragraph C of the 
Accomplishment Instructions in PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. 
Appendix A, dated September 20, 2012, that includes Messier-Dowty 
Service Bulletin No. P180-32-32, dated September 10, 2012.
    (5) If, during any inspection required by paragraphs (f)(1), 
(f)(3), (f)(4), (f)(7), and (f)(8) of this AD, including all 
subparagraphs, any crack is found, before further flight, replace 
the MLG with a serviceable part. Do the replacement following the 
Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0345, dated September 20, 2012. 
After installing a serviceable MLG, continue with the repetitive 
inspection requirements of paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(3), and (f)(4) 
this AD.
    (6) Within 30 days after each MLG LHF replacement, submit an 
inspection result report to Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A at the 
address specified in paragraph (h) of this AD using the Confirmation 
Slip attached to Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service 
Bulletin No. 80-0345, dated September 20, 2012.
    (7) For the purpose of this AD, a ``serviceable'' MLG is an 
airworthy MLG verified before installation for freedom of rotation 
and has been inspected following paragraphs (f)(3) and (f)(4) of 
this AD, including all subparagraphs, and is found free of cracks. 
If status of detailed visual inspections intervals, fluorescent 
penetrant inspections intervals, or hours TIS since new cannot be 
determined from the Authorized Release Certificate of the MLG to be 
installed, before next flight after installation, inspect the MLG 
LHF as specified in paragraphs (f)(3) and (f)(4) of this AD. Any 
newly install MLG LHF is subject to the repetitive inspections 
required in paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(3), and (f)(4) of this AD.
    (8) As of the effective date of this AD, any MLG with LHF marked 
``inspect as per SB 80-0345'' that was removed as specified in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD may be reinstalled provided that before 
installation, freedom of rotation has been restored. Before further 
flight after installation, the MLG LHF must be inspected as 
specified in paragraphs (f)(3) and (f)(4) of this AD. Continue 
thereafter with the repetitive inspections at the intervals 
specified paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(3), and (f)(4) of this AD.

(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. 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.

(h) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 
2013-0084, dated April 5, 2013; Messier-Dowty PCS-2700 Paint 
Stripping document, dated January 2011; Messier-Dowty PCS-2622 Cold 
Degreasing (Solvent) document, Issue 2, dated May 12, 2008; and 
Messier-Dowty Ltd 201034005 and 201034006 Component Maintenance 
Manual, page 2, dated May 1, 2004, and page 1020, dated March 17, 
2006, for related information.
    (2) For service information identified in and 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; and 
Messier-Dowty Limited, Cheltenham Road, Gloucester, GL2 9QH, 
England; phone: +44(0)1452 712424; fax: +44(0)1452 713821; email: 
americatassc@safranmbd.com; Internet: www.safranmbd.com. 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 June 13, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-14569 Filed 6-18-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P