Document ID: FAA-2010-1295-0004
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Piper Aircraft, Inc., Models PA-46-310P, PA-46-350P, and PA-46R-350T Airplanes
Posted Date: 2011-04-01T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 63 (Friday, April 1, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18033-18038]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-7569]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1295; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-060-AD; 
Amendment 39-16635; AD 2011-06-10]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.) Models PA-46-310P, PA-
46-350P, and PA-46R-350T Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
that applies to certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-46-310P and PA-
46-350P airplanes that are equipped with a Lewis or Transicoil turbine 
inlet temperature (T.I.T.) gauge and associated probe. That AD 
currently requires cleaning, inspecting, and calibrating the T.I.T. 
system; replacing any T.I.T. system that fails the calibration test; 
repetitively replacing the T.I.T. probe on certain airplanes; and 
inserting a copy of the AD into the pilot's operating handbook (POH) 
for certain airplanes. This new AD retains

[[Page 18034]]

the actions required by the previous AD (AD 99-15-04 R1), adds certain 
Model PA-46R-350T airplanes to the Applicability section, expands the 
applicability to include other T.I.T. systems, and incorporates new 
service information. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising 
related service information and adding an airplane model to the list of 
affected airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent improper engine 
operation caused by improperly calibrated T.I.T. indicators or 
defective T.I.T. probes, which could result in engine damage/failure 
with consequent loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective May 6, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of May 6, 2011.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper 
Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: 
(772) 567-4361; fax: (772) 978-6573; Internet: http://www.newpiper.com/company/publications.asp. You may review copies of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust 
St., 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darby Mirocha, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5573; fax: (404) 474-
5605; e-mail: darby.mirocha@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 99-15-04 R1, Amendment 39-11747 (65 FR 33745, 
May 25, 2000). That AD applies to certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (type 
certificate previously held by The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.) Models PA-
46-310P and PA-46-350P airplanes that are equipped with a Lewis or 
Transicoil T.I.T. gauge and associated probe. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on December 30, 2010 (75 FR 82329). That NPRM proposed 
to continue to require cleaning, inspecting, and calibrating the T.I.T. 
system on certain airplanes; replacing any T.I.T. system that fails the 
inspection and calibration test; repetitively replacing the T.I.T. 
probe on certain airplanes; and inserting a copy of the AD into the 
pilot's operating handbook (POH). That NPRM also proposed to add 
certain Model PA-46R-350T airplanes to the Applicability section, 
expand the applicability to include other T.I.T. systems, and 
incorporate new service information.

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 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 affects 898 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Cost per
             Action                  Labor cost          Parts cost       product      Cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clean and inspect the T.I.T      1 work-hour x $85   Not applicable....        $85  $85 x 780 affected airplanes
 gauge and probe for certain      per hour = $85.                                    = $66,300.
 Models PA-46-310P and PA-46-
 350P airplanes.
Calibrate the T.I.T. gauge for   4 work-hours x $85  Not applicable....        340  340 x 427 affected airplanes
 certain Models PA-46-310P and    per hour = $340.                                   = $145,180.
 PA-46-350P airplanes.
Incorporate emergency            1 work-hour x $85   Not applicable....         85  85 x 898 affected airplanes
 procedures into POH.             per hour = $85.                                    = $76,330.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The requirements of this AD add no additional economic burden other 
than the addition of an airplane model to the Applicability section.
    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace probe................................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour =               $384             $469
                                                $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 18035]]

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 have 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 that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.

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 Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
99-15-04 R1, Amendment 39-11747 (65 FR 33745, May 25, 2000), and adding 
the following new AD:

2011-06-10 Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.): Amendment 39-16635; Docket No. FAA-
2010-1295; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-060-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 6, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 99-15-04 R1, Amendment 39-11747.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the following Piper Aircraft, Inc. (type 
certificate previously held by The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.) Models 
PA-46-310P, PA-46-350P, and PA-46R-350T airplanes that are:
    (1) Certificated in any category; and
    (2) equipped with a turbine inlet temperature (T.I.T.) system 
identified in table 3 of this AD. Relief from this AD is available 
only if the gauge and probe are replaced through STC and not if a 
second T.I.T. gauge was installed while retaining the Lewis or 
Transicoil T.I.T. gauge and probe.

   Table 1--Group 1 (Airplanes Previously Affected by AD 99-15-04 R1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Models                        Serial Numbers (S/N)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PA-46-310P (Malibu)..........  46-8408001 through 46-8608067 and 4608001
                                through 4608140.
PA-46-350P (Malibu Mirage)...  4622001 through 4622200 and 4636001
                                through 4636020.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Table 2--Group 2 (Airplanes Not Previously Affected by AD 99-15-04 R1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Models                                S/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PA-46-350P (Malibu Mirage)...  4636021 and subsequent.
PA-46R-350T (Matrix).........  4692001 and subsequent.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Table 3--Affected Airplane Models and Corresponding Affected Turbine Inlet Temperature (T.I.T.) System
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Models                           S/N             Indication system P/N          Probe P/N
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PA-46-310P...........................  46-8408001 through 46-   Lewis T.I.T. analog      471-009 or 481-387.
                                        8608067 and 4608001      indicators P/N 471-008.
                                        through 4608140.
PA-46-350P...........................  4622001 through 4622200  Lewis T.I.T. analog      481-389 or 481-392 or
                                        and 4636001 through      indicators P/N 471-008.  686-216 (preferred).
                                        4636020.
PA-46-350P...........................  4636021 through 4636374  Lewis T.I.T. digital     481-389 or 481-392 or
                                                                 indicators P/N 548-811.  686-216 (preferred).
PA-46-350P...........................  4636375 and subsequent.  Avidyne Entegra or       686-216.
                                                                 other Electronic
                                                                 Flight Information
                                                                 System (EFIS) display.
PA-46R-350T..........................  4692001 and subsequent.  Avidyne Entegra or       686-216.
                                                                 other EFIS display.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 18036]]

Subject

    (d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport 
Association (ATA) of America Code 77, Engine Indicating.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD was prompted by field reports that indicated service 
accuracy problems with the existing T.I.T. system on certain Models 
PA-46-310P, PA-46-350P, and PA-46R-350T airplanes. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent improper engine operation caused by improperly 
calibrated T.I.T. indicators or defective T.I.T. probes, which could 
result in engine damage/failure with consequent loss of control of 
the airplane.

Compliance

    (f) For Group 1 airplanes: Comply with this AD within the 
compliance times specified, unless already done.

Table 4--Group 1 Airplanes (Airplanes Previously Affected by AD 99-15-04
                                   R1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Clean and inspect the     Within the next 100   Follow Piper
 T.I.T. gauge and probe.       hours time-in-        Airplane
                               service (TIS) after   Maintenance Manual
                               August 31, 1999       PA-46-310P/PA-46-
                               (the effective date   350P, Part Number
                               retained from AD 99-  761 783, Chapter
                               15-04).               77, section 77-20-
                                                     00 A.(1)(d), dated
                                                     July 1, 1998; and
                                                     Piper Airplane
                                                     Maintenance Manual
                                                     PA-46-350P/PA-46R-
                                                     350T, Part Number
                                                     761 876, Chapter
                                                     77, section 77-20-
                                                     00 1.C, page 1,
                                                     dated August 28,
                                                     2007, and page 2,
                                                     dated July 31,
                                                     2008, as
                                                     applicable.
(2) Calibrate the T.I.T.      Within the next 100   Follow Piper
 system.                       hours TIS after       Airplane
                               August 31, 1999       Maintenance Manual
                               (the effective date   PA-46-310P/PA-46-
                               retained from AD 99-  350P, Part Number
                               15-04).               761 783, Chapter
                                                     77, section 77-20-
                                                     00 A.(1)(g), dated
                                                     July 1, 1998; and
                                                     Piper Airplane
                                                     Maintenance Manual
                                                     PA-46-350P/PA-46R-
                                                     350T, Part Number
                                                     761 876, Chapter
                                                     77, section 77-20-
                                                     00 1.F, page 2,
                                                     dated July 31,
                                                     2008, and pages 3
                                                     and 4, dated August
                                                     28, 2007, as
                                                     applicable; or
                                                     Piper Service
                                                     Bulletin No. 995C,
                                                     dated November 17,
                                                     2009
(3) If the T.I.T. probe       Before further        Follow Piper
 fails the inspection          flight after the      Airplane
 required in paragraph         cleaning and          Maintenance Manual
 (f)(1) of this AD and/or      inspection required   PA-46-310P/PA-46-
 the T.I.T. system indicator   in paragraph (f)(1)   350P, Part Number
 cannot be calibrated as       and the calibration   761 783, Chapter
 required in paragraph         required in           77, section 77-20-
 (f)(2) of this AD, replace    paragraph (f)(2) of   00 A.(1)(f), dated
 any failed parts with a       this AD.              July 1, 1998; and
 serviceable part listed in                          Piper Airplane
 table 3 of this AD as long                          Maintenance Manual
 as it has been inspected,                           PA-46-350P/PA-46R-
 passed the inspection, and                          350T, Part Number
 been properly calibrated.                           761 876, Chapter
                                                     77, section 77-20-
                                                     00 1.E., page 2,
                                                     dated July 31,
                                                     2008, as
                                                     applicable; or
                                                     Piper Service
                                                     Bulletin No. 995C,
                                                     dated November 17,
                                                     2009
(4) Incorporate the           Within the next 100   Not applicable.
 information from Appendix 1   hours TIS after
 and Appendix 2, as            August 31, 1999
 applicable, of this AD into   (the effective date
 the Emergency Procedures      retained from AD 99-
 section of the pilot          15-04).
 operating handbook (POH).
 This may be done by
 inserting a copy of this AD
 into the POH.
(5) Only install a part       As of July 28, 2000   Not applicable.
 listed in table 3 of this     (the effective date
 AD after it has been          of AD 99-15-04 R1).
 inspected and properly
 calibrated.
(6) Model PA-46-350P          Upon accumulating     For serial numbers
 airplanes only: Replace the   250 hours TIS on      4622001 through
 T.I.T. probe with a new       the currently         4622200: Follow
 part number 481-389, 481-     installed T.I.T.      Piper Airplane
 392, or 686-216 probe         probe or within the   Maintenance Manual
 (preferred). This action is   next 100 hours TIS    PA-46-310P/PA-46-
 not required for Model PA-    after August 31,      350P, Part Number
 46-310P.                      1999 (the effective   761 783, Chapter
                               date retained from    77, section 77-20-
                               AD 99-15-04),         00 A.(1)(f), dated
                               whichever occurs      July 1, 1998; or
                               later, and            Piper Service
                               thereafter at         Bulletin No. 995C,
                               intervals not to      dated November 17,
                               exceed 250 hours      2009.
                               TIS.
                                                    For serial numbers
                                                     4636001 through
                                                     4636020: Follow
                                                     Piper Airplane
                                                     Maintenance Manual
                                                     PA-46-350P/PA-46R-
                                                     350T, Part Number
                                                     761 876, Chapter
                                                     77, section 77-20-
                                                     00 1.E., page 2,
                                                     dated July 31,
                                                     2008; or Piper
                                                     Service Bulletin
                                                     No. 995C, dated
                                                     November 17, 2009.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (g) For Group 2 airplanes: Comply with this AD within the 
compliance times specified, unless already done.

[[Page 18037]]

 Table 5--Group 2 Airplanes (Airplanes Not Previously Affected by AD 99-
                                15-04 R1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Model PA-46-350P          Within the next 100   Follow Piper
 airplanes, S/Ns 4636021       hours TIS after the   Airplane
 through 4636374 only: Clean   effective date of     Maintenance Manual
 and inspect the T.I.T.        this AD.              PA-46-350P/PA-46R-
 gauge and probe.                                    350T, Part Number
                                                     761 876, Chapter
                                                     77, section 77-20-
                                                     00 1.C, page 1,
                                                     dated August 28,
                                                     2007, and page 2,
                                                     dated July 31,
                                                     2008.
(2) Model PA-46-350P          Before further        Follow Piper Service
 airplanes, S/Ns 4636021       flight after the      Bulletin No. 995C,
 through 4636374 only: If      cleaning and          dated November 17,
 the T.I.T. probe fails the    inspection required   2009.
 inspection required in        in paragraph (g)(1)
 paragraph (g)(1) of this      of this AD.
 AD, replace any failed
 parts with a serviceable
 part listed in table 3 of
 this AD as long as it has
 been inspected and has
 passed the inspection.
(3) All Group 2 airplanes:    Upon accumulating     Piper Service
 Replace the T.I.T. probe      250 hours TIS on      Bulletin No. 995C,
 with a new part number 686-   the currently         dated November 17,
 216 probe.                    installed T.I.T.      2009.
                               probe or within the
                               next 100 hours TIS
                               after the effective
                               date of this AD,
                               whichever occurs
                               later, and
                               thereafter at
                               intervals not to
                               exceed 250 hours
                               TIS.
(4) All Group 2 airplanes:    Within the next 100   Not applicable.
 Incorporate the information   hours TIS after the
 from Appendix 2 of this AD    effective date of
 into the Emergency            this AD.
 Procedures section of the
 POH. This may be done by
 inserting a copy of this AD
 into the POH.
(5) All Group 2 airplanes:    As of the effective   Not applicable.
 Only install a part listed    date of this AD.
 in table 3 of this AD after
 it has been inspected and
 properly calibrated.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h)(1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 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 the Related Information section of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your Principal 
Maintenance Inspector or Principal Avionics Inspector, as 
appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight 
Standards District Office.
    (3) AMOCs approved for AD 99-15-04 R1 are approved as AMOCs for 
this AD.

Related Information

    (i) For more information about this AD, contact Darby Mirocha, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1701 
Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5573; 
fax: (404) 474-5605; e-mail: darby.mirocha@faa.gov.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use the service information contained in Table 6 of 
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise.

             Table 6--All Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Document                    Revision              Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Piper Service Bulletin No. 995C  N/A..................  November 17,
                                                         2009.
Piper Airplane Maintenance       N/A..................  July 1, 1998.
 Manual PA-46-310P/PA-46-350P,
 Part Number 761 783, Chapter
 77, ``Engine Indicating,''
 Section 77-20-00, pages 1
 through 4.
Piper Airplane Maintenance       N/A..................  July 31, 2008.
 Manual PA-46-350P/PA-46R-350T,                         Section 77-20-
 Part Number 761 876, Chapter                            00: pages 1, 3,
 77, ``Engine Indicating,''                              and 4, dated
 Section 77-20-00, pages 1                               August 28,
 through 4.                                              2007; page 2,
                                                         dated July 31,
                                                         2008.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper 
Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; 
telephone: (772) 567-4361; fax: (772) 978-6573; Internet: http://www.piper.com/home/pages/publications.cfm.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust St., Kansas City, MO 64106. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call (816) 329-4148.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

Appendix 1 to AD 2011-06-10--Model PA-46-310P (Malibu); Emergency 
Procedures for the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)

    (1) If the turbine inlet temperature indication fails or is 
suspected of failure during takeoff, climb, descent, or landing, 
maintain FULL RICH mixture to assure adequate fuel flow for engine 
cooling.
    (2) If the turbine inlet temperature indication fails or is 
suspected of failure after cruise power has been set, maintain 
cruise power setting and lean to 6 gallons per hour (GPH) fuel flow 
above that specified in the Power Setting Table in Section 5 of the 
AFM/POH. Continually monitor engine cylinder head and oil 
temperatures to avoid exceeding temperature limits.

[[Page 18038]]

Appendix 2 to AD 2011-06-10--Model PA-46-350P (Malibu Mirage) and Model 
PA-46R-350T (Matrix); Emergency Procedures for the Pilot's Operating 
Handbook (POH)

    (1) If the turbine inlet temperature indication fails or is 
suspected of failure during takeoff, climb, descent or landing, set 
power per the POH Section 5 Power Setting Table and then lean to the 
approximate POH Power Setting Table fuel flow plus 4 GPH.
    (2) If the turbine inlet temperature indication fails or is 
suspected of failure after cruise power has been set, maintain the 
power setting and increase indicated fuel flow by 1 GPH. Continually 
monitor engine cylinder head and oil temperatures to avoid exceeding 
temperature limits.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 9, 2011.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-7569 Filed 3-31-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P