Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-46-500TP Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 18, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7548-7550]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-3050]



[[Page 7548]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-CE-32-AD; Amendment 39-13476; AD 2004-03-32]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-
46-500TP Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Model PA-46-500TP airplanes. This 
AD requires you to replace all electronic control modules in the 
airplane electrical system with newly designed modules. This AD is the 
result of smoke in the cockpit and loss of electrical systems function. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent short circuit failure and electrical 
arcing of the electronic control modules, which could result in loss of 
the electrical systems components or burning of wiring insulation and 
cause smoke in the cockpit. This condition could lead to the inability 
to properly control the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on March 29, 2004.
    As of March 29, 2004, the Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the 
regulation.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information identified in this AD 
from The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, 
Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (772) 567-4361; facsimile: (772) 
978-6584.
    You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-32-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m. 
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth B. Mobley, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 
Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770) 
703-6046; facsimile: (770) 703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This AD?

    We have received several reports that a condition exists in some of 
the electrical control modules in the airplane electrical system.
    FAA analysis indicates that there is inadequate clearance and 
inadequate electrical isolation between the load terminal and metal 
case. The modules load terminal is cutting through the rubber 
insulating grommet and contacting the module's metal case. This causes 
the electrical short circuit and electrical arcing.
    The following electrical system components are potentially affected 
by this condition: engine start; strobe light; left/right taxi light; 
liquid crystal display (LCD) dimming; dual flasher (recognition light); 
left/right pitot heat; avionics dimming (Bezel buttons for radios); 
prop heat; left/right fuel pump; position light landing light; 
instrument panel light dimming; ice light; vent defog (vent blower); 
hi/low blower; stall heat; and dimmer switch lighting (overhead switch 
panel switches).

What Is the Potential Impact If FAA Took No Action?

    If not corrected, short circuit failure and electrical arcing of 
the electronic control modules could result in loss of the electrical 
systems components or burning of wiring insulation and cause smoke in 
the cockpit. This condition could lead to the inability to properly 
control the airplane.

Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?

    We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to 
certain Piper Model PA-46-500TP airplanes. This proposal was published 
in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on 
October 9, 2003 (68 FR 58289). The NPRM proposed to require you to 
replace all electronic control modules in the airplane electrical 
system with newly designed modules.

Comments

Was the Public Invited To Comment?

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the proposal 
and FAA's response to the comment:

Comment Issue: Revise Costs of Compliance

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    The manufacturer recommends revising the costs of compliance based 
on the following, updated information:

    --There are 152 airplanes affected by this AD instead of 130 as 
stated in the proposed AD;
    --Although all affected airplanes will have the parts modified 
under warranty, 108 of the affected airplanes will get warranty credit 
for the labor costs to have the parts removed, replaced, and tested 
after reinstallation;
    --The workhours for labor are 12 instead of 22 as stated in the 
proposed AD.
    --The total cost on U.S. operators will be $34,320 instead of 
$185,900 as stated in the proposed AD based on 44 affected airplanes 
not covered under warranty for the labor costs, which are recalculated 
using 12 workhours.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    We agree that the new cost data provided by the manufacturer be 
used in the AD.
    We are changing the final rule AD action accordingly.

Conclusion

What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed 
except for minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these 
minor corrections:

    --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.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This AD?

    On July 10, 2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This 
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, 
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This 
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this 
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in 
future AD actions.

Costs of Compliance

How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?

    We estimate that this AD affects 152 airplanes in the U.S. 
registry.

What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected 
Airplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the modification:

[[Page 7549]]



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                                                            Total cost per
           Labor cost                    Parts cost            airplane         Total cost on U.S. operators
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12 workhours x $65 per hour =     Parts are covered under             $780  $780 x 44 = $34,320.
 $780.                             warranty by the
                                   manufacturer for all
                                   affected airplanes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    There are 108 of the affected airplanes that are also covered under 
warranty for the labor costs to have the parts removed, replaced, and 
tested after reinstallation.

Regulatory Findings

Will This AD Impact Various Entities?

    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.

Will This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    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 the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-32-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2004-03-32 The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-13476; Docket 
No. 2003-CE-32-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on March 29, 2004.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects Model PA-46-500TP airplanes, serial numbers 
4697001 through 4697140 and 4697142 through 4697153, that are 
certificated in any category.

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of reports of smoke in the cockpit and 
loss of electrical system functions. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent short circuit failure of the electronic control modules, 
which could result in loss of the electrical system components or 
burning of wiring insulation and cause smoke in the cockpit. This 
condition could lead to the inability to properly control the 
airplane.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

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                 Actions                                  Compliance                          Procedures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Remove the following parts:            Within the next 100 hours time-in-        Follow the instructions in
(i) the pilot's circuit breaker panel       service (TIS) after March 29, 2004 (the   Piper Service Bulletin No.
 assembly (part-number (P/N) 102228-002);   effective date of this AD).               1132, dated June 4, 2003.
(ii) the co-pilot's circuit breaker panel
 assembly (P/N 102228-006);
(iii) the dimmer lighting module assembly
 (P/N 102226-002);
(iv) the stall vane heat module assembly
 (P/N 102227-002); and
(v) the propeller heat module assembly (P/
 N 102227-006).
(2) Return the circuit breaker panels and  Prior to further flight after doing the   Follow the instructions in
 the remote modules identified in           actions required in paragraph (e)(1) of   Piper Service Bulletin No.
 paragraph (e)(1) of this AD to the         this AD.                                  1132, dated June 4, 2003.
 manufacturer listed in paragraph (g) of
 this AD for modification.
(3) Visually inspect all remaining         Prior to further flight after doing the   Follow the instructions in
 exposed wires and equipment for evidence   actions required in paragraph (e)(1) of   Piper Service Bulletin No.
 of heat damage and repair any damage       this AD.                                  1132, dated June 4, 2003.
 found.
(4) Install the modified circuit breaker   Prior to further flight after doing the   Follow the instructions in
 panel assemblies and the remote modules    actions required in paragraphs (e)(1),    Piper Service Bulletin No.
 received from the manufacturer.            (e)(2), and (e)(3) of this AD.            1132, dated June 4, 2003.
(5) Do not install any part referenced in  As of March 29, 2004 (the effective date  Not applicable.
 paragraph (e)(1) of this AD unless it      of this AD).
 has been modified per Piper Service
 Bulletin No. 1132, dated June 4, 2003.
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[[Page 7550]]

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (f) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to 
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments 
and will send your request to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already 
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Kenneth B. 
Mobley, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, 
Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770) 703-6046; facsimile: (770) 
703-6097.

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?

    (g) You must do the actions required by this AD following the 
instructions in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1132, dated June 4, 2003. 
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of this service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get a copy from The New Piper 
Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, 
Florida 32960; telephone: (772) 567-4361; facsimile: (772) 978-6584. 
You may review copies at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 5, 2004.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-3050 Filed 2-17-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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