Airworthiness Directives; PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Model PIAGGIO P-180 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 198 (Thursday, October 14, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63060-63062]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-25217]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0737; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-037-AD; 
Amendment 39-16468; AD 2010-21-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Model 
PIAGGIO P-180 Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. 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:

    Some cases of failure of engine oil dipsticks, installed on 
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A66 and PT6A66B engines, were 
detected on P.180 aeroplanes; such failures, due to moisture 
penetration into the dipstick and subsequent corrosion, can cause 
incorrect reading of the engine oil low level on the Refuel/Ground 
Test Panel.

    If left uncorrected, this situation could lead to in-flight engine 
failure(s). We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 18, 2010.
    On November 18, 2010, the Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this 
AD.

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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4145; fax: (816) 329-4090.

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 July 23, 2010 (75 FR 
43095). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Some cases of failure of engine oil dipsticks, installed on 
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A66 and PT6A66B engines, were 
detected on P.180 aeroplanes; such failures, due to moisture 
penetration into the dipstick and subsequent corrosion, can cause 
incorrect reading of the engine oil low level on the Refuel/Ground 
Test Panel.

    If left uncorrected, this situation could lead to in-flight engine 
failure(s).
    This AD requires:
    (1) Repetitive visual checks of the engine oil levels to prevent an 
undetected low level condition;
    (2) Repetitive inspections of the oil dipsticks to detect faulty 
units;
    (3) Replacement of faulty oil dipsticks or visual checks of the oil 
level at reduced not to exceed intervals, until replacement of faulty 
units.
    The engine TC Holder is currently developing a modification that 
will address the unsafe condition identified in this AD; once such 
modification is developed, approved and available, further mandatory 
actions might be considered.
    This Correction is issued to amend the AD number heading: It was 
PAD, it is AD.

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 available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 99 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 2.5 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. 
operators to be $21,038 or $212.50 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $9,000, for a cost of 
$9,085 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

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

[[Page 63061]]

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, 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 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.

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

0
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:

2010-21-08 PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A.: Amendment 39-16468; 
Docket No. FAA-2010-0737; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-037-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 
18, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Model 
PIAGGIO P-180 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any 
category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 79: Engine 
Oil.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Some cases of failure of engine oil dipsticks, installed on 
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A66 and PT6A66B engines, were 
detected on P.180 aeroplanes; such failures, due to moisture 
penetration into the dipstick and subsequent corrosion, can cause 
incorrect reading of the engine oil low level on the Refuel/Ground 
Test Panel.
    If left uncorrected, this situation could lead to in-flight 
engine failure(s).
    This AD requires:
    (1) Repetitive visual checks of the engine oil levels to prevent 
an undetected low level condition;
    (2) Repetitive inspections of the oil dipsticks to detect faulty 
units;
    (3) Replacement of faulty oil dipsticks or visual checks of the 
oil level at reduced not to exceed intervals, until replacement of 
faulty units.
    The engine TC Holder is currently developing a modification that 
will address the unsafe condition identified in this AD; once such 
modification is developed, approved and available, further mandatory 
actions might be considered.
    This Correction is issued to amend the AD number heading: It was 
PAD, it is AD.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within one month after November 18, 2010 (the effective date 
of this AD) or within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after November 
18, 2010 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first, 
and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed one month or 
25 hours TIS, whichever occurs first, do the following in both 
engines:
    (i) Visually check the oil level following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Part A, of PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service 
Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: 80-0287, Rev. N. 1, dated March 24, 2010; 
and
    (ii) Do a functional check and inspection of the dipstick 
following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part B and C, of PIAGGIO 
AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: 80-0287, 
Rev. N. 1, dated March 24, 2010.
    (2) If, as determined by the inspection in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) 
of this AD, the installed dipsticks are compliant with P&WC Service 
Bulletin no. 14383, the repetitive inspections required in paragraph 
(f)(1) of this AD may be done at intervals not to exceed one month 
or 50 hours TIS, whichever occurs first.
    (3) If a failed dipstick is found during any functional check 
required in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD, do one of the 
following;
    (i) If a replacement dipstick is available, replace it before 
further flight; or
    (ii) If a replacement dipstick is not available, the failed 
dipstick may be reinstalled, but, until replacement, the oil level 
check specified in paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD must be 
repetitively done in the affected engine within 5 hours TIS from the 
last check. The repetitive oil level check interval may be extended 
to 10 hours TIS based on oil consumption in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, Part B, of PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES 
S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: 80-0287, Rev. N. 1, dated 
March 24, 2010.
    (4) Replacement of the oil level dipstick does not terminate the 
repetitive check requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) 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: Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4145; fax: (816) 329-4090. 
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, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120 0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2010 0123,

[[Page 63062]]

dated June 22, 2010; and PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service 
Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: 80-0287, Rev. N. 1, dated March 24, 2010, 
for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin 
(Mandatory) N.: 80-0287, Rev. N. 1, dated March 24, 2010, to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (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 
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A., Via Cibrario, 4-16154 Genoa, Italy; 
phone: +39 010 6481 353; fax: +39 010 6481 881; e-mail: 
[email protected]; Internet: http://www.piaggioaero.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the 
Central Region, call (816) 329-3768.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 29, 2010.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-25217 Filed 10-13-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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