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

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 220 (Wednesday, November 14, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67764-67767]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-27051]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1181; Directorate Identifier 2003-CE-030-AD; 
Amendment 39-17249; AD 2003-17-03 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Model P-180 airplanes. That AD 
currently requires replacement of any firewall shutoff or crossfeed 
valve with a serial number in a certain range even if it has been 
previously modified. The way the applicability was written includes 
valves that should not be affected and are not included in the 
referenced service information. This AD requires

[[Page 67765]]

the same actions as the current AD, but only affects those firewall 
shutoff valves referenced in the referenced service information. We are 
issuing this AD to clarify the affected parts required to correct the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 14, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of 
September 3, 2003 (68 FR 50693, August 22, 2003).
    We must receive any comments on this AD by December 31, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> 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 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: 
[email protected]; 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.

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 street address for 
the Docket Office (phone: 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: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On August 12, 2003, we issued AD 2003-17-03, amendment 39-13277 (68 
FR 50693, August 22, 2003), for certain Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Model P-180 airplanes. That AD requires inspection and determination of 
whether any firewall shutoff or crossfeed valve with a serial number in 
a certain range is installed and requires replacement or modifications 
of any valve that has a serial number within this range. This AD allows 
the pilot to check the logbook and does not require the inspection and 
replacement requirement if the check shows that one of these valves is 
definitely not installed.
    That AD resulted from a ground fire on the left-hand engine nacelle 
of one of the affected airplanes caused by a cracked firewall crossfeed 
valve that had leaked fuel. This airplane model is manufactured in 
Italy and is type certificated for operation in the United States under 
the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. 
The Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile (ENAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for Italy, issued Italian RAI-AD 2003-119, 
dated April 3, 2003, in order to ensure the continued airworthiness of 
these airplanes in Italy.
    We issued that AD to prevent a faulty firewall shutoff or crossfeed 
valve from developing cracks and leaking fuel, which could result in an 
engine fire.

Actions Since AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2003-17-03 (68 FR 50693, August 22, 2003), we 
learned that the way the applicability was written includes valves that 
should not be affected and are not included in PIAGGIO Aero Industries 
S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. ASB80-0191, dated February 27, 2003.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed PIAGGIO Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (SB) 
No. ASB80-0191, dated February 27, 2003; and Electromech Technologies 
SB 484-3 AB, dated February 18, 2003. The service information describes 
procedures for replacing/modifying the firewall and crossfeed valves.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires the same actions as AD 2003-17-03 (68 FR 50693, 
August 22, 2003), but only affects those firewall shutoff and crossfeed 
valves referenced in PIAGGIO Aero Industries S.p.A. SB No. ASB80-0191, 
dated February 27, 2003.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the 
current AD includes firewall shutoff and crossfeed valves that should 
not be affected by the required actions. Therefore, we find that notice 
and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send 
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include 
the docket number FAA-2012-1181 and directorate identifier 2003-CE-030-
AD at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments 
on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects 
of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 102 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 67766]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        Cost per   Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost              Parts cost         product      operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Determination/Inspection............  .5 work-hours x $85 per  N/A...................     $42.50          $4,335
                                       hour = $42.50.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements/
modifications that would be required based on the results of the 
determination. 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of affected firewall shutoff   29 work-hours x $85 per hour  $4,482......................     $6,947
 and crossfeed valves.                      = $2,465.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    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 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2003-17-03, Amendment 39-13277 (68 FR 50693, August 22, 2003), and 
adding the following new AD:

2003-17-03 R1 PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A: Amendment 39-17249; 
Docket No. FAA-2012-1181; Directorate Identifier 2003-CE-030-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 14, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD revises AD 2003-17-03, Amendment 39-13277 (68 FR 50693, 
August 22, 2003).

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model P-180 
airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:
    (i) certificated in any category; and
    (ii) equipped with a firewall shutoff or crossfeed valve that is 
identified in the Effectivity table of PIAGGIO Aero Industries 
S.p.A. Service Bulletin (SB) No. ASB80-0191, dated February 27, 
2003.
    (2) The only difference between the applicability of this AD and 
AD 2003-17-03 (68 FR 50693, August 22, 2003), is that AD 2003-17-03 
applied to firewall shutoff and crossfeed valves that should not 
have been included.
    (i) No further action is necessary if the actions of this AD 
were done in compliance with AD 2003-17-03, Amendment 39-13277 (68 
FR 50693, August 22, 2003).
    (ii) Any firewall shutoff or crossfeed valve that was modified 
per AD 2003-17-03 (68 FR 50693, August 22, 2003), and re-identified 
with an ``A'' at the end of the serial number and is not identified 
in the Effectivity table of PIAGGIO Aero Industries S.p.A. SB No. 
ASB80-0191, dated February 27, 2003, is an airworthy part and is not 
affected by this AD.

 (d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a ground fire on the left-
hand engine nacelle of one of the affected airplanes caused by a 
cracked firewall crossfeed valve that had leaked fuel. We are 
issuing this AD to clarify the affected parts required to correct 
the unsafe condition on these products.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Records Check

    (1) Within 5 days after September 3, 2003 (the effective date of 
AD 2003-17-03 (68 FR 50693, August 22, 2003)), check the maintenance 
records to determine whether a firewall shutoff or crossfeed valve 
that is affected by this AD is installed. The owner/operator holding 
at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 
of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may perform this 
check.
    (2) If, by checking the maintenance records, the owner/operator 
can definitely

[[Page 67767]]

show that no affected firewall shutoff or crossfeed valve is 
installed, then the inspection requirement of paragraph (h) of this 
AD and the replacement requirement of paragraph (i) of this AD do 
not apply. You must make an entry into the aircraft records that 
shows compliance with these portions of the AD in accordance with 
section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).

(h) Inspection

    Within 5 days after September 3, 2003 (the effective date of AD 
2003-17-03 (68 FR 50693, August 22, 2003)), inspect the three 
firewall shutoff and crossfeed valves to determine whether they 
incorporate a serial number as referenced in the Effectivity table 
of PIAGGIO Aero Industries S.p.A. SB No. ASB80-0191, dated February 
27, 2003.

(i) Replacement/Modification

    If any of the firewall shutoff or crossfeed valves that are 
referenced in the Effectivity table of PIAGGIO Aero Industries 
S.p.A. SB No. ASB80-0191, dated February 27, 2003, are found, before 
further flight, replace or modify each affected valve following 
PIAGGIO Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (SB) No. ASB80-0191, 
dated February 27, 2003; and Electromech Technologies SB 484-3 AB, 
dated February 18, 2003.

(j) Spares

    As of 5 days after September 3, 2003 (the effective date of AD 
2003-17-03 (68 FR 50693, August 22, 2003)), do not install, on any 
airplane, a firewall shutoff or crossfeed valve that is referenced 
in the Effectivity table of PIAGGIO Aero Industries S.p.A. SB No. 
ASB80-0191, dated February 27, 2003, unless it has been modified per 
paragraph (i) of this AD.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) 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: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(l) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
September 3, 2003 (68 FR 50693, August 22, 2003):
    (i) PIAGGIO Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (SB) No. 
ASB80-0191, dated February 27, 2003; and
    (ii) Electromech Technologies SB 484-3 AB, dated February 18, 
2003.
    (4) 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: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.piaggioaero.com/#/en/aftersales/service-support.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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 October 31, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-27051 Filed 11-13-12; 8:45 am]
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