Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 131 (Tuesday, July 11, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31892-31899]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-14375]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9254; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-030-AD; 
Amendment 39-18948; AD 2017-14-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 95-26-13 for 
certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-151, 
PA-28-161, PA-28-160, PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-28-235, PA-28-236, PA-
28R-180, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-201, PA-28S-160, PA-28S-180, PA-32-260, PA-
32-300, PA-32-301, PA-32-301T, PA-32R-300, PA-32R-301 (SP), PA-32R-301 
(HP), PA-32R-301T, PA-32RT-300, PA-32RT-300T, and PA-32S-300 airplanes 
equipped with oil cooler hose assemblies that do not meet certain 
technical standard order (TSO) requirements. AD 95-26-13 required 
inspections, replacement, and adjustment of the oil cooler hose 
assemblies, as well as providing for a terminating action. This AD 
retains all of the requirements of AD 95-26-13 and adds language to 
clarify those requirements. This AD was prompted by several inquiries 
asking for clarification of the AD's applicability and compliance 
requirements. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 15, 2017.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9254; 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: Gary Wechsler, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474-5575; fax: (404) 474-
5606; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 95-26-13, Amendment 39-9472 (60 FR 67321, 
December 29, 1995) (``AD 95-26-13''). AD 95-26-13 applied to certain 
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-151, PA-28-161, 
PA-28-160, PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-28-235, PA-28-236, PA-28R-180, PA-
28R-200, PA-28R-201, PA-28S-160, PA-28S-180, PA-32-260, PA-32-300, PA-
32-301, PA-32-301T, PA-32R-300, PA-32R-301 (SP), PA-32R-301 (HP), PA-
32R-301T, PA-32RT-300, PA-32RT-300T, and PA-32S-300 airplanes equipped 
with oil cooler hose assemblies that do not meet technical standard 
order C53a (TSO-C53a) Type D requirements. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on October 21, 2016 (81 FR 72742). The NPRM was 
prompted by several inquiries asking for clarification of the AD's 
applicability and compliance requirements. The NPRM proposed to retain 
all of the requirements of AD 95-26-13 and add language to clarify 
those requirements. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Request the Unsafe Condition Be Addressed by Department of Commerce

    G. Fenton requested this unsafe condition be addressed through the 
Department of Commerce instead of the Federal Aviation Administration 
because the NPRM applied to airplanes used for commercial purposes.
    We disagree with this comment because the Federal Aviation 
Administration is charged by Congress to provide for the safe and 
efficient use of national airspace by commercial and private airplane 
operators.
    We have not changed the AD based on this comment.

Request To Change Labor Rate in Cost of Compliance

    G. Fenton requested we change the labor rate in the Cost of 
Compliance section to $72.50 per hour instead of $85 per hour. He 
thought the increased

[[Page 31893]]

cost from $60 per hour from the 1995 AD to $85 per hour for this AD is 
unnecessary. He thought we should adjust the cost of the labor rate to 
a value between the two.
    We disagree with this comment. The rate of $85 per hour is provided 
by the FAA Office of Aviation Policy and Plans for us to use when 
estimating the labor costs of complying with AD requirements.
    We have not changed the AD based on this comment.

Request We Compile Changes From the Previous AD Into One Location

    Jonathan Hartley requested we put all of the changes to this AD 
from AD 95-26-13 in a conspicuous location to reduce confusion and 
workload associated with compliance.
    We partially agree with this comment. We agree there are instances 
where compliance confusion and workload could exist with the wording in 
the NPRM. However, we disagree with compiling the changes into one 
location because of formatting constraints in the AD structure.
    We have made language changes to the regulatory text in the AD to 
clarify the compliance confusion and to reduce workload.

Request We Include an Outline for Maintaining Other Types of Oil Cooler 
Hoses

    Jonathan Hartley requested we include in this AD an outline 
maintaining specific requirements for other types of oil cooler hoses.
    We disagree with this comment. The unsafe condition addressed by 
this AD applies only to Type C and Type D oil cooler hoses. The 
requirements for maintaining other types of oil cooler hoses are not 
required to comply with the actions of this AD.
    We have not changed the AD based on this comment.

Request We Include Additional Information Describing the Types of Hoses

    George Ballard requested we include in the AD information 
explaining what constitutes a Type C and Type D hose assembly. He 
doesn't think the TSO adequately explains the difference between the 
Type C and Type D hose assemblies.
    We disagree with this comment. The differences between the Type C 
and Type D hoses are provided in great detail in TSO-C53a and its 
referenced documents. This AD does not require that level of detail to 
comply with the inspections or corrective actions specified in the AD.
    We have not changed the AD based on this comment.

Request We Clarify Terminating Action for Installation of Type D Hose 
Assemblies

    Greg Dodson stated the requirement to inspect the oil cooler hose 
assembly installation for an oil cooler mounted in a location other 
than at or aft of the rear of the engine any time the oil cooler hose 
assembly is replaced conflicts with the installation of a Type D oil 
cooler hose assembly being terminating action for the AD.
    We agree with this comment. The installation of the Type D oil 
cooler hose assembly terminates the requirement for the installation 
inspection.
    We have changed the language in the AD to address the 
contradiction.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 23,643 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    This AD retains the same actions as AD 95-26-13 and the costs do 
not add any cost burden than that already in effect by AD 95-26-13. The 
difference in the Costs of Compliance with this AD and AD 95-26-13 is 
that we use $85 an hour as a labor rate in 2016 as opposed to $60 per 
hour in 1995.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost            Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of the oil cooler hose   1 work-hour x $85 per  Not applicable......        $85  $2,009,655.
 assembly.                           hour = $85.
Inspection of the clearance         .5 work-hour x $85     Not applicable......     $42.50  $1,004,827.50 See
 between the oil cooler hose         per hour = 42.50.                                       note 1 to Cost of
 assembly and the front exhaust                                                              Compliance.
 stacks.
Replacement of the oil cooler hose  1 work-hour x $85 per  $430................       $515  $12,176,145.
 assembly.                           hour = $85.
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    Note: The estimated cost of the inspection of the clearance 
between the oil cooler hose assembly and the front exhaust stacks is 
for all airplanes affected by this AD; however, the inspection 
applies only to airplanes with the oil cooler mounted in a location 
other than at or aft of the rear of the engine. We have no way of 
knowing how many affected airplanes have that particular 
installation.

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary adjustments 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
adjustments:

[[Page 31894]]



                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                 Action                           Labor cost                  Parts cost              product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjustment of the clearance between the   1 work-hour x $85 per hour  Not applicable............             $85
 oil cooler hose assembly and the front    = $85.
 exhaust stacks.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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) 
95-26-13, Amendment 39-9472 (60 FR 67321, December 29, 1995), and 
adding the following new AD:

2017-14-04 Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-18948; Docket No. FAA-
2016-9254; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-030-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 15, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 95-26-13, Amendment 39-9472 (60 FR 67321, 
December 29, 1995) (``AD 95-26-13'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-28-140, PA-28-
150, PA-28-151, PA-28-161, PA-28-160, PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-28-
235, PA-28-236, PA-28R-180, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-201, PA-28S-160, PA-
28S-180, PA-32-260, PA-32-300, PA-32-301, PA-32-301T, PA-32R-300, 
PA-32R-301 (SP), PA-32R-301 (HP), PA-32R-301T, PA-32RT-300, PA-32RT-
300T, and PA-32S-300 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:
    (1) Equipped with one or more oil cooler hose assemblies that do 
not meet technical standard order C53a (TSO-C53a), Type D 
requirements; and
    (2) Certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 79, Engine Oil.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    AD 95-26-13 was prompted by numerous incidents/accidents caused 
by rupture or failure of the oil cooler hose assemblies. This AD 
action was prompted by requests to clarify the intent of AD 95-26-
13. We are issuing this AD to prevent rupture or failure of the oil 
cooler hose assemblies, which could result in engine stoppage with 
consequent loss of control.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done. You may review the flow chart found in appendix 
1 to assist you in complying with the actions of this AD.

(g) Inspection Procedures for an Oil Cooler Mounted AT or AFT of the 
Rear of the Engine

    For any oil cooler hose assemblies that do not meet TSO-C53a, 
Type D requirements: Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) 
after February 5, 1996 (the effective date retained from AD 95-26-
13), and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 
hours TIS, inspect the fire sleeve of each oil cooler hose assembly 
for soaked oil, a brownish or whitish color, and any evidence of 
brittleness or deterioration as a result of heat or oil seepage. See 
figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD for additional 
information.

[[Page 31895]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR11JY17.016


     Note 1 to paragraphs (g) and (h)(1) of this AD:  Although not 
required by this AD, the FAA recommends that an oil cooler hose 
assembly flexibility test be done at 100-hour TIS intervals by 
gently lifting each oil cooler hose assembly in several places along 
its bottom surface, ideally at the center of an arc. If the oil 
cooler hose assembly moves slightly, either from side-to-side or 
upward, then some flexibility remains. If the oil cooler hose 
assembly appears hardened or inflexible, replacement is recommended.

(h) Inspection Procedures for an Oil Cooler Mounted in a Location Other 
Than AT or AFT of the Rear of the Engine

    (1) For any oil cooler hose assemblies that do not meet TSO-
C53a, Type D requirements: Within the next 100 hours TIS after 
February 5, 1996 (the effective date retained from AD 95-26-13), and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, 
inspect the fire sleeve of each oil cooler hose assembly for soaked 
oil, a brownish or whitish color, and any evidence of brittleness or 
deterioration as a result of heat or oil seepage. See figure 1 to 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD for additional information.
    (2) For any oil cooler hose assemblies that do not meet TSO-
C53a, Type D requirements: Within the next 100 hours TIS after 
February 5, 1996 (the effective date retained from AD 95-26-13) and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, 
inspect the oil cooler hose assemblies to ensure the installation 
conditions in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) through (iii) of this AD are met. 
See figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD for additional 
information. If the conditions listed in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) 
through (iii) of this AD are not met, before further flight, make 
any necessary adjustments. See figure 2 to paragraph (h)(2) of this 
AD for additional information.
    (i) The oil cooler hose assemblies pass underneath and behind 
the electrical ground cable and in front of the lower of the two 
engine mounts.
    (ii) The oil cooler hose assemblies are secured to the engine 
mount strut and a clearance of at least 2 inches exists between the 
oil cooler hose assemblies and the exhaust stack.
    (iii) Oil cooler hose assemblies with a minimum outer diameter 
of 0.75 inch are installed with a bend radius of at least 6.5 
inches.

[[Page 31896]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR11JY17.001

(i) Corrective Actions

    (1) If any of the conditions described in paragraph (g) or 
(h)(1) of this AD are found on an oil cooler hose assembly during 
the inspection required in paragraph (g) or (h)(1) of this AD, as 
applicable, before further flight, replace the oil cooler hose 
assembly with a serviceable new or used TSO-C53a Type D oil cooler 
hose assembly or TSO-C53a Type C oil cooler hose assembly. If a used 
TSO-C53a Type C oil cooler hose assembly is installed, it must have 
documented hours TIS.

    Note 2 to paragraphs (i)(1) and (j) of this AD: If only one of 
the two oil cooler hose assemblies requires replacement, the FAA 
recommends replacing both of the oil cooler hose assemblies to 
simplify tracking the hours TIS of the assemblies.

    (2) If a newly installed oil cooler hose assembly is a TSO-C53a 
Type C oil cooler hose assembly and it is mounted in a location 
other than at or aft of the rear of the engine, then replacement of 
the oil cooler hose assembly must meet the conditions listed in 
paragraphs (h)(2)(i) through (iii) of this AD.
    (3) If compliance with paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD 
results in both oil cooler hose assemblies of an airplane meeting 
TSO-C53a Type D requirements, then the requirements of this AD are 
terminated for the airplane.

(j) Life Limit of TSO-C53a Type C Oil Cooler Hose Assemblies

    (1) When a TSO-C53a Type C oil cooler hose assembly accumulates 
8 years or 1,000 hours TIS, whichever occurs first, replace the oil 
cooler hose assembly with a serviceable new or used TSO-C53a Type D 
oil cooler hose assembly or TSO-C53a Type C oil cooler hose 
assembly. If a used TSO-C53a Type C oil cooler hose assembly is 
installed, it must have documented hours TIS. If the newly installed 
oil cooler is a TSO-C53a Type C oil cooler hose assembly and it is 
mounted in a location other than at or aft of the rear of the engine 
the installation must meet the conditions listed in paragraphs 
(h)(2)(i) through (iii) of this AD.
    (2) You may at any time before a TSO-C53a Type C oil cooler hose 
assembly exceeds the life limit in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, 
replace a TSO-C53a Type C oil cooler hose assembly with a TSO-C53a 
Type D oil cooler hose assembly.
    (3) If compliance with paragraphs (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD 
results in both oil cooler hose assemblies of an airplane meeting 
TSO-C53a Type D requirements, then the requirements of this AD are 
terminated for the airplane.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 paragraph (k) of this AD.
    (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.

[[Page 31897]]

    (3) AMOCs approved for AD 95-26-13 (60 FR 67321, December 29, 
1995) are not approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of 
this AD.

(l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Gary Wechsler, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1701 
Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474-
5575; fax: (404) 474-5606; email: [email protected].
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

[[Page 31898]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR11JY17.018




[[Page 31899]]


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 29, 2017.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-14375 Filed 7-10-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C

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