Airworthiness Directives; Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 114 (Tuesday, June 14, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35892-35895]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-12762]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0151; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00521-A; 
Amendment 39-22078; AD 2022-12-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model P2012 Traveller 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated 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 free play in the 
trim tab actuator and trim tab surface. This AD requires repetitively 
inspecting the trim tab trailing edge to determine if free play exists 
and taking corrective actions as needed. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 19, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 19, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A., Airworthiness Office 
Via S. D'acquisto 62, Boscotrecase, 80042, Italy; phone: +39 0823 
997538; email: [email protected]; website: https://www.Tecnam.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at 
https://www.regulations.gov

[[Page 35893]]

by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0151.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0151; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the 
MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The address for 
Docket Operations is 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: Jim Rutherford, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: 
(816) 329-4165; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered 
Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model P2012 Traveller airplanes. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 7, 2022 (87 FR 
12627). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI originated by the European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the 
Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2021-0119, dated 
April 30, 2021 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to address the 
unsafe condition on Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model P2012 
Traveller airplanes with serial numbers (S/Ns) 002 through 030 
inclusive. The MCAI states:

    Occurrences have been reported of vibration in the horizontal 
stabiliser control yoke and pedals, both sides. The subsequent 
investigation identified free play in the trim tab actuator and trim 
tab surface.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a 
significant free play on the trim tab connection, with consequent 
increase in dynamic loads and vibrations, possibly resulting in 
reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, TECNAM issued the 
[Service Bulletin] SB to provide inspection instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the trim tab trailing edge and, depending 
on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0151.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting 
the trim tab trailing edge to determine if free play exists and taking 
corrective actions as needed. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
reduced airplane control.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from Hyannis Air Service, Inc. (Hyannis). 
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Request To Withdraw the NPRM

    Hyannis stated that the unsafe condition has been addressed by the 
manufacturer's revision to the Airworthiness Limitations section (ALS) 
of the aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) to include the repetitive 
inspections and criteria to determine continued serviceability of the 
elevator trim tab control system as described in paragraphs (f) and (g) 
of the proposed AD. Hyannis further stated that 14 CFR 43.16 and 14 CFR 
91.403(c) require compliance with the ALS of a manufacturer's AMM. The 
FAA infers that Hyannis is requesting that the FAA withdraw the NPRM.
    The FAA disagrees. Although the regulations cited by the commenter 
do require maintenance be performed in accordance with a manufacturer's 
ALS, an operator is only required to use the version of the ALS that 
was delivered with its airplane. The NPRM applied to Costruzioni 
Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model P2012 Traveller airplanes with S/Ns 
002 through 030, inclusive, which were delivered with a version of the 
ALS that pre-dated the inspection and criteria required by paragraphs 
(f) and (g) of this AD. Later manufacturer revisions to the ALS are not 
mandatory for all operators, absent an AD or other rule that would 
require the new ALS provisions to be used. Therefore, this AD is 
necessary to ensure that the identified unsafe condition is addressed 
on these airplanes.

Request To Change the Service Information

    Hyannis requested that the FAA revise the proposed inspection and 
maintenance actions to require using Section 55 of the AMM instead of 
Tecnam Service Bulletin 398-CS-Edition 2, Rev. 1, dated August 17, 2020 
(Tecnam SB 398-CS-Edition 2, Rev. 1). Hyannis stated that Tecnam SB 
398-CS-Edition 2, Rev. 1, is not current. Specifically, Hyannis 
explained that the manufacturer improved the design of the elevator 
trim actuator (modification 2012/157), which is installed on new 
airplanes beginning with S/N 025, and that the servicing instructions 
for this actuator are not included in Tecnam SB 398-CS-Edition 2, Rev. 
1. However, Hyannis stated that the servicing instructions for both the 
older elevator trim actuator and the improved elevator trim actuator 
were included in Edition 5, dated January 14, 2022, of Section 55 of 
the AMM.
    The FAA disagrees that requiring compliance with Section 55 of the 
AMM is necessary to correct the unsafe condition. Tecnam SB 398-CS-
Edition 2, Rev. 1, refers to Tecnam Job Card 1249, which includes 
servicing instructions for both the older and the modification 2012/157 
actuators. If an operator prefers to use the latest AMM revision for 
accomplishing the inspection and servicing tasks, the operator may 
request to do so through the alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
process following paragraph (i) of this AD. The FAA has not changed the 
AD in this regard.

Request To Expand the Applicability

    Hyannis requested the FAA revise the applicability of the proposed 
AD to include all Model P2012 Traveller airplanes, regardless of S/N. 
Hyannis stated that there are airplanes on the U.S. Registry with S/Ns 
greater than S/N 030 with the same elevator tab control system design.
    The FAA disagrees. The ALS in Edition 4, Revision 0, dated March 
19, 2021, of the AMM includes the repetitive inspections and criteria 
to determine continued serviceability of the elevator trim tab control 
system required by paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD. Model P2012 
airplanes having S/Ns 031 and later were delivered with the updated ALS 
found in AMM, Edition 4, Revision 0, or a later version. 14 CFR 43.16 
and 14 CFR 91.403(c) require inspection and maintenance specified in an 
ALS of a manufacturer's AMM to be completed in accordance with that 
section. Therefore, Model P2012 airplanes with S/Ns 031 and larger are 
not subject to the unsafe condition. The FAA has not changed this final 
rule regarding this comment.

Conclusion

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described

[[Page 35894]]

in the MCAI and service information referenced above. The FAA reviewed 
the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined 
that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product. 
This AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Tecnam Service Bulletin 398-CS-Edition 2, Rev. 1, 
dated August 17, 2020. The service information specifies procedures for 
inspecting the trim tab trailing edge to determine if free play exists 
and taking corrective actions as needed.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Tecnam Service Bulletin 398-CS-Edition 2, 
Rev. 0, dated August 5, 2020. The service information specifies 
procedures for inspecting the trim tab trailing edge to determine if 
free play exists and taking corrective actions as needed.
    In addition, the FAA reviewed Tecnam Job Card No. 1249 Ed.1, Rev.1, 
dated May 5, 2021. The service information specifies procedures for 
servicing free play of the mechanical trim actuator.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 21 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per airplane       operators
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Trim tab surface free play        1 work-hour x $85   Not applicable....  $85 per inspection  $1,785 per
 inspection.                       per hour = $85.                         cycle.              inspection cycle.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions 
that would be required based on the results of the mandated inspection. 
The FAA has no way of determining the number of airplanes that might 
need these actions.

                                               On-Condition Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                 Action                           Labor cost                  Parts cost             airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trim actuator free play inspection......  2 work-hours x $85 per      Not applicable............            $170
                                           hour = $170.
Trim actuator servicing.................  2 work-hours x $85 per      $100......................             270
                                           hour = $170.
Trim actuator replacement...............  1 work-hour x $85 per hour  1,000.....................           1,085
                                           = $85.
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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.
    The FAA is 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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2022-12-06 Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A.: Amendment 39-
22078; Docket No. FAA-2022-0151; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00521-
A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 19, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model 
P2012 Traveller airplanes, serial numbers 002 through 030 inclusive, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2731: Elevator Tab 
Control System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI

[[Page 35895]]

describes the unsafe condition as free play in the trim tab actuator 
and trim tab surface. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and 
correct free play in the trim tab connection, which could lead to 
reduced airplane control.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Trim Tab Surface Free Play Inspection and Maintenance

    Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date 
of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, 
measure the trim tab surface for free play in accordance with 
Appendix A, Accomplishment Instructions, section 2 (Step 1--Trim Tab 
surface free play measurement) on pages 3 and 4 of Tecnam Service 
Bulletin 398-CS-Edition 2, Rev. 1, dated August 17, 2020 (Tecnam SB 
398-CS-Edition 2, Rev. 1). If there is free play that exceeds the 
allowable tolerance, before further flight, measure the trim tab 
actuator for free play and take any corrective actions in accordance 
with Appendix A, Accomplishment Instructions, section 3 (Step 2--
Trim Actuator free play measurement) on page 5 of Tecnam SB 398-CS-
Edition 2, Rev 1.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the initial inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD if you performed that action before the 
effective date of this AD using Tecnam Service Bulletin 398-CS-
Edition 2, Rev. 0, dated August 5, 2020.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, 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 International Validation Branch, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of 
this AD and email to: [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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jim Rutherford, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft 
Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, 
Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4165; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2021-0119, dated April 30, 2021, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0151.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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.
    (i) Tecnam Service Bulletin 398-CS-Edition 2, Rev. 1, dated 
August 17, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A., Airworthiness Office, Via S. 
D'acquisto 62, Boscotrecase, 80042, Italy; phone: +39 0823 997538; 
email: [email protected]; website: https://www.Tecnam.com.
    (4) You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) 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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on June 4, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-12762 Filed 6-13-22; 8:45 am]
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