Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 171 (Tuesday, September 6, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54358-54360]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19055]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0397; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01354-A; 
Amendment 39-22151; AD 2022-17-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aero Industries 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 Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. (Piaggio) Model P-180 airplanes. 
This AD is 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 identifies the unsafe condition as altimetry system errors in the 
air data computers (ADCs) and stand-by instrument systems. This AD 
requires amending the existing airplane flight manual (AFM), installing 
improved ADCs and a detachable configuration module (DCM), and revising 
the existing instructions for continued airworthiness. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 11, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 11, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A., P180 Customer Support, via 
Pionieri e Aviatori d'Italia, snc--16154 Genoa, Italy; phone: (+39) 331 
679 74 93; email: [email protected]. 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 www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0397.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0397; 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: Mike Kiesov, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, 
FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-
4144; 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 
Piaggio Model P-180 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on April 8, 2022 (87 FR 20790). 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 EASA AD 2019-0269, dated October 29, 2019 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on Piaggio 
Model P.180 Avanti II airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During monitoring of P.180 Avanti II fleet by EUROCONTROL 
(checks performed by Air Traffic Control stations) a mean altimetry 
system error and some singular measurement exceedances were reported 
being outside of limits defined by rules applicable to Reduced 
Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airworthiness standards. 
Subsequent investigation determined that the static source error 
correction curves embedded in the ADC of pilot and co-pilot, as well 
as in the stand-by instrument system, did not ensure the required 
RVSM performance of the aeroplane.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to delivery [of] 
erroneous air data information and consequent impairment of 
aeroplane altitude-keeping capability, possibly resulting in a mid-
air collision within RVSM airspace.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Piaggio issued the 
AFM TC [Temporary

[[Page 54359]]

Change No. 107] introducing additional limitations for operation 
within RVSM airspace and issued the SB [Piaggio Aerospace Service 
Bulletin 80-0467] providing instructions to modify the aeroplane.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
amendment of the AFM and modification of the aeroplane by installing 
improved ADCs and DCM.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0397.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require amending the existing AFM, 
installing improved ADCs and a DCM, and revising the existing 
instructions for continued airworthiness. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent a mean altimetry system error measurement from exceeding the 
limits defined for operations within airspace designed as RVSM 
airspace. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a 
potential mid-air collision within RVSM airspace.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from Piaggio. The following presents the 
comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to the comment.

Request To Update Obsolete Contact Information for Piaggio

    Piaggio requested that the FAA revise the NPRM to update their 
contact information for service information.
    The FAA agrees and has updated the contact information for Piaggio 
accordingly.

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 in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant 
data, considered the comment 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. Except for the 
changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the 
NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any 
operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. A.S. Service 
Bulletin No. 80-0467, Revision 2, dated March 6, 2020, which specifies 
procedures for replacing the two ADCs and the DCM with improved parts.
    The FAA also reviewed Piaggio Aviation P.180 Avanti II/EVO 
Temporary Change No. 107, dated September 17, 2019, which updates the 
limitations section of the AFM by prohibiting operations in RVSM 
airspace if the ADCs and DCM have not been replaced.
    In addition, the FAA reviewed Piaggio Aviation P.180 Avanti EVO 
Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision No. 126, dated June 6, 2019, 
which updates and adds certain tasks for the navigation system.
    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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI requires informing all flight crews of the AFM revision 
and operating accordingly thereafter, and this AD does not because 
those actions are already required by FAA operating regulations.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 101 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
             Action                    Labor cost              Parts cost            airplane        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise AFM......................  1 work-hour x $85    Not Applicable...........             $85          $8,585
                                   per hour = $85.
Update AFM......................  1 work-hour x $85    Not Applicable...........              85           8,585
                                   per hour = $85.
Replace two ADCs and one DCM....  16 work-hours x $85  $21,900..................          23,260       2,349,260
                                   per hour = $1,360.
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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:


[[Page 54360]]


    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:

2022-17-13 Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A.: Amendment 39-22151; 
Docket No. FAA-2022-0397; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01354-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 11, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Model P-180 
airplanes, serial number (S/N) 1002 and S/Ns 1105 through 3010 
inclusive, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3417, Air Data 
Computer.

(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 identifies the unsafe condition as altimetry 
system errors in the air data computers (ADCs) and stand-by 
instrument systems. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent a mean 
altimetry system error measurement from exceeding the limits defined 
for operations within airspace designed as reduced vertical 
separation minimum (RVSM) airspace. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in a potential mid-air collision within RVSM 
airspace.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations section of the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) 
for your airplane by adding the information in Piaggio Aviation 
P.180 Avanti II/EVO Temporary Change No. 107, dated September 17, 
2019. Using a different document with language identical to that on 
page 2-33-bis or 2-33.C-bis (as applicable to the S/N of your 
airplane) of Piaggio Aviation P.180 Avanti II/EVO Temporary Change 
No. 107, dated September 17, 2019, is acceptable for compliance with 
this requirement.
    (2) Within 660 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
this AD or 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs first, modify the airplane by replacing the ADCs and 
detachable configuration module (DCM) in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs (5) through (14), of Piaggio 
Aero Industries S.p.A. A.S. Service Bulletin No. 80-0467, Revision 
2, dated March 6, 2020, and revise the instructions for continued 
airworthiness for your airplane by incorporating the information in 
Piaggio Aviation P.180 Avanti EVO Maintenance Manual Temporary 
Revision No. 126, dated June 6, 2019.
    (3) The AFM revision required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if 
included, may be removed after completing the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
    (4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install on any 
airplane an ADC part number (P/N) 822-1109-018, DCM P/N 501-1870-31, 
or DCM P/N 501-1870-51.

(h) 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 certification office, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Mike Kiesov, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4144; email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
AD 2019-0269, dated October 29, 2019, for related information. You 
may examine the EASA AD at www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0397.

(j) 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) Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. A.S. Service Bulletin No. 80-
0467, Revision 2, dated March 6, 2020.
    (ii) Piaggio Aviation P.180 Avanti EVO Maintenance Manual 
Temporary Revision No. 126, dated June 6, 2019.
    (iii) Piaggio Aviation P.180 Avanti II/EVO Temporary Change No. 
107, dated September 17, 2019.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A., P180 Customer Support, via Pionieri 
e Aviatori d'Italia, snc--16154 Genoa, Italy; phone: (+39) 331 679 
74 93; email: [email protected].
    (4) 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.
    (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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on August 12, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19055 Filed 9-2-22; 8:45 am]
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