Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 188 (Thursday, September 29, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58947-58950]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-20957]



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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 188 / Thursday, September 29, 2022 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 58947]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0452; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01356-A; 
Amendment 39-22176; AD 2022-19-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. (Piaggio) Model P-180 airplanes. This AD 
results from 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 accumulation of water and subsequent freezing 
in the pitot-tube, which results in pitot-tube blockage. This AD 
requires modifying the total air temperature (TAT) probe heater 
electrical circuit and revising your existing airplane flight manual 
(AFM). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 3, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 3, 
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 regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0452.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0452; 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 all Piaggio Model P-180 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 11, 2022 
(87 FR 21034). 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 2019-0144, 
dated June 19, 2019 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to 
address an unsafe condition on all Piaggio Model P.180 Avanti and 
Avanti II airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Occurrences of pitot-tube blockage were reported, leading to in-
flight air data loss. Investigation results indicated that 
accumulation of water and subsequent freezing was the failure cause.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to unreliable 
indication or loss of in-flight air data provided by systems 
deriving their data from measuring air pressure, possibly resulting 
in loss of control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potentially unsafe condition, Piaggio issued the 
applicable AFM TC [Piaggio Aviation P.180 AVANTI II/EVO Temporary 
Change 79, dated September 17, 2018; and Piaggio Aviation P.180 
AVANTI Temporary Change No. 36, dated April 11, 2019], providing 
instructions to switch on pitot-tube heater before taxi if operation 
in heavy rain, snow or icing condition is expected. To prevent 
concurrent activation of TAT probe heater on ground, which could 
lead to temporary air data indications failure, Piaggio issued the 
applicable SBs [Piaggio Aviation Service Bulletin No. 80-0430, 
Revision 1; and Piaggio Aero Industries Service Bulletin No. 80-
0457, Original Issue], providing modification instructions to 
inhibit on-ground power supply to TAT probe heater, when the pitot-
tube heater is activated.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
amendment of the applicable AFM and, for certain aeroplanes, 
modification of the TAT probe heater electrical circuit.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0452.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require modifying the TAT probe 
heater electrical circuit and revising your existing AFM. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent blockage of the pitot-tube. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in temporary air data 
indications failure, which could result in loss of control of the 
airplane.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

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

Request To Update Contact Information for Piaggio

    Piaggio requested that the FAA revise the NPRM to update the 
contact information provided for Piaggio service information.
    The FAA agrees and has updated the contact information for Piaggio 
throughout this final rule accordingly.

Request Regarding the Background Information

    Piaggio requested the FAA remove the extra reference ``and No. 79'' 
from the quoted MCAI statement in the Background section that reads 
``To address this potentially unsafe condition, Piaggio issued the 
applicable AFM TC [Piaggio Aviation P.180 AVANTI II/EVO Temporary 
Change 79, dated September 17, 2018; and Piaggio

[[Page 58948]]

Aviation P.180 AVANTI Temporary Change No. 36 and No. 79]. . . .''
    The FAA agrees and has deleted ``and No. 79'' from the quoted MCAI 
statement in the Background section of this AD. Instead, that text has 
been replaced with the date of Piaggio Aviation P.180 AVANTI Temporary 
Change No. 36, which was originally intended to be provided. This 
change does not alter the intent of that language.

Request To Remove Specific Service Bulletin Revision Level

    Piaggio requested that paragraphs (g)(2)(ii) and (g)(3)(iii) of the 
proposed AD be revised to remove the revision number and date from the 
service bulletin reference specified in those paragraphs. Piaggio 
explained that this change is necessary because the service bulletin, 
independently from the revision, introduces the new Magnaghi landing 
gear in lieu of the Safran landing gear.
    The FAA partially agrees. The FAA concurs that the referenced 
service bulletin up to Revision 2 independent of the revision level 
introduces the new Magnaghi landing gear in lieu of the Safran landing 
gear. However, the FAA cannot remove the revision level because the FAA 
has no way of knowing the language and content of future revisions. The 
FAA has referenced the service bulletin as ``up to Revision 2'' in 
paragraphs (g)(2)(ii) and (g)(3)(iii) of this AD accordingly.

Request To Reference Latest Service Information and Provide Credit for 
Previous Revision

    Piaggio requested that paragraph (g)(3) of the proposed AD be 
updated to reference Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin 
No. 80-0430, Revision 2, dated July 20, 2021, which is the latest 
service information. In addition, Piaggio requested that the Credit for 
Previous Actions specified in paragraph (h) of the proposed AD be 
revised to include Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. 80-
0430, Revision 1, dated April 30, 2019.
    The FAA agrees with referencing Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Service Bulletin No. 80-0430, Revision 2, dated July 20, 2021, in the 
actions required by paragraph (g)(3) of this AD. This is in addition to 
Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. 80-0430, Revision 1, dated 
April 30, 2019. Because the FAA is referencing both in paragraph (g)(3) 
of this AD, no change to the Credit for Previous Actions specified in 
paragraph (h) of this AD is necessary. The final rule has been changed 
to reference Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. 80-
0430, Revision 2, dated July 20, 2021, in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD.

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 any 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. 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 Aviation S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. 80-
0430, Revision 1, dated April 30, 2019; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
in A.S. Service Bulletin No. 80-0430, Revision 2, dated July 20, 2021; 
and Piaggio Aero Industries Service Bulletin S.p.A. A.S. No. 80-0457, 
Revision 1, dated February 12, 2020. This service information specifies 
procedures for modifying the TAT heater circuit in order to inhibit its 
engagement on the ground when the pitot heater is turned on. These 
documents are distinct because they apply to airplanes in different 
configurations.
    The FAA reviewed Piaggio Aviation P.180 AVANTI II/EVO Temporary 
Change No. 79, dated September 17, 2018, which revises the Limitations 
and Normal Procedures sections of the existing AFM to include updated 
procedures for airplane operation when the modification for inhibition 
of the TAT heater (on ground) has been installed.
    The FAA also reviewed Piaggio Aviation P.180 AVANTI Temporary 
Change No. 36, dated April 11, 2019, which revises the Emergency and 
Normal Procedures sections of the existing AFM to include additional 
procedures to avoid air data computer failure due to water trapped and 
frozen in pitot lines.
    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 reviewed Piaggio Aero Industries Service Bulletin No. 80-
0454, Revision 0, dated March 6, 2017; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Service Bulletin No. 80-0425, Revision 0, dated May 30, 2017; Piaggio 
Aero Industries S.p.A Service Bulletin No. 80-0425, Revision 1, dated 
December 15, 2017; and Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin 
No. 80-0425, Revision 2, dated June 4, 2018. This service information 
specifies procedures for replacing the Messier-Dowty nose and main 
landing gear and steering system with a Magnaghi nose and main landing 
gear and Eaton steering system.
    The FAA also reviewed Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service 
Bulletin No. 80-0430, Revision 0, dated August 10, 2017. This service 
information specifies procedures for modifying the TAT heater circuit 
in order to inhibit its engagement on the ground when the pitot heater 
is turned on.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

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

Costs of Compliance

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

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Cost on U.S.
            Action                Labor cost           Parts cost          Cost per  airplane       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modify TAT probe heater        42 work-hours x   Up to $3,632..........  Up to $7,202..........  Up to $496,938
 electrical circuit.            $85 per hour =                                                    (69
                                $3,570.                                                           airplanes).

[[Page 58949]]

 
Revise AFM...................  1 work-hour x     Not Applicable........  $85...................  $8,585 (101
                                $85 per hour =                                                    airplanes).
                                $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 that 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:

2022-19-07 Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.: Amendment 39-22176; Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0452; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01356-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 3, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. Model P-180 
airplanes, all serial numbers (S/Ns), certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3411, Pitot/Static 
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 identifies the unsafe condition as accumulation of 
water and subsequent freezing in the pitot-tube. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to prevent blockage of the pitot-tube. The unsafe condition, 
if not addressed, could result in temporary air data indications 
failure, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For all airplanes: Within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD, revise the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) for 
your airplane by adding into the Emergency Procedures and Normal 
Procedures sections the information in Piaggio Aviation P.180 AVANTI 
Temporary Change No. 36, dated April 11, 2019; or by incorporating 
into the Limitations and Normal Procedures sections the information 
in Piaggio Aviation P.180 Avanti II/EVO Temporary Change No. 79, 
dated September 17, 2018; as applicable to your airplane S/N. Using 
a different document with language identical to that in Piaggio 
Aviation P.180 AVANTI Temporary Change No. 36, dated April 11, 2019; 
or Piaggio Aviation P.180 Avanti II/EVO Temporary Change No. 79, 
dated September 17, 2018; is acceptable for compliance with this 
requirement.
    (2) For airplanes identified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of 
this AD: Within 660 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD or 24 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first, modify the total air temperature (TAT) probe 
heater electrical circuit by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs (6) through (27), in Piaggio Aero 
Industries S.p.A. A.S. Service Bulletin No. 80-0457, Revision 1, 
dated February 12, 2020.
    (i) S/N 1105, if Piaggio Aero Industries Service Bulletin No. 
80-0454, Revision 0, dated March 6, 2017, is not incorporated.
    (ii) S/Ns 1106 through 1234 inclusive, if Piaggio Aero 
Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. 80-0425 up to Revision 2 is 
not incorporated.
    (3) For airplanes identified in paragraphs (g)(3)(i) through 
(iii) of this AD: Within 660 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD or 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs first, modify the TAT probe heater electrical circuit by 
following the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraphs (6) through 
(21), in Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. 80-0430, 
Revision 1, dated April 30, 2019, or Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs (6) through (21) and (25), in Piaggio Aero Industries 
S.p.A. in A.S. Service Bulletin No. 80-0430, Revision 2, dated July 
20, 2021.
    (i) S/Ns 1002, 3001, 3003, 3004, 3006, and 3007.
    (ii) S/N 1105, if Piaggio Aero Industries Service Bulletin No. 
80-0454, Revision 0, dated March 6, 2017, is incorporated.
    (iii) S/Ns 1106 through 1234 inclusive, if Piaggio Aero 
Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. 80-0425 up to Revision 2 is 
incorporated.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the modification required by 
paragraph (g)(3) of this AD, if the modification was done before the 
effective date of this AD using Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Service Bulletin No. 80-0430, Revision 0, dated August 10, 2017.

(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

[[Page 58950]]

appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
certification office, 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 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 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2019-0144, dated June 19, 2019, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0452.

(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) Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. 80-0430, 
Revision 1, dated April 30, 2019.
    (ii) Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. in A.S. Service Bulletin No. 
80-0430, Revision 2, dated July 20, 2021.
    (iii) Piaggio Aero Industries Service Bulletin S.p.A. A.S. No. 
80-0457, Revision 1, dated February 12, 2020.
    (iv) Piaggio Aviation P.180 AVANTI II/EVO Temporary Change No. 
79, dated September 17, 2018.
    (v) Piaggio Aviation P.180 AVANTI Temporary Change No. 36, dated 
April 11, 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 September 6, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-20957 Filed 9-28-22; 8:45 am]
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