[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 123 (Monday, June 28, 1999)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 34530-34532]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-16278]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-77-AD; Amendment 39-11209; AD 99-14-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. PA-23, PA-
30, PA-31, PA-34, PA-39, PA-40, and PA-42 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-04-
27, which currently requires incorporating certain icing information 
into the FAA-approved airplane flight manual (AFM) of The New Piper 
Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) PA-23, PA-30, PA-31, PA-34, PA-39, PA-40, and 
PA-42 series airplanes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 
inadvertently omitted Piper Models PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, 
and PA-31P-350 airplanes from the Applicability section of AD 98-04-27. 
This AD retains the requirement of incorporating the icing information 
into the AFM for all airplanes affected by AD 98-04-27, and adds Piper 
Models PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, and PA-31P-350 airplanes to 
the Applicability section of the AD. The actions specified by this AD 
are intended to minimize the potential hazards associated with 
operating these airplanes in severe icing conditions by providing more 
clearly defined procedures and limitations associated with such 
conditions.

DATES: Effective August 17, 1999.

ADDRESSES: This information may also be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-77-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 
12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. John P. Dow, Sr., Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 426-6932; facsimile: 
(816) 426-2169.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to Piper PA-23, PA-30, 
PA-31, PA-34, PA-39, PA-40, and PA-42 series airplanes was published in 
the Federal Register on September 24, 1998 (63 FR 51045). The NPRM 
proposed to supersede AD 98-04-27, Amendment 39-10339 (63 FR 7668, 
February 17, 1998). AD 98-04-27 currently requires revising the 
Limitations Section of the FAA-approved airplane flight manual (AFM) to 
specify procedures that would specify the following for PA-23, PA-30, 
PA-31, PA-34, PA-39, PA-40, and PA-42 series airplanes:
     Require flight crews to immediately request priority 
handling from Air Traffic Control to exit severe icing conditions (as 
determined by certain visual cues);
     Prohibit flight in severe icing conditions (as determined 
by certain visual cues);
     Prohibit use of the autopilot when ice is formed aft of 
the protected surfaces of the wing, or when an unusual lateral trim 
condition exists; and
     Require that all icing wing inspection lights be operative 
prior to flight into known or forecast icing conditions at night.
    AD 98-04-27 also required revising the Normal Procedures Section of 
the FAA-approved AFM to specify procedures that would:
     Limit the use of the flaps and prohibit the use of the 
autopilot when ice is observed forming aft of the protected surfaces of 
the wing, or if unusual lateral trim requirements or autopilot trim 
warnings are encountered; and
     Provide the flight crew with recognition cues for, and 
procedures for exiting from, severe icing conditions.
    The NPRM proposed to retain from AD 98-04-27 the requirement of 
incorporating certain icing information into the FAA-approved AFM for 
the affected airplanes, and would add Piper Models PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-
31T1, PA-31T2, and PA-31P-350 airplanes to the Applicability section of 
the AD.
    The NPRM was the result of the FAA inadvertently omitting Piper 
Models PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, and PA-31P-350 airplanes from 
the Applicability section of AD 98-04-27
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposed rule or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

The FAA's Determination

    After careful review of all available information related to the 
subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor 
corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any 
additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 5,265 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 workhour per 
airplane to accomplish this action, and that the average labor rate is 
approximately $60 an hour. Since an owner/operator who holds at least a 
private pilot's certificate as authorized by Sec. Sec. 43.7 and 43.9 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 47.7 and 43.9) can accomplish 
this action, the only cost impact upon the public is the time it will 
take the affected airplane owners/operators to incorporate the AFM 
revisions.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator will accomplish these actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.
    In addition, the FAA recognizes that this action may impose 
operational costs. However, these costs are incalculable because the 
frequency of occurrence of the specified conditions and the associated 
additional flight time cannot be determined. Nevertheless, because of 
the severity of the unsafe condition, the FAA has determined that 
continued operational safety necessitates the imposition of the costs.

[[Page 34531]]

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); 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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this 
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 98-04-27, Amendment 39-10339 (63 FR 7668, February 17, 1998), and 
by adding a new AD to read as follows:

99-14-01 The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-11209; Docket 
No. 98-CE-77-AD; Supersedes AD 98-04-27, Amendment 39-10339.

    Applicability: Models PA-23, PA-23-160, PA-23-235, PA-23-250, 
PA-E23-250, PA-30, PA-39, PA-40, PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, PA-31-
350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, PA-31P-350, PA-34-200, PA-34-
200T, PA-34-220T, PA-42, PA-42-720, and PA-42-1000 airplanes, all 
serial numbers, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as follows, unless already accomplished:
    1. For all affected airplanes, except for Models PA-31P, PA-31T, 
PA-31T1, PA-31T2, and PA-31P-350 airplanes:  Within 30 days after 
March 13, 1997 (the effective date of AD 98-04-27).
    2. For all Models PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, and PA-31P-
350 airplanes: Within the next 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.
    To minimize the potential hazards associated with operating the 
airplane in severe icing conditions by providing more clearly 
defined procedures and limitations associated with such conditions, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) At the applicable compliance time presented in the 
Compliance section of this AD, accomplish the requirements of 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.

    Note 2: Operators should initiate action to notify and ensure 
that flight crewmembers are apprised of this change.
    (1) Revise the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) by 
incorporating the following into the Limitations Section of the AFM. 
This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.

WARNING

    Severe icing may result from environmental conditions outside of 
those for which the airplane is certificated. Flight in freezing 
rain, freezing drizzle, or mixed icing conditions (supercooled 
liquid water and ice crystals) may result in ice build-up on 
protected surfaces exceeding the capability of the ice protection 
system, or may result in ice forming aft of the protected surfaces. 
This ice may not be shed using the ice protection systems, and may 
seriously degrade the performance and controllability of the 
airplane.
     During flight, severe icing conditions that exceed 
those for which the airplane is certificated shall be determined by 
the following visual cues. If one or more of these visual cues 
exists, immediately request priority handling from Air Traffic 
Control to facilitate a route or an altitude change to exit the 
icing conditions.

--Unusually extensive ice accumulation on the airframe and 
windshield in areas not normally observed to collect ice.
--Accumulation of ice on the upper surface of the wing, aft of the 
protected area.
--Accumulation of ice on the engine nacelles and propeller spinners 
farther aft than normally observed.

     Since the autopilot, when installed and operating, may 
mask tactile cues that indicate adverse changes in handling 
characteristics, use of the autopilot is prohibited when any of the 
visual cues specified above exist, or when unusual lateral trim 
requirements or autopilot trim warnings are encountered while the 
airplane is in icing conditions.
     All wing icing inspection lights must be operative 
prior to flight into known or forecast icing conditions at night. 
[Note: This supersedes any relief provided by the Master Minimum 
Equipment List (MMEL).]''
    (2) Revise the FAA-approved AFM by incorporating the following 
into the Normal Procedures Section of the AFM. This may be 
accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.

THE FOLLOWING WEATHER CONDITIONS MAY BE CONDUCIVE TO SEVERE IN-FLIGHT 
ICING

     Visible rain at temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius 
ambient air temperature.
     Droplets that splash or splatter on impact at 
temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius ambient air temperature.

Procedures for Exiting the Severe Icing Environment

    These procedures are applicable to all flight phases from 
takeoff to landing. Monitor the ambient air temperature. While 
severe icing may form at temperatures as cold as -18 degrees 
Celsius, increased vigilance is warranted at temperatures around 
freezing with visible moisture present. If the visual cues specified 
in the Limitations Section of the AFM for identifying severe icing 
conditions are observed, accomplish the following:
     Immediately request priority handling from Air Traffic 
Control to facilitate a route or an altitude change to exit the 
severe icing conditions in order to avoid extended exposure to 
flight conditions more severe than those for which the airplane has 
been certificated.
     Avoid abrupt and excessive maneuvering that may 
exacerbate control difficulties.
     Do not engage the autopilot.
     If the autopilot is engaged, hold the control wheel 
firmly and disengage the autopilot.
     If an unusual roll response or uncommanded roll control 
movement is observed, reduce the angle-of-attack.
     Do not extend flaps when holding in icing conditions. 
Operation with flaps extended can result in a reduced wing angle-of-
attack, with the possibility of ice forming on the upper surface 
further aft on the wing than normal, possibly aft of the protected 
area.
     If the flaps are extended, do not retract them until 
the airframe is clear of ice.
     Report these weather conditions to Air Traffic Control.
    (b) Incorporating the AFM revisions, as required by this AD, may 
be performed by the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot 
certificate as authorized by Sec. 43.7 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and must be entered into the aircraft 
records showing compliance with this AD in

[[Page 34532]]

accordance with Sec. 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 43.9).
    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1201 
Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be 
forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may 
add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane 
Directorate.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.

    (e) All persons affected by this directive may examine 
information related to this AD at the FAA, Central Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106.
    (f) This amendment supersedes AD 98-04-27, Amendment 39-10339.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on August 17, 1999.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 18, 1999.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-16278 Filed 6-25-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U