[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 239 (Tuesday, December 14, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69629-69631]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-32369]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-CE-69-AD; Amendment 39-11464; AD 99-26-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-
25, PA-25-235, PA-25-260, PA-28S-160, PA-28S-180, PA-32S-300, PA-28-
151, and PA-28-161 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to the following airplanes that incorporate certain Facet
(manufactured by the Purolator Products Company) induction air filters:
--All The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Models PA-25, PA-25-235, PA-
25-260, PA-28S-160, PA-28S-180, and PA-32S-300 airplanes; and--Piper
Models PA-28-151 and PA-28-161 airplanes that incorporate a certain
supplemental type certificate (STC).
This AD requires replacing these induction air filters. This AD results
from reports of cracking, splitting, crumbling, and deterioration
(referred to as damage hereon) of Facet/Purolator induction air filters
manufactured between a certain time period. The actions specified by
this AD are intended to prevent pieces of a damaged induction air
filter from being ingested into the engine, which could result in
reduced or loss of engine power.
DATES: Effective January 13, 2000.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before February 17, 2000.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-CE-69-AD, Room 1558, 901 Locust, Room
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from
The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero
Beach, Florida 32960. This information may also be examined at the FAA,
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 99-CE-69-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Juanita Craft, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895
Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770)
703-6089; facsimile: (770) 703-6097; e-mail address:
``Juanita.C[email protected]''.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
AD 99-05-09, Amendment 39-111057 (64 FR 10211, March 3, 1999),
currently requires replacing certain Purolator/Facet induction air
filters, Purolator part number (P/N) 638873, Model No. CA161PL, Piper
P/N 460-632 (PS60007-2), that are installed on certain Piper PA-23, PA-
24, PA-28, PA-32, and PA-34 series airplanes. These induction air
filters were manufactured from January 1997 through September 1998; and
are identified with a .250 (1/4)-inch high (white) ink stamp ``FACET-
638873'', and may include ``FAA-PMA''.
Accomplishment of the actions required by AD 99-05-09 is required
in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual, as specified in
Piper Service Bulletin No. 1022, dated September 22, 1998, and
Purolator Service Bulletin No.: SB090298.01, dated September 16, 1998.
The AD was the result of reports of deterioration, cracking,
splitting, and crumbling (referred hereon as damage) of these
Purolator/Facet induction air filters. Purolator utilized an incorrect
curing time in the manufacturing process of the plastisol used in the
induction air filters from January 1997 through September 1998. This
incorrect curing time makes the induction air filters susceptible to
the damage described above.
The actions specified in AD 99-05-09 are intended to prevent pieces
of a damaged induction air filter from being ingested into the engine,
which could result in reduced or loss of engine power.
Actions Since AD 99-05-09 Became Effective and The FAA's
Determination
Since AD 99-05-09 became effective, the FAA has learned that the
following airplanes also incorporate these Facet induction air filters:
--All The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Models PA-25, PA-25-235, PA-
25-260, PA-28S-160, PA-28S-180, and PA-32S-300 airplanes; and
--Piper Models PA-28-151 and PA-28-161 airplanes that incorporate STC
SA2946SO.
Because of this, the FAA has determined that (1) the same actions
of AD 99-05-09 should apply to these Piper Models PA-25, PA-25-235, PA-
25-260, PA-28S-160, PA-28S-180, PA-32S-300, PA-28-151, and PA-28-161
airplanes; and (2) AD action should be taken to prevent pieces of a
damaged induction air filter from being ingested into the engine, which
could result in reduced or loss of engine power.
Explanation of the Provisions of the AD
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop in other airplanes of the same type design to those
referenced above, the FAA is issuing an AD. The AD requires replacing
any Purolator/Facet
[[Page 69630]]
induction air filter, Purolator P/N 638873, Model No. CA161PL, Piper P/
N 460-632 (PS60007-2), that:
--was manufactured anytime from January 1997 through September 1998;
and
--is identified with a .250 (1/4)-inch high (white) ink stamp ``FACET-
638873'', and may include ``FAA-PMA''.
Accomplishment of the replacement is required in accordance with
the applicable maintenance manual, as specified in Piper Service
Bulletin No. 1022, dated September 22, 1998, and Purolator Service
Bulletin No.: SB090298.01, dated September 16, 1998.
Determination of the Effective Date of the AD
Since a situation exists (possible reduced or loss of engine power)
that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found
that notice and opportunity for public prior comment hereon are
impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment
effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting immediate flight safety and, thus, was not
preceded by notice and opportunity to comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications
received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered,
and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual
information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is
extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and
determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket No. 99-CE-69-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and is not a significant regulatory action under
Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action
involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that
this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket (otherwise, an evaluation is
not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules
Docket.
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 adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD) to read as follows:
99-26-05 The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-11464; Docket
No. 99-CE-69-AD.
Applicability: The following airplane model and serial numbers,
certificated in any category, that are equipped with Purolator air
filter part number (P/N) 638873, Model CA161PL, or Piper P/N 460-632
(PS60007-2):
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Models Serial numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PA-25................................ all serial number airplanes
PA-25-235............................ all serial number airplanes
PA-25-260............................ all serial number airplanes
PA-28S-160........................... all serial number airplanes
PA-28S-180........................... all serial number airplanes
PA-32S-300........................... all serial number airplanes
PA-28-151/161........................ all serial number airplanes that
have Supplemental Type
Certificate SA2946SO
incorporated
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 (e) 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 indicated in the body of this AD, unless
already accomplished.
To prevent pieces of a damaged induction air filter from being
ingested into the engine, which could result in reduced or loss of
engine power, accomplish the following:
(a) Within the next 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
effective date of this AD, replace, with an FAA-approved induction
air filter, any Purolator/Facet induction air filter, Purolator part
number (P/N) 638873, Model No. CA161PL, Piper P/N 460-632 (PS60007-
2), that incorporates the criteria presented in both paragraphs
(a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. Accomplish this replacement in
accordance with the applicable maintenance manual.
[[Page 69631]]
(1) Was manufactured anytime from January 1997 through September
1998; and
(2) Is identified with a .250 (1/4)-inch high (white) ink stamp
``FACET-638873'', and may include ``FAA-PMA''.
Note 2: This AD allows the aircraft owner or pilot to check the
maintenance records to determine whether any Purolator/Facet
induction air filter, Purolator P/N 638873, Model No. CA161PL, Piper
P/N 460-632 (PS60007-2), has been installed between January 1, 1997,
and January 13, 2000 (the effective date of this AD). See paragraph
(c) of this AD for authorization.
Note 3: Piper Service Bulletin No. 1022, dated September 22,
1998, and Purolator Service Bulletin No.: SB090298.01, dated
September 16, 1998, provide information relating to the subject of
this AD, including procedures on how to identify the affected
induction air filters.
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall
install, on any affected airplane, any Purolator/Facet induction air
filter, Purolator P/N 638873, Model No. CA161PL, Piper P/N 460-632
(PS60007-2), that incorporates the criteria presented in both
paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.
(c) The owner/operator holding at least a private pilot's
certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may check the maintenance records to
determine whether any Purolator/Facet induction air filter,
Purolator P/N 638873, Model No. CA161PL, Piper P/N 460-632 (PS60007-
2), has been installed between January 1, 1997, and January 13, 2000
(the effective date of this AD). If one of these induction air
filters is not installed, the AD does not apply and the owner/
operator must make an entry into the aircraft records showing
compliance with this AD in accordance with Sec. 43.9 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Secs. 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.
(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be
approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta,
Georgia 30349. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate
FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to
the Manager, Atlanta ACO.
Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Atlanta ACO.
(f) The service information that relates to the subject
presented in this AD may be obtained from The New Piper Aircraft,
Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. This information
may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on January 13, 2000.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 8, 1999.
Marvin R. Nuss,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-32369 Filed 12-13-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U