[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 3, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33030-33032]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-13792]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-CE-03-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-
31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, 
PA-31T3, and PA-31P-350 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to all The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) 
Models PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, 
PA-31T2, PA-31T3, and PA-31P-350 airplanes. This proposed AD would 
require you to install an inspection hole, conduct a detailed visual 
inspection of the rudder torque tube and associated ribs for corrosion, 
and, if corrosion is found, replace the rib/rudder torque tube 
assembly. This proposed AD is the result of reports of rudder tube 
corrosion. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to 
detect and correct corrosion in the rudder torque tube assembly and 
rudder rib, which could result in failure of the rudder torque tube. 
Such failure could lead to loss of rudder control.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before August 11, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-03-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any 
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also send comments 
electronically to the following address: [email protected]. 
Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2003-CE-03-AD'' 
in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached 
electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for 
Windows or ASCII text.
    You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD 
from The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, 
Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (772) 567-4361; facsimile: (772) 
978-6584. You may also view this information at the Rules Docket at the 
address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William O. Herderich, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 
1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: 
(770) 703-6082; facsimile: (770) 703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

How Do I Comment on This Proposed AD?

    The FAA invites comments on this proposed rule. You may submit 
whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to 
include the proposed rule's docket number and submit your comments to 
the address specified under the caption ``ADDRESSES.'' We will consider 
all comments received on or before the closing date. We may amend this 
proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual information that 
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of this proposed AD action and determining whether we 
need to take additional rulemaking action.

Are There Any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay 
Attention To?

    The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed rule that 
might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we 
receive before and after the closing date of the proposed rule in the 
Rules Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes 
each contact we have with the public that concerns the substantive 
parts of this proposed AD.

How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?

    If you want FAA to acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments, 
you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, 
write ``Comments to Docket No. 2003-CE-03-AD.'' We will date stamp and 
mail the postcard back to you.

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?

    The FAA has received several reports of rudder tube and rib 
corrosion on Piper PA-31 Series airplanes. The area surrounding the 
rudder torque tube assembly and rudder rib does not have a means or 
access to inspect in this area

[[Page 33031]]

and neither means nor exits for water to drain out.

What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    Corrosion in the rudder torque tube assembly and rudder rib could 
result in failure of the rudder torque tube. Such failure could lead to 
loss of rudder control.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    Piper has issued Service Bulletin No. 1105, dated September 4, 
2002.

What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?

    The service bulletin includes procedures for:

--Installing an inspection hole in the rudder skin;
--Performing an inspection for corrosion; and
--Installing/repairing with the rib/rudder torque tube assembly 
replacement kit.

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of This 
Proposed AD

What Has FAA Decided?

    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to the incidents described above, we have 
determined that:

--the unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other Models PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, 
PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, PA-31T3, and PA-31P-350 of the same type 
design;
--the actions specified in the previously-referenced service 
information should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

What Would This Proposed AD Require?

    This proposed AD would require you to incorporate the actions in 
the previously-referenced service bulletin.

How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This Proposed AD?

    On July 10, 2002, FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This 
regulation now includes material that relates to special flight 
permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. This 
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this 
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in 
future AD actions.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 2,269 airplanes in the 
U.S. registry.

What Would Be the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD on Owners/Operators 
of the Affected Airplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish this proposed 
installation of inspection and drain holes and inspection of torque 
tube and associated ribs for corrosion:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Total  cost
               Labor cost                  Parts cost        per             Total cost on U.S. operators
                                                          airplane
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3 workhours x $60 per hour = $180.......         $10.         $190.   2,269 x $190 = $431,110.
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    We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary 
corrosion repairs/replacements of the rib/torque tube assembly that 
would be required based on the results of this proposed inspection. We 
have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need such 
repair/replacement:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Total  cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 workhours x $60 per hour = $960....           $800.          $1,760.
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Regulatory Impact

Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 proposed rule would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.

Would This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
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) if 
promulgated, 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 draft regulatory 
evaluation prepared for this action has been placed 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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. FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:


[[Page 33032]]


The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. 2003-CE-03-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated 
in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325.....  31-2 through 31-8312019.
PA-31-350.......................  31-5001 through 31-8553002.
PA-31P..........................  31P-1 through 31P-7730012.
PA-31P-350......................  31P-8414001 through 31P-8414050.
PA-31T..........................  31T-7400001 through 31T-8120104.
PA-31T1.........................  31T-7804001 through 31T-1104017.
PA-31T2.........................  31T-8166001 through 31T-1166008.
PA-31T3.........................  31T-8275001 through 31T-5575001.
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    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must 
comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to detect and correct corrosion in the rudder 
torque tube assembly and rudder rib, which could result in failure 
of the rudder torque tube. Such failure could lead to loss of rudder 
control.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Install an inspection     Within the next 100   In accordance with
 hole in the rudder skin for   hours time-in-        The New Piper
 the rudder torque tube        service (TIS) after   Aircraft, Inc.
 assembly.                     the effective date    Service Bulletin
                               of this AD, unless    No. 1105, dated
                               already               September 4, 2002.
                               accomplished.
(2) Visually inspect the      Prior to further      In accordance with
 rudder torque tube and        flight after the      The New Piper
 associated ribs for           installation          Aircraft, Inc.
 corrosion.                    required in           Service Bulletin
                               paragraph (d)(1) of   No. 1105, dated
                               this AD and           September 4, 2002.
                               thereafter at
                               intervals not to
                               exceed 12 calendar
                               months.
(3) If corrosion damage is    Prior to further      In accordance with
 found, replace the rib/       flight after any      The New Piper
 rudder torque tube assembly.  inspection required   Aircraft, Inc.
                               in paragraph (d)(2)   Service Bulletin
                               of this AD where      No. 1105, dated
                               corrosion damage is   September 4, 2002.
                               found.
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    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? To use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time, 
follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Send these requests to the 
Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO). For 
information on any already approved alternative methods of 
compliance, contact William O. Herderich, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 
Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: 
(770) 703-6082; facsimile: (770) 703-6097.
    (f) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? 
You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from The 
New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero 
Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: ( 772) 567-4361; facsimile: (772) 
978-6584. You may view these documents at FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 27, 2003.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-13792 Filed 6-2-03; 8:45 am]
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