[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 62 (Wednesday, March 31, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16836-16838]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-7128]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 62 / Wednesday, March 31, 2004 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 16836]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-CE-52-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-
46-500TP Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Model PA-46-500TP 
airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to inspect (one-time) for 
the existence of any protective cover over the percussion caps or 
silicon tube installed over the end of the trigger mechanism pin of the 
oxygen generators, and remove any protective cover or silicon tube 
found. This proposed AD is the result of reports of the above 
conditions found on the affected airplanes. We are issuing this 
proposed AD to detect and remove any protective cover over the 
percussion cap, or any silicon tube over the end of the trigger 
mechanism pin, which could result in failure of the emergency oxygen 
system. This failure could lead to the crew and passengers not being 
able to get oxygen in an emergency situation.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by June 1, 
2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed 
AD:
     By mail: FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-52-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
     By fax: (816) 329-3771.
     By e-mail: [email protected]. Comments sent 
electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2003-CE-52-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.
    You may get the service information identified in 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 view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-52-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m. 
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hector Hernandez, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 
Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770) 
703-6069; facsimile: (770) 703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on this proposed AD? We invite you to submit any 
written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. 
Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD 
Docket No. 2003-CE-52-AD'' in the subject line of your comments. If you 
want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed comments, send us a self-
addressed, stamped postcard with the docket number written on it. We 
will date-stamp your postcard and mail it back to you.
    Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay 
attention to? We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this 
proposed AD. If you contact us through a nonwritten communication and 
that contact relates to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will 
summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
proposed AD in light of those comments and contacts.

Discussion

    What events have caused this proposed AD? The FAA has received 
several reports of the protective cover installed over the percussion 
cap on the oxygen generator on the Models PA-46-310P, PA-46-350P and 
PA-46-500TP airplanes. Also, a silicon tube may exist over the end of 
the trigger mechanism pin. Any protective cover installed over the 
percussion cap, or any silicon tube installed over the trigger, on the 
oxygen generator renders the emergency oxygen system inoperative.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Any protective 
cover on the percussion cap or silicon tube installed over the end of 
the trigger mechanism pin could result in failure of the emergency 
oxygen system. This failure could lead to the crew or passengers not 
being able to get oxygen in an emergency situation.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Piper 
has issued Service Bulletin No. 1140, dated September 16, 2003.
    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
bulletin includes procedures for:

--Inspecting the oxygen generators for any protective cover of the 
percussion caps installed over the percussion cap or any silicon tube 
installed over the end of the trigger mechanism pin; and
--If any protective cover over the percussion cap or silicon tube 
installed over the end of the trigger mechanism pin is found, removing 
the protective cover or silicon tube.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    What has FAA decided? We have evaluated all pertinent information 
and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop 
on other products of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing 
AD action.
    What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require 
you to incorporate the actions in the previously-referenced service 
bulletin on the Model PA-46-500TP airplanes.
    The affected models in the previously-referenced service bulletin 
include the Models PA-46-310P and PA-46-350P airplanes. However, these 
models are certificated at a lower service ceiling than the Model PA-
46-500TP airplane. Since Piper has demonstrated an emergency descent to 
a lower altitude with no oxygen to the pilot, neither Model PA-46-310P 
nor PA-46-350P airplanes are affected by the identified condition.

[[Page 16837]]

    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed AD? On 
July 10, 2002, we 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 altered products, special flight 
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that 
this proposed AD affects 135 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 inspection (and removal of any protective 
cover on the percussion cap or any silicon tube installed over the end 
of the trigger mechanism pin):

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Total cost per
             Labor cost                    Parts cost          airplane         Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 workhour x $65 per hour= $65.....  No cost for parts....             $65  135 x $65 = $8,775.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Compliance Time of This Proposed AD

    What would be the compliance time of this proposed AD? The 
compliance time of this proposed AD is within the next 50 hours time-
in-service (TIS) or 30 calendar days after the effective date of the 
proposed AD.
    Why is the compliance time of this proposed AD presented in both 
hours TIS and calendar time? Any protective cover on a percussion cap 
or silicon tube installed over the end of the trigger mechanism pin on 
the emergency oxygen generator of the affected airplanes is a result of 
a manufacturer quality control problem. The presence of any installed 
protective cover on a percussion cap or silicon tube installed over the 
end of the trigger mechanism pin can occur regardless of whether the 
airplane is in flight or on the ground. To ensure that any installed 
protective cover on a percussion cap or silicon tube installed over the 
end of the trigger mechanism pin does not go undetected, a compliance 
time of specific hours TIS and calendar time is utilized.

Regulatory Findings

    Would this proposed AD impact various entities? We have determined 
that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under 
Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory 
action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD 
and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-52-AD'' in your request.

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 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. 2003-CE-52-AD.

When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?

    (a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD) by June 1, 2004.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects Model PA-46-500TP airplanes, serial numbers 
4697001 through 4697163, that are certificated in any category.

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of reports of a protective cover 
installed over the percussion cap or a silicon tube installed over 
the end of the trigger mechanism pin, on the oxygen generator, 
rendering the emergency oxygen system inoperative. The actions 
specified in this AD are intended to detect and remove any 
protective cover over the percussion cap or any silicon tube over 
the end of the trigger mechanism pin, which could result in failure 
of the emergency oxygen system. This failure could lead to the crew 
or passengers not being able to get oxygen in an emergency 
situation.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions                  Compliance          Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect:
    (i) The percussion cap of     Within the next 50  Follow the
     any oxygen generator (part    hours time-in-      INSTRUCTIONS
     number (P/N) 471-025) for     service after the   paragraph in The
     the presence of any           effective date of   New Piper
     protective cover; and.        this AD or within   Aircraft, Inc.
                                   the next 30         Service Bulletin
                                   calendar days       No. 1140, dated
                                   after the           September 16,
                                   effective date of   2003, and the
                                   this AD,            applicable
                                   whichever occurs    airplane
                                   first, unless       maintenance
                                   already done.       manual.
    (ii) The end of the trigger
     mechanism of any oxygen
     generator (P/N 471-025) for
     the presence of any silicon
     tube.
---------------------------------

[[Page 16838]]

 
(2) If during the inspections     Before further      Follow the
 required by paragraphcs           flight after the    INSTRUCTIONS
 (e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii) of       inspection          paragraph in The
 this AD, you find any             required in         New Piper
 protective cover over the         paragraph (e)(1)    Aircraft, Inc.
 percussion cap or any silicon     of this AD,         Service Bulletin
 tube over the end of the          unless already      No. 1140, dated
 trigger mechanism, remove any     done.               September 16,
 protective cover or silicon                           2003, and the
 tube.                                                 applicable
                                                       airplane
                                                       maintenance
                                                       manual.
---------------------------------
(3) Do not operate the airplane   As of the           Not applicable.
 after installation of any         effective date of
 oxygen generator (P/N 471-025)    this AD.
 referenced in this AD unless
 any protective cover of the
 percussion cap or any silicon
 tube over the end of the
 trigger mechanism has been
 removed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: Standard procedure is to remove the protective cover after 
installation. Refer to the applicable airplane maintenance manual 
for specific procedures for removing any protective cover of the 
percussion cap or any silicon tube over the end of the trigger 
mechanism.

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (f) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to 
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments 
and will send your request to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already 
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Hector 
Hernandez, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta ACO, One Crown Center, 
1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; 
telephone: (770) 703-6069; facsimile: (770) 703-6097.

May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?

    (g) 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 March 23, 2004.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-7128 Filed 3-30-04; 8:45 am]
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