[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 105 (Thursday, June 2, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 32273-32275]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-10948]


 ========================================================================
 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. 70, No. 105 / Thursday, June 2, 2005 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 32273]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21174; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-23-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Models 
PA-28-160, PA-28-161, PA-28-180, and PA-28-181 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) Models PA-28-160, PA-
28-161, PA-28-180, and PA-28-181 airplanes that incorporate Petersen 
Aviation, Inc. Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA2660CE installed 
between April 20, 1998, and April 1, 2005, and incorporate Petersen 
Aviation, Inc. Service Bulletin SB98-1. This proposed AD would require 
you to replace the AN894-6-4 bushing screw thread expanders on the 
gascolator and bushing attached to the inlet of the top fuel pump with 
NAS1564-6-4J reducers and AN818-6 nuts. This proposed AD results from 
reports of fuel leaks during the post STC installation tests. We are 
issuing this proposed AD to prevent fuel fittings used in STC SA2660CE 
from leaking fuel in the engine compartment, which could result in an 
engine fire. This condition could lead to loss of control of the 
airplane.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by August 1, 
2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed 
AD:
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-001.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    To get the service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact Petersen Aviation, Inc., 984 K Road, Minden, Nebraska 68959; 
telephone: (308) 832-2050; facsimile: (308) 832-2311.
    To view the comments on this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. 
The docket number is FAA-2005-21174; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-23-
AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James P. Galstad, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, 
Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4135; facsimile: (316) 946-4107.

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 the 
docket number, ``FAA-2005-21174; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-23-AD'' 
at the beginning of your comments. We will post all comments we 
receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal 
information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed 
rulemaking. Using the search function of our docket web site, anyone 
can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
This is docket number FAA-2005-21174; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-
23-AD. You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
    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.

Docket Information

    Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD 
docket that contains the proposal, any comments received, and any final 
disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m. (eastern standard time), Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on 
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation NASSIF Building at 
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket 
on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    What events have caused this proposed AD? We have received reports 
of fuel leaks found during post fuel pump checks on Piper Models PA-28-
160, PA-28-161, PA-28-180, and PA-28-181 airplanes after STC SA2660CE 
was incorporated.
    STC SA2660CE enables the referenced airplanes to run on leaded and 
unleaded automotive gasoline, 91 minimum antiknock index (RON+MON).
    The STC replaces the Piper electric boost pump with two different 
electric boost pumps. Subsequently, Petersen Aviation, Inc. Service 
Bulletin 98-1 provides for installation of a fuel flow bypass that 
incorporates an o-ring seal fuel fitting (AN894-6-4 bushing screw 
thread expander) on the flared tube fitting (AN826-6 tee). The internal 
shape of the AN894-6-4 bushing screw thread expander is intended to use 
an o-ring seal, but there is no corresponding o-ring seal location on 
the AN826-6 tee.

[[Page 32274]]

    The AN894-6-4 bushing screw thread expander has clearance machining 
cut for the mating screw threads but does not provide a seal against 
the cone surface of the AN826-6 tee.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If not 
prevented, fuel fittings used in STC SA2660CE could leak fuel in the 
engine compartment. Failure of these fittings could result in an engine 
fire. This condition could lead to loss of control of the airplane.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Petersen 
Aviation, Inc. has issued Service Bulletin PA-28-160, -161, -180, -181, 
Bulletin No. SB-05-2, dated April 12, 2005.
    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
bulletin includes procedures for replacing the two AN894-6-4 bushing 
screw thread expanders on the two AN826-6 tees with AN818-6 nuts and 
NAS1564-6-4J reducers.

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. For this reason, 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.
    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 50 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 modification:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            Total cost on U.S.
              Labor cost                      Parts cost        Total cost per airplane         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work hour x $65 per hour = $65.....  Petersen Aviation will   Peterson Aviation will   Petersen Aviation will
                                        provide parts at no      cover the cost for       cover the cost for
                                        cost.                    labor.                   parts and labor.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    What authority does FAA have for issuing this proposed rulemaking 
action? 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.
    We are issuing this proposed 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 proposed AD.

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 other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) 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 FAA-2005-21174; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-23-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. FAA-2005-21174; Directorate 
Identifier 2005-CE-23-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 August 1, 2005.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects Model PA-28-160, PA-28-161, PA-28-180, and 
PA-28-181 airplanes, serial numbers 28-671 through 28-5859, 28-
7105001 through 28-7505261, 28-7690001 through 28-8590001, and all 
serial numbers thereafter, that:
    (1) are certificated in any category;
    (2) incorporate Peterson Aviation, Inc. Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) SA2660CE installed between April 20, 1998 and 
April 1, 2005; and
    (3) incorporate Peterson Aviation, Inc. Service Bulletin SB98-1.

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of reports of fuel leaks during the 
post STC installation tests. The actions specified in this AD are 
intended to prevent fuel fittings used in STC SA2660CE from leaking 
fuel in the engine compartment, which could result in an engine 
fire. This condition could lead to loss of control of the airplane.

[[Page 32275]]

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the two AN894-6-4     At the next 100-hour  Follow Petersen
 bushing screw thread          or annual             Aviation, Inc.
 expanders on the two AN826-   inspection that       Service Bulletin PA-
 6 tees (one on the            occurs following 30   28-160, -161, -180,
 gascolator and the other      days after the        -181 Bulletin No.
 one attached to a bushing     effective date of     SB 05-2, dated
 (AN912-2J) attached to the    this AD, whichever    April 12, 2005.
 inlet on the top of the top   occurs first.
 fuel pump) with NAS1564-6-
 4J reducers and AN818-6
 nuts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already 
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact James P. 
Galstad, Aerospace Engineer, FAA Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, 
Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-
4135; facsimile: (316) 946-4107.

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

    (g) To get copies of the documents referenced in this AD, 
contact Petersen Aviation, Inc., 984 K Road, Minden, Nebraska 68959; 
telephone: (308) 832-2050; facsimile: (308) 832-2311. To view the AD 
docket, go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-
401, Washington, DC, or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The 
docket number is Docket No. FAA-2005-21174; Directorate Identifier 
2005-CE-23-AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 25, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-10948 Filed 6-1-05; 8:45 am]
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