[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 215 (Monday, November 9, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57561-57564]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-24651]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0699 Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-042-AD; 
Amendment 39-16047; AD 2009-21-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model 
PIAGGIO P-180 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Some cases of uncommanded steering action were observed, while 
the steering system was switched off. A leakage in the Steering 
Select/Bypass Valve, installed in the Steering Manifold, when 
closed, is suspected to have caused the uncommanded steering.
    If left uncorrected, this condition could lead to a potentially 
dangerous veer along the runway; in fact, according to the Aircraft 
Flight Manual limitations, the steering system must be in `off' 
position during landing and takeoff (in this case when airspeed is 
higher than 60 knots).

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 14, 2009.
    On December 14, 2009, the Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this 
AD.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building 
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 
20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4145; fax: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 57562]]

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 5, 2009 (74 
FR 38991). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Some cases of uncommanded steering action were observed, while 
the steering system was switched off. A leakage in the Steering 
Select/Bypass Valve, installed in the Steering Manifold, when 
closed, is suspected to have caused the uncommanded steering.
    If left uncorrected, this condition could lead to a potentially 
dangerous veer along the runway; in fact, according to the Aircraft 
Flight Manual limitations, the steering system must be in `off' 
position during landing and takeoff (in this case when airspeed is 
higher than 60 knots). For the reasons stated above, this new AD 
mandates repetitive inspections for leakage of the Nose Landing Gear 
steering manifold.

The MCAI requires, if any inspection finds leakage of the steering 
manifold, the replacement of the steering manifold.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comment received.
    Mr. Carlo Cardu, Piaggio Aero Industries, states that revisions of 
airplane maintenance manuals (AMM) will be issued. He suggests that the 
final AD action include a statement that later revisions of AMM is 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of the AD.
    The FAA does not agree with including the phrase ``or later 
revision'' after the referenced service information. The FAA cannot 
approve and legally reference documents that currently do not exist. 
When these documents are completed and approved, the FAA can issue an 
alternative method of compliance if the FAA determines that the 
incorporation of the procedures provides an acceptable level of safety 
to the unsafe condition specified in the AD.
    We are not changing the final rule AD action as a result of this 
comment.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 63 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 8 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $80 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. 
operators to be $40,320 or $640 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 16 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of 
$1,280 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    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 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 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2009-21-08 PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A.: Amendment 39-16047; 
Docket No. FAA-2009-0699; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-042-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
14, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model P-180 airplanes, all serial numbers 
(S/N), certificated in any category.

[[Page 57563]]

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing 
Gear.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Some cases of uncommanded steering action were observed, while 
the steering system was switched off. A leakage in the Steering 
Select/Bypass Valve, installed in the Steering Manifold, when 
closed, is suspected to have caused the uncommanded steering.
    If left uncorrected, this condition could lead to a potentially 
dangerous veer along the runway; in fact, according to the Aircraft 
Flight Manual limitations, the steering system must be in ``off'' 
position during landing and takeoff (in this case when airspeed is 
higher than 60 knots). For the reasons stated above, this new AD 
mandates repetitive inspections for leakage of the Nose Landing Gear 
steering manifold.

The MCAI requires, if any inspection finds leakage of the steering 
manifold, the replacement of the steering manifold.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within the next 6 months after December 14, 2009 (the 
effective date of this AD) or within the next 100 hours time-in-
service (TIS) after December 14, 2009 (the effective date of this 
AD), whichever occurs first, and repetitively thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed every 165 hours TIS, do a functional test of 
the nose landing gear (NLG) steering manifold. Follow the 
accomplishment instructions of PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. 
Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-0249 (includes CONFIRMATION 
SLIP), Rev. 1, dated May 27, 2009.
    (2) Upon installation of a NLG steering manifold on any 
airplane, do a functional test of the NLG steering manifold. 
Repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed every 165 hours 
TIS, do a functional test of the NLG steering manifold. Follow the 
accomplishment instructions of PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. 
Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-0249 (includes CONFIRMATION 
SLIP), Rev. 1, dated May 27, 2009.
    (3) If during any inspection required in paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(f)(2) of this AD movement of a NLG steering manifold is found, 
using the compliance times in the accomplishment instructions of 
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-
0249 (includes CONFIRMATION SLIP), Rev. 1, dated May 27, 2009, 
replace the NLG steering manifold following (for S/N 1004 through 
1104) pages 1 through 8 dated March 1, 2006; 201, 202, 204, and 206 
through 216, dated June 16, 2008; 203 and 205, dated March 1, 2006; 
and 501 through 506, dated March 1, 2006, of PIAGGIO AERO PIAGGIO 
P.180 AVANTI Maintenance Manual, Report No. 9066, 32-50-00, Revision 
No. D2, revised June 16, 2008; or (for S/N 1105 and greater) pages 1 
through 8, dated June 30, 2005; 201, 202, and 207 through 209, dated 
December 19, 2008; 203 and 205, dated June 30, 2005; 204, 206, and 
210 through 216, dated September 14, 2007; and 501 through 506, 
dated June 30, 2005, of PIAGGIO AERO PIAGGIO P.180 AVANTI II 
Maintenance Manual, Report No. 180-MAN-0200-01105, 32-50-00, 
Revision No. A3, revised December 19, 2008.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4145; fax: (816) 329-4090. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2009-0129, dated June 19, 2009; 
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-
0249 (includes CONFIRMATION SLIP), Rev. 1, dated May 27, 2009; 
PIAGGIO AERO PIAGGIO P.180 AVANTI Maintenance Manual, Report No. 
9066, 32-50-00, revised June 16, 2008, pages 1 through 8, 201 
through 216, and 501 through 506; and PIAGGIO AERO PIAGGIO P.180 
AVANTI II Maintenance Manual, Report No. 180-MAN-0200-01105, 32-50-
00, revised December 19, 2008, pages 1 through 8, 201 through 216, 
and 501 through 506, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use the service information specified in Table 1 of 
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.a., Via Cibrario, 4-16154 Genoa, Italy; 
telephone +39 010 06481 741; fax: +39 010 6481 309; Internet: http://www.piaggioaero.com, or e-mail: [email protected].
    (3) You may review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the 
Central Region, call (816) 329-3768.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

                                                       Table 1--Material Incorporated by Reference
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      Service information title               Page(s)                          Revision                                        Date
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PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A.        1 through 9............  Rev. 1..................................  May 27, 2009.
 Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-
 0249.
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A.        CONFIRMATION SLIP......  Rev. 1..................................  Not Dated.
 Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-
 0249.
PIAGGIO AERO PIAGGIO P.180 AVANTI     Cover..................  No. D2..................................  Revised June 16, 2008.
 Maintenance Manual, Report No.
 9066, 32-50-00.
PIAGGIO AERO PIAGGIO P.180 AVANTI     1 through 8............  Not Applicable..........................  March 1, 2006.
 Maintenance Manual, Report No.
 9066, 32-50-00.
PIAGGIO AERO PIAGGIO P.180 AVANTI     201, 202, 204, and 206   Not Applicable..........................  June 16, 2008.
 Maintenance Manual, Report No.        through 216.
 9066, 32-50-00.
PIAGGIO AERO PIAGGIO P.180 AVANTI     203 and 205............  Not Applicable..........................  March 1, 2006.
 Maintenance Manual, Report No.
 9066, 32-50-00.

[[Page 57564]]

 
PIAGGIO AERO PIAGGIO P.180 AVANTI     501 through 506........  Not Applicable..........................  March 1, 2006.
 Maintenance Manual, Report No.
 9066, 32-50-00.
PIAGGIO AERO PIAGGIO P.180 AVANTI II  Cover..................  No. A3..................................  Revised December 19, 2008.
 Maintenance Manual, Report No. 180-
 MAN-0200-01105, 32-50-00.
PIAGGIO AERO PIAGGIO P.180 AVANTI II  1 through 8............  Not Applicable..........................  June 30, 2005.
 Maintenance Manual, Report No. 180-
 MAN-0200-01105, 32-50-00.
PIAGGIO AERO PIAGGIO P.180 AVANTI II  201, 202, and 207        Not Applicable..........................  December 19, 2008.
 Maintenance Manual, Report No. 180-   through 209.
 MAN-0200-01105, 32-50-00.
PIAGGIO AERO PIAGGIO P.180 AVANTI II  203 and 205............  Not Applicable..........................  June 30, 2005.
 Maintenance Manual, Report No. 180-
 MAN-0200-01105, 32-50-00.
PIAGGIO AERO PIAGGIO P.180 AVANTI II  204, 206, and 210        Not Applicable..........................  September 14, 2007.
 Maintenance Manual, Report No. 180-   through 216.
 MAN-0200-01105, 32-50-00.
PIAGGIO AERO PIAGGIO P.180 AVANTI II  501 through 506........  Not Applicable..........................  June 30, 2005.
 Maintenance Manual, Report No. 180-
 MAN-0200-01105, 32-50-00.
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    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 7, 2009.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-24651 Filed 11-6-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P