[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 189 (Thursday, September 29, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60396-60398]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-25006]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-1040; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-029-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Model P-180 airplanes. This 
proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
(MCAI) originated 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:

    One event of in-flight baggage door opening occurred on an in-
service aeroplane due to a defective locking mechanism or 
installation thereof; the BAG DOOR warning light went on properly 
before the event, but was ignored by the pilot, who misinterpreted 
it as a false warning.
    NOTE: False in-service BAG DOOR warnings had occurred on other 
P.180 aeroplanes, and Piaggio Aero Industries (PAI) had issued 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 80-0223 revision 1 to improve the 
installation of the baggage door warning microswitch and to modify 
the locking mechanism if necessary.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to in-
flight detachment of the door, which could hit and damage the left 
propeller and/or the vertical or horizontal stabilizer, possibly 
resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane, or in injuries to 
persons or damage to property on the ground.

Instances of the baggage door open light illuminating have occurred 
when the baggage door was not open. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in the pilot disregarding a valid warning. The proposed AD 
would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition 
described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 14, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A.-Airworthiness Office, Via Luigi 
Cibrario, 4-16154 Genova-Italy; phone: +39 010 6481353; fax: +39 010 
6481881; e-mail: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.piaggioaero.com/#/en/after-sales/service-support. You may review 
copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

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 this proposed AD, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-1040; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-029-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD No.: 2011-0132, dated July 12, 2011 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    One event of in-flight baggage door opening occurred on an in-
service aeroplane due to a defective locking mechanism or 
installation thereof; the BAG DOOR warning light went on properly 
before the event, but was ignored by the pilot, who misinterpreted 
it as a false warning.
    NOTE: false in-service BAG DOOR warnings had occurred on other 
P.180 aeroplanes, and Piaggio Aero Industries (PAI) had issued 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 80-0223 revision 1 to improve the 
installation of the baggage door warning microswitch and to modify 
the locking mechanism if necessary.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to in-
flight detachment of the door, which could hit and damage the left 
propeller and/or the vertical or horizontal stabilizer, possibly 
resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane, or in injuries to 
persons or damage to property on the ground.
    This AD requires an inspection of the locking mechanism of the 
baggage door and its proper adjustment, in accordance with PAI SB 
No. 80-0289 revision 1; if baggage door lockpins do not reach the 
correct engagement, or false BAG DOOR warnings were reported by 
flight crew, this AD requires also a modification of the door 
mechanism in accordance with PAI SB No. 80-0223 revision 1.

Instances of the baggage door open light illuminating have occurred 
when the baggage door was not open. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in the pilot disregarding a valid warning. You may obtain 
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. has issued Service Bulletin No. 80-
0223,

[[Page 60397]]

Revision 1, dated July 31, 2009; and Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-
0289, Revision 1, dated January 11, 2011. The actions described in this 
service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition 
identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Differences Between This Proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 102 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 29 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost 
about $4,482 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $708,594, or $6,947 per product.

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 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA 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 AD:

Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA-2011-1040; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-029-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by November 14, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. P-180 
Airplane Model P-180 airplanes, serial numbers affected 1002 and 
1004 through 1189, certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 52: Doors.

Reason

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

    One event of in-flight baggage door opening occurred on an in-
service aeroplane due to a defective locking mechanism or 
installation thereof; the BAG DOOR warning light went on properly 
before the event, but was ignored by the pilot, who misinterpreted 
it as a false warning.
    NOTE: false in-service BAG DOOR warnings had occurred on other 
P.180 aeroplanes, and Piaggio Aero Industries (PAI) had issued 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 80-0223 revision 1 to improve the 
installation of the baggage door warning microswitch and to modify 
the locking mechanism if necessary.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to in-
flight detachment of the door, which could hit and damage the left 
propeller and/or the vertical or horizontal stabilizer, possibly 
resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane, or in injuries to 
persons or damage to property on the ground.
    This AD requires an inspection of the locking mechanism of the 
baggage door and its proper adjustment, in accordance with PAI SB 
No. 80-0289 revision 1; if baggage door lockpins do not reach the 
correct engagement, or false BAG DOOR warnings were reported by 
flight crew, this AD requires also a modification of the door 
mechanism in accordance with PAI SB No. 80-0223 revision 1.

Instances of the baggage door open light illuminating have occurred 
when the baggage door was not open. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in the pilot disregarding a valid warning.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) If false in-flight BAG DOOR indications have occurred, 
within 165 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of 
this AD or within the next 60 days after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs first, do the following actions:
    (i) Modify the locking mechanism following the Accomplishment 
Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. 
80-0223, Revision 1, dated July 31, 2009.
    (ii) Inspect the screws on the locking device installed on the 
door handle for proper tightness and correct as necessary after 
applying a thread locker following Part

[[Page 60398]]

D of the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries 
S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0289, Revision 1, dated 
January 11, 2011.
    (2) If false in-flight BAG DOOR indications have not occurred, 
within 165 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD or within 
the next 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs first, do the following actions:
    (i) Inspect the baggage door and the baggage door locking 
mechanism and do the necessary corrective actions following Parts A 
and B of the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries 
S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0289, Revision 1, dated 
January 11, 2011.
    (ii) If after the inspection required by paragraph (f)(2)(i) of 
this AD, the baggage door adjustment procedure was not required or 
was required and was done successfully, inspect the screws on the 
locking device on the door handle with the proper tightness. Take 
any necessary corrective actions after applying a thread locker 
following Part D of the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero 
Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0289, Revision 
1, dated January 11, 2011.
    (iii) If after the inspection required by paragraph (f)(2)(i) of 
this AD, the baggage door adjustment was required and was not done 
successfully, within the next 165 hours TIS after the effective date 
of this AD or within the next 60 days after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first, do the following actions:
    (A) Modify the locking mechanism following the Accomplishment 
Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. 
80-0223, Revision 1, dated July 31, 2009.
    (B) Inspect the screws on the locking device installed on the 
door handle for proper tightness and correct as necessary after 
applying a thread locker following Part D of the Accomplishment 
Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service 
Bulletin No. 80-0289, Revision 1, dated January 11, 2011.
    (3) If the inspections specified in Piaggio Aero Industries 
S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0289, dated November 11, 
2010, and the modification, if required, specified in Piaggio Aero 
Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. 80-0223, Revision 1, dated 
July 31, 2009, were done before the effective date of this AD, we 
will allow ``unless already done'' credit to comply with the actions 
required in this AD. After the effective date of this AD, you must 
use Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 
80-0289, Revision 1, dated January 11, 2011, to comply with this AD.

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: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; e-mail: 
[email protected]. 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, a Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2011-0132, dated July 12, 2011; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Service Bulletin No. 80-0223, Revision 1, dated July 31, 2009; 
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-
0289, dated November 11, 2010; and Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0289, Revision 1, dated January 
11, 2011, for related information. For service information related 
to this AD, contact Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A-Airworthiness 
Office, Via Luigi Cibrario, 4-16154 Genova-Italy; phone: +39 010 
6481353; fax: +39 010 6481881; e-mail: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://www.piaggioaero.com/#/en/after-sales/service-support. You may review copies of the referenced service information 
at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on September 20, 2011.
Wes Ryan,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-25006 Filed 9-28-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P