[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 222 (Thursday, November 17, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71246-71248]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-29554]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0954; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-028-AD; 
Amendment 39-16865; AD 2011-24-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
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 Piaggio 
Aero Industries S.p.A. Model P-180 airplanes. 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 lock sleeves (part number (P/N) 114146681), which were 
installed in some Main Landing Gear (MLG) actuators, had been 
incorrectly manufactured.
    If left uncorrected, this condition could lead to failure to 
lock the MLG actuator or to its unlock from the correct position, 
with subsequent possible damage to the aeroplane and injuries to 
occupants during landing.

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

DATES: This AD is effective December 22, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 22, 
2011.

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 service information identified in this AD, contact Piaggio Aero 
Industries S.p.A. Airworthiness Office; Via Luigi Cibrario, 4-16154 
Genova-Italy; telephone: +39 010 6481353; fax: +39 010 6481881; Email: 
[email protected]. 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.

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; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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 September 1, 2011 
(76 FR 54403). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products. The MCAI states:

    Some lock sleeves (part number (P/N) 114146681), which were 
installed in some Main Landing Gear (MLG) actuators, had been 
incorrectly manufactured.
    If left uncorrected, this condition could lead to failure to 
lock the MLG actuator or to its unlock from the correct position, 
with subsequent possible damage to the aeroplane and injuries to 
occupants during landing.
    This AD requires replacing defective MLG actuators with 
serviceable ones.
    Defective actuators can be repaired by the manufacturer and 
identified with the ``P180-32-29'' marking on the name plate.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comments received.

Comment Issue: MLG Actuator Compliance Time

    Carlo Cardu, Piaggio Aero Industries, stated the MLG actuator has a 
life-limit based on landings and most operators note the landings 
accrued on the actuator. Mr. Cardu reasoned that for operators with a 
higher hours time-in-service (TIS)/landing ratio (more than 1), the AD 
compliance limit presented in hours TIS would be more stringent than 
required. As for operators with a lower hours TIS/landing ratio, the AD 
compliance limit presented in hours TIS would be relaxed with reference 
to the compliance time of the service information. Mr. Cardu 
recommended changing the actuator replacement compliances times to 
read:

before affected MLG actuators reach 3000 landings, replace * * *; 
only if landings data are not available, replace the affected 
actuator before 3000 FH TIS * * * or similar statement

    The FAA agrees with the commenter and we changed paragraph (f)(3) 
of the AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the changes described previously. We determined that these 
changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or 
increase the scope of the AD.

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 102 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 0.5 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $4,335, or $43 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 7 work-hours and require parts costing $64,822, for a cost 
of $65,417 per product. There are a maximum of 17 actuators that are 
identified by the

[[Page 71247]]

manufacturer that will be required to be replaced. We have no way of 
determining the number of affected airplanes on the U.S. registry that 
may have these actuators that may have to be replaced by these actions.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.
    There is a warranty expiration date for the replacement of the 
actuators. The FAA recommends owners/operators that have affected main 
landing gear actuators contact the manufacturer immediately and replace 
the actuators under warranty.

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 (76 FR 54403), 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

    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:

2011-24-01 Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A.: Amendment 39-16865; 
Docket No. FAA-2011-0954; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-028-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 22, 
2011.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model PIAGGIO 
P-180 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:
    (1) Certificated in any category; and
    (2) Have any of the following main landing gear (MLG) actuators 
installed:
    (i) Messier-Dowty Part Number (P/N) 114346003 (left hand side): 
with serial number (S/N) SA0706275, SA0706276, SA0706726, SA0706727, 
SA0706728, SA0706729, SA0706738, SA0706739,SA0707243, SA0707864, or 
SA0708072; or
    (ii) Messier-Dowty P/N 114346004 (right hand side): with S/N 
SA0703800, SA0703801, SA0705520, SA0706219, SA0706960, or SA0706961.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Some lock sleeves (part number (P/N) 114146681), which were 
installed in some Main Landing Gear (MLG) actuators, had been 
incorrectly manufactured.
    If left uncorrected, this condition could lead to failure to 
lock the MLG actuator or to its unlock from the correct position, 
with subsequent possible damage to the aeroplane and injuries to 
occupants during landing.
    This AD requires replacing defective MLG actuators with 
serviceable ones.
    Defective actuators can be repaired by the manufacturer and 
identified with the ``P180-32-29'' marking on the name plate.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after December 22, 
2011 (the effective date of this AD), inspect both installed MLG 
actuators to determine if an affected P/N and S/N actuator is 
installed.
    (2) If any affected P/N and S/N actuator is identified with the 
``P180-32-29'' marking on the name plate, no further action is 
required by this AD on that actuator.
    (3) If one or both affected MLG actuators are not identified 
with the ``P180-32-29'' marking on the name plate, before reaching a 
total of 3,000 landings on the actuator or within the next 150 
landings after December 22, 2011 (the effective date of this AD), 
whichever occurs later, replace the affected actuator(s) with 
serviceable parts following Part B of the Accomplishments 
Instructions of Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service 
Bulletin No. 80-0304, dated July 9, 2010. If landing data is not 
available, the use of a one-to-one landing to flight hour conversion 
must be applied (example: 3,000 landings equal 3,000 hours TIS).
    (4) After December 22, 2011 (the effective date of this AD), do 
not install any MLG actuator having an affected P/N and S/N, unless 
it is identified with the ``P180-32-29'' marking on the name plate.

    Note 1: There is a warranty expiration date for the replacement 
of the actuators. The FAA recommends owners/operators that have 
affected main landing gear actuators contact the manufacturer 
immediately and replace the actuators under warranty.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: None.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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,

[[Page 71248]]

Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; 
fax: (816) 329-4090; email: [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.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2011-0133, dated July 12, 2011; and Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 80-0304, dated July 9, 2010, for 
related information.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    You must use the following service information to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director 
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 
(IBR) under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 of the following 
service information on the date specified:
    (1) Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin 
No. 80-0304, dated July 9, 2010, approved for IBR on December 22, 
2011.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Airworthiness Office; Via Luigi 
Cibrario, 4-16154 Genova-Italy; telephone: +39 010 6481353; fax: +39 
010 6481881; Email: [email protected].
    (3) You may review copies of the 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.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 8, 2011.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-29554 Filed 11-16-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P