[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 239 (Tuesday, December 13, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 77369-77371]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31623]


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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; 
Amendment 39-16889; AD 2011-26-01]
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 the baggage door lockpins not engaging properly and the 
baggage door open light illuminating when the baggage door is not open, 
which could lead to the pilot disregarding a valid warning. We are 
issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 17, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of January 17, 
2012.

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; phone: +39 010 6481353; fax: +39 010 6481881; email: 
[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.

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 29, 2011 
(76 FR 60396). That NPRM proposed 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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (76 FR 60396, September 
29, 2011) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data 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 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 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 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 AD will not have federalism implications 
under

[[Page 77370]]

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 the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

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 60396, September 29, 
2011), 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:

2011-26-01 Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A.: Amendment 39-16889; 
Docket No. FAA-2011-1040; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-029-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January 17, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the baggage door lockpins not engaging 
properly and the baggage door open light illuminating when the 
baggage door is not open, which could lead to the pilot disregarding 
a valid warning. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
baggage door lockpins that do not engage properly and modify the 
locking mechanism, if necessary.

 (f) Actions and Compliance

    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 January 17, 2012 (the 
effective date of this AD) or within the next 60 days after January 
17, 2012 (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 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 January 17, 2012 (the effective date of 
this AD) or within the next 60 days after January 17, 2012 (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 January 17, 2012 
(the effective date of this AD) or within the next 60 days after 
January 17, 2012 (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 January 17, 2012 (the effective date 
of this AD), we will allow ``unless already done'' credit to comply 
with the actions required in this AD. After January 17, 2012 (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.

(g) FAA AD Differences

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

(h) 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, 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

[[Page 77371]]

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.

(i) Related Information

    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.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) 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 January 17, 2012:
    (i) Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. 80-0223, 
Revision 1, dated July 31, 2009;
    (ii) Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin 
No. 80-0289, dated November 11, 2010; and
    (iii) Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin 
No. 80-0289, Revision 1, dated January 11, 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; phone: +39 010 6481353; fax: +39 010 
6481881; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.piaggioaero.com/#/en/after-sales/service-support.
    (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 December 2, 2011.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-31623 Filed 12-12-11; 8:45 am]
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