[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10346-10348]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-03243]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0964; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-035-AD; 
Amendment 39-17757; AD 2014-03-20]
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 certain 
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 insufficient clearance between one of the horizontal 
stabilizer end ribs and the corresponding elevator horn. We are issuing 
this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 1, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of April 1, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
0964; 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/aftersales/service-support. You may view this referenced service 
information

[[Page 10347]]

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 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Piaggio Aero 
Industries S.P.A Model P-180 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the 
Federal Register on November 20, 2013 (78 FR 69600). That NPRM proposed 
to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products and was based 
on mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by 
an aviation authority of another country. The MCAI states:

    Insufficient clearance between one of the horizontal stabilizer 
end rib and the corresponding elevator horn was found on an in-
service aeroplane.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
interference between the elevator and horizontal stabilizer 
surfaces, resulting in restricted elevator control and consequent 
reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Piaggio Aero 
Industries (PAI) issued Service Bulletin (SB) 80-0381 to provide 
inspection instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires accomplishment 
of a one-time measurement of the actual clearance between the 
elevator horn and the horizontal stabilizer tip rib, and depending 
on findings, restoration of the required minimum clearance value. 
This AD also requires reporting of the inspection result to PAI.

The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0964-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 69600, November 20, 
2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 69600, November 20, 2013) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 69600, November 20, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 112 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $9,520, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 5 work-hours and require parts costing $50, for a cost of 
$475 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products 
that may need these actions.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to 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 control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is 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.

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 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 by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-
2013-0964; 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

    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:


[[Page 10348]]


    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:

2014-03-20 Piaggio Aero Industries S.P.A: Amendment 39-17757; Docket 
No. FAA-2013-0964; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-035-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 1, 
2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Piaggio Aero Industries S.P.A Model P-180 
airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers 1002 and 1004 through 1231, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by 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 
insufficient clearance between one of the horizontal stabilizer end 
ribs and the corresponding elevator horn. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct insufficient clearance between one of the 
horizontal stabilizer end rib and the corresponding elevator horn, 
which could result in interference between the elevator and 
horizontal stabilizer surfaces, consequently resulting in restricted 
elevator control and reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions as specified in 
paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(3) of this AD:
    (1) Within the next 200 hours time-in service (TIS) after April 
1, 2014 (the effective date of this AD) or within the next 12 months 
after April 1, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), whichever 
occurs first, measure the clearances between the horns of the 
elevator and the end ribs of the horizontal stabilizer (HS) on left-
hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides following Part A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.P.A. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No.: 80-0381, Rev. 0, dated May 2, 2013.
    (2) If the clearance is less than 5 mm on the HS LH or RH side 
during the measurement as required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, 
before further flight, rework the affected elevator to restore the 
required minimum clearance between the horn of the elevator and the 
end rib of the horizontal stabilizer following Part B of the 
Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.P.A. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No.: 80-0381, Rev. 0, dated May 2, 2013.
    (3) Within 30 days after accomplishment of the measurement as 
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, report the results to 
Piaggio Aero Industries S.P.A. following Part C of the 
Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.P.A. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No.: 80-0381, Rev. 0, dated May 2, 2013.

(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, 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. 
2013-0239, dated September 30, 2013, for related information. The 
MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D= FAA-2013-0964-0002.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Piaggio Aero Industries S.P.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin 
No.: 80-0381, Rev. 0, dated May 2, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Piaggio Aero Industries S.P.A 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/aftersales/service-support.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 7, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-03243 Filed 2-24-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P