[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 3, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31888-31891]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-12780]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0338; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-010-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-31-350 airplanes. This proposed 
AD was prompted by a report of an engine fire caused by a leak in the 
fuel pump inlet hose. This proposed AD would require inspecting the 
fuel hose assembly and the turbocharger support assembly for proper 
clearance between them, inspecting each assembly for any sign of 
damage, and making any necessary repairs or replacements. We are 
proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 18, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; 
telephone: (772) 567-4361; fax: (772) 978-6573; Internet: 
www.piper.com/home/pages/Publications.cfm. You may review copies of the 
referenced service

[[Page 31889]]

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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0338; 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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Wechsler, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474-5575; fax: (404) 474-
5606; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0338; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-010-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://www.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

    We received a report of an engine fire on a Piper Aircraft, Inc. 
(Piper) Model PA-31-350 airplane. Investigation revealed that the fire 
was caused by a leak in the fuel pump inlet hose that resulted from 
repeated contact with an adjacent turbocharger support assembly caused 
by inadequate clearance between the two assemblies.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in damage to the 
fuel inlet hose assembly, which could cause the fuel pump inlet hose to 
fail and leak fuel in the engine compartment. This condition could also 
cause damage to the turbocharger support assembly, which could require 
the turbocharger support assembly to be repaired or replaced.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1257, dated 
February 25, 2014. The service information describes procedures for the 
following:

--Inspecting for a minimum \3/16\-inch clearance between the fuel hose 
assembly and the turbocharger support assembly and making any necessary 
adjustments.
--Inspecting the fuel hose assembly for any signs of damage and, if 
necessary, replacing with a serviceable part.
--Inspecting the turbocharger support assembly for any signs of damage 
and, if necessary, repairing or replacing with a serviceable part.
--Performing an engine run-up to check for any leaks.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    There are differences between the compliance times for the 
corrective actions in this proposed AD and those in Piper Aircraft, 
Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1257, dated February 25, 2014.
    We based the compliance times in this proposed AD on risk analysis 
and cost impact to operators. There has only been one event of the 
reported incident in the operational history of Piper Model PA-31-350 
airplanes. Cost was also a strong consideration due to the age of the 
fleet and the number of airplanes still in service.
    The one-time inspection required in this proposed AD is very 
inexpensive and requires minimal time to accomplish. It is expected 
that almost all airplanes in service can be cleared with a single 
inspection, and no additional actions or costs would be incurred by the 
vast majority of the fleet.
    We determined that a single inspection with any necessary 
corrective actions is an adequate terminating action for the unsafe 
condition. The risk related to future maintenance on the fuel line 
would be mitigated by the related service information and awareness 
from this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 773 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts  cost       product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect for proper clearance between    1 work-hour x $85 per                N/A             $85         $65,705
 the fuel hose assembly and the          hour = $85.
 turbocharger support assembly.
Inspect the fuel hose assembly for      .5 work-hour x $85 per               N/A          $42.50       32,852.50
 evidence of leaking, cracking,          hour = $42.50.
 chafing, and any other sign of damage.
Inspect the turbocharger support        .5 work-hour x $85 per               N/A          $42.50       32,852.50
 assembly for evidence of chafing and    hour = $42.50.
 any other sign of damage.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary follow-on 
actions that would be required based on the results of the proposed 
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of

[[Page 31890]]

airplanes that might need these corrective actions.

                                               On-Condition Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjust for proper clearance between the fuel    .5 work-hour x $85 per hour =                N/A          $42.50
 hose assembly and the turbocharger support      $42.50.
 assembly.
Replace fuel hose assembly....................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85          $1,068           1,153
Replace turbocharger support assembly.........  24 work-hours x $85 per hour =           $12,874          14,914
                                                 $2,040.
Engine run-up/leak check......................  1 work-hour x $85 = $85 (.5 work             N/A              85
                                                 hour per engine).
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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 proposed 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),
    (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.

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

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2014-0338; Directorate 
Identifier 2014-CE-010-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 18, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-31-350 
airplanes, serial numbers 31-5001 through 31-5004, 31-7305005 
through 31-8452024, and 31-8253001 through 31-8553002, certificated 
in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 73: Engine Fuel and Control.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an engine fire caused by a 
leak in the fuel pump inlet hose. We are issuing this AD to correct 
the unsafe condition on these products.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (j)(2) of this AD, unless already done.

(g) Ensure Proper Clearance Between the Fuel Hose Assembly and the 
Turbocharger Support Assembly

    (1) Within the next 60 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD or within the next 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect to 
determine the clearance between the fuel hose assembly, Piper part 
number (P/N) 39995-034, and the turbocharger support assembly, 
Lycoming P/N LW-18302. There should be a minimum \3/16\-inch 
clearance. Do the inspection following the INSTRUCTIONS section of 
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1257, dated February 25, 
2014.
    (2) Before further flight after the inspection required in 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if the measured clearance is less than 
3/16-inch, make all necessary adjustments following the INSTRUCTIONS 
section of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1257, dated 
February 25, 2014, to make the clearance a minimum of 3/16-inch.

(h) Inspect the Fuel Hose Assembly and Replace if Necessary

    (1) Within the next 60 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD or within the next 6 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs first, inspect P/N 39995-034 for evidence of 
leaking, cracking, chafing, and any other sign of damage following 
the INSTRUCTIONS section of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin 
No. 1257, dated February 25, 2014.
    (2) Before further flight after the inspection required in 
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, if any evidence of leaking, cracking, 
chafing, or any other sign of damage is found, replace P/N 39995-034 
with a serviceable part following the INSTRUCTIONS section of Piper 
Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1257, dated February 25, 2014.

(i) Inspect the Turbocharger Support Assembly and Replace if Necessary

    (1) Within the next 60 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD or within the next 6 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs first, inspect P/N LW-18302 for evidence of 
chafing and any other signs of damage following the INSTRUCTIONS 
section of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1257, dated 
February 25, 2014.
    (2) Before further flight after the inspection required in 
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, if any evidence of chafing or any other 
sign of damage is found, replace P/N LW-18302 with a serviceable 
part.

[[Page 31891]]

(j) Engine Run-Up

    (1) If any fuel line component was adjusted or replaced during 
any actions required in paragraphs (g)(1) through (i)(2) of this AD, 
before further flight, perform an engine run-up on the ground to 
check for leaks following the INSTRUCTIONS section of Piper 
Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1257, dated February 25, 2014.
    (2) If any leaks are found during the engine run-up required in 
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, emanating from any fuel line component 
adjusted, repaired, or replaced during any actions required in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (i)(2) of this AD, before further flight, 
take all necessary corrective actions following the INSTRUCTIONS 
section of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1257, dated 
February 25, 2014.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Gary Wechsler, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College 
Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474-5575; fax: (404) 474-5606; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper 
Aircraft, Inc., 926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; 
telephone: (772) 567-4361; fax: (772) 978-6573; Internet: 
www.piper.com/home/pages/Publications.cfm. 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 May 23, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-12780 Filed 6-2-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P