[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1502-1504]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-33170]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-4213; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-022-AD; 
Amendment 39-18359; AD 2016-01-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-46-500TP airplanes. This AD was prompted 
by a report of the wing upper skin joints being manufactured without 
sealant, which allows water to enter and stay in sealed, bonded 
stringers. This AD requires inspecting the upper wing surface for 
sealant; inspecting the wing stringers for water intrusion; inspecting 
for deformation and corrosion if evidence of water intrusion exists; 
and taking corrective actions as necessary. We are issuing this AD to 
correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 17, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 17, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper 
Aircraft, Inc., Customer Service, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 
32960; telephone: (877) 879-0275; fax: none; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: www.piper.com. You may view this 
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. It is 
also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for locating Docket No. FAA-2015-4213.

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-2015-
4213; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (telephone: 800-
647-5527) is 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory ``Keith'' Noles, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1701 Columbia 
Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474-5551; fax: 
(404) 474-5606; 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 Piper Aircraft, 
Inc. Model PA-46-500TP airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on October 19, 2015 (80 FR 63151). The NPRM was prompted by a 
report of wing upper skin joints on Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-46-
500TP airplanes being manufactured without sealant, which allows water 
to enter and stay in sealed, bonded stringers. The NPRM proposed to 
require inspecting the upper wing surface for sealant; inspecting the 
wing stringers for water intrusion; inspecting for deformation and 
corrosion if evidence of water intrusion exists; and taking corrective 
actions as necessary. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated 
April 23, 2015. The service bulletin provides instructions for 
inspecting the upper wing surface for sealant and sealing or resealing 
(if necessary). This service bulletin also provides instructions for 
inspecting the wing stringers for water intrusion, and, if water 
intrusion was found as a result of the inspection, inspecting for 
corrosion or deformation. This service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section of this final rule.

[[Page 1503]]

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 63151, October 19, 
2015) 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 this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 63151, October 19, 2015) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 63151, October 19, 2015).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 440 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Cost per        Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost           Parts cost          product           operators
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Inspection for sealant...........  2 work-hours x $85   Not Applicable.....            $170             $74,800
                                    per hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any additional necessary 
inspections, rework of the stringers, and installation of sealant that 
will be required based on the results of the initial inspection. We 
have no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need this 
rework of the stringers and installation of sealant:

                                               On-Condition Costs
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                   Action                              Labor cost               Parts cost     Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rework stringers and seal skin joints......  12 work-hours x $85 per hour =            $200              $1,220
                                              $1,020.
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    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.

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

    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 that 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),
    (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.

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-01-01 Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-18359; Docket No. FAA-
2015-4213; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-022-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 17, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-46-500TP 
airplanes, serial numbers 4697001 through 4697528, certificated in 
any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 5700, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of wing upper skin joints being 
manufactured without sealant, which allows water to enter and stay 
in sealed, bonded stringers. We are issuing this AD to prevent water 
from entering the stringers common to the upper wing skin. Left 
uncorrected, corrosion could develop, and freeze/thaw cycles of 
water at this location could cause deformation of the skin with 
follow-on disbonding between the stringer flanges and the inner 
surface of the wing skin. Consequently, the corrosion or disbonding 
could reduce the structural integrity of the wing.

[[Page 1504]]

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspect the Upper Skin Joints for Adequate Sealant

    Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after February 
17, 2016 (the effective date of this AD) or 12 months after February 
17, 2016 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first, 
inspect the upper skin joints for adequate sealant following Part I 
of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated April 23, 
2015. No further action per this AD is required if adequate sealant 
is already applied.

(h) Inspect for Evidence of Water Intrusion/Moisture

    If you find missing or inadequate sealant during the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, inspect 
for evidence of water intrusion/moisture following Part II of Piper 
Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated April 23, 2015.
    (1) If no evidence of water intrusion/moisture is found during 
the inspection required in paragraph (h) of this AD, before further 
flight, rework the stringers and apply sealant as required in 
paragraph (k) of this AD.
    (2) If evidence of water intrusion/moisture is found during the 
inspection required in paragraph (h) of this AD, before further 
flight, do the actions required in paragraphs (i) and (j) of this 
AD.

(i) Inspect for Corrosion

    If you find, as a result of the inspection required by paragraph 
(h) of this AD, evidence of water intrusion/moisture, before further 
flight, inspect for corrosion following Part II of Piper Aircraft, 
Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated April 23, 2015.
    (1) If no evidence of corrosion is found during the inspection 
required in paragraph (i) of this AD, before further flight, rework 
the stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this 
AD.
    (2) If evidence of corrosion is found during the inspection 
required in paragraph (i) of this AD, before further flight, obtain 
and implement an FAA-approved corrective action approved 
specifically for this AD. At the operator's discretion, assistance 
may be provided by contacting Piper Aircraft, Inc. at the address 
identified in paragraph (p)(3) of this AD. After obtaining and 
implementing an FAA-approved corrective action, approved 
specifically for this AD, before further flight, rework the 
stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this AD.

(j) Inspect for Deformation

    If you find, as a result of the inspection required by paragraph 
(h) of this AD, evidence of water intrusion/moisture, before further 
flight, do a visual inspection for skin or stringer deformation.
    (1) If no evidence of deformation is found during the inspection 
required in paragraph (j) of this AD, before further flight, rework 
the stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this 
AD.
    (2) If any visible deformation is found during the inspection 
required in paragraph (j) of this AD, before further flight, obtain 
and implement an FAA-approved corrective action, approved 
specifically for this AD. At the operator's discretion, assistance 
may be provided by contacting Piper Aircraft, Inc. at the address 
identified in paragraph (p)(3) of this AD. After obtaining and 
implementing an FAA-approved corrective action, approved 
specifically for this AD, before further flight, rework the 
stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this AD.

(k) Rework Stringers and Seal Skin Joints

    If any inspection required by paragraphs (g) through (j) of this 
AD reveals discrepancies (no sealant/inadequate sealant, evidence of 
water intrusion/moisture, corrosion, or deformation), before further 
flight, after completing any necessary corrective actions, rework 
wing stringers and seal skin joints following Part II of Piper 
Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated April 23, 2015.

(l) Credit for Actions Done in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    Actions done before February 17, 2016 (the effective date of 
this AD) following Part I and Part II of Piper Aircraft, Inc. 
Service Bulletin No. 1262, dated October 16, 2013, or Part I and 
Part II of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262A, dated 
November 14, 2013, as applicable, are considered acceptable for 
compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraphs 
(g), (h), (i), and (k) (including subparagraphs) of this AD. 
Additional inspections beyond Service Bulletin No. 1262 are required 
to fully comply with paragraph (j) of this AD.

(m) Special Flight Permit

    (1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.23, a single flight is allowed 
to a location to do the actions in paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (2) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.23, a single flight is allowed 
to a location to do the inspections, rework and installation of 
sealant required in paragraphs (h) through (k) of this AD. Prior to 
the flight to perform the inspections, rework, and installation of 
sealant, the following inspection must be performed: If the 
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD reveals no sealant, 
inspect for evidence of wing damage (skin or stringer deformation, 
e.g. buckling). Any wing damage that is found must be repaired 
before further flight and before any special flight permit is 
authorized.

(n) 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 paragraph (l)(1) 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

(o) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Gregory ``Keith'' 
Noles, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474-5551; fax: (404) 
474-5606; email: [email protected].

(p) 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) Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated April 
23, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Piper Aircraft, Inc. service information identified in 
this AD, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Service, 2926 Piper 
Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (877) 879-0275; fax: 
None; email: [email protected]; Internet: www.piper.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
4213.
    (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 December 24, 2015.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-33170 Filed 1-12-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P