[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 22, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44914-44917]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-11143]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-1302; Project Identifier AD-2024-00213-A; 
Amendment 39-22749; AD 2024-10-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

[[Page 44915]]


ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Model PA-28-181, PA-28R-201, PA-
34-220T, and PA-44-180 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a 
double-drilled bolt hole of the rear wing spar attachment fitting found 
during an unscheduled inspection of an airplane due to a ground 
collision with an automobile. This AD requires inspecting the rear wing 
spar attachment fitting and, if discrepancies are found, inspecting the 
forward wing spar attachment fitting, accomplishing corrective actions 
as required, and reporting to the FAA when corrective actions are 
required. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 6, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 6, 
2024.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by July 8, 2024.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-1302; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 
2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960; phone: (772) 567-4361; email: 
piper.com">customerservice@piper.com; website: piper.com.
     You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-1302.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fred Caplan, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, East Certification Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College 
Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5507; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-1302; Project Identifier AD-
2024-00213-A'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this final rule because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Fred 
Caplan, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, East Certification Branch, FAA, 
1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337. Any commentary that the 
FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed 
in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA is issuing this AD to correct an unsafe condition on 
certain serial-numbered Piper Model PA-28-181, PA-28R-201, PA-34-220T, 
and PA-44-180 airplanes. The FAA received a report that a double-
drilled bolt hole of the rear wing spar attachment fitting was found 
during an unscheduled inspection of an airplane due to a ground 
collision with an automobile. This was the result of an error made 
during manufacturing. A double-drilled bolt hole of the rear wing spar 
attachment fitting reduces its strength below its limit load with 
possible failure of the fitting, which can lead to load redistribution 
and result in possible failure of the primary wing structure. This 
condition, if not addressed, could result in separation of the wing and 
loss of control of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the 
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in 
other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Piper Service Bulletin No. 1413, dated April 9, 
2024 (Piper Service Bulletin No. 1413). This service information 
specifies procedures for inspecting the front and rear wing spar 
attachment fittings for correctly drilled holes and corrosion and 
accomplishing corrective actions if needed. 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 
ADDRESSES.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information already described, except as discussed under ``Differences 
Between the AD and the Service Information.'' This AD also requires 
sending the inspection results to the FAA when corrective actions are 
required.

Differences Between the AD and the Service Information

    Piper Service Bulletin No. 1413 includes a corrosion inspection and 
corrosion corrective actions. However, these are not directly related 
to the current unsafe condition of this AD and are not part of the 
required actions of this AD.

[[Page 44916]]

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because a double-drilled bolt hole of the rear wing spar attachment 
fitting reduces the strength of the fitting below its limit load, and, 
if not addressed, could result in separation of the wing and loss of 
control of the airplane. Because these airplanes are used heavily in 
training operations and accumulate a large number of flight hours in a 
short period of time, inspection for this condition is necessary before 
further flight. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public 
comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and 
comment.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 499 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
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Inspect the aft wing spar attachment    1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85         $42,415
 fitting.                                hour = $85.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. The 
agency has no way of determining the number of airplanes that might 
need these repairs:

                                               On-Condition Costs
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              Action                    Labor cost                Parts cost               Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report discrepant condition......  1 work-hour x $85     $0.........................  $85.
                                    per hour = $85.
Inspect the forward wing spar      1 work-hour x $85     $0.........................  $85.
 attachment fitting.                per hour = $85.
Perform corrective actions if      10 work-hours x $85   Up to $2,808...............  Up to $3,658.
 condition discovered.              per hour = $850.
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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 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 currently 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 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate 
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including 
suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection 
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood 
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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.
    The FAA is 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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

[[Page 44917]]

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:

2024-10-04 Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-22749; Docket No. FAA-
2024-1302; Project Identifier AD-2024-00213-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 6, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-28-181, PA-28R-
201, PA-34-220T, and PA-44-180 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, serial numbers as identified in Piper Service Bulletin No. 
1413, dated April 9, 2024 (Piper Service Bulletin No. 1413).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5740, Wing, Attach 
Fittings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a double-drilled bolt hole 
of the rear wing spar attachment fitting found during an unscheduled 
inspection of an airplane due to a ground collision with an 
automobile. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the reduction of 
strength of the part to below its limit load. The unsafe condition, 
if not addressed, could result in separation of the wing and loss of 
control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, 
remove the wing fastening hardware securing the aft spar attachment 
and do the inspection and applicable corrective actions in 
accordance with Part II, paragraphs 2, 3, 4b, 4c, 5, and 6, of the 
Instructions in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1413, except the 
corrosion inspection and corrosion corrective actions are not 
required by this AD.
    (2) If, during the inspection specified in Part II, paragraph 3, 
of the Instructions in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1413, as required 
by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, any discrepancy is found, before 
further flight, do an inspection of the bolt holes common to the 
forward spar attachment for wear that exceeds the specified limits, 
and before further flight replace any component that has a bolt hole 
that exceeds the specified limits, in accordance with Part II, 
paragraph 7, of the Instructions in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1413.
    (3) If it is determined that the corrective actions required by 
paragraph (g)(1) or the replacement required by paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD are necessary, submit a report to the FAA at the address 
referenced in paragraph (j) of this AD. The report must include the 
airplane registration and serial number, airplane hours time-in-
service, a description of the condition discovered, the wing or 
wings affected, and a description of the replacement or corrective 
action performed. Submit the report at the applicable time specified 
in paragraph (g)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) If the action was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD, submit the report within 10 days after the action was done.
    (ii) If the action was done before the effective date of this 
AD, submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(h) Special Flight Permits

    A special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199 provided the following limitations identified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) and (2) are adhered to:
    (1) Minimum Crew Only (no passengers);
    (2) Do not exceed the design maneuvering speed as defined in the 
applicable existing pilot's operating handbook (POH).

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, East Certification Branch, 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 East Certification Branch, mail it to 
the address identified in paragraph (j) of this. 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.

(j) Additional Information

    Fred Caplan, Aviation Safety Engineer, East Certification 
Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 
(404) 474-5507; email: [email protected].

(k) 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 Service Bulletin No. 1413, dated April 9, 2024.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 
Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960; phone: (772) 567-4361; email: 
piper.com">customerservice@piper.com; website: piper.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on May 16, 2024.
James D. Foltz,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-11143 Filed 5-16-24; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P