80 FR 76398 - Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 236 (December 9, 2015)

Page Range		76398-76400
FR Document		2015-30882

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 96-12-12, which applies to certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, and PA-31-350 airplanes. AD 96-12-12 currently requires a one-time inspection of the bulkhead assembly at fuselage station (FS) 317.75 for cracks and the installation of one of two reinforcement kits determined by whether cracks were found during the inspection. Since we issued AD 96-12-12, bulkhead cracks were found on airplanes that had complied with AD 96-12-12 and on additional airplanes not affected by AD 96-12-12. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the bulkhead assembly at FS 317.75 for cracks, repair of cracks as necessary, and the installation of a reinforcement modification. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 236 (Wednesday, December 9, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 236 (Wednesday, December 9, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76398-76400]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-30882]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-7205; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-025-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 96-12-12, 
which applies to certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-31, PA-31-300, 
PA-31-325, and PA-31-350 airplanes. AD 96-12-12 currently requires a 
one-time inspection of the bulkhead assembly at fuselage station (FS) 
317.75 for cracks and the installation of one of two reinforcement kits 
determined by whether cracks were found during the inspection. Since we 
issued AD 96-12-12, bulkhead cracks were found on airplanes that had 
complied with AD 96-12-12 and on additional airplanes not affected by 
AD 96-12-12. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of 
the bulkhead assembly at FS 317.75 for cracks, repair of cracks as 
necessary, and the installation of a reinforcement modification. We are 
proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 25, 
2016.

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, FL 32960; 
telephone: (415) 330-9500; email: [email protected]; and Internet: http://www.piper.com/technical-publications/. 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.

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-
7205; 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: Gregory ``Keith'' Noles, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1701 
Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5551; 
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 proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-7205; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-025-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

    On May 30, 1996, we issued AD 96-12-12, Amendment 39-9654 (61 FR 
28732, June 6, 1996) (``AD 96-12-12''), for certain Piper Aircraft, 
Inc. Models PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, and PA-31-350 airplanes. AD 
96-12-12 requires a one-time inspection of the bulkhead assembly at 
fuselage station (FS) 317.75 for cracks and the installation of one of 
two reinforcement kits, determined by whether cracks were found during 
the inspection. AD 96-12-12 resulted from cracks found in the FS 317.75 
upper bulkhead. We issued AD 96-12-12 to prevent structural failure of 
the vertical fin forward spar caused by cracks in the FS 317.75 upper 
bulkhead, which could lead to loss of control.

Actions Since AD 96-12-12 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 96-12-12, cracks were found on the bulkhead 
assembly of airplanes in compliance with AD 96-12-12 and on additional 
airplanes not affected by AD 96-12-12 but of a similar type design. 
Piper Aircraft, Inc. has issued new service information that gives 
instructions for repair of the cracks and instructions for the 
installation of a reinforcement modification to prevent cracks from 
developing.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1273A, dated 
October 22, 2015. The service bulletin describes procedures for 
inspecting the bulkhead assembly at FS 317.75, repairing any cracks 
found, and installation of a reinforcement modification to prevent 
cracks from developing. 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 NPRM.

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 retain none of the requirements of AD 96-12-
12. This NPRM would add airplanes to the Applicability, paragraph (c) 
of this proposed AD. This proposed AD would also require accomplishing 
the actions specified in the service information described previously. 
Airplanes in compliance with AD 96-12-12 must be re-inspected, repaired 
if necessary, and modified following the new service information.

[[Page 76399]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 977 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                       Labor cost            Parts cost          product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of the bulkhead assembly.  2 work-hours x $85 per    Not applicable.             $170        $166,090
                                       hour = $170.
Repair/reinforcement of bulkhead      8 work-hours x $85 per               $500            1,180       1,152,860
 assembly.                             hour = $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 have 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 that the 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
96-12-12, Amendment 39-9654 (61 FR 28732, June 6, 1996), and adding the 
following new AD:

Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2015-7205; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-CE-025-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by January 25, 
2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces 96-12-12, Amendment 39-9654 (61 FR 28732, June 
6, 1996) (``AD 96-12-12'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Piper Aircraft, Inc. airplanes 
listed in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in 
any category:
    (1) Models PA-31, PA-31-300, and PA-31-325: Serial numbers 31-2 
through 31-900 and 31-7300901 through 31-8312019; and
    (2) Model PA-31-350: Serial numbers 31-5001 through 31-5004 and 
31-7305005 through 31-8553002.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c)(1) of this AD:  The Model PA-31 may also 
be identified as a PA-31-310, even though the PA-31-310 is not a 
model recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the 
type certificate data sheet.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by bulkhead cracks found on airplanes that 
had complied with AD 96-12-12 and on additional airplanes not 
affected by AD 96-12-12. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
structural failure of the vertical fin forward spar caused by cracks 
in the fuselage station (FS) at 317.75 upper bulkhead, which could 
lead to loss of control.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection/Repair

    (1) Before or upon accumulating 2,000 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) or within the next 100 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later, and repetitively thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, inspect the bulkhead assembly 
at FS 317.75 for cracks following Part I of the Instructions in 
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1273A, dated October 22, 
2015.
    (2) If any cracks are found during the inspection required in 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, repair the 
cracks and install the reinforcement modification following Part I 
of the Instructions in Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 
1273A, dated October 22, 2015. This repair/modification terminates 
the requirements for the repetitive inspections required in 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
    (3) You may do the modification required in paragraph (h) of 
this AD to terminate the repetitive inspections required in 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

(h) Modification

    Unless already done as a repair for cracks found in the 
inspection required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before or upon 
accumulating 2,500 hours TIS or within the next 500 hours after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, install the 
reinforcement modification following Part II of the Instructions in 
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1273A, dated October 22, 
2015. This modification terminates the repetitive inspections 
required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

[[Page 76400]]

(i) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    This AD allows credit for the inspection required in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD and the repair required in paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD, if done before the effective date of this AD, following 
Part I of the Instructions in Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin 
No. 1273, dated June 4, 2015. This AD also allows credit for the 
modification required in paragraph (h) of this AD, if done before 
the effective date of this AD, following Part II of the Instructions 
in Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1273, dated June 4, 
2015.

(j) 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 Related Information, paragraph 
(j)(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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Gregory 
``Keith'' Noles, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia 
Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5551; fax: 
(404) 474-5606; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper 
Aircraft, Inc. 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960; telephone: 
(415) 330-9500; email: [email protected]; and Internet: http://www.piper.com/technical-publications/. 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 1, 2015.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-30882 Filed 12-8-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

76398 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 236 / Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / Proposed Rules

Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 19th day For service information identified in PA–31, PA–31–300, PA–31–325, and
of November, 2015. this proposed AD, contact Piper PA–31–350 airplanes. AD 96–12–12
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero requires a one-time inspection of the
Victor M. McCree, Beach, FL 32960; telephone: (415) 330– bulkhead assembly at fuselage station
Executive Director for Operations. 9500; email: sales@atp.com; and (FS) 317.75 for cracks and the
[FR Doc. 2015–30578 Filed 12–8–15; 8:45 am] Internet: http://www.piper.com/ installation of one of two reinforcement
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
technical-publications/. You may view kits, determined by whether cracks were
this referenced service information at found during the inspection. AD 96–12–
the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 12 resulted from cracks found in the FS
901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 317.75 upper bulkhead. We issued AD
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
64106. For information on the 96–12–12 to prevent structural failure of
Federal Aviation Administration availability of this material at the FAA, the vertical fin forward spar caused by
call (816) 329–4148. cracks in the FS 317.75 upper bulkhead,
14 CFR Part 39 Examining the AD Docket which could lead to loss of control.
[Docket No. FAA–2015–7205; Directorate You may examine the AD docket on Actions Since AD 96–12–12 Was Issued
Identifier 2015–CE–025–AD] the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov by searching for Since we issued AD 96–12–12, cracks
RIN 2120–AA64 were found on the bulkhead assembly of
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
7205; or in person at the Docket airplanes in compliance with AD 96–
Airworthiness Directives; Piper
Management Facility between 9 a.m. 12–12 and on additional airplanes not
Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, affected by AD 96–12–12 but of a
AGENCY: Federal Aviation except Federal holidays. The AD docket similar type design. Piper Aircraft, Inc.
Administration (FAA), DOT. contains this proposed AD, the has issued new service information that
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking regulatory evaluation, any comments gives instructions for repair of the
(NPRM). received, and other information. The cracks and instructions for the
street address for the Docket Office installation of a reinforcement
SUMMARY: We propose to supersede (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the modification to prevent cracks from
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 96–12–12, ADDRESSES section. Comments will be developing.
which applies to certain Piper Aircraft, available in the AD docket shortly after
Inc. Models PA–31, PA–31–300, PA– Related Service Information Under 1
receipt. CFR Part 51
31–325, and PA–31–350 airplanes. AD
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
96–12–12 currently requires a one-time
Gregory ‘‘Keith’’ Noles, Aerospace We reviewed Piper Aircraft, Inc.
inspection of the bulkhead assembly at
Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Service Bulletin No. 1273A, dated
fuselage station (FS) 317.75 for cracks
Certification Office (ACO), 1701 October 22, 2015. The service bulletin
and the installation of one of two
Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia describes procedures for inspecting the
reinforcement kits determined by
30337; phone: (404) 474–5551; fax: (404) bulkhead assembly at FS 317.75,
whether cracks were found during the
474–5606; email: gregory.noles@faa.gov. repairing any cracks found, and
inspection. Since we issued AD 96–12–
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: installation of a reinforcement
12, bulkhead cracks were found on
modification to prevent cracks from
airplanes that had complied with AD Comments Invited developing. This service information is
96–12–12 and on additional airplanes We invite you to send any written reasonably available because the
not affected by AD 96–12–12. This relevant data, views, or arguments about interested parties have access to it
proposed AD would require repetitive this proposed AD. Send your comments through their normal course of business
inspections of the bulkhead assembly at to an address listed under the or by the means identified in the
FS 317.75 for cracks, repair of cracks as ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.
necessary, and the installation of a FAA–2015–7205; Directorate Identifier
reinforcement modification. We are 2015–CE–025–AD’’ at the beginning of FAA’s Determination
proposing this AD to correct the unsafe your comments. We specifically invite
condition on these products. We are proposing this AD because we
comments on the overall regulatory, evaluated all the relevant information
DATES: We must receive comments on economic, environmental, and energy
this proposed AD by January 25, 2016. and determined the unsafe condition
aspects of this proposed AD. We will described previously is likely to exist or
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, consider all comments received by the develop in other products of the same
using the procedures found in 14 CFR closing date and may amend this type design.
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following proposed AD because of those
methods: comments. Proposed AD Requirements
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to We will post all comments we
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the receive, without change, to http:// This proposed AD would retain none
instructions for submitting comments. www.regulations.gov, including any of the requirements of AD 96–12–12.
• Fax: 202–493–2251. personal information you provide. We This NPRM would add airplanes to the
• Mail: U.S. Department of Applicability, paragraph (c) of this
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS

will also post a report summarizing each
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– substantive verbal contact we receive proposed AD. This proposed AD would
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room about this proposed AD. also require accomplishing the actions
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., specified in the service information
Washington, DC 20590. Discussion described previously. Airplanes in
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail On May 30, 1996, we issued AD 96– compliance with AD 96–12–12 must be
address above between 9 a.m. and 5 12–12, Amendment 39–9654 (61 FR re-inspected, repaired if necessary, and
p.m., Monday through Friday, except 28732, June 6, 1996) (‘‘AD 96–12–12’’), modified following the new service
Federal holidays. for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models information.

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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 236 / Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / Proposed Rules 76399

Costs of Compliance We estimate the following costs to
We estimate that this proposed AD comply with this proposed AD:
affects 977 airplanes of U.S. registry.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators

Inspection of the bulkhead assem- 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ........................ Not applicable. $170 $166,090
bly.
Repair/reinforcement of bulkhead 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 ........................ $500 1,180 1,152,860
assembly.

Authority for This Rulemaking List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 (d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/
Title 49 of the United States Code Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation Air Transport Association (ATA) of America
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue safety, Incorporation by reference, Code 53, Fuselage.
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Safety.
Section 106, describes the authority of (e) Unsafe Condition
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, The Proposed Amendment This AD was prompted by bulkhead cracks
Aviation Programs, describes in more found on airplanes that had complied with
Accordingly, under the authority AD 96–12–12 and on additional airplanes not
detail the scope of the Agency’s delegated to me by the Administrator,
authority. affected by AD 96–12–12. We are issuing this
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part AD to prevent structural failure of the
We are issuing this rulemaking under 39 as follows: vertical fin forward spar caused by cracks in
the authority described in Subtitle VII, the fuselage station (FS) at 317.75 upper
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS bulkhead, which could lead to loss of
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that DIRECTIVES control.
section, Congress charges the FAA with (f) Compliance
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
Comply with this AD within the
air commerce by prescribing regulations continues to read as follows:
compliance times specified, unless already
for practices, methods, and procedures Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. done.
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation § 39.13 [Amended] (g) Inspection/Repair
is within the scope of that authority (1) Before or upon accumulating 2,000
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by hours time-in-service (TIS) or within the next
because it addresses an unsafe condition
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this
that is likely to exist or develop on
96–12–12, Amendment 39–9654 (61 FR AD, whichever occurs later, and repetitively
products identified in this rulemaking
28732, June 6, 1996), and adding the thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours
action.
following new AD: TIS, inspect the bulkhead assembly at FS
Regulatory Findings Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2015– 317.75 for cracks following Part I of the
Instructions in Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service
7205; Directorate Identifier 2015–CE–
We have determined that this Bulletin No. 1273A, dated October 22, 2015.
025–AD.
proposed AD would not have federalism (2) If any cracks are found during the
implications under Executive Order (a) Comments Due Date inspection required in paragraph (g)(1) of this
13132. This proposed AD would not The FAA must receive comments on this AD, before further flight, repair the cracks
have a substantial direct effect on the and install the reinforcement modification
AD action by January 25, 2016.
following Part I of the Instructions in Piper
States, on the relationship between the
(b) Affected ADs Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1273A,
national Government and the States, or dated October 22, 2015. This repair/
on the distribution of power and This AD replaces 96–12–12, Amendment
39–9654 (61 FR 28732, June 6, 1996) (‘‘AD modification terminates the requirements for
responsibilities among the various the repetitive inspections required in
levels of government. 96–12–12’’).
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
For the reasons discussed above, I (c) Applicability (3) You may do the modification required
certify that the proposed regulation: This AD applies to the following Piper in paragraph (h) of this AD to terminate the
Aircraft, Inc. airplanes listed in paragraphs repetitive inspections required in paragraph
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory (g)(1) of this AD.
(c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
category: (h) Modification
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under (1) Models PA–31, PA–31–300, and PA–
Unless already done as a repair for cracks
the DOT Regulatory Policies and 31–325: Serial numbers 31–2 through 31–900 found in the inspection required in
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, and 31–7300901 through 31–8312019; and paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before or upon
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS

1979), (2) Model PA–31–350: Serial numbers 31– accumulating 2,500 hours TIS or within the
5001 through 31–5004 and 31–7305005 next 500 hours after the effective date of this
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
through 31–8553002. AD, whichever occurs later, install the
in Alaska, and
Note 1 to paragraph (c)(1) of this AD: The reinforcement modification following Part II
(4) Will not have a significant Model PA–31 may also be identified as a PA– of the Instructions in Piper Aircraft, Inc.
economic impact, positive or negative, 31–310, even though the PA–31–310 is not a Service Bulletin No. 1273A, dated October
on a substantial number of small entities model recognized by the Federal Aviation 22, 2015. This modification terminates the
under the criteria of the Regulatory Administration (FAA) on the type certificate repetitive inspections required in paragraph
Flexibility Act. data sheet. (g)(1) of this AD.

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76400 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 236 / Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / Proposed Rules

(i) Credit for Actions Accomplished in DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
Accordance With Previous Service 4474; or in person at the Docket
Information Federal Aviation Administration Management Facility between 9 a.m.
This AD allows credit for the inspection and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and 14 CFR Part 39 except Federal holidays. The AD docket
the repair required in paragraph (g)(2) of this [Docket No. FAA–2015–4474; Directorate contains this proposed AD, the
AD, if done before the effective date of this Identifier 2015–NE–34–AD] regulatory evaluation, any comments
AD, following Part I of the Instructions in received, and other information. The
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1273, RIN 2120–AA64 street address for the Docket Office
dated June 4, 2015. This AD also allows (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
credit for the modification required in
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt &
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
paragraph (h) of this AD, if done before the
Whitney Division Turbofan Engines
available in the AD docket shortly after
effective date of this AD, following Part II of AGENCY: Federal Aviation receipt.
the Instructions in Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Administration (FAA), DOT.
Bulletin No. 1273, dated June 4, 2015. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
Katheryn Malatek, Aerospace Engineer,
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (NPRM). Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine
(AMOCs)
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
(1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the phone: 781–238–7747; fax: 781–238–
Pratt & Whitney Division (PW)
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if 7199; email: katheryn.malatek@faa.gov.
PW4000–94 inch and PW4000–100 inch
requested using the procedures found in 14
model turbofan engines. This proposed SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
AD was prompted by a report of a crack
send your request to your principal inspector Comments Invited
or local Flight Standards District Office, as
find in the high-pressure compressor
appropriate. If sending information directly
(HPC) disk. This proposed AD would
We invite you to send any written
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
require performing an ultrasonic
inspection (USI) or an eddy current relevant data, views, or arguments about
attention of the person identified in Related this NPRM. Send your comments to an
Information, paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. inspection (ECI) of the HPC 10th stage
disk. We are proposing this AD to address listed under the ADDRESSES
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
notify your appropriate principal inspector, prevent failure of the HPC 10th stage
disk, an uncontained disk release, 2015–4474; Directorate Identifier 2015–
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager NE–34–AD’’ at the beginning of your
of the local flight standards district office/ damage to the engine, and damage to the
airplane. comments. We specifically invite
certificate holding district office. comments on the overall regulatory,
DATES: We must receive comments on
(k) Related Information economic, environmental, and energy
this proposed AD by February 8, 2016. aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
(1) For more information about this AD, ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
contact Gregory ‘‘Keith’’ Noles, Aerospace
all comments received by the closing
using the procedures found in 14 CFR date and may amend this NPRM
Engineer, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: because of those comments.
methods:
(404) 474–5551; fax: (404) 474–5606; email: We will post all comments we
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
gregory.noles@faa.gov. receive, without change, to http://
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
(2) For service information identified in www.regulations.gov, including any
instructions for submitting comments.
this AD, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc. 2926
• Fax: 202–493–2251. personal information you provide. We
Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960;
• Mail: U.S. Department of will also post a report summarizing each
telephone: (415) 330–9500; email: sales@ substantive verbal contact we receive
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
atp.com; and Internet: http://www.piper.com/ about this NPRM.
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
technical-publications/. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Discussion
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Washington, DC 20590.
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail We propose to adopt a new AD for
address above between 9 a.m. and 5 certain PW PW4000–94 inch turbofan
on the availability of this material at the
p.m., Monday through Friday, except engines with HPC 10th stage disk, part
FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
Federal holidays. number (P/N) 51H710 or 53H976–06,
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on For service information identified in installed and certain PW4000–100 inch
December 1, 2015. this proposed AD, contact Pratt & turbofan engines with HPC 10th stage
Pat Mullen, Whitney Division, 400 Main St., East disk, P/N 53H976–06, installed. This
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Hartford, CT 06108; phone: (860) 565– proposed AD was prompted by a report
Aircraft Certification Service. 8770; fax: (860) 565–4503. You may of a crack find in the HPC 10th stage
[FR Doc. 2015–30882 Filed 12–8–15; 8:45 am] view this service information at the disk. The root cause of the crack was a
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 manual polishing procedure, previously
used during manufacture, that caused
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS

New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA. For information on the surface scratches on the disk. This
availability of this material at the FAA, proposed AD would require a USI or
call (781) 238–7125. ECI of the HPC 10th stage disk. We are
proposing this AD to prevent failure of
Examining the AD Docket the HPC 10th stage disk, which could
You may examine the AD docket on lead to an uncontained disk release,
the Internet at http:// damage to the engine, and damage to the
www.regulations.gov by searching for airplane.

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Document Created: 2015-12-14 13:32:42
Document Modified: 2015-12-14 13:32:42

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Dates		We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 25, 2016.
Contact		Gregory ``Keith'' Noles, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5551; fax: (404) 474-5606; email: [email protected]
FR Citation		80 FR 76398
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

80 FR 76398 - Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 236 (December 9, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration