Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA- 46-310P and PA-46-350P Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 23, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13934-13936]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-6975]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-112-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-
46-310P and PA-46-350P Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to all The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) 
Models PA-46-310P and PA-46-350P airplanes. The proposed AD would 
require calibrating the turbine inlet temperature system to assure the 
accuracy of the existing turbine inlet temperature indicator and wiring 
for all of the applicable airplanes, and repairing or replacing any 
turbine inlet temperature system that fails the calibration test. The 
proposed AD would also require repetitively replacing the turbine inlet 
temperature probe on the Model PA-46-350P airplanes, and inserting a 
copy of this AD into the Pilot's Operating Handbook of certain 
airplanes. The proposed AD is the result of field reports that indicate 
service accuracy problems with the existing turbine inlet temperature 
system. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent improper engine operation caused by improperly calibrated 
turbine inlet temperature indicators or defective turbine inlet 
temperature probes, which could result in engine damage/failure with 
consequent loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 21, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-112-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th 
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays 
excepted.
    Service information that applies to the proposed AD may be obtained 
from The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, 
Vero Beach, Florida 32960. This information also may be examined at the 
Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Donald J. Young, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 
1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: 
(770) 703-6079; facsimile: (770) 703-6097; e-mail address: 
``Donald.Young@faa.gov''.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned 
with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket No. 98-CE-112-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: 
Rules Docket No. 98-CE-112-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106.

Discussion

    The FAA has received several reports that indicate service accuracy 
problems with the existing turbine inlet temperature system on Piper 
Models PA-46-310P and PA-46-350P airplanes. In particular, an accident 
report cited turbine inlet temperature probe inaccuracy as a 
contributing factor.
    In addition, 9 airplanes were randomly checked for turbine inlet 
temperature system accuracy. Six of these airplanes revealed turbine 
inlet temperature system inaccuracy (60 degrees to 110 degrees low at 
the 1,750-degree test point). More extensive analysis of these systems 
reveals the following:

--The turbine inlet temperature probe used on the Model PA-46-310P 
airplanes (part number 471-990) when calibrated correctly is accurate 
and durable; and
--The turbine inlet temperature probe used on the Model PA-46-350P 
airplanes (part number 481-392) when calibrated correctly is accurate, 
but not durable.

The FAA's Determination

    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to the incidents described above, the FAA has 
determined that:

--the turbine inlet temperature systems on all Piper Models PA-46-310P 
and PA-46-350P airplanes should be calibrated to assure the accuracy of

[[Page 13935]]

the existing turbine inlet temperature indicator and wiring;
--the turbine inlet temperature probe used on the Model PA-46-350P 
airplanes (part number 481-392) should be replaced every 250 hours 
time-in-service (TIS); and
--AD action should be taken to prevent improper engine operation caused 
by improperly calibrated turbine inlet temperature indicators or 
defective turbine inlet temperature probes, which could result in 
engine damage/failure with consequent loss of control of the airplane.

Explanation of the Provisions of the Proposed AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop in other Piper Models PA-46-310P and PA-46-350P 
airplanes of the same type design, the FAA is proposing AD action. The 
proposed AD would require calibrating the turbine inlet temperature 
system to assure the accuracy of the existing turbine inlet temperature 
indicator and wiring for all of the applicable airplanes, and repairing 
or replacing any turbine inlet temperature system that fails the 
calibration test. The proposed AD would also require repetitively 
replacing the turbine inlet temperature probe on the Model PA-46-350P 
airplanes, and inserting a copy of this AD into the Pilot's Operating 
Handbook of certain airplanes.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 580 airplanes in the U.S. registry would be 
affected by the proposed calibration, that it would take approximately 
4 workhours per airplane to accomplish the proposed calibration, and 
that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Based on 
these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed calibration on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $139,200, or $240 per airplane.
    The FAA estimates that it would take approximately 1 workhour per 
airplane to accomplish the proposed initial turbine inlet temperature 
probe replacement, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 
an hour. Parts cost approximately $518. Based on these figures, the 
total cost impact of the proposed replacement on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $335,240, or $578 per airplane. These figures only take 
into account the initial replacement and do not take into account the 
cost of subsequent repetitive replacements. The FAA has no way of 
determining the number of replacements each owner/operator will incur 
over the life of the affected airplanes.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); and (3) if promulgated, 
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. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation 
prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of 
it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location 
provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as 
follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

    The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. 98-CE-112-AD.
    Applicability: Models PA-46-310P and PA-46-350P airplanes, all 
serial numbers, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (h) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless 
already accomplished.
    To prevent improper engine operation caused by improperly 
calibrated turbine inlet temperature indicators or defective turbine 
inlet temperature probes, which could result in engine damage/
failure with consequent loss of control of the airplane, accomplish 
the following:
    (a) For all affected airplanes (Models PA-46-310P and PA-46-
350P), within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, accomplish the Turbine Inlet Temperature 
Gauge and Probe Cleaning and Inspection, and Turbine Inlet 
Temperature System Calibration, as follows:
    (1) For Model PA-46-310P airplanes: Perform the Turbine Inlet 
Temperature Gauge and Probe Cleaning and Inspection in accordance 
with the PA-46-310P/350P Maintenance Manual, Chapter 77-20-00 
(section A.(1)(d), pages 1 and 2); and accomplish the Turbine Inlet 
Temperature System Calibration in accordance with the PA-46-310P/
350P Maintenance Manual, Chapter 77-20-00 (pages 3 and 4); and
    (2) For Model PA-46-350P airplanes: Perform the Turbine Inlet 
Temperature Gauge and Probe Cleaning and Inspection in accordance 
with the PA-46-350P Maintenance Manual, Chapter 77-20-00 (section 
1.C, page 1); and accomplish the Turbine Inlet Temperature System 
Calibration in accordance with the PA-46-350P Maintenance Manual, 
Chapter 77-20-00 (section 1.I., pages 4 through 7).

    Note 2: Operators of the Model PA-46-350P airplanes with over 
150 hours TIS on the currently installed turbine inlet temperature 
probe will have to replace the probe as required in paragraph (c) of 
this AD. In this case, the operator may want to accomplish the 
replacement prior to the Turbine Inlet Temperature Gauge and Probe 
Cleaning and Inspection, and Turbine Inlet Temperature System 
Calibration.

    (b) For all affected airplanes (Models PA-46-310P and PA-46-
350P), if the results of paragraph (a) of this AD cannot be met (the 
turbine inlet temperature system indicator cannot be calibrated or 
the turbine inlet temperature probe fails the inspection), prior to 
further flight, repair or replace the failed parts with serviceable 
parts of the following part numbers:
    (1) Lewis Turbine Inlet Temperature Analog Indicator, part 
number 471-008.
    (2) Lewis Turbine Inlet Temperature Digital Indicator, part 
number 548-811.
    (3) Turbine Inlet Temperature Probe, part number 471-009 for the 
Model PA-46-310P airplanes and part number 481-392 for the PA-46-
350P airplanes.
    (4) Only the Lewis Turbine Inlet Temperature Analog Indicator 
(referenced in paragraph (b)(1) of this AD) has a zero adjustment 
screw. The Lewis Turbine Inlet Temperature Digital Indicator 
(referenced in

[[Page 13936]]

paragraph (b)(2) of this AD) must be returned to the factory for 
adjustment or replacement.
    (c) For the Model PA-46-350P airplanes, upon accumulating 250 
hours TIS on the currently installed turbine inlet temperature probe 
or within the next 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 250 hours TIS; replace the part number 481-392 turbine inlet 
temperature probe with a new one of the same part number.
    (d) For the operators of the airplanes presented in paragraphs 
(d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD, within the next 100 hours TIS after 
the effective date of this AD, incorporate the emergency operation 
procedures specified in paragraph (e) of this AD for when a turbine 
inlet temperature system failure occurs while in-flight by inserting 
a copy of this AD into the applicable Pilots' Operating Handbook/
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM/POH):
    (1) For all operators of the Model PA-46-310P airplanes; and
    (2) For those operators of the Model PA-46-350P airplanes that 
do not have the applicable POH revision incorporated as follows:

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             POH                  Revision/date                        Affected serial numbers
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VB-1332.....................  16/November 14, 1997  4622001 through 4622200.
VB-1609.....................  1/November 21, 1997.  463001 through 4636020.
VB-1602.....................  1/November 28, 1997.  4636021 through 4636131.
VB-1446.....................  New/December 3, 1997  all serial numbers beginning with 4636132.
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    (e) The following are emergency operation procedures for when a 
turbine inlet temperature system failure occurs while in-flight:
    (1) For Model PA-46-310P airplanes:
    (i) If the turbine inlet temperature indication fails during 
takeoff, climb, descent, or landing, maintain FULL RICH mixture to 
assure adequate fuel flow for engine cooling.
    (ii) If the turbine inlet temperature indication fails after 
cruise power has been set, maintain cruise power setting and lean to 
6 gallons per hour (GPH) fuel flow above that specified in the Power 
Setting Table in Section 5 of the AFM/POH. Continually monitor 
engine cylinder head and oil temperatures to avoid exceeding 
temperature limits.
    (2) For Model PA-46-350P airplanes:
    (i) If the turbine inlet temperature indication fails during 
takeoff, climb, descent or landing, set power per the POH Section 5 
Power Setting Table and then lean to the approximate POH Power 
Setting Table fuel flow plus 4 GPH.
    (ii) If the turbine inlet temperature indication fails after 
cruise power has been set, maintain the power setting and increase 
indicated fuel flow by 1 GPH. Continually monitor engine cylinder 
head and oil temperatures to avoid exceeding temperature limits.
    (f) Inserting a copy of this AD into the applicable POH/AFM as 
required by paragraph (d) of this AD may be performed by the owner/
operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized 
by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), 
and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance 
with paragraph (d) of this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
    (g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (h) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
initial or repetitive compliance times that provides an equivalent 
level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix 
Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349. The request shall be 
forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may 
add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Atlanta ACO.

    (i) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of 
the document referred to herein upon request to The New Piper 
Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, 
Florida 32960; or may examine this document at the FAA, Central 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th 
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 12, 1999.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-6975 Filed 3-22-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U