AD 96-18-20

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 175 (Monday, September 9, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47409-47410]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-22597]


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Rules and Regulations
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Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 175 / Monday, September 9, 1996 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 47409]]


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-256-AD; Amendment 39-9747; AD 96-18-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Model P-180 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Piaggio Model P-180 airplanes, that requires 
replacement of outflow/safety valves with serviceable valves. This 
amendment is prompted by a report of cracking and subsequent failure of 
outflow safety valves in the pressurization system. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent such cracking and 
subsequent failure of the outflow/safety valves, which could result in 
rapid decompression of the airplane.

DATES: Effective October 15, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 15, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Allied Signal Aerospace, Technical Publications, Dept. 
65-70, P.O. Box 52170, Phoenix, Arizona 85072-2170. This information 
may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport 
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Walter Eierman, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712; telephone (310) 627-5336; fax (310) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Piaggio Model P-180 
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March 13, 1996 (61 
FR 10292). That action proposed to require replacement of certain 
discrepant outflow/safety valves with serviceable valves.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 10 Model P-180 airplanes of U.S. registry 
will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 12 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. The parts manufacturer has 
advised that it will provide replacement parts at no cost to operators. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $7,200, or $720 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final 
rule does 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) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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 the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-18-20 I.A.M. Rinaldo Piaggio S.P.A.: Amendment 39-9747. Docket 
95-NM-256-AD.

    Applicability: Model P-180 airplanes; equipped with Allied 
Signal outflow/safety valves, as specified in Allied Signal 
Aerospace Service Bulletins 103742-21-4059 and 103744-21-4060, both 
dated March 31, 1995; 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

[[Page 47410]]

requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
paragraph (c) 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, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent cracking and subsequent failure of the outflow/safety 
valves, which would result in rapid decompression of the airplanes, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the outflow/safety valve in accordance with Allied Signal 
Aerospace Service Bulletin 103742-21-4059 (for airplanes equipped 
with valves having part number 103742), or 103744-21-4060 (for 
airplanes equipped with valves having part number 103744), both 
dated March 31, 1995, as applicable.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
an outflow/safety valve having a part number and serial number 
identified in Allied Signal Aerospace Service Bulletin 103742-21-
4059 (for airplanes equipped with valves having part number 103742) 
or 103744-21-4060 (for airplanes equipped with valves having part 
number 103744), both dated March 31, 1995, on any airplane unless 
that valve is considered to be serviceable in accordance with the 
applicable service bulletin.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

    (d) 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.
    (e) The replacement shall be done in accordance with Allied 
Signal Aerospace Service Bulletin 103742-21-4059, dated March 31, 
1995; or Allied Signal Aerospace Service Bulletin 103744-21-4060, 
dated March 31, 1995; as applicable. This incorporation by reference 
was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from 
Allied Signal Aerospace, Technical Publications, Dept. 65-70, P.O. 
Box 52170, Phoenix, Arizona 85072-2170. Copies may be inspected at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 15, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 29, 1996.
Bill R. Boxwell,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-22597 Filed 9-4-96; 8:45 am]
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