
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 37 (Thursday, February 24, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10224-10226]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-3923]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1099; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-054-AD; 
Amendment 39-16610; AD 2011-05-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model 
PIAGGIO P-180 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Compass mismatch (up to loss of heading information) were 
reported by operators, due to ferro-magnetic masses (like the 
telescopic Tow-Bar) stowed in the baggage compartment.

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 31, 2011.
    On March 31, 2011, the Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this 
AD.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at 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 service information identified in this AD, contact Piaggio Aero 
Industries S.p.A., Via Cibrario, 4-16154 Genoa, Italy; phone: +39 010 
6481 353; fax: +39 010 6481 881; e-mail: airworthiness@piaggioaero.it; 
Internet: http://www.piaggioaero.com. You may review copies of the 
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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4145; fax: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 3, 2010 (75 
FR 67639). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Compass mismatch (up to loss of heading information) were 
reported by operators, due to ferro-magnetic masses (like the 
telescopic Tow-Bar) stowed in the baggage compartment. A limitation 
was added to the approved Airplane Flight Manual, stating that the 
towing bar P/N 01-1227-0000 or similar ferromagnetic masses are 
prohibited to be carried in the baggage compartment.

We require the incorporation of Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. and 
Piaggio Aero Industries (Piaggio) Temporary Change No. 7, into the 
Pilot's Operating Handbook and EASA Approved Airplane Flight Manual 
Rep. 6591, issued: February 24, 2009, and Temporary Change No. 11 into 
the EASA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Rep. 180-MAN-0010-01100, 
issued: February 24, 2009, and installation of a placard. You may 
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comment received.

Comment Issue: Study Relocation of Magnetic Flux Valves

    James Wright stated that investigation into the feasibility of 
relocating the magnetic flux valves to an area less susceptible to 
magnetic interference may be a better course of action. We infer that 
the commenter requests that we withdraw the AD action and relocate the 
magnetic flux valves to an area less susceptible to magnetic 
interference.
    We do not agree with the commenter. The current airplane flight 
manual limitation stipulates:

    The towing bar TRONAIR p/n 01-1227-0000 or other ferromagnetic 
masses with comparable mass and length are prohibited to be carried 
in the baggage compartment.

    Additionally, Piaggio evaluated the possibility of relocating the 
flux valve and concluded it should remain in its current location. 
Piaggio confirmed that a new tow bar made of aluminum is available and 
can be used on Model PIAGGIO P-180 airplanes.

[[Page 10225]]

    We are not changing the final rule AD action based on this comment.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a Note within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 100 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $50 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. 
operators to be $13,500 or $135 per product.

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 determined that 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 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); 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; 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 the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

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 AD:

2011-05-01 PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A: Amendment 39-16610; Docket 
No. FAA-2010-1099; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-054-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 
31, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model 
PIAGGIO P-180 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN), 
certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 50: Cargo 
and Accessory Compartments.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Compass mismatch (up to loss of heading information) were 
reported by operators, due to ferro-magnetic masses (like the 
telescopic Tow-Bar) stowed in the baggage compartment. A limitation 
was added to the approved Airplane Flight Manual, stating that the 
towing bar P/N 01-1227-0000 or similar ferromagnetic masses are 
prohibited to be carried in the baggage compartment.

We require the incorporation of Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. and 
Piaggio Aero Industries (Piaggio) Temporary Change No. 7, into the 
Pilot's Operating Handbook and EASA Approved Airplane Flight Manual 
Rep. 6591, issued: February 24, 2009, and Temporary Change No. 11 
into the EASA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Rep. 180-MAN-0010-
01100, issued: February 24, 2009, and installation of a placard.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, within 5 flights after March 31, 2011 
(the effective date of this AD), do the following actions:
    (1) For MSN 1004 through 1104: Incorporate Piaggio Aero P.180 
AVANTI Temporary Change No. 7 to the Pilot's Operating Handbook and 
EASA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Rep. 6591, issued: February 24, 
2009, in the Limitations section following Piaggio Aero Industries 
S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: SB 80-0275, Rev. N. 0, dated 
June 15, 2009.
    (2) For MSN 1105 and subsequent: Incorporate Piaggio Aero P.180 
AVANTI II Temporary Change No. 11 to the EASA Approved Airplane 
Flight Manual Rep. 180-MAN-0010-01100, issued: February 24, 2009, in 
the Limitations section following Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: SB 80-0275, Rev. N. 0, dated June 
15, 2009.
    (3) All MSN: Install the part number 80K347593-005 limitation 
placard in the front of the baggage compartment door following 
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N.: SB 
80-0275, Rev. N. 0, dated June 15, 2009.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: Revisions and changes to the Limitations section of the 
AFM are mandatory in Europe as part of the

[[Page 10226]]

European regulatory process upon issuance by the type certificate 
holder. The FAA must mandate any such changes through rulemaking, 
specifically in this case an airworthiness directive.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4145; fax: (816) 329-4090. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, 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 current 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 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin 
(Mandatory) N.: SB 80-0275, Rev. N. 0, dated June 15, 2009; Piaggio 
Aero P.180 AVANTI Temporary Change No. 7 to the Pilot's Operating 
Handbook and EASA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Rep. 6591, issued: 
February 24, 2009; and Piaggio Aero P.180 AVANTI II Temporary Change 
No. 11 to the EASA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Rep. 180-MAN-
0010-01100, issued: February 24, 2009, for related information. For 
service information related to this AD, contact Piaggio Aero 
Industries S.p.A., Via Cibrario, 4-16154 Genoa, Italy; phone: +39 
010 6481 353; fax: +39 010 6481 881; e-mail: 
airworthiness@piaggioaero.it; Internet: http://www.piaggioaero.com. 
You may review copies of the 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin 
(Mandatory) N.: SB 80-0275, Rev. N. 0, dated June 15, 2009; Piaggio 
Aero P.180 AVANTI Temporary Change No. 7 to the Pilot's Operating 
Handbook and EASA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Rep. 6591, issued: 
February 24, 2009; and Piaggio Aero P.180 AVANTI II Temporary Change 
No. 11 to the EASA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Rep. 180-MAN-
0010-01100, issued: February 24, 2009, to do the actions required by 
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A., Via Cibrario, 4-16154 Genoa, Italy; 
phone: +39 010 6481 353; fax: +39 010 6481 881; e-mail: 
airworthiness@piaggioaero.it; Internet: http://www.piaggioaero.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the 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.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 14, 2011.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-3923 Filed 2-23-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


