You are on page 1of 4

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No.

141 / Friday, July 21, 2000 / Proposed Rules 45323

Note: This AD applies to each airplane DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Services, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach,
identified in the preceding applicability Florida 32960. You may examine this
provision, regardless of whether it has been Federal Aviation Administration information at FAA.
modified, altered, or repaired in the area FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
subject to the requirements of this AD. For 14 CFR Part 39 William O. Herderich, Aerospace
airplanes that have been modified, altered, or Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft
[Docket No. 96–CE–69–AD]
repaired so that the performance of the Certification Office, One Crown Center,
requirements of this AD is affected, the RIN 2120–AA64 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450,
owner/operator must request approval for an
Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770)
alternative method of compliance in Airworthiness Directives; The New
703–6084; facsimile: (770) 703–6097; e-
accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Formerly Piper
mail: william.o.herderich@faa.gov.
The request should include an assessment of Aircraft Corporation) PA–31 Series
the effect of the modification, alteration, or Airplanes SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
repair on the unsafe condition addressed by Comments Invited
this AD; and, if you have not eliminated the AGENCY: Federal Aviation
unsafe condition, specific actions you Administration, DOT. How do I comment on the proposed
propose to address it. ACTION: Supplemental notice of AD? The FAA invites comments on this
proposed rulemaking (NPRM); proposed rule. You may submit
(f) Where can I get information about any
Reopening of the comment period. whatever written data, views, or
already-approved alternative methods of
arguments you choose. You need to
compliance? You can contact William O.
SUMMARY: This document proposes to include the rule’s docket number and
Herderich, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta
revise an earlier proposed airworthiness submit your comments in triplicate to
Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown
directive (AD) that would apply to The the address specified under the caption
Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450,
Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770) 703–
New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) PA–31 ADDRESSES. The FAA will consider all
6084; facsimile: (770) 703–6097; e-mail:
series airplanes. The earlier NPRM comments received on or before the
william.o.herderich@faa.gov.
would have superseded AD 80–26–05, closing date. We may amend the
(g) What if I need to fly the airplane to which requires you to repetitively proposed rule in light of comments
another location to comply with this AD? The inspect the main landing gear (MLG) received. Factual information that
FAA can issue a special flight permit under inboard door hinges and attachment supports your ideas and suggestions is
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal angles for cracks on the affected extremely helpful in evaluating the
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and airplanes, and requires you to replace effectiveness of the proposed AD action
21.199) to operate your airplane to a location any cracked MLG inboard door hinge or and determining whether we need to
where you can accomplish the requirements attachment angle. The earlier NPRM take additional rulemaking action.
of this AD. proposed to require you to inspect the Are there any specific portions of the
(h) How do I get copies of the documents original design MLG inboard door hinge AD I should pay attention to? The FAA
referenced in this AD? You may obtain copies assemblies for cracks; and replace the is re-examining the writing style we
of the documents referenced in this AD from original design MLG inboard door hinge currently use in regulatory documents,
The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer assemblies with parts of improved in response to the Presidential
Services, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, design either immediately (cracks) or at memorandum of June 1, 1998. That
Florida 32960. You may examine this service a certain time period (no cracks). This memorandum requires federal agencies
information at FAA, Central Region, Office of supplemental NPRM results from to communicate more clearly with the
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, reports of cracks in the improved design public. We are interested in your
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. MLG inboard door hinge assemblies on comments on whether the style of this
(i) Does this AD action affect any existing the affected airplanes. We are revising document is clearer, and any other
AD actions? This amendment supersedes the the NPRM to propose inspections on the suggestions you might have to improve
following AD actions: improved design parts as well as the the clarity of FAA communications that
(1) AD 70–26–06, Amendment 39–1132; original design parts. The actions affect you. You can get more
(2) AD 76–03–01, Amendment 39–2505; specified by the proposed AD are information about the Presidential
and intended to detect and correct cracked memorandum and the plain language
(3) AD 80–02–15, Amendment 39–3676. MLG inboard door hinge assemblies. initiative at http://
These cracked door hinge assemblies www.plainlanguage.gov.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 17, could result in the MLG becoming The FAA specifically invites
2000. jammed with consequent loss of control comments on the overall regulatory,
Marvin R. Nuss, of the airplane during landing economic, environmental, and energy
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, operations. aspects of the proposed rule that might
Aircraft Certification Service.
DATES:The Federal Aviation suggest a need to modify the rule. You
[FR Doc. 00–18524 Filed 7–20–00; 8:45 am] Administration (FAA) must receive may examine all comments we receive
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P comments on or before September 8, before and after the closing date of the
2000. rule in the Rules Docket. We will file a
report in the Rules Docket that
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in summarizes each FAA contact with the
triplicate to FAA, Central Region, Office public that concerns the substantive
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: parts of the proposed AD.
Rules Docket No. 96–CE–69–AD, 901 How can I be sure FAA receives my
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, comment? If you want us to
Missouri 64106. acknowledge the receipt of your
You may get the service information comments, you must include a self-
referenced in the proposed AD from The addressed, stamped postcard. On the
New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer postcard, write ‘‘Comments to Docket

VerDate 11<MAY>2000 16:15 Jul 20, 2000 Jkt 190000 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\21JYP1.SGM pfrm03 PsN: 21JYP1
45324 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 141 / Friday, July 21, 2000 / Proposed Rules

No. 96–CE–69–AD.’’ We will date stamp February 19, 1997 (62 FR 7375). The hinges. As of the issue date of this
and mail the postcard back to you. purpose of the ANPRM was to document, we have reports of the
encourage interested persons to provide following:
Discussion
information that describes what they —27 reports of cracked improved design
Has FAA taken any action to this consider the best action (if any) for FAA MLG inboard door hinge assemblies;
point? On December 1, 1995, FAA to take regarding the P/N 47529–32 and
issued a proposal to amend part 39 of MLG inboard door hinge assembly —41 reports of cracked original design
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 issue. The FAA also withdrew the MLG inboard door hinge assemblies.
CFR part 39) to include an AD that NPRM. We received no information or
would apply to certain Piper PA–31 comments regarding the ANPRM. The FAA’s Determination
series airplanes. This proposal was We then re-evaluated the information What has FAA decided? After careful
published in the Federal Register as a in our service difficulty database. The review of all available information
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) database, at that time, contained 10 related to the subject presented above,
on December 7, 1995 (60 FR 62774), and reports of failure or cracks found in the we have determined that:
proposed to supersede AD 80–26–05, MLG inboard door hinge assembly on —Both the improved design and
Amendment 39–3994. The NPRM the affected airplanes. The commenter original design MLG inboard door
proposed to: to the original NPRM had submitted six hinge assemblies on the PA–31 series
—Retain the requirement of repetitively of these reports. Three of these six airplanes are susceptible to cracking;
inspecting the MLG inboard door incident reports were specifically and
hinge assemblies for cracks, and attributed to the original MLG inboard —AD action should be taken to detect
replacing any cracked MLG inboard door hinge assemblies and three to the and correct cracked MLG inboard
door hinge assembly; and improved design MLG inboard door door hinge assemblies.
—Require incorporating a MLG inboard hinge assemblies. The four reports that
door hinge assembly of improved others submitted do not specifically The Supplemental NPRM
design (part number (P/N) 47529–32) identify whether the original MLG How will the changes to the NPRM
or FAA-approved equivalent part inboard door hinge assemblies were impact the public? Proposing
number, as terminating action for the installed or the improved design inspections on airplanes with the
repetitive inspection requirement. assemblies were installed. Since the improved design MLG inboard door
Accomplishment of the proposed
incidents occurred on high service time hinge assemblies as well as the original
inspections would have been required
airplanes and since there is no AD design assemblies presents actions that
in accordance with Piper Service
action mandating the installation of the go beyond the scope of what was
Bulletin (SB) No. 682, dated July 24,
improved-design MLG inboard door already proposed. Therefore, we are
1980.
Was the public invited to comment on hinge assemblies, we presumed that the issuing a supplemental NPRM and
the NPRM? The FAA invited interested original hinge assemblies were installed. reopening the comment period to allow
persons to participate in the making of The FAA then reviewed the three the public additional time to comment
this amendment. Due consideration was incident reports on the improved design on the proposed AD.
given to the one comment received. MLG inboard door hinge assemblies What are the provisions of the
What issue did this comment address? and, along with the National supplemental NPRM? The supplemental
The comment received on the NPRM Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), NPRM would apply to all PA–31 series
contained information that the performed extensive testing and airplanes and would require you to
improved design MLG inboard door analysis of the improved design MLG accomplish the following:
hinge assemblies, P/N 47529–32, are inboard door hinge assemblies. Based —Repetitively inspect the MLG inboard
also susceptible to fatigue cracking, and on this review, testing, and analysis, we door hinge assemblies (regardless of
that installing this assembly should not determined that: part number); and
eliminate the need for the repetitive —The incidents were isolated and that —Immediately replace any cracked
inspections currently required by AD mandating repetitive inspections was MLG inboard door hinge assembly
80–26–05. The commenter stated that its not needed when the P/N 47529–32 with a new MLG inboard door hinge
airplane fleet has experienced three MLG inboard door hinge assemblies assembly, Piper part number (P/N)
failures and three incidents related to are installed; and 47529–32 (or FAA-approved
fatigue cracking of the P/N 47529–32 —AD action should be taken to equivalent part number).
hinge assemblies. eliminate the repetitive short-interval What document should I use to
What action did FAA take? We inspections that AD 80–26–05 accomplish these actions? Piper Service
conducted a review of the requires and to prevent separation of Bulletin No. 682, dated July 24, 1980,
manufacturer’s service history and a MLG door from the airplane caused includes all the procedures necessary to
service difficulty reports in FAA’s by a cracked inboard door hinge accomplish the actions proposed in this
database associated with the P/N assembly. supplemental NPRM.
47529–32 MLG inboard door hinge On October 14, 1997, FAA issued an
assembly. Based on a review of this NPRM to address these issues. The Cost Impact
information, including the information NPRM was published in the Federal How many airplanes does the
received from the commenter, we Register on October 21, 1997 (62 FR proposed AD impact? The FAA
determined that more information and 54595). estimates that 2,344 airplanes in the
analysis were needed before mandating What has happened to justify this AD U.S. registry would be affected by the
MLG inboard door hinge assembly action? Since issuance of the NPRM, we proposed AD.
replacements through an AD. have received additional reports of What would it cost me to accomplish
We then issued an advance notice of cracks in the MLG inboard door hinge each proposed inspection? We estimate
proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on assemblies. The reports reference that it would take approximately 2
February 11, 1997. The ANPRM was incidents on both the original design workhours per airplane to accomplish
published in the Federal Register on assemblies and the improved design each proposed inspection, at an average

VerDate 11<MAY>2000 16:15 Jul 20, 2000 Jkt 190000 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\21JYP1.SGM pfrm03 PsN: 21JYP1
Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 141 / Friday, July 21, 2000 / Proposed Rules 45325

labor rate of $60 an hour. Based on these prepared for this action in the Rules Models Serial numbers
figures, FAA estimates the total cost Docket. You may obtain a copy of it at
impact of each proposed inspection on the Rules Docket at the location PA–31–300 .. 31–2 through 31–900 and
U.S. operators at $281,280, or $120 per provided under the caption ADDRESSES. 31–7300901 through 31–
airplane. 8312019.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 PA–31–350 .. 31–5001 through 31–5004
What would it cost me to replace a
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation and 31–7305005 through
cracked assembly? We estimate 2 31–8553002.
workhours to replace a cracked MLG safety, Safety.
PA–31–325 .. 31–7400990, 31–7512001
inboard door hinge assembly. A The Proposed Amendment through 31–8312019.
replacement assembly costs PA–31P ........ 31P–1 through 31P–109 and
approximately $270. We estimate a total Accordingly, under the authority 31P–7300110 through
cost of $390 to replace a cracked MLG delegated to me by the Administrator, 31P–7730012.
inboard door hinge assembly. the Federal Aviation Administration PA–31T ........ 31T–7400002 through 31T–
proposes to amend part 39 of the 8120104.
Regulatory Impact Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR PA–31T1 ...... 31T–7804001 through 31T–
How does this AD impact various part 39) as follows: 8104073; 31T–8104101;
31T–8304001 through 31T–
entities? The regulations proposed
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS 8304003; and 31T–
herein would not have a substantial 1104004 through 31T–
direct effect on the States, on the DIRECTIVES
1104017.
relationship between the national 1. The authority citation for part 39 PA–31T2 ...... 31T–8166001 through 31T–
government and the States, or on the continues to read as follows: 8166076, and 31T–
distribution of power and Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
1166001 through 31T–
responsibilities among the various 1166008.
levels of government. Therefore, it is § 39.13 [Amended] PA–31T3 ...... 31T–8275001 through 31T–
determined that this proposed rule 8475001, and 31T–
2. FAA amends Section 39.13 by 5575001.
would not have federalism implications removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) PA–31P–350 31P–8414001 through 31P–
under Executive Order 13132. 80–26–05, Amendment 39–3994, and by 8414050.
How does this AD involve a adding a new AD to read as follows:
significant rule or regulatory action? The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (formerly Piper (b) Who must comply with this AD?
The FAA has determined that the Aircraft Corporation): Docket No. 96– Anyone who wishes to operate any of the
proposed action (1) is not a ‘‘significant CE–69–AD, Supersedes AD 80–26–05, above airplanes on the U.S. Register must
regulatory action’’ under Executive Amendment 39–3994. comply with this AD.
Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? (c) What problem does this AD address?
rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies This AD affects the following airplane The actions specified by this AD are intended
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February models and serial numbers, certificated in to detect and correct cracked main landing
any category: gear (MLG) inboard door hinge assemblies.
26, 1979); and (3) if adopted, will not
This could result in the MLG becoming
have a significant economic impact on Models Serial numbers jammed with consequent loss of control of
a substantial number of small entities the airplane during landing operations.
under the criteria of the Regulatory PA–31 .......... 31–2 through 31–900 and (d) What must I do to address this
Flexibility Act. We have placed a copy 31–7300901 through 31– problem? To address this problem, you must
of the draft regulatory evaluation 8312019. accomplish the following:

Action Compliance time Procedures

(1) Inspect all hinges and hinge attachment an- (i) For airplanes with any MLG inboard door Accomplish in accordance with the INSTRUC-
gles in the MLG inboard door hinge assembly. hinge assembly that is not made of steel: At TIONS section of Piper Service Bulletin No.
the next inspection required by AD 80–26– 682, dated July 24, 1980.
05 or within the next 100 hours time-in-
service (TIS) after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS.
(ii) For airplanes with any MLG inboard door
hinge assembly that is made of steel (i.e.,
Piper part number 47529–32): Upon accu-
mulating 2,000 hours TIS on the MLG in-
board door hinge assembly, and thereafter
at intervals not to exceed 2,000 hours TIS.
(2) Replace any cracked MLG inboard door Prior to further flight after the inspection re- Accomplish in accordance with the INSTRUC-
hinge assembly with a Piper part number quired by this AD. The repetitive inspection TIONS section of Piper Service Bulletin No.
47529–32 assembly (or FAA-approved part requirement of this AD is still required for 682, dated July 24, 1980.
number). airplanes incorporating these replacement
assemblies. Inspect upon accumulating
2,000 hours TIS on the new assembly, and
thereafter at 2,000-hour TIS intervals.

(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other (i) Your alternative method of compliance alternative. Submit your request through an
way? provides an equivalent level of safety; and FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who
(1) You may use an alternative method of (ii) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft may add comments and then send it to the
compliance or adjust the compliance time if: Certification Office (ACO), approves your Manager, Atlanta ACO, One Crown Center,

VerDate 11<MAY>2000 16:15 Jul 20, 2000 Jkt 190000 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\21JYP1.SGM pfrm03 PsN: 21JYP1
45326 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 141 / Friday, July 21, 2000 / Proposed Rules

1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION comment. Please submit all comments
Georgia 30349. and related material in an unbound
(2) Alternative methods of compliance Coast Guard format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches,
approved in accordance with AD 80–26–05 suitable for copying. The comment
(superseded by this action) are not 33 CFR Part 100 period for this regulation is 30 (thirty)
considered approved as alternative methods days. This time period is adequate since
[CGD05–00–031]
of compliance with this AD. the event is well publicized in the local
Note: This AD applies to each airplane RIN 2115–AE46 maritime community. If you would like
identified in the preceding applicability to know that your comments reached us,
provision, regardless of whether it has been Special Local Regulations for Marine please enclose a stamped, self-addressed
modified, altered, or repaired in the area Events; Sharptown Outboard Regatta, postcard or envelope. We will consider
subject to the requirements of this AD. For Nanticoke River, Sharptown, Maryland all comments and material received
airplanes that have been modified, altered, or AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT. during the comment period. We may
repaired so that the performance of the ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. change this proposed rule in view of
requirements of this AD is affected, the them.
owner/operator must request approval for an SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to
alternative method of compliance in establish temporary special local Public Meeting
accordance with paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. regulations for the Sharptown Outboard We do not plan to hold a public
The request should include an assessment of Regatta, to be held on the waters of the meeting. But you may submit a request
the effect of the modification, alteration, or Nanticoke River between Maryland S.R. for a meeting by writing to Commander
repair on the unsafe condition addressed by 313 bridge at Sharptown, Maryland and (Aoax), Fifth Coast Guard District, 431
this AD; and, if you have not eliminated the Nanticoke River Light 43 (LLN–24175). Crawford Street, Portsmouth, Virginia
unsafe condition, specific actions you These special local regulations are 23704–5004, explaining why one would
propose to address it. necessary to provide for the safety of life be beneficial. If we determine that one
(f) Where can I get information about any on navigable waters during the event. would aid this rulemaking, we will hold
already-approved alternative methods of This action is intended to restrict vessel one at a time and place announced by
compliance? Contact William O. Herderich, traffic in portions of the Nanticoke River a later notice in the Federal Register.
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft during the event. Background and Purpose
Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 DATES: Comments and related material
Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, must reach the Coast Guard on or before The North-South Racing Association
Georgia 30349; telephone: (770) 703–6084; August 21, 2000. will sponsor the Sharptown Outboard
facsimile: (770) 703–6097; e-mail: Regatta on September 23 and September
ADDRESSES: You may mail comments
william.o.herderich@faa.gov. 24, 2000. The event will consist of 60
and related material to Commander
(g) What if I need to fly the airplane to hydroplanes and runabouts conducting
(Aoax), Fifth Coast Guard District, 431
another location to comply with this AD? a high speed competitive race on the
Crawford Street, Portsmouth, Virginia
FAA can issue a special flight permit under waters of the Nanticoke River between
23704–5004, or deliver them to the same
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Maryland S.R. 313 bridge at Sharptown,
address between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.,
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and Maryland and Nanticoke River Light 43
Monday through Friday, except Federal
21.199) to operate your airplane to a location (LLN–24175). A fleet of spectator
where you can accomplish the requirements
holidays. Comments and materials
vessels is anticipated for the event. Due
of this AD. received from the public as well as
to the need for vessel control during the
(h) How do I get copies of the documents documents indicated in this preamble as
races, vessel traffic will be temporarily
referenced in this AD? You may obtain copies being available in the docket, are part of
restricted to provide for the safety of
of the documents referenced in this AD from this docket and are available for
participants, spectators and transiting
The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper inspection or copying at Commander
vessels.
Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. You may (Aoax), Fifth Coast Guard District, 431
examine these documents at FAA, Central Crawford Street, Portsmouth, Virginia Discussion of Proposed Rule
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 23704–5004, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., The Coast Guard will establish
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri Monday through Friday, except Federal temporary special local regulations on
64106. holidays. specified waters of the Nanticoke River.
(i) Does this AD action affect any existing FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The regulated area will include waters
AD actions? This amendment supersedes AD Chief Warrant Officer R. Houck, Marine of the Nanticoke River between
80–26–05, Amendment 39–3994. Events Coordinator, Commander, Coast Maryland S.R. 313 bridge at Sharptown,
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 17,
Guard Activities Baltimore, 2401 Maryland and Nanticoke River Light 43
2000. Hawkins Point Road, Baltimore (LLN–24175). The temporary special
Maryland, 21226–1791, telephone local regulations will be effective from
Marvin R. Nuss,
number (410) 576–2674. 10 a. m. to 7 p.m. on September 23 and
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: September 24, 2000, and will restrict
Aircraft Certification Service.
general navigation in the regulated area
[FR Doc. 00–18525 Filed 7–20–00; 8:45 am] Request for Comments
during the event. Except for participants
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P We encourage you to participate in in the Sharptown Outboard Regatta and
this rulemaking by submitting persons or vessels authorized by the
comments and related material. If you Coast Guard Patrol Commander, no
do so, please include your name and person or vessel may enter or remain in
address, identify the docket number for the regulated area.
this rulemaking (CGD05–00–031),
indicate the specific section of this Regulatory Evaluation
document to which each comment This proposed rule is not a
applies, and give the reason for each ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under

VerDate 11<MAY>2000 16:15 Jul 20, 2000 Jkt 190000 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\21JYP1.SGM pfrm03 PsN: 21JYP1

You might also like