Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. PA-23, PA- 24, PA-28, PA-32, and PA-34 Series Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-110-AD; Amendment 39-11057; AD 99-05-09]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. PA-23, PA-

24, PA-28, PA-32, and PA-34 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that

applies to certain The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) PA-23, PA-24,

PA-28, PA-32, and PA-34 series airplanes that incorporate certain Facet

(manufactured by the Purolator Products Company) induction air filters.

This AD requires replacing these induction air filters. This AD results

from reports of cracking, splitting, crumbling, and deterioration

(referred to as damage hereon) of Facet/Purolator induction air filters

manufactured between a certain time period. The actions specified by

this AD are intended to prevent pieces of a damaged induction air

filter from being ingested into the engine, which could result in

reduced or loss of engine power.

DATES: Effective March 19, 1999.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or

before April 28, 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-110-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th

Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from

The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero

Beach, Florida 32960. This information may also be examined at the

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the

Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-110-AD, Room 1558,

601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Juanita Craft, Aerospace Engineer,

FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895

Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770)

703-6089; facsimile: (770) 703-6097; e-mail address:

``Juanita.C[email protected]''.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

The FAA has received reports of deterioration, cracking, splitting,

and crumbling (referred hereon as damage) of certain Purolator/Facet

induction air filters, Purolator part number (P/N) 638873, Model No.

CA161PL, Piper P/N 460-632 (PS60007-2), that are installed on certain

Piper PA-23, PA-24, PA-28, PA-32, and PA-34 series airplanes. Purolator

utilized an incorrect curing time in the manufacturing process of the

plastisol used in the induction air filters from January 1997 through

September 1998. This incorrect curing time makes the induction air

filters susceptible to the damage described above.

This condition, if not corrected in a timely manner, could result

in engine ingestion of pieces of a damaged induction air filter with

possible reduced or loss of engine power.

Relevant Service Information

Piper has issued Service Bulletin No. 1022, dated September 22,

1998, which specifies procedures for inspecting to determine if one of

the defective induction air filters is installed. This service bulletin

also includes (referenced as ATTACHMENT ``A'') Purolator Service

Bulletin No.: SB090298.01, dated September 16, 1998, which specifies

removing, inspecting, and replacing any defective induction air filter.

The FAA's Determination

After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available

information related to the incidents described above, including the

relevant service information, the FAA has determined that AD action

should be taken to prevent pieces of a damaged induction air filter

from being ingested into the engine, which could result in reduced or

loss of engine power.

Explanation of the Provisions of the AD

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to

exist or develop in other Piper PA-23, PA-24, PA-28, PA-32, and PA-34

series airplanes of the same type design, the FAA is issuing an AD. The

FAA requires replacing any Purolator/Facet induction air filter,

Purolator P/N 638873, Model No. CA161PL, Piper P/N 460-632 (PS60007-2),

that:

--Was manufactured anytime from January 1997 through September 1998;

and

--Is identified with a .250 (1/4)-inch high (white) ink stamp ``FACET-

[[Page 10212]]

638873'', and may include ``FAA-PMA''.

Accomplishment of the replacement is required in accordance with

the applicable maintenance manual, as specified in Piper Service

Bulletin No. 1022, dated September 22, 1998, and Purolator Service

Bulletin No.: SB090298.01, dated September 16, 1998.

Determination of the Effective Date of the AD

Since a situation exists (possible reduced or loss of engine power)

that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found

that notice and opportunity for public prior comment hereon are

impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment

effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves

requirements affecting immediate flight safety and, thus, was not

preceded by notice and opportunity to comment, comments are invited on

this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 will be considered,

and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual

information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is

extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and

determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,

economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might

suggest a need to modify the 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

AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,

stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments

to Docket No. 98-CE-110-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

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.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency

regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe

condition in aircraft, and is not a significant regulatory action under

Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action

involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and

Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that

this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT

Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will

be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket (otherwise, an evaluation is

not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules

Docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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 a new airworthiness directive

(AD) to read as follows:

99-05-09 The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-11057; Docket

No. 98-CE-110-AD.

Applicability: The following airplane model and serial numbers,

certificated in any category, that are equipped with Purolator air

filter part number (P/N) 638873, Model CA161PL, or Piper P/N 460-632

(PS60007-2):

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Models Serial numbers

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PA-23-235.................................................................... 27-505 through 27-622.

PA-23-250.................................................................... 27-01 through 27-2504.

PA-24-180 and PA-24-250...................................................... 24-103 through 24-3687.

PA-24-260.................................................................... 24-3642, and 24-4000 through 24-

5028.

PA-28-140.................................................................... 28-20000 through 28-7725290.

PA-28-150, PA-28-160, and PA-28-180.......................................... 28-1 through 28-7505259, and 28-

E13.

PA-28-181.................................................................... 28-7690001 through 28-8690062,

and 2890001 through 2890205.

PA-28-181.................................................................... 2890206 through 2890231, and

2843001 through 2843167.

PA-28-235.................................................................... 28-10001 through 28-7710089, and

28-E11.

PA-28-201T................................................................... 28-7921001 through 28-7921095.

PA-28R-201T.................................................................. 28R-7703001 through 28R-7803374.

PA-28R-201T.................................................................. 2803001 through 2803012.

PA-28RT-201T................................................................. 28R-7931001 through 28R-8631005,

and 2831001 through 2831038.

PA-32-260.................................................................... 32-1 through 32-7800008.

PA-32-300.................................................................... 32-7640001 through 32-7940290.

PA-32-301.................................................................... 32-8006001 through 32-8606023,

and 3206001 through 3206088.

PA-32R-300................................................................... 32R-7680001 through 32R-7880068.

PA-32RT-300.................................................................. 32R-7885001 through 32R-7985105.

PA-32R-301................................................................... 32R-8013001 through 32R-8613006,

and 3213001 through 3213041

PA-32R-301................................................................... 3213029, 3213042 through 3213103,

and 3246001 through 3246117.

PA-34-200T................................................................... 34-7570001 through 34-8170092.

PA-34-220T................................................................... 34-8133001 through 34-8633031,

and 3433001 through 3433225.

PA-34-220T................................................................... 3448001 through 3448035.

PA-34-220T................................................................... 3448038 through 3448079, and

3447001 through 3447029.

[[Page 10213]]

PA-34-220T................................................................... 3449002 through 3449078.

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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 (e) 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 pieces of a damaged induction air filter from being

ingested into the engine, which could result in reduced or loss of

engine power, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the

effective date of this AD, replace, with an FAA-approved induction

air filter, any Purolator/Facet induction air filter, Purolator part

number (P/N) 638873, Model No. CA161PL, Piper P/N 460-632 (PS60007-

2), that incorporates the criteria presented in both paragraphs

(a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. Accomplish this replacement in

accordance with the applicable maintenance manual.

(1) Was manufactured anytime from January 1997 through September

1998; and

(2) Is identified with a .250 (1/4)-inch high (white) ink stamp

``FACET-638873'', and may include ``FAA-PMA''.

Note 2: This AD allows the aircraft owner or pilot to check the

maintenance records to determine whether any Purolator/Facet

induction air filter, Purolator P/N 638873, Model No. CA161PL, Piper

P/N 460-632 (PS60007-2), has been installed between January 1997 and

March 19, 1999 (the effective date of this AD). See paragraph (c) of

this AD for authorization.

Note 3: Piper Service Bulletin No. 1022, dated September 22,

1998, and Purolator Service Bulletin No.: SB090298.01, dated

September 16, 1998, provide information relating to the subject of

this AD, including procedures on how to identify the affected

induction air filters.

(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall

install, on any affected airplane, any Purolator/Facet induction air

filter, Purolator P/N 638873, Model No. CA161PL, Piper P/N 460-632

(PS60007-2), that incorporates the criteria presented in both

paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.

(c) The owner/operator holding at least a private pilot's

certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation

Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may check the maintenance records to

determine whether any Purolator/Facet induction air filter,

Purolator P/N 638873, Model No. CA161PL, Piper P/N 460-632 (PS60007-

2), has been installed between January 1997 and March 19, 1999 (the

effective date of this AD). If one of these induction air filters is

not installed, the AD does not apply and the owner/operator must

make an entry into the aircraft records showing compliance with this

AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation

Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).

(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) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the

compliance time 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved

alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Atlanta ACO.

(f) The service information that relates to the subject

presented in this AD may be obtained from The New Piper Aircraft,

Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. This information

may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional

Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on March 19, 1999.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 22, 1999.

Marvin R. Nuss,

Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

[FR Doc. 99-5037 Filed 3-2-99; 8:45 am]

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