AD 2011-06-10

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-46-310P and PA- 46-350P airplanes that are equipped with a Lewis or Transicoil turbine inlet temperature (T.I.T.) gauge and associated probe. That AD currently requires cleaning, inspecting, and calibrating the T.I.T. system; replacing any T.I.T. system that fails the calibration test; repetitively replacing the T.I.T. probe on certain airplanes; and inserting a copy of the AD into the pilot's operating handbook (POH) for certain airplanes. This new AD retains

[[Page 18034]]

the actions required by the previous AD (AD 99-15-04 R1), adds certain Model PA-46R-350T airplanes to the Applicability section, expands the applicability to include other T.I.T. systems, and incorporates new service information. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising related service information and adding an airplane model to the list of affected airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent improper engine operation caused by improperly calibrated T.I.T. indicators or defective T.I.T. probes, which could result in engine damage/failure with consequent loss of control of the airplane.

Final rule.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 99-15-04 R1, Amendment 39-11747 (65 FR 33745, May 25, 2000), and adding the following new AD:

2011-06-10 Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.): Amendment 39-16635; Docket No. FAA- 2010-1295; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-060-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 6, 2011.

Affected ADs

(b) This AD supersedes AD 99-15-04 R1, Amendment 39-11747.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to the following Piper Aircraft, Inc. (type certificate previously held by The NewPiper Aircraft, Inc.) Models PA-46-310P, PA-46-350P, and PA-46R-350T airplanes that are:
(1) Certificated in any category; and
(2) equipped with a turbine inlet temperature (T.I.T.) system identified in table 3 of this AD. Relief from this AD is available only if the gauge and probe are replaced through STC and not if a second T.I.T. gauge was installed while retaining the Lewis or Transicoil T.I.T. gauge and probe.

Table 1--Group 1 (Airplanes Previously Affected by AD 99-15-04 R1) ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Models Serial Numbers (S/N) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PA-46-310P (Malibu).......... 46-8408001 through 46-8608067 and 4608001
through 4608140. PA-46-350P (Malibu Mirage)... 4622001 through 4622200 and 4636001
through 4636020. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 2--Group 2 (Airplanes Not Previously Affected by AD 99-15-04 R1) ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Models S/N ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PA-46-350P (Malibu Mirage)... 4636021 and subsequent. PA-46R-350T (Matrix)......... 4692001 and subsequent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 3--Affected Airplane Models and Corresponding Affected Turbine Inlet Temperature (T.I.T.) System ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Models S/N Indication system P/N Probe P/N ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PA-46-310P........................... 46-8408001 through 46- Lewis T.I.T. analog 471-009 or 481-387.
8608067 and 4608001 indicators P/N 471-008.
through 4608140. PA-46-350P........................... 4622001 through 4622200 Lewis T.I.T. analog 481-389 or 481-392 or
and 4636001 through indicators P/N 471-008. 686-216 (preferred).
4636020. PA-46-350P........................... 4636021 through 4636374 Lewis T.I.T. digital 481-389 or 481-392 or
indicators P/N 548-811. 686-216 (preferred). PA-46-350P........................... 4636375 and subsequent. Avidyne Entegra or 686-216.
other Electronic
Flight Information
System (EFIS) display. PA-46R-350T.......................... 4692001 and subsequent. Avidyne Entegra or 686-216.
other EFIS display. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 18036]]

Subject

(d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 77, Engine Indicating.

Unsafe Condition

(e) This AD was prompted by field reports that indicated service accuracy problems with the existing T.I.T. system on certain Models PA-46-310P, PA-46-350P, and PA-46R-350T airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent improper engine operation caused by improperly calibrated T.I.T. indicators or defective T.I.T. probes, which could result in engine damage/failure with consequent loss of control of the airplane.

Compliance

(f) For Group 1 airplanes: Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

Table 4--Group 1 Airplanes (Airplanes Previously Affected by AD 99-15-04
R1) ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Compliance Procedures ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (1) Clean and inspect the Within the next 100 Follow Piper
T.I.T. gauge and probe. hours time-in- Airplane
service (TIS) after Maintenance Manual
August 31, 1999 PA-46-310P/PA-46-
(the effective date 350P, Part Number
retained from AD 99- 761 783, Chapter
15-04). 77, section 77-20-
00 A.(1)(d), dated
July 1, 1998; and
Piper Airplane
Maintenance Manual
PA-46-350P/PA-46R-
350T, Part Number
761 876, Chapter
77, section 77-20-
00 1.C, page 1,
dated August 28,
2007, and page 2,
dated July 31,
2008, as
applicable. (2) Calibrate the T.I.T. Within the next 100 Follow Piper
system. hours TIS after Airplane
August 31, 1999 Maintenance Manual
(the effective date PA-46-310P/PA-46-
retained from AD 99- 350P, Part Number
15-04). 761 783, Chapter
77, section 77-20-
00 A.(1)(g), dated
July 1, 1998; and
Piper Airplane
Maintenance Manual
PA-46-350P/PA-46R-
350T, Part Number
761 876, Chapter
77, section 77-20-
00 1.F, page 2,
dated July 31,
2008, and pages 3
and 4, dated August
28, 2007, as
applicable; or
Piper Service
Bulletin No. 995C,
dated November 17,
2009 (3) If the T.I.T. probe Before further Follow Piper
fails the inspection flight after the Airplane
required in paragraph cleaning and Maintenance Manual
(f)(1) of this AD and/or inspection required PA-46-310P/PA-46-
the T.I.T. system indicator in paragraph (f)(1) 350P, Part Number
cannot be calibrated as and the calibration 761 783, Chapter
required in paragraph required in 77, section 77-20-
(f)(2) of this AD, replace paragraph (f)(2) of 00 A.(1)(f), dated
any failed parts with a this AD. July 1, 1998; and
serviceable part listed in Piper Airplane
table 3 of this AD as long Maintenance Manual
as it has been inspected, PA-46-350P/PA-46R-
passed the inspection, and350T, Part Number
been properly calibrated. 761 876, Chapter
77, section 77-20-
00 1.E., page 2,
dated July 31,
2008, as
applicable; or
Piper Service
Bulletin No. 995C,
dated November 17,
2009 (4) Incorporate the Within the next 100 Not applicable.
information from Appendix 1 hours TIS after
and Appendix 2, as August 31, 1999
applicable, of this AD into (the effective date
the Emergency Procedures retained from AD 99-
section of the pilot 15-04).
operating handbook (POH).
This may be done by
inserting a copy of this AD
into the POH. (5) Only install a part As of July 28, 2000 Not applicable.
listed in table 3 of this (the effective date
AD after it has been of AD 99-15-04 R1).
inspected and properly
calibrated. (6) Model PA-46-350P Upon accumulating For serial numbers
airplanes only: Replace the 250 hours TIS on 4622001 through
T.I.T. probe with a new the currently 4622200: Follow
part number 481-389, 481- installed T.I.T. Piper Airplane
392, or 686-216 probe probe or within the Maintenance Manual
(preferred). This action is next 100 hours TIS PA-46-310P/PA-46-
not required for Model PA- after August 31, 350P, Part Number
46-310P. 1999 (the effective 761 783, Chapter
date retained from 77, section 77-20-
AD 99-15-04), 00 A.(1)(f), dated
whichever occurs July 1, 1998; or
later, and Piper Service
thereafter at Bulletin No. 995C,
intervals not to dated November 17,
exceed 250 hours 2009.
TIS.
For serial numbers
4636001 through
4636020: Follow
Piper Airplane
Maintenance Manual
PA-46-350P/PA-46R-
350T, Part Number
761 876, Chapter
77, section 77-20-
00 1.E., page 2,
dated July 31,
2008; or PiperService Bulletin
No. 995C, dated
November 17, 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

(g) For Group 2 airplanes: Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

[[Page 18037]]

Table 5--Group 2 Airplanes (Airplanes Not Previously Affected by AD 99-
15-04 R1) ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Compliance Procedures ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (1) Model PA-46-350P Within the next 100 Follow Piper
airplanes, S/Ns 4636021 hours TIS after the Airplane
through 4636374 only: Clean effective date of Maintenance Manual
and inspect the T.I.T. this AD. PA-46-350P/PA-46R-
gauge and probe. 350T, Part Number
761 876, Chapter
77, section 77-20-
00 1.C, page 1,
dated August 28,2007, and page 2,
dated July 31,
2008. (2) Model PA-46-350P Before further Follow Piper Service
airplanes, S/Ns 4636021 flight after the Bulletin No. 995C,
through 4636374 only: If cleaning and dated November 17,
the T.I.T. probe fails the inspection required 2009.
inspection required in in paragraph (g)(1)
paragraph (g)(1) of this of this AD.
AD, replace any failed
parts with a serviceable
part listed in table 3 of
this AD as long as it has
been inspected and has
passed the inspection. (3) All Group 2 airplanes: Upon accumulating Piper Service
Replace the T.I.T. probe 250 hours TIS on Bulletin No. 995C,
with a new part number 686- the currently dated November 17,
216 probe. installed T.I.T. 2009.
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. (4) All Group 2 airplanes: Within the next 100 Not applicable.
Incorporate the information hours TIS after the
from Appendix 2 of this AD effective date of
into the Emergency this AD.
Procedures section of the
POH. This may be done by
inserting a copy of this AD
into the POH. (5) All Group 2 airplanes: As of the effective Not applicable.
Only install a part listed date of this AD.
in table 3 of this AD after
it has been inspected and
properly calibrated. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(h)(1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your Principal Maintenance Inspector or Principal Avionics Inspector, as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.
(3) AMOCs approved for AD 99-15-04 R1 are approved as AMOCs for this AD.

Related Information

(i) For more information about this AD, contact Darby Mirocha, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474-5573; fax: (404) 474-5605; e-mail: darby.mirocha@faa.gov.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(j) You must use the service information contained in Table 6 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

Table 6--All Material Incorporated by Reference ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Document Revision Date ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Piper Service Bulletin No. 995C N/A.................. November 17,
2009. Piper Airplane Maintenance N/A.................. July 1, 1998.
Manual PA-46-310P/PA-46-350P,
Part Number 761 783, Chapter
77, ``Engine Indicating,''
Section 77-20-00, pages 1
through 4. Piper Airplane Maintenance N/A.................. July 31, 2008.
Manual PA-46-350P/PA-46R-350T, Section 77-20-
Part Number 761 876, Chapter 00: pages 1, 3,
77, ``Engine Indicating,'' and 4, dated
Section 77-20-00, pages 1 August 28,
through 4. 2007; page 2,
dated July 31,
2008. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

(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 Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (772) 567-4361; fax: (772) 978-6573; Internet: http://www.piper.com/home/pages/publications.cfm.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust St., Kansas City, MO 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 that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

Appendix 1 to AD 2011-06-10--Model PA-46-310P (Malibu); Emergency Procedures for the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)

(1) If the turbine inlet temperature indication fails or is suspected of failure during takeoff, climb, descent, or landing, maintain FULL RICH mixture to assure adequate fuel flow for engine cooling.
(2) If the turbine inlet temperature indication fails or is suspected of failure 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.

[[Page 18038]]

Appendix 2 to AD 2011-06-10--Model PA-46-350P (Malibu Mirage) and Model PA-46R-350T (Matrix); Emergency Procedures for the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)

(1) If the turbine inlet temperature indication fails or is suspected of failure 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.
(2) If the turbine inlet temperature indication fails or is suspected of failure 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.

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 99-15-04 R1, Amendment 39-11747 (65 FR 33745, May 25, 2000). That AD applies to certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (type certificate previously held by The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.) Models PA- 46-310P and PA-46-350P airplanes that are equipped with a Lewis or Transicoil T.I.T. gauge and associated probe. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 30, 2010 (75 FR 82329). That NPRM proposed to continue to require cleaning, inspecting, and calibrating the T.I.T. system on certain airplanes; replacing any T.I.T. system that fails the inspection and calibration test; repetitively replacing the T.I.T. probe on certain airplanes; and inserting a copy of the AD into the pilot's operating handbook (POH). That NPRM also proposed to add certain Model PA-46R-350T airplanes to the Applicability section, expand the applicability to include other T.I.T. systems, and incorporate new service information.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 898 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Partscost product Cost on U.S. operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clean and inspect the T.I.T 1 work-hour x $85 Not applicable.... $85 $85 x 780 affected airplanes
gauge and probe for certain per hour = $85. = $66,300.
Models PA-46-310P and PA-46-
350P airplanes. Calibrate the T.I.T. gauge for 4 work-hours x $85 Not applicable.... 340 340 x 427 affected airplanes
certain Models PA-46-310P and per hour = $340. = $145,180.
PA-46-350P airplanes. Incorporate emergency 1 work-hour x $85 Not applicable.... 85 85 x 898 affected airplanes
procedures into POH. per hour = $85. = $76,330. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The requirements of this AD add no additional economic burden other than the addition of an airplane model to the Applicability section.
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these replacements:

On-Condition Costs ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Replace probe................................ 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $384 $469
$85. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 18035]]

Authority for This RulemakingTitle 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 have determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial directeffect 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 that 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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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