Discussion
What events have caused this AD? The FAA has received several reports of the protective cover installed over the percussion cap on the oxygen generator on the Models PA-46-310P, PA-46-350P and PA-46-500TP airplanes. Also, a silicon tube may exist over the end of the trigger mechanism pin. Any protective cover installed over the percussion cap, or any silicon tube installed over the trigger, on the oxygen generator renders the emergency oxygen system inoperative.
The affected models in the service bulletin referenced in this AD include the Models PA-46-310P and PA-46-350P airplanes. However, these models are certificated at a lower service ceiling than the Model PA-46-500TP airplane. Since Piper has demonstrated an emergency descent to a lower altitude with no oxygen to the pilot, neither Model PA-46-310P nor PA-46-350P airplanes are affected by the identified condition.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Any protective cover on the percussion cap or silicon tube installed over the end of the trigger mechanism pin could result in failure of the emergency oxygen system. This failure could lead to the crew or passengers not being able to get oxygen in an emergency situation.
Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain Piper Model PA-46-500TP airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on March 31, 2004 (69 FR 16836). The NPRM proposed to require you to inspect (one-time) for the existence of any protective cover over the percussion caps or silicon tube installed over the end of the trigger mechanism pin of the oxygen generators, and remove any protective cover or silicon tube found.
Comments
Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the opportunity to participate in developingthis AD. We received no comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:
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.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39-Effect on the AD
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
Costs of Compliance
How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD affects 135 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to do this inspection (and removal of any protective cover on the percussion cap or any silicon tube installed over the end of the trigger mechanism pin):
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
1 workhour x $65 per hour = $65
No cost for parts
$65
135 x $65 = $8,775.
Regulatory Findings
Will this AD impact various entities? We have 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, oron the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? 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 the 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 summary of the costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include "AD Docket No. 2003-CE-52-AD" in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the AmendmentAccordingly, under 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.
39.13 [Amended]
2. FAA amends 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows: