2022-09-13: Nose/Tail Landing Gear

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2022-09-13 Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-22033; Docket No. FAA-2022-0022; Project Identifier AD-2020-01264-A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 31, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-34-200 airplanes, serial numbers 34-7250001 through 34-7450220, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3220, Nose/Tail Landing Gear. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the determination that the life limit for alternate bolts that attach the drag link to the nose gear were not included as airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to establish a life limit on bolt part numbers 693-215 and NAS6207-50D that attach the drag link to the nose gear trunnion. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the nose landing gear and lead to loss of airplane control during take-off, landing, or taxi operations. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Actions (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, incorporate into the maintenance records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2) for your airplane a life limit of 500 hours for bolt part numbers 693-215 and NAS6207-50D. Note to paragraph (g)(1): Piper Seneca Service Manual, Airworthiness Limitations, 753-817, page 1-1, dated November 30, 2019, contains the life limit in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. (2) Thereafter, except as provided in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, no alternative replacement times may be approved for these bolts. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (i) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Fred Caplan, Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5507; email: frederick.n.caplan@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960; phone: (772) 299-2141; website: https://www.piper.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on April 21, 2022. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-08852 Filed 4-25-22; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P