2023-16-04: Elevator Structure

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: 2023-16-04 Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.: Amendment 39-22523; Docket No. FAA-2023-1712; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00821-A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 30, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the following Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. Model P-180 airplanes, certificated in any category: (1) Serial numbers (S/N) 1002, 1034 through 1234 inclusive, 3001 through 3014 inclusive, 3016, and 3018; and (2) S/N 1004 through 1033 inclusive if modified in accordance with Piaggio Service Bulletin 80-0142. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 5520, Elevator Structure. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion-induced cracking on the horizontal tail trim actuator (HTTA) fitting assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address structural failure of the HTTA fitting assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Definitions (1) For purposes of this AD, "light corrosion" is corrosion that does not exceed a depth of 0.15 millimeter (mm) and does not extend beyond 1 square inch (645.2 square mm). (2) For purposes of this AD, a "new part" is a part with zero hours time-in-service (TIS). (h) Inspection Within the compliance time for your airplane listed in Table 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD, do a high frequency eddy current inspection of HTTA fitting assembly part number (P/N) 80-363283-401 for corrosion and cracking in accordance with Section 2.B., Part A, Steps (11) through (14) of the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin 80-0492, Revision 3, dated June 12, 2023. BILLING CODE 4910-13-P ER15AU23.005 (i) Corrective Actions Based on the result of the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, do the applicable corrective action within the applicable compliance time specified in Table 2 to paragraph (i) of this AD. ER15AU23.006 BILLING CODE 4910-13-C (j) Terminating Action Replacing the HTTA fitting assembly with a new part in accordance with Piaggio Aerospace Temporary Revision TR-031 to Chapter 51-70-70, dated May 29, 2023, to the Piaggio P.180 Structural Repair Manual constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (i) of this AD for that airplane. (k) Credit for Previous Action You may take credit for the initial inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD if you performed the initial inspection before the effective date of this AD using Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin 80-0492, Revision 2, dated May 15, 2023. (l) Reporting Requirement Report to the manufacturer the results of each inspection required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD within the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (l)(1) or (2) of this AD using the Confirmation Slip attached to Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin 80-0492, Revision 3, dated June 12, 2023. (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the inspection. (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD. (m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD or email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit information by email. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office. (n) Additional Information (1) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0122R1, dated July 5, 2023, for related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1712. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Mike Kiesov, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329-4144; email: mike.kiesov@faa.gov. (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (o)(3) and (4) of this AD. (o) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin 80-0492, Revision 3, dated June 12, 2023. (ii) Piaggio Aerospace Temporary Revision TR-031 to Chapter 51-70-70, dated May 29, 2023, to the Piaggio P.180 Structural Repair Manual. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A., P180 Customer Support, via Pionieri e Aviatori d'Italia, snc-16154 Genoa, Italy; phone: +39 331 679 74 93; email: technicalsupport@piaggioaerospace.it. (4) You may view this 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. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on August 8, 2023. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-17575 Filed 8-11-23; 4:15 pm]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P