2023-25-02: Control Column Section

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: 2023-25-02 Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-22629; Docket No. FAA-2023-2241; Project Identifier AD-2023-01214-A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 19, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc. airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, certificated in any category. (1) Model PA-46-350P airplanes, serial numbers 4636811 through 4636814 inclusive and 4636816 through 4636829 inclusive. (2) Model PA-46-500TP airplanes, serial numbers 4697692 through 4697700 inclusive. (3) Model PA-46-600TP airplanes, serial numbers 4698224 through 4698240 inclusive and 4698242 through 4698274 inclusive. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2701, Control Column Section. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report that a bearing fell out of a control column mount during routine handling prior to installation in an affected airplane and the discovery that a quality escape condition could exist on other airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address a missing retaining ring in a control column mount. A missing retaining ring in a control column mount, if not addressed, could lead to a major failure in the aileron quadrant assembly and result in loss of pitch and roll control during flight with consequent loss of control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, do all applicable actions identified as "RC" (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with Part III. of the Instructions in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1409A, dated November 21, 2023 (Piper SB 1409A). (h) Special Flight Permit For airplanes with greater than 25 flight hours time since new, a one-time flight is allowed to reach the nearest facility that is capable of doing the inspection and repair described in Part III. of the Instructions in Piper SB 1409A, provided the flight is with minimum required crew and after verification of the integrity of the left and right control columns (the control columns do not feel or visually appear to be loose, do not have a substantial increase in control force requirements, or do not have a reduction in control authority). (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, East Certification 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 East Certification Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to: 9-ASO-ATLACO-ADs@faa.gov . (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. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by the Piper Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, East Certification Branch to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (4) Except as required by paragraph (g) of this AD: For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the following provisions apply. (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures. (ii) The steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. (j) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Tuan Tran, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5522; email: 9-ASO-ATLACO-ADs@faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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) Piper Service Bulletin No. 1409A, dated November 21, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960; phone: (772) 291-2141; website: www.piper.com. (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 material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on December 8, 2023. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-27494 Filed 12-11-23; 4:15 pm]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P