Editor's note: For final ruling see AD-2020-26-16 effective 02/16/21.
The FAA is revising an earlier proposal for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Models PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-151, PA-28-160, PA-28-161, PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-28-235, PA-28R-180, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-201, PA-28R-201T, PA-28RT-201, PA-28RT-201T, PA-32-260, and PA-32-300 airplanes. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) was prompted by a report of a wing separation caused by fatigue cracking in a visually inaccessible area of the lower main wing spar cap. This action revises the NPRM by adding and removing certain models of airplanes in the Applicability, proposing to require the use of service information that was issued since the NPRM, and clarifying some of the proposed actions. The FAA is proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an additional burden over those proposed in the NPRM, the FAA is reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these changes.
The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by July 20, 2020.
Reason for Airworthiness Concern:
Latent failure of FreeFlight Systems ADS-B unit, model number FDL-978-XVR, to display air traffic or transmit location to other aircraft with active ADS-B In.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Description of Airworthiness Concern:
Request for Information (For example: Proposed alternate inspection or repair procedures, cost impact, etc. Your comments or replies to the FAA need to be as specific as possible. Please provide specific examples to illustrate your comments or concerns.)
We have received reports of latent failures of FreeFlight model FDL-978-XVR ADS-B units. Troubleshooting determined that some units failed completely, while other units failed intermittently. Attempts to update the software and change any unit settings failed, as most parameters were “greyed out” and unable to be changed. Additionally, the failed units gave no indication of failure to the pilot.
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Docket No. FAA–2018–1077; Product Identifier 2018–NE–40–AD
SUMMARY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all SAP Model IO–360-series and O–360-series reciprocating engines and certain Lycoming Engines (Lycoming) Model AEIO–360-, IO–360-, and O–360-series reciprocating engines with a certain SAP crankshaft assembly installed. This SAP crankshaft assembly is installed as original equipment on the affected SAP engines and as a replacement part under parts manufacturer approval (PMA) on the affected Lycoming engines. This proposed AD was prompted by three crankshaft assembly failures that resulted in the loss of engine power and immediate or emergency landings. This proposed AD would require the removal from service of all affected crankshaft assemblies. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Download PDF for entire NPRM
Airworthiness Concern Sheet-Piper PA-32 Hoses
Notice Number: NOTC9659
On February 19, 2019, an IA contacted the FAA in regards to the applicable aircraft under AD 2017-14-04. During an inspection, he had noticed that the PA28RT-201 Arrow IV was not listed on the AD, even though it has an identical oil cooler installation as the other PA-28 Arrows with the same engine installation. Since the FAA cannot hold Part 91 owners/operators to the service life limit requirements provided by the manufacturer in the maintenance manual, the AD would need to be updated with any additional models to provide the proper coverage to avoid the unsafe condition with the Type C hoses. In addition, since AD 2017-14-04 only addresses the oil cooler hoses, the FAA is also interested in whether the flying public is still utilizing Type C hoses in their engine compartments to see whether adding any other hose applications (i.e. fuel, turbocharger, etc) to the AD would be necessary to ensure safety is being maintained.