Call to action: Request more time for response to an AD affecting all fabric-covered Pipers
The FAA is proposing an Airworthiness Directive that would affect all fabric-covered Piper Aircraft. The Piper Flyer Association is working in conjunction with the Short Wing Piper Club and others who believe that the AD as currently proposed may be overly broad and onerous. Two accident aircraft, (no injuries or fatalities), and three additional aircraft that were not involved in an accident or incident were cited in the AD. (NTSB report and complete NRPM are attached)The accident aircraft had engine upgrades and other modifications, and the effect these modifications may have had on the rudder post should be investigated. We are asking Piper Flyer members to contact the FAA to, at a minimum, ask for an extension of time for comments to allow for more research to be completed. https://www.regulations.gov/document/FAA-2023-1893-0001
A request for an extension of time must be received by the FAA by November 10, 2023.
NPRM AD-2023-00389-A
Airframe affected: All fabric-covered Piper Aircraft
Component(s) affected: Rudder post
Action required per AD: Replacement
Deadline to request an extension of time for research and comments: November 10, 2023.
Deadline for comments: November 20, 2023
FAA Summary: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain FS 2001 Corp, FS 2002 Corporation, FS 2003 Corporation, Piper, and Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of broken rudders. This proposed AD would require replacing any rudder equipped with a rudder post made from certain carbon steel with a rudder equipped with a rudder post made from a certain low alloy steel. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493-2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, WestBuilding Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
