Michael Sellers

Document ID: FAA-2012-0756-0009
Document Type: Public Submission
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Received Date: August 16 2012, at 12:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Date Posted: August 17 2012, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Start Date: July 19 2012, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Due Date: September 4 2012, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time
Tracking Number: 810e000c
View Document:

This is comment on Proposed Rule

Airworthiness Directives: Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes

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In regards to the NPRM for Piper Aircraft, Document ID FAA-2012-0756-0001: There is no need for an Airworthiness Directive to move the magneto switch for the applicable aircraft covered by this proposed AD. There were thousands of Piper Aircraft manufactured with magneto switches located on the cabin side panel. Millions of hours have been logged in these aircraft where the magneto location have resulted in uneventful operation. If one or both magnetos were inadvertently switched off, an attentive pilot would be able to turn them back on in a matter of just a few seconds. Even during landing or take-off, if the mags were switched off, the problem could be resolved almost instantly. The PA-18 Super Cub is approved for solo flight from the rear seat. Locating the mag switch on the instrument panel could conceivably create a hazardous situation if a solo operator needed immediate access to the mag switch.