[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 246 (Friday, December 21, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 75590-75593]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-30753]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1330; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-006-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) (previously COLUMBIA or
LANCAIR) Models LC40-550FG, LC41-550FG, and LC42-550FG airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports that during maximum braking, if the
brakes lock up and a skid occurs, a severe oscillatory yawing motion or
``wheel walk'' may develop, which could result in further significant
structural damage to the airplane. This proposed AD would require
insertions into the pilot's operating handbook (POH) and the airplane
maintenance manuals (AMM) regarding proper use of the brakes and
inspection of the aft fuselage. We are proposing this AD to correct the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 4,
2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building 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.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Cessna Aircraft Company, Customer Service, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita,
Kansas 67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; fax (316) 517-7271; Internet:
www.cessnasupport.com. You may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Park, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita,
KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-4123; fax: (316) 946-4107; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to
[[Page 75591]]
an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No.
FAA-2012-1330; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-006-AD'' at the beginning
of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this
proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received several reports of structural damage to Cessna
Models LC41-550FG and LC42-550FG airplanes due to ``wheel walking''
anomalies. These incidents were all precipitated by pilots applying
maximum braking at high speeds, leading to locked wheels and prolonged
tire skidding. The main landing gear struts developed a severe
oscillatory yawing motion or ``wheel walking'' as the airplane
decelerated.
This ``wheel walking'' motion resulted in significant structural
damage to the aft fuselage skin, affecting the inside skin and adjacent
structure near the leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in further significant
structural damage to the airplane.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require insertions into the pilot's
operating handbook (POH) and the airplane maintenance manuals (AMM)
regarding proper use of the brakes and inspection of the aft fuselage.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 726 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Insertion of manuals and 4.5 work-hours x $85 per Not applicable.... $382.50 $277,695
inspection of aft fuselage. hour = $382.50.
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. FAA-2012-1330; Directorate
Identifier 2012-CE-006-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by February 4, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to the following Cessna Aircraft Company
(previously COLUMBIA or LANCAIR) Models LC40-550FG, LC41-550FG, and
LC42-550FG airplanes that are certificated in any category:
(i) LC40-550FG (Model 300), serial numbers 40001 through 40079;
(ii) LC41-550FG (Model 400), serial numbers 41001 through 41108,
41501 through 41533, 41563 through 41800, and 411001 through 411161;
and
(iii) LC42-550FG (Model 350), serial numbers 42001 through
42084, 42501 through 42569, and 421001 through 421020.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 5300, Fuselage Structure (General).
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that during maximum braking, if
the brakes lock up and a skid occurs, a severe oscillatory yawing
motion or ``wheel walk'' may develop, which could result in
significant structural damage to the airplane. We are proposing this
AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
[[Page 75592]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
effective date of this AD or within the next 3 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, incorporate
figure 1 of paragraph (g) of this AD into the applicable Pilot's
Operating Handbook (POH)/FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM),
Section 2, Limitations (Other Limitations). This may also be done by
inserting a copy of this AD into the POH/AFM.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP21DE12.001
(2) Within the next 50 hours TIS after the effective date of
this AD or within the next 3 months after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs first, incorporate figure 2 of paragraph (g) of
this AD into the applicable POH/AFM at the end of each of the
following sections:
(i) Section 4, Normal Procedures (Amplified Procedures):
Landings, Normal Landings; and
(ii) Section 4, end of paragraph: Short Field Landings.
This may also be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the
POH/AFM.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP21DE12.002
(3) Within the next 50 hours TIS after the effective date of
this AD or within the next 3 months after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs first, incorporate the Cessna maintenance
manual revisions for the appropriate airplane from the following
list:
(i) Model LC40-550FG, Cessna Maintenance Manual 300MM02,
Revision 2, Chapter 20-95-00, section titled ``Tap Testing--
Description and Operation''; Chapter 20-95-02, section titled
``Structural Inspections--Description and Operation''; and Chapter
53-70-00, section titled ``Fuselage Components--Adjustment/Test'';
all dated July 1, 2012.
(ii) Model LC41-550FG/T240, Cessna Maintenance Manual 400MM02,
Revision 2, dated July 1, 2012, Chapter 20-90-00, section titled
``Tap Testing--Description and Operation''; Chapter 20-95-00,
section titled ``Structural Inspections--Description and
Operation''; and Chapter 53-70-00, section titled ``Fuselage
Components--Adjustment/Test''; all dated July 1, 2012.
(iii) Model LC42-550FG, Cessna Maintenance Manual 350MM02,
Revision 2, dated July 1, 2012, Chapter 20-95-00, section titled
``Tap Testing--Description and Operation''; Chapter 20-95-02,
section titled ``Structural Inspections--Description and
Operation''; and Chapter 53-70-00, section titled ``Fuselage
Components--Adjustment/Test''; all dated July 1, 2012.
Note for paragraph (g)(3) of this AD: We recommend you replace
your current maintenance manual in its entirety with the appropriate
Cessna Maintenance Manual 300MM02, 350MM02, or 400MM02, all Revision
2, all dated July 1, 2012, that would apply to your airplane.
(4) The actions required by paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and
(g)(3) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot)
holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered
into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1)-(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v).
The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380,
or 135.439.
(5) At the next annual inspection after the effective date of
this AD or within the next 50 hours TIS after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later, and prior to further flight if a
severe oscillatory yawing motion as described in figure 1 of
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD has occurred, inspect the aft fuselage
following the aft fuselage inspection procedures for the appropriate
model of airplane as follows:
[[Page 75593]]
(i) LC40-550FG (Model 300), Cessna Maintenance Manual 300MM02,
Revision 2, dated July 1, 2012:
(a) Tap Testing: Chapter 20-95-00, section titled ``Tap
Testing--Description and Operation'';
(b) Visual Testing: Chapter 20-95-02, section titled
``Structural Inspections--Description and Operation''; and/or
(c) Fuselage: Chapter 53-70-00, section titled ``Fuselage
Components--Adjustment/Test.''
(ii) Model LC41-550FG/T240, Cessna Maintenance Manual 400MM02,
Revision 2, dated July 1, 2012:
(a) Tap Testing: Chapter 20-90-00, section titled ``Tap
Testing--Description and Operation'';
(b) Visual Testing: Chapter 20-95-00, section titled
``Structural Inspections--Description and Operation''; and/or
(c) Fuselage: Chapter 53-70-00, section titled ``Fuselage
Components--Adjustment/Test.''
(iii) Model LC42-550FG, Cessna Maintenance Manual 350MM02,
Revision 2, dated July 1, 2012:
(a) Tap Testing: Chapter 20-95-00, section titled ``Tap
Testing--Description and Operation'';
(b) Visual Testing: Chapter 20-95-02, section titled
``Structural Inspections--Description and Operation''; and/or
(c) Fuselage: Chapter 53-70-00, section titled ``Fuselage
Components--Adjustment/Test.''
(6) If any damaged or suspect areas are found during any aft
fuselage inspection required by paragraph (g)(5) of this AD, before
further flight, contact Cessna Customer Service by phone at (316)
517-5800 or fax at (316) 517-7271 for an FAA-approved repair and
perform the repair.
(h) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
Cessna Aircraft Company released the following POH/AFM Temporary
Revisions via Cessna Service Bulletin SB 10-11-01, dated August 17,
2010. Incorporation of the applicable document below is considered
compliance with the POH/AFM change requirements in paragraphs (g)(1)
and (g)(2) of this AD. The affected POH/AFM Temporary Revisions are:
Cessna Corvalis 300: RA050001-O TR03-06, dated August
13, 2010;
Cessna Corvalis 350: RB050005-I TR08-11 (Garmin G1000-
equipped) and RB050000-R TR02-05 (Avidyne Entegra-equipped), dated
August 13, 2010; and
Cessna Corvalis 400: RC050005-I TR10-13 (Garmin G1000-
equipped) and RC050002-G TR02-05 (Avidyne Entegra-equipped), dated
August 13, 2010.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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 ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section of this AD.
(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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Gary Park,
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, KS
67209; phone: (316) 946-4123; fax: (316) 946-4107; email:
[email protected].
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 17, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-30753 Filed 12-20-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P