Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R and 182S Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 15 (Friday, January 23, 1998)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 3455-3458] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-1297]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-CE-150-AD; Amendment 39-10287; AD 98-01-01] RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R and 182S Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-01-01, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 172R and 182S airplanes. This AD requires fabricating and installing placards to prohibit operation in instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions and use of the alternate static air source; inspecting the alternate static air source valve to assure that the alternate static air source port is not restricted by the identification placard and to assure that the valve body does not separate from the valve flange; and reworking or replacing as necessary. The AD was the result of reports of improper installation of the identification placard on the alternate static air source. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent erroneous indications from the altimeter, airspeed, and vertical speed indicators, which could cause the pilot to react to incorrect flight information and possibly result in loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: Effective February 2, 1998, to all persons except those to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 98-01-01, issued December 22, 1997, which contained the requirements of this amendment. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director

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of the Federal Register as of February 2, 1998. Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before March 16, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-CE-150-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from the Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277. This information may also be examined at the Rules Docket at the address above, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Joel Ligon, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Mid- Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4138; facsimile (316) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

On December 22, 1997, the FAA issued priority letter AD 98-01-01, which applies to Cessna Models 172R and 182S airplanes. That AD resulted from reports of improper installation of the identification placard on the alternate static air source. This placard was installed on the valve body in a location that covers the external orifice, which is the inlet for static air reference into the valve. Cessna discovered the problem during a preflight static check on a Model 172R airplane. Further investigation and a purge of stock at the manufacturing facility revealed 21 valve assemblies having the identification placard installed over the static air reference orifice. Cessna has no way of verifying how many of these assemblies were manufactured and sent to the field with the identification placard installed over the static air reference orifice. Several of these assemblies have been identified and corrected on the above-referenced airplanes. The FAA has no way of determining which airplanes have the remaining problem alternate static air source assemblies installed without having all of the affected airplanes inspected. These assemblies are required for flight into instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions as defined in Sec. 91.411 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 91.411). Use of these assemblies is optional in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. If these assemblies are not identified and reworked or replaced, selection of the alternate air source will cause the altimeter, airspeed, and vertical speed indicators to display erroneous indications. This could cause the pilot to react to incorrect flight information and possibly result in loss of control of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

Cessna has issued Service Bulletin No. SB97-34-02, Revision 1, dated December 22, 1997, which includes:

--Procedures for inspecting the alternate static air source valve to assure that the alternate static air source port is not restricted by the identification placard and to assure that the valve body does not separate from the valve flange; --Procedures for reworking the alternate static air source valve if the port is restricted; and --Reference to replacing the alternate static air valve assembly if the valve body separates from the valve flange in accordance with the maintenance manual.

Cessna is providing warranty credit for both labor and parts for required inspections, reworks, and replacements.

The FAA's Determination and Explanation of the AD

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop in other Cessna Models 172R and 182S of the same type design, the FAA issued priority letter AD 98-01-01 to prevent erroneous indications from the altimeter, airspeed, and vertical speed indicators, which could cause the pilot to react to incorrect flight information and possibly result in loss of control of the airplane. The AD requires the following:

--Immediately fabricating placards that prohibit operation in IFR conditions and prohibit use of the alternate static air source, and installing these placards in the cockpit within the pilot's clear view; --Eventually inspecting the alternate static air source valve to assure that the alternate static air source port is not restricted by the identification placard and to assure that the valve body does not separate from the valve flange; --Reworking the alternate static air source assembly if the port is restricted; and --Replacing the alternate static air source assembly if the valve body separates from the valve flange.

Accomplishment of the inspection and rework is required in accordance with the previously referenced service information. Accomplishment of the replacement is required in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual.

Determination of the Effective Date of the AD

Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters issued on December 22, 1997, to all known U.S. operators of certain Cessna Models 172R and 182S airplanes. These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective as to all persons.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting immediate flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and opportunity to comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket No. 97-CE-150-AD.'' The

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postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects 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. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows:

98-01-01 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-10287; Docket No. 97-CE-150-AD.

Applicability: The following airplane models and serial numbers, certificated in any category: Model 172R Airplanes: serial numbers 17280003 through 17280171, 17280173 through 17280175, 17280177 through 17280179, 17280182 through 17280184, 17280186, 17280189, 17280190, 17280192 through 17280212, 17280214, 17280216 through 17280221, 17280223 through 17280236, 17280239 through 17280251, 17280253 through 17280263, 17280265, 17280268, 17280270 through 17280272, 17280283, 17280297, and 17280301; and Model 182S Airplanes: serial numbers 18280001, 18280002, 18280004 through 18280045, 18280048 through 18280060, 18280062 through 18280064, 18280067, and 18280070. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (h) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished, except to those operators receiving this action by priority letter issued December 22, 1997, which made these actions effective immediately upon receipt. To prevent erroneous indications from the altimeter, airspeed, and vertical speed indicators, which could cause the pilot to react to incorrect flight information and possibly result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to further flight after the effective date of this AD, fabricate placards with the following words, using letters at least \1/8\-inch in height, and install these placards in the cockpit within the pilot's clear view: (1) ``IFR operation is prohibited.'' (2) ``Use of the alternate static air source is prohibited.'' (b) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD or within the next 4 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect the alternate static air source valve to assure that the alternate static air source valve is not restricted by the identification placard and to assure that the valve body does not separate from the valve flange in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin No. SB97-34- 02, Revision 1, dated December 22, 1997. (1) If the alternate static air source valve is restricted, prior to further flight after the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, rework the alternate static air source assembly in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin No. SB97-34-02, Revision 1, dated December 22, 1997. (2) If the valve body separates from the valve flange, replace the alternate static air source assembly in accordance with the maintenance manual at one of the compliance times presented below (paragraph (b)(2)(i) or (b)(2)(ii) of this AD): (i) Prior to further flight to eliminate the operating limitations required by the placards in paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(2) of this AD; or (ii) Within the next 25 hours TIS after the inspection provided the operating limitations required by the placards in paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(2) of this AD are adhered to. (c) The placard requirements of paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(2) of this AD may be eliminated when the inspection, rework, and replacement requirements are accomplished as specified in paragraphs (b), (b)(1), and (b)(2) of this AD. (d) The inspection, rework, and replacement requirements specified in paragraphs (b), (b)(1), and (b)(2) of this AD may be accomplished at any time prior to ``within the next 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD or within the next 4 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.'' (e) Within 10 days after the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, send the results of the inspection in writing to the FAA at the address specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. Include the serial number of the airplane and state whether the alternate static air source assembly needed to be reworked or replaced. (Reporting approved by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB No. 2120-0056). (f) Fabricating and installing the placards as required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). (g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (h) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Wichita ACO.

Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Wichita ACO.

(i) The inspection and rework required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin No. SB97-34-02, Revision 1, dated December 22, 1997. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from the Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

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(j) This amendment (39-10287) becomes effective on February 2, 1998, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 98-01-01, issued December 22, 1997, which contained the requirements of this amendment.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 12, 1998. Michael Gallagher, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-1297 Filed 1-22-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U