[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 235 (Thursday, December 5, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64456-64458]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-30968]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-267-AD; Amendment 39-9844; AD 96-24-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 560 Series 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) 96-24-06 that was sent previously
to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain Cessna Model 560
series airplanes by individual letters. This AD requires revising the
FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the flightcrew
with limitations, operational procedures, and performance information
to be used during approach and landing when residual ice is present or
can be expected. This amendment is prompted by reports indicating that,
while operating in icing conditions or when ice is on the wings, some
of these airplanes have experienced uncommanded roll at a speed at (or
slightly higher than) the speed at which the stall warning system is
activated. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent
uncommanded roll of the airplane during approach and landing when
residual ice is present or can be expected.
DATES: Effective December 10, 1996, to all persons except those persons
to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 96-24-
06, issued November 19, 1996, which contained the requirements of this
amendment.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before February 3, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-267-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
Service information relating to this rulemaking action may be
obtained from Cessna Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas
67277. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; at the FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801
Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas; or at
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carlos Blacklock, Aerospace Engineer,
Flight Test and Program Management Branch, ACE-117W, FAA Small Airplane
Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road,
Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316)
946-4166; fax (316) 946-4407.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 19, 1996, the FAA issued
priority letter AD 96-24-06, which is applicable to certain Cessna
Model 560 series airplanes. That action was prompted by reports
indicating that some of these airplanes, while operating in icing
conditions or when ice is on the wings, have experienced uncommanded
roll at a speed at, or slightly higher than, the speed at which the
stall warning system is activated. (The speed at which the airplane's
stick shaker is activated.)
Results of an FAA investigation, which involved extensive flight
tests with simulated ice on protected and unprotected airplane
surfaces, revealed that, as this airplane model approaches stalling
speed under normal operating conditions, it exhibits a significant
uncommanded rolling tendency that requires immediate and aggressive
action by the pilot to prevent excessive deviation from the intended
flight path. In addition, the tendency to roll and the magnitude of the
roll are more pronounced at some flap settings than others. With no ice
present, the FAA found that this rolling tendency normally occurs near
aerodynamic stall and after activation of the stall warning.
The FAA also found that the stall warning system aboard the
airplane may not compensate for increased stall speed resulting from
accumulations of ice typically encountered. The lack of adequate stall
warning margin has been verified by the FAA using the maximum
accumulation defined in the Model 560 FAA-approved Airplane Flight
Manual (AFM) for activation of the de-icing boots. In addition, the FAA
has
[[Page 64457]]
determined that the approach and landing speeds specified in the AFM
are not adequate for operating with ice accumulated on the airplane.
The FAA also has determined that the AFM needs additional information
to make the pilot more aware of the special characteristics of the
airplane and procedures needed to operate during these conditions.
When any residual ice is present, the stall warning system may not
activate at speeds high enough above stall speed. This condition, if
not corrected, could result in an uncommanded roll.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA reviewed and approved Cessna Citation Alert Service Letter
SLA560-30-07, dated November 14, 1996, which describes procedures for
revising the Limitations Section, Normal Procedures Section, and
Performance Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
for this airplane model. These revisions provide limitations,
operational procedures, and performance information to be used by the
flightcrew during approach and landing when any residual ice is present
or can be expected. These revisions include:
a requirement to increase approach and landing speeds;
procedures for using the de-icing system; and
performance corrections for landing weight and distance.
For airplanes having serial numbers 560-0001 through 560-0259
inclusive, this information is contained in Temporary AFM Changes:
560FM TC-96-01, dated November 14, 1996;
560FM TC-96-02, dated November 14, 1996;
560FM TC-96-03, dated November 14, 1996; and
560FM TC-96-04, dated November 14, 1996.
For airplanes having serial numbers 560-0260 through 560-5000
inclusive, the information is contained in Cessna Model 560 Citation V
Ultra (Unit -0260 and on) 56FMA-05, Revision 5, dated November 14,
1996.
Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule
Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop
on other airplanes of the same type design, the FAA issued priority
letter AD 96-24-06 to prevent uncommanded roll of the airplane during
approach and landing when residual ice is present or can be expected.
The AD requires revision of the Limitations Section, Normal Procedures
Section, and Performance Section of the AFM to provide the flightcrew
with limitations, operational procedures, and performance information
to be used during approach and landing when residual ice is present or
can be expected. The actions are required to be accomplished in
accordance with the Temporary AFM Changes and Cessna Model 560 Citation
V Ultra document previously described.
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 November 19, 1996, to all known U.S. owners and operators of
Cessna Model 560 series 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 to all persons.
Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action. The manufacturer is
currently developing a modification to the stall warning system which
will increase the speed at which the stall warning is activated. In
addition, the manufacturer is making permanent changes to the AFM (for
airplanes with serial numbers 560-0001 through 560-0259 inclusive)
which will provide revised limitations, operational procedures, and
performance information to be used during approach and landing when
residual ice is present or can be expected. Once the modification and
permanent changes are developed, approved and available, the FAA may
consider additional rulemaking.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public 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 shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ``ADDRESSES.''
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 Number 96-NM-267-AD.'' The 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 that it 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, 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
[[Page 64458]]
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 the following new
airworthiness directive:
96-24-06 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-9844. Docket 96-NM-
267-AD.
Applicability: Model 560 series airplanes having serial numbers
560-0001 through 560-5000 inclusive; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise 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 (c) 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, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent uncommanded roll of the airplane during approach and
landing when residual ice is present or can be expected, accomplish
the following:
Note 2: Cessna Citation Alert Service Letter A560-30-07, dated
November 14, 1996, refers to the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual
(AFM) revisions required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Priority
Letter AD.
(a) For airplanes having serial numbers 560-0001 through 560-
0259 inclusive: Within 10 days after receipt of this Priority
Letter, revise the Limitations Section, Normal Procedures Section,
and Performance Section of the AFM by inserting Temporary AFM
Changes 560FM TC-96-01, dated November 14, 1996; 560FM TC-96-02,
dated November 14, 1996; 560FM TC-96-03, dated November 14, 1996;
and 560FM TC-96-04, dated November 14, 1996; which introduce
limitations, procedures, and corrected performance information for
approach and landing when residual ice is present or can be
expected. Thereafter, operate the airplane in accordance with those
limitations, procedures, and performance information.
Note 3: When these temporary changes have been incorporated into
general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted
in the AFM and these temporary changes removed, provided the
information contained in the general revisions is identical to that
specified in Temporary AFM Changes 560FM TC-96-01, 560FM TC-96-02,
560FM TC-96-03, and 560FM TC-96-04.
(b) For airplanes having serial numbers 560-0260 through 560-
5000 inclusive: Within 10 days after the receipt of this Priority
Letter, revise the Limitations Section, Normal Procedures Section,
and Performance Section of the AFM by inserting Cessna Model 560
Citation V Ultra (Unit -0260 and on) 56FMA-05, Revision 5, dated
November 14, 1996, which introduces limitations, procedures, and
corrected performance information for approach and landing when
residual ice is present or can be expected. Thereafter, operate the
airplane in accordance with those limitations, procedures, and
performance information.
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate. Operators shall
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal
Operations Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Wichita ACO.
Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Wichita ACO.
(d) 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.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on December 10, 1996, to
all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately
effective by priority letter AD 96-24-06, issued November 19, 1996,
which contained the requirements of this amendment.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 29, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-30968 Filed 12-4-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
