[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 39 (Friday, February 27, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9938-9939]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-5197]
[[Page 9938]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-38-AD; Amendment 39-10364; AD 98-05-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 750 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to certain Cessna Model 750 airplanes. This action
requires repetitive lubrication of the aileron feel cartridge assembly
shaft. This action also requires replacement of the roll feel and
centering bungee assembly with an improved assembly, which constitutes
terminating action for the repetitive lubrication. This amendment is
prompted by reports of partial to full jamming of the aileron control
circuit during flight of the airplane. The actions specified in this AD
are intended to prevent the possibility of accumulation of ice on the
aileron feel cartridge assembly shaft, which could result in jamming of
the aileron control circuit, and consequent reduced controllability of
the airplane.
DATES: Effective March 16, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of March 16, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before April 28, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-38-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277. This
information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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: Joel Ligon, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road,
Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316)
946-4138; fax (316) 946-4407.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA recently received reports of four
separate incidents of partial to full jamming of the aileron control
circuit during flight of Cessna Model 750 airplanes. In each instance,
control of the airplane was maintained by reversion to the backup
manual control of the flight controls, yaw input, or by application of
secondary roll control input. In the reported occurrences, the affected
airplanes were exposed to precipitation on the ground prior to flight,
or had encountered precipitation while in flight. Investigation
revealed that water contamination and subsequent accretion of ice on
the center aileron roll feel and centering assembly can prevent free
movement of the bungee shaft, which may cause jamming of the aileron
control circuit. This condition, if not corrected, could result in
reduced controllability of the airplane.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Cessna has issued Citation Alert Service Letter ASL750-12-02, dated
September 29, 1997, which describes procedures for repetitive
lubrication of the aileron feel cartridge assembly shaft.
The FAA has reviewed and approved Cessna Citation Service Bulletin
750-27-10, dated January 16, 1998, which includes Supplemental Data to
Service Bulletin 750-27-10, dated January 16, 1998, which describes
procedures for replacement of the roll feel and centering bungee
assembly with an improved assembly that would prevent ice accumulation
on the aileron feel cartridge assembly shaft. Accomplishment of this
replacement eliminates the need for the repetitive lubrications of the
aileron feel cartridge assembly shaft.
Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being
issued to prevent the possibility of accumulation of ice on the aileron
feel cartridge assembly shaft, which could result in jamming of the
aileron control circuit, and consequent reduced controllability of the
airplane. This AD requires accomplishment of the actions specified in
the alert service letter and the service bulletin described previously,
except as discussed below.
Differences Between the AD and the Relevant Service Bulletin
Operators should note that, although the service bulletin
recommends accomplishing the replacement within 90 days after the
release of the service bulletin, the FAA has determined that an
interval of 90 days would not address the identified unsafe condition
in a timely manner. In developing an appropriate compliance time for
this AD, the FAA considered not only the manufacturer's recommendation,
but the degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe
condition, the average utilization of the affected fleet, and the time
necessary to perform the replacement. In light of all of these factors,
the FAA finds 60 days to be an appropriate compliance time for
initiating the required actions in that it represents the maximum
interval of time allowable for affected airplanes to continue to
operate without compromising safety.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
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
[[Page 9939]]
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 98-NM-38-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, 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 the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-05-02 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-10364. Docket 98-NM-
38-AD.
Applicability: Model 750 airplanes, serial numbers 0001 through
0053 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
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 (d) 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 the possibility of the accumulation of ice on the
aileron feel cartridge assembly shaft, which could result in jamming
of the aileron control circuit, and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 10 hours time-in-service after the effective date of
this AD, lubricate the aileron feel cartridge assembly shaft in
accordance with Cessna Citation Alert Service Letter ASL750-12-02,
dated September 29, 1997. Thereafter, repeat the action at intervals
not to exceed 30 days until the requirements of paragraph (b) are
accomplished.
(b) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, replace
the roll feel centering bungee assembly with an improved bungee
assembly in accordance with Cessna Citation Service Bulletin 750-27-
10, dated January 16, 1998, which includes Supplemental Data to
Service Bulletin 750-27-10, dated January 16, 1998. Accomplishment
of this replacement constitutes terminating action for the
repetitive actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
(c) Airplanes on which the replacement required by paragraph (b)
of this AD is performed within the compliance time specified in
paragraph (a) of this AD are not required to accomplish the action
required by paragraph (a).
(d) 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
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.
(e) 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.
(f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Cessna Citation
Alert Service Letter ASL750-12-02, dated September 29, 1997; and
Cessna Citation Service Bulletin 750-27-10, dated January 16, 1998,
which includes Supplemental Data to Service Bulletin 750-27-10,
dated January 16, 1998. 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 Cessna
Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on March 16, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 23, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-5197 Filed 2-26-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
