E8-9719. Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company 172, 175, 180, 182, 185, 206, 207, 208, 210, and 303 Series Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) 172, 175, 180, 182, 185, 206, 207, 208, 210, and 303 series airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect the alternate static air source selector valve to assure that the part number identification placard does not obstruct the alternate static air source selector valve port. If the part number identification placard obstructs the port, this AD requires you to remove the placard, assure that the port is unobstructed, and report to the FAA if obstruction is found. This AD results from reports of improper installation of the part number identification placard on the alternate static air source selector valve. 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.

DATES:

This AD becomes effective on May 12, 2008.

We must receive any comments on this AD by July 1, 2008.

ADDRESSES:

Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD.

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: [phone].
• 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

To view the comments to this AD, go to http://www.regulations.gov. The docket number is FAA-2008-0471; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-025-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

David Fairback, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; e-mail address: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We recently received reports of improper installation of the part number identification placard on alternate static air source selector valves of certain Cessna 172, 175, 180, 182, 185, 206, 207, 208, 210, and 303 series airplanes. The part number identification placard refers to alternative air source selector valves, part number 2013142-18 that were manufactured between November 20, 2007, and February 18, 2008. The part number identification placard was installed on the valve body in a location that covers the port, which is the inlet for static air reference into the valve. The problem was discovered during a quality control check.

All parts held in stock at Cessna have been corrected. Cessna has no way of verifying how many of these assemblies were manufactured and sent to the field with the part number identification placard installed over the alternate static air source selector valve port.

We have no way of determining which airplanes have the remaining problem alternate static air source selector valve assemblies installed without having all of the affected airplanes and spares stock inspected.

This condition, if not corrected, could result in the altimeter, airspeed, and vertical speed indicators displaying erroneous indications. This could cause the pilot to react to incorrect flight information and possibly result in loss of control.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. This AD requires inspecting the alternate static air source selector valve to assure that the part number identification placard does not obstruct the alternate static air source selector valve port. If the part number identification obstructs the port, this AD requires you to remove the placard, assure that the port is unobstructed, and report to the FAA if obstruction is found.

In preparing this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft operators to get technical information and information on operational and economic impacts. We have included a discussion of information that may have influenced this action in the rulemaking docket.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because erroneous indications from the altimeter, airspeed, and vertical speed indicators could cause the pilot to react to incorrect flight information and possibly result in loss of control. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not precede it by notice and an opportunity for public comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number “FAA-2008-0471; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-025-AD” at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light 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 concerning this AD.

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 AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;

(2) Is not a “significant rule” under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and

(3) 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.

We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket that contains the AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information 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 Docket Office (telephone [phone]) is located at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Safety

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2008-10-02 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-15508; Docket No. FAA-2008-0471; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-025-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This AD becomes effective on May 12, 2008.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to airplanes listed in Table 1 and Table 2 of this AD that:

(1) Have a part number (P/N) 2013142-18 alternate static air source selector valve installed after November 19, 2007; and

(2) Are certificated in any category:

Table 1.—Applicability for Airplanes That Had the Affected Part Installed at Manufacture

Model	Serial Nos. (S/Ns)
172S	172S10672 through 172S10674, 172S10676, 172S10678 through 172S10680, 172S10682, 172S10683, and 172S10685.
182T	18282062 and 18282065.
T182T	T18208822 and T18208828.
208	20800417, 20800418, and 20800419.
208B	208B1294 through 208B1310.

Note 1:

Airplanes listed in Table 1 may have also had the affected part installed as a replacement part.

Table 2.—Applicability for Airplanes That Could Have Had the Affected Part Installed as a Replacement Part or From Parts Held as Spares

Model	S/Ns
172	All S/Ns.
172R	All S/Ns beginning with 17280001.
172S	172S8001 through 172S10671.
F172D	All S/Ns.
F172E	All S/Ns.
F172F	All S/Ns.
F172G	All S/Ns.
F172H	All S/Ns.
F172K	All S/Ns.
F172L	All S/Ns.
F172M	All S/Ns.
F172N	All S/Ns.
F172P	All S/Ns.
FR172E	All S/Ns.
FR172F	All S/Ns.
FR172G	All S/Ns.
FR172H	All S/Ns.
FR172J	All S/Ns.
FR172K	All S/Ns.
P172D	All S/Ns.
R172E (USAF T-41B) (USAF T-41C and D)	All S/Ns.
R172F (USAF T-41)	All S/Ns.
R172G (USAF T-41C or D)	All S/Ns.
R172H (USAF T-41D)	All S/Ns.
R172J	All S/Ns.
R172K	All S/Ns.
172RG	All S/Ns.
175	All S/Ns.
180	All S/Ns.
182	All S/Ns.
182S	18280001 through 18280944.
182T	18280945 through 18282061.
R182	All S/Ns.
T182	All S/Ns.
TR182	All S/Ns.
T182T	T18208001 through T18208821.
F182P	All S/Ns.
F182Q	All S/Ns.
FR182	All S/Ns.
185	All S/Ns.
206	All S/Ns.
206H	All S/Ns beginning with 20608001.
P206	All S/Ns.
U206	All S/Ns.
T206H	All S/Ns beginning with T20608001.
TU206A	All S/Ns.
TU206B	All S/Ns.
TU206C	All S/Ns.
TU206D	All S/Ns.
TU206E	All S/Ns.
TU206F	All S/Ns.
TU206G	All S/Ns
207	All S/Ns.
208	20800001 through 20800416.
208B	208B0001 through 208B1293.
210	All S/Ns.
210-5 (205)	All S/Ns.
T210F	All S/Ns.
T210G	All S/Ns.
T210H	All S/Ns.
T210J	All S/Ns.
T210K	All S/Ns.
T210L	All S/Ns.
T210M	All S/Ns.
T210N	All S/Ns.
T210R	All S/Ns.
T303	All S/Ns.

Note 2:

P/N 2013142-18 replaced P/Ns 2013142-9, -13, and -17.

Unsafe Condition

(d) This AD is the result of reports of improper installation of the part number identification placard on the alternate static air source selector valve. We are issuing this AD 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.

Compliance

(e) For all affected airplanes, to address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done:

Actions	Compliance	Procedures
(1) Inspect the alternate static air source selector valve to assure that the part number identification placard is not obstructing the port.	(i) For static air source selector valves installed before May 12, 2008 (The effective date of this AD): Before further flight after May 12, 2008 (the effective date of this AD), and (ii) For static air source selector valves installed as modification or replacement parts on or after May 12, 2008 (the effective date of this AD): Before further flight after installation of a P/N 2013142-18 alternate static air source selector valve. Inspection of the part before installation is acceptable.	(A) Adjust the pilot and copilot seats as far aft as possible. (B) Use a flashlight and mirror to inspect the alternate static air source selector valve to assure the port on the forward end of the valve is clearly visible and not covered by the part number identification placard.
(2) If the alternate static air source selector valve port is found obstructed by the part number identification placard during any inspection required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, remove the placard from the valve body, discard the placard, and assure that the port is open and unobstructed.	Before further flight after any inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD where the port is found obstructed.	Make an entry in the aircraft records showing compliance with this portion of the AD following 14 CFR 43.9.

(f) Report the results of the inspection required by this AD where an obstruction was found to the FAA.

(1) Submit this report within 10 days after the inspection or 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(2) Use the form in Figure 1 of this AD and submit it to FAA, Manufacturing Inspection District Office, Mid-Continent Airport, 1804 Airport Road, Room 101, Wichita, Kansas, 67209; or fax to [phone].

(3) The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information collection requirements contained in this regulation under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(g) 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. Send information to: Attn: David Fairback, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; e-mail address: [e-mail]. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 28, 2008.

Kim Smith,

Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.