99-22536. Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Model 172R Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 169 (Wednesday, September 1, 1999)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 47658-47660]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-22536]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 99-CE-55-AD; Amendment 39-11280; AD 99-18-14]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Model 172R 
    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 
    applies to Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model 172R airplanes 
    equipped with a certain modification kit that reduces friction in the 
    elevator control system. This AD requires inspecting the control yoke 
    pivot bolt to assure positive clearance between the pivot bolt's 
    threaded end and aileron direct cable. If positive clearance is not 
    found, this AD requires replacing the control yoke pivot bolt, 
    inspecting the adjacent aileron control cables for damage, and 
    replacing any damaged aileron control cable. This AD is the result of 
    the manufacturer supplying incorrect length control yoke pivot bolts in 
    Cessna Modification Kits MK 172-27-01 that were shipped from September 
    21, 1998, through April 18, 1999. The actions specified by this AD are 
    intended to prevent failure of an aileron control cable because of an 
    incorrect length control yoke pivot bolt rubbing on one of these 
    cables, which could result in loss of aileron control with loss of 
    directional control of the airplane.
    
    DATES: Effective September 27, 1999.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
    the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
    of September 27, 1999.
        Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
    before October 27, 1999.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-CE-55-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; telephone: (316) 571-5800; facsimile: (316) 942-9008. 
    This information may also be examined at the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-CE-55-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, 
    Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 
    800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Paul C. DeVore, Aerospace 
    Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport 
    Road, Rm. 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas, 67209; 
    telephone: (316) 946-4142; facsimile: (316) 946-4407.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Discussion
    
        Cessna has informed the FAA that incorrect length control yoke 
    pivot bolts may have been shipped in Modification Kit MK 172-27-01 to 
    certain owners/operators of Cessna Model 172R airplanes from September 
    21, 1998, through April 18, 1999. This kit was issued to reduce 
    friction in the elevator control system.
        The incorrect length bolts are longer than design specifications 
    call for and could come in contact with or rub on one of the adjacent 
    aileron control cables. This condition, if not detected and corrected 
    in a timely manner, could result in loss of aileron control with loss 
    of directional control of the airplane.
    
    Relevant Service Information
    
        Cessna has issued Service Bulletin SB99-27-01, dated July 12, 1999, 
    which specifies procedures for:
    
    --Inspecting the control yoke pivot bolt to assure positive clearance 
    between the pivot bolt's threaded end and aileron direct cable; and
    --If positive clearance is not found, replacing the control yoke pivot 
    bolt, inspecting the adjacent aileron control cables for damage, and 
    replacing any damaged aileron control cable.
    
    The FAA's Determination
    
        After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
    information related to the incidents described above, including the 
    relevant service information, the FAA has determined that AD action 
    should be taken to
    
    [[Page 47659]]
    
    prevent failure of an aileron control cable because of an incorrect 
    length control yoke pivot bolt rubbing on one of these cables, which 
    could result in loss of aileron control with loss of directional 
    control of the airplane.
    
    Explanation of the Provisions of the AD
    
        Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
    exist or develop in other Cessna Model 172R airplanes of the same type 
    design that are equipped with a Cessna Modification Kit MK 172-27-01 
    that was shipped sometime between September 21, 1998, and April 18, 
    1999, the FAA is taking AD action. This AD requires inspecting the 
    control yoke pivot bolt to assure positive clearance between the pivot 
    bolt's threaded end and aileron direct cable. If positive clearance is 
    not found, this AD requires replacing the control yoke pivot bolt, 
    inspecting the adjacent aileron control cables for damage, and 
    replacing any damaged aileron control cable.
        Accomplishment of these actions is required in accordance with 
    Cessna Service Bulletin SB99-27-01, dated July 12, 1999.
    
    Determination of the Effective Date of the AD
    
        Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
    this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for public 
    prior 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 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. 99-CE-55-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 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 (otherwise, an evaluation is 
    not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules 
    Docket.
    
    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:
    
    99-18-14  Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-11280; Docket No. 
    99-CE-55-AD.
    
        Applicability: The following serial numbers of Model 172R 
    airplanes, certificated in any category; that are equipped with a 
    Cessna Modification Kit MK 172-27-01 that was shipped sometime 
    between September 21, 1998, and April 18, 1999:
    
    Serial Numbers
        17280003 through 17280016, 17280018 through 17280060, 17280062, 
    17280063, 17280065 through 17280071, 17280073 through 17280083, 
    17280085 through 17280088, 17280090, 17280091, and 17280093 through 
    17280096
    
        Note 1: Modification Kit MK172-27-01 was issued to reduce 
    friction in the elevator control system.
    
        Note 2: 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 (e) 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.
        To prevent failure of an aileron control cable because of an 
    incorrect length control yoke pivot bolt rubbing on one of these 
    cables, which could result in loss of aileron control with loss of 
    directional control of the airplane, accomplish the following:
        (a) Within the next 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
    effective date of this AD, inspect the control yoke pivot bolt to 
    assure positive clearance between the pivot bolt's threaded end and 
    the aileron direct cable. Accomplish this inspection in accordance 
    with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of Cessna Service 
    Bulletin SB99-27-01, dated July 12, 1999. If positive clearance is 
    not found, prior to further flight, accomplish the following in 
    accordance with the service bulletin:
        (1) Replace the control yoke pivot bolt; and
        (2) Inspect the adjacent aileron control cables for damage and 
    replace any damaged aileron control cable.
    
        Note 3: This AD allows the aircraft owner or pilot to check the 
    maintenance records to determine whether a Cessna Modification Kit 
    MK 172-27-01 was incorporated after September 21, 1998, and before 
    the effective date of this AD. Those kits shipped between
    
    [[Page 47660]]
    
    September 21, 1998, and April 18, 1999, could contain incorrect 
    length control yoke pivot bolts and, when installed, could rub on 
    one of the adjacent aileron control cables. See paragraph (c) of 
    this AD for authorization.
    
        (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may 
    incorporate on any airplane, a Cessna Modification Kit MK 172-27-01 
    that was shipped sometime between September 21, 1998, and April 18, 
    1999, unless a replacement control yoke pivot bolt is obtained from 
    the manufacturer, and incorporated with the modification kit.
        (c) 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) may check the maintenance records to 
    determine whether a Cessna Modification Kit MK 172-27-01 was 
    incorporated after September 21, 1998, and before the effective date 
    of this AD. Those kits shipped between September 21, 1998, and April 
    18, 1999, could contain incorrect length control yoke pivot bolts 
    and, when installed, could rub on one of the adjacent aileron 
    control cables. If, by checking the maintenance records, it can be 
    positively determined that one of these suspect kits is not 
    incorporated on the airplane, the requirements of paragraph (a) of 
    this AD do not apply and the owner/operator must make an entry into 
    the aircraft records showing compliance with this portion of the AD 
    in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 
    (14 CFR 43.9).
        (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) 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, Rm 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Wichita ACO.
    
        (f) The inspections and replacements required by this AD shall 
    be done in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin SB99-27-01, dated 
    July 12, 1999. 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.
        (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 27, 1999.
    
        Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 23, 1999.
    Terry L. Chasteen,
    Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 99-22536 Filed 8-31-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
9/27/1999
Published:
09/01/1999
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule; request for comments.
Document Number:
99-22536
Dates:
Effective September 27, 1999.
Pages:
47658-47660 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 99-CE-55-AD, Amendment 39-11280, AD 99-18-14
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
99-22536.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13