[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 181 (Friday, September 18, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49819-49821]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25003]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-CE-62-AD; Amendment 39-10773; AD 98-05-14 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models T210N,
P210N, and P210R Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; correction.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment clarifies information contained in
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-05-14, which currently requires
revising the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to specify
procedures that would prohibit flight in severe icing conditions (as
determined by certain visual cues), limit or prohibit the use of
various flight control devices while in severe icing conditions, and
provide the flight crew with recognition cues for, and procedures for
exiting from, severe icing conditions on certain Cessna Aircraft
Company (Cessna) Models T210N, P210N, and P210R airplanes. That
publication incorrectly references the possibility of certain ice
accumulation on the ``lower'' surface of the wing, instead of the
``upper'' surface of the wing while operating with the flaps extended.
This incorrect statement may result in pilot misinterpretation of the
icing effects with the flaps extended, and lead to an incorrect action.
This document replaces the word ``lower'' with ``upper'' in this
sentence. The actions specified in this AD are intended to continue to
minimize the
[[Page 49820]]
potential hazards associated with operating these airplanes in severe
icing conditions by providing more clearly defined procedures and
limitations associated with such conditions.
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 22, 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-62-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. John P. Dow, Sr., Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 426-6932, facsimile:
(816) 426-2169.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On February 24, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-05-14, Amendment 39-
10375 (63 FR 10519, March 4, 1998), which applies to Cessna Models
T210N, P210N, and P210R airplanes. AD 98-05-14 was the result of a
review of the requirements for certification of these airplanes in
icing conditions, new information on the icing environment, and icing
data provided currently to the flight crew.
AD 98-05-14 requires revising the Limitations Section of the FAA-
approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to specify procedures that would:
Require flight crews to immediately request priority
handling from Air Traffic Control to exit severe icing conditions (as
determined by certain visual cues);
Prohibit flight in severe icing conditions (as determined
by certain visual cues);
Prohibit use of the autopilot when ice is formed aft of
the protected surfaces of the wing, or when an unusual lateral trim
condition exists; and
Require that all icing wing inspection lights be operative
prior to flight into known or forecast icing conditions at night.
That action also requires revising the Normal Procedures Section of
the FAA-approved AFM to specify procedures that would:
Limit the use of the flaps and prohibit the use of the
autopilot when ice is observed forming aft of the protected surfaces of
the wing, or if unusual lateral trim requirements or autopilot trim
warnings are encountered; and
Provide the flight crew with recognition cues for, and
procedures for exiting from, severe icing conditions.
Need for the Correction
The AD incorrectly states in paragraph (a)(2) of AD 98-05-14 that:
Operation with flaps extended can result in a reduced wing
angle-of-attack, with the possibility of ice forming on the lower
surface further aft on the wing than normal, possibly aft of the
protected area.
The word ``lower'' in this sentence should be ``upper.''
This incorrect statement may result in pilot misinterpretation of
the icing effects with the flaps extended and lead to an incorrect
action. The pilot of the affected airplanes can only see the lower wing
surface. However, ice accretion on the upper surface of the wing, which
the pilot cannot observe, is usually accompanied by ice accretion on
the lower surface. As stated earlier, the pilot can observe ice
accretion on the lower surface.
Extension of flaps that results in a reduced angle-of-attack can
change the relationship of the extent of ice on the upper and lower
surfaces of the wing. For example, ice will tend to accrete more on the
upper surface than on the lower surface at a reduced angle-of-attack.
However, when flaps are extended in certain icing conditions, the
reduction of ice further aft on the lower surface of the wing may lead
the pilot to conclude incorrectly that there is a reduction of ice
further aft on the upper surface. This is not correct; as stated
earlier, the tendency is for more ice accretion on the upper surface.
Usually, ice on the upper surface of the wing is more adverse to the
aerodynamic characteristics of the airplane than is ice on the lower
surface of the wing.
Consequently, the FAA saw a need to clarify AD 98-05-14 to assure
that this visual cue can be followed and that the appropriate cause and
effect relationship is described.
Correction of Publication
This document clarifies the intent of the previously discussed
visual cue in paragraph (a)(2) of AD 98-05-14. This document also adds
the amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 39.13).
Since this action only clarifies the description of a visual cue in
AD 98-05-14, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no
additional burden on any person than would have been necessary by the
existing AD. Therefore, the FAA has determined that prior notice and
opportunity for public comment are unnecessary.
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 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 removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 98-05-14, Amendment 39-10375 (63 FR 10519, March 4, 1998), and by
adding a new AD to read as follows:
98-05-14 R1 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-10773; Docket No.
97-CE-62-AD; Revises AD 98-05-14, Amendment 39-10375.
Applicability: Models T210N (serial numbers 21063641 through
21064897), P210N (serial numbers P21000386 through P21000834), and
P210R (all serial numbers) airplanes; 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 in the body of this AD, unless
already accomplished.
To minimize the potential hazards associated with operating the
airplane in severe icing conditions by providing more clearly
defined procedures and limitations associated with such conditions,
accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after April 30, 1998 (the effective date AD
98-05-14), accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and
(a)(2) of this AD.
Note 2: Operators should initiate action to notify and ensure
that flight crewmembers are apprised of this change.
(1) Revise the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) by
incorporating the following into the Limitations Section of the AFM.
This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
``WARNING
Severe icing may result from environmental conditions outside of
those for which the airplane is certificated. Flight in
[[Page 49821]]
freezing rain, freezing drizzle, or mixed icing conditions
(supercooled liquid water and ice crystals) may result in ice build-
up on protected surfaces exceeding the capability of the ice
protection system, or may result in ice forming aft of the protected
surfaces. This ice may not be shed using the ice protection systems,
and may seriously degrade the performance and controllability of the
airplane.
During flight, severe icing conditions that exceed
those for which the airplane is certificated shall be determined by
the following visual cues. If one or more of these visual cues
exists, immediately request priority handling from Air Traffic
Control to facilitate a route or an altitude change to exit the
icing conditions.
--Unusually extensive ice accumulation on the airframe and
windshield in areas not normally observed to collect ice.
--Accumulation of ice on the lower surface of the wing aft of the
protected area.
Since the autopilot, when installed and operating, may
mask tactile cues that indicate adverse changes in handling
characteristics, use of the autopilot is prohibited when any of the
visual cues specified above exist, or when unusual lateral trim
requirements or autopilot trim warnings are encountered while the
airplane is in icing conditions.
All wing icing inspection lights must be operative
prior to flight into known or forecast icing conditions at night.
[NOTE: This supersedes any relief provided by the Master Minimum
Equipment List (MMEL).]''
(2) Revise the FAA-approved AFM by incorporating the following
into the Normal Procedures Section of the AFM. This may be
accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
``THE FOLLOWING WEATHER CONDITIONS MAY BE CONDUCIVE TO SEVERE IN-FLIGHT
ICING:
Visible rain at temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius
ambient air temperature.
Droplets that splash or splatter on impact at
temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius ambient air temperature.
Procedures for Exiting the Severe Icing Environment:
These procedures are applicable to all flight phases from
takeoff to landing. Monitor the ambient air temperature. While
severe icing may form at temperatures as cold as -18 degrees
Celsius, increased vigilance is warranted at temperatures around
freezing with visible moisture present. If the visual cues specified
in the Limitations Section of the AFM for identifying severe icing
conditions are observed, accomplish the following:
Immediately request priority handling from Air Traffic
Control to facilitate a route or an altitude change to exit the
severe icing conditions in order to avoid extended exposure to
flight conditions more severe than those for which the airplane has
been certificated.
Avoid abrupt and excessive maneuvering that may
exacerbate control difficulties.
Do not engage the autopilot.
If the autopilot is engaged, hold the control wheel
firmly and disengage the autopilot.
If an unusual roll response or uncommanded roll control
movement is observed, reduce the angle-of-attack.
Do not extend flaps when holding in icing conditions.
Operation with flaps extended can result in a reduced wing angle-of-
attack, with the possibility of ice forming on the upper surface
further aft on the wing than normal, possibly aft of the protected
area.
If the flaps are extended, do not retract them until
the airframe is clear of ice.
Report these weather conditions to Air Traffic
Control.''
(b) Incorporating the AFM revisions, as required by 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).
(c) 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.
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1201
Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be
forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may
add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane
Directorate.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.
(e) All persons affected by this directive may examine
information related to this AD at the FAA, Central Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106.
(f) This amendment revises AD 98-05-14, Amendment 39-10375.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on September 22, 1998.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 11, 1998.
Michael K. Dahl,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-25003 Filed 9-17-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
