Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company, 50954-50956 [2012-20734]
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50954
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 77, No. 164
Thursday, August 23, 2012
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2010–1084; Directorate
Identifier 2010–CE–056–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cessna
Aircraft Company
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM);
reopening of comment period.
AGENCY:
We are revising an earlier
proposed airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Cessna Aircraft Company
(Cessna) Model 402C airplanes modified
by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
SA927NW and Model 414A airplanes
modified by STC SA892NW. That
NPRM proposed a complete inspection
of the flap system and modification of
the flap control system. That NPRM was
prompted by a report of a Cessna Model
414A airplane modified by STC
SA892NW that experienced an
asymmetrical flap condition causing an
uncommanded roll when the pilot set
the flaps to the approach position. This
action revises that NPRM by
incorporating additional service
information that addresses proper
rigging procedures and corrective
actions following additional inspection
procedures. We are proposing this
supplemental NPRM to correct the
unsafe condition on these products.
Since these actions impose an
additional burden over that proposed in
the NPRM, we are reopening the
comment period to allow the public the
chance to comment on these proposed
changes.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this supplemental NPRM by October 9,
2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
ebenthall on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:43 Aug 22, 2012
Jkt 226001
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• 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.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Sierra
Industries, Ltd, 122 Howard Langford
Drive, Uvalde, Texas 78801; telephone:
888–835–9377; email: info@sijet.com;
Internet: https://www.sijet.com. You may
review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 816–329–4148.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
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 AD
docket contains this proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Office
(phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael A. Heusser, Program Manager,
Fort Worth Airplane Certification
Office, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort
Worth, Texas 76137; phone: (817) 222–
5038; fax: (817) 222–5160; email:
michael.a.heusser@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2010–1084; Directorate Identifier
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
2010–CE–056–AD at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to all Cessna Aircraft Company
(Cessna) Model 402C airplanes modified
by Sierra Industries, Ltd. Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) SA927NW and
Model 414A airplanes modified by STC
SA892NW (both STCs formerly held by
Robertson Aircraft Corporation). That
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on October 29, 2010 (75 FR
66700).
That NPRM (75 FR 66700, October 29,
2010) was prompted by a report that a
Cessna Model 414A airplane, which was
modified by STC SA892NW, had an
asymmetrical flap condition that caused
an uncommanded roll when the pilot
set the flaps to the approach position.
The flap preselect cable connects to
the arm assembly and provides the flap
position to the flap selector to close the
position loop for the flap position.
Micro switches are located on the arm
assembly and provide the electrical
signal for the arm position.
STC SA927NW and STC SA892NW
use the original production preselect
cable. However, the STCs added an
extension to the arm assembly that
requires increased travel of the preselect
cable to obtain the same rotation as
previously obtained with the shorter
arm assembly. To obtain the same arm
assembly rotation, the preselect cable
must travel approximately an additional
.75 inch. However, the original cable
has internal mechanical stops that
prevent it from traveling the additional
distance. The cable’s internal stops are
contacted by a smaller rotation
displacement of the arm assembly.
Since more linear displacement of the
cable is required to obtain the same
switch action, the internal mechanical
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50955
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 164 / Thursday, August 23, 2012 / Proposed Rules
stops of the cable are reached before the
switches designed to stop the motion of
the flaps activate.
As a result, when the internal stops in
the cable are contacted, the rotation of
the arm assembly carrying the micro
switches stops and the switch to stop
the drive motor is not activated. Because
the switch is not activated, the motor
continues to run until either the motor
drive shear pin fails, a cable breaks, the
structural bracket breaks, or the
secondary switches stop the motor
before something breaks. The sequence
was verified on the reported airplane by
the rigging, installation, and operation
of an STC production configuration.
That NPRM (75 FR 66700, October 29,
2010) proposed to require a complete
inspection of the flap system and
modification of the flap control system.
This condition, if not corrected, could
result in an asymmetrical flap condition
with consequent loss of control.
Actions Since Previous NPRM Was
Issued
During a subsequent flight after
issuance of that NPRM (75 FR 66700,
October 29, 2010), additional issues on
the flap control system were discovered.
The service information called out in
the initial NPRM did not address these
additional issues. Further investigation
determined that the lack of a proper
rigging procedure was a contributing
factor in the flap issues.
Sierra Industries, Ltd. has issued
Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness, 82–1, Issue 1, dated June
12, 2012, which incorporates proper
rigging procedures and corrective
actions following additional inspection
procedures.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
comment on the original NPRM (75 FR
66700, October 29, 2010). We received
no comments on that NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
FAA’s Determination
We are proposing this supplemental
NPRM because we evaluated all the
relevant information and determined
the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop
in other products of these same type
designs. Certain changes described
above expand the scope of the original
NPRM (75 FR 66700, October 29, 2010).
As a result, we have determined that it
is necessary to reopen the comment
period to provide additional
opportunity for the public to comment
on this supplemental NPRM.
Proposed Requirements of the
Supplemental NPRM
This supplemental NPRM would
require accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information
proposed in the original NPRM, and
require incorporation of Sierra
Industries, Ltd. Instructions for
Continued Airworthiness, 82–1, Issue 1,
dated June 12, 2012, into the FAAapproved maintenance program.
The accomplishment and
incorporation of these documents
should adequately mitigate the unsafe
condition.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 150 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
Inspect the flap system and modify/replace
the flap preselect control cable.
25 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,125 ........
$1,000
$3,125
$468,750
ebenthall on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
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.
proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
the DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
Regulatory Findings
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
(b) Affected ADs
None.
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Cessna Aircraft
Company (Cessna) Model 402C airplanes
Authority for This Rulemaking
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PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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):
Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. FAA–
2010–1084; Directorate Identifier 2010–
CE–056–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 9,
2012.
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 164 / Thursday, August 23, 2012 / Proposed Rules
modified by Supplemental Type Certificate
(STC) SA927NW and Model 414A airplanes
modified by STC SA892NW, all serial
numbers, that are certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America
Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a
Cessna Model 414A airplane modified by
STC SA892NW that experienced an
asymmetrical flap condition causing an
uncommanded roll when the pilot set the
flaps to the approach position. We are issuing
this AD to prevent failure of the flap system,
which could result in an asymmetrical flap
condition. This condition could result in loss
of control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Inspection of the Flap Control System
Within 60 days after the effective date of
this AD, do a complete inspection of the flap
control system following the Inspection
Instructions section of Sierra Industries, Ltd.
Service Bulletin SI09–82 Series-1, Rev. A,
dated June 12, 2012.
(h) Modification of the Flap Control System
(1) If any damage to the flap bellcrank or
bellcrank mounting structure is found in the
inspection required in paragraph (g) of this
AD, before further flight, repair the damage
and modify the flap control system following
the Accomplishment Instructions of Sierra
Industries, Ltd. Service Bulletin SI09–82
Series-1, Rev. A, dated June 12, 2012.
(2) If no damage to the flap bellcrank or
bellcrank mounting structure is found in the
inspection required in paragraph (g) of this
AD, within 180 days after the effective date
of this AD, modify the flap control system
following the Accomplishment Instructions
of Sierra Industries, Ltd. Service Bulletin
SI09–82 Series-1, Rev. A, dated June 12,
2012.
ebenthall on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(i) Instructions for Continued Airworthiness
Within 7 months after the effective date of
this AD, or during your next annual
inspection, whichever occurs earlier,
incorporate Sierra Industries, Ltd.
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness,
82–1, Issue 1, dated June 12, 2012, into your
FAA-approved maintenance program.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane
Certification Office , FAA, has the authority
to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the
Related Information section of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
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16:43 Aug 22, 2012
Jkt 226001
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Michael A. Heusser, Program
Manager, Fort Worth ACO, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137;
phone: (817) 222–5038; fax: (817) 222–5160;
email: michael.a.heusser@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Sierra Industries, Ltd, 122
Howard Langford Drive, Uvalde, Texas
78801; telephone: 888–835–9377; email:
info@sijet.com; Internet: https://
www.sijet.com. You may review copies of the
service information at the FAA, Small
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, Missouri 64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
816–329–4148.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August
16, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–20734 Filed 8–22–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Parts 400 and 401
[Docket No.: FAA–2012–0045; Notice No.
12–05]
RIN 2120–AJ90
Exclusion of Tethered Launches From
Licensing Requirements
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to exclude
tethered launches as defined in this
proposal from the existing licensing
requirements. This proposed rule would
maintain public safety for these
launches by providing launch vehicle
operators with clear and simple criteria
for a safe tethered launch. The FAA
would not require a license, permit or
waiver for tethered launches that satisfy
the design and operational criteria
proposed here.
DATES: Send comments on or before
October 22, 2012.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified
by docket number FAA–2012–0045,
using any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and follow
the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Mail: Send comments to Docket
Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West
Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC
20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery or Courier: Take
comments to Docket Operations in
Room W12–140 of the West Building
Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays.
• Fax: Fax comments to Docket
Operations at (202) 493–2251.
Privacy: The FAA will post all
comments it receives, without change,
to https://www.regulations.gov, including
any personal information the
commenter provides. Using the search
function of the docket Web site, anyone
can find and read the electronic form of
all comments received into any FAA
dockets, including the name of the
individual sending the comment (or
signing the comment for an association,
business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s
complete Privacy Act Statement can be
found in the Federal Register published
on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478),
as well as at https://DocketsInfo.dot.gov.
Docket: Background documents or
comments received may be read at
https://www.regulations.gov at any time.
Follow the online instructions for
accessing the docket or Docket
Operations in Room W12–140 of the
West Building Ground Floor at 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
technical questions concerning this
proposed rule, contact Shirley McBride,
Commercial Space Transportation,
Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202)
267–7470; email
Shirley.McBride@faa.gov.
For legal questions concerning this
proposed rule, contact Sabrina Jawed,
AGC–240, Office of the Chief Counsel,
Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202)
267–8839; email
Sabrina.Jawed@faa.gov.
See the
‘‘Additional Information’’ section for
information on how to comment on this
proposal and how the FAA will handle
comments received. The ‘‘Additional
Information’’ section also contains
related information about the docket,
privacy, and the handling of proprietary
or confidential business information. In
addition, there is information on
obtaining copies of related rulemaking
documents.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 164 (Thursday, August 23, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50954-50956]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20734]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 164 / Thursday, August 23, 2012 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 50954]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1084; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-056-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of
comment period.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive
(AD) for all Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model 402C airplanes
modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA927NW and Model 414A
airplanes modified by STC SA892NW. That NPRM proposed a complete
inspection of the flap system and modification of the flap control
system. That NPRM was prompted by a report of a Cessna Model 414A
airplane modified by STC SA892NW that experienced an asymmetrical flap
condition causing an uncommanded roll when the pilot set the flaps to
the approach position. This action revises that NPRM by incorporating
additional service information that addresses proper rigging procedures
and corrective actions following additional inspection procedures. We
are proposing this supplemental NPRM to correct the unsafe condition on
these products. Since these actions impose an additional burden over
that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow
the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.
DATES: We must receive comments on this supplemental NPRM by October 9,
2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
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.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Sierra Industries, Ltd, 122 Howard Langford Drive, Uvalde, Texas 78801;
telephone: 888-835-9377; email: info@sijet.com; Internet: https://www.sijet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 816-329-4148.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://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 AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael A. Heusser, Program Manager,
Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort
Worth, Texas 76137; phone: (817) 222-5038; fax: (817) 222-5160; email:
michael.a.heusser@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-1084;
Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-056-AD at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that
would apply to all Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model 402C
airplanes modified by Sierra Industries, Ltd. Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) SA927NW and Model 414A airplanes modified by STC
SA892NW (both STCs formerly held by Robertson Aircraft Corporation).
That NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 29, 2010 (75 FR
66700).
That NPRM (75 FR 66700, October 29, 2010) was prompted by a report
that a Cessna Model 414A airplane, which was modified by STC SA892NW,
had an asymmetrical flap condition that caused an uncommanded roll when
the pilot set the flaps to the approach position.
The flap preselect cable connects to the arm assembly and provides
the flap position to the flap selector to close the position loop for
the flap position. Micro switches are located on the arm assembly and
provide the electrical signal for the arm position.
STC SA927NW and STC SA892NW use the original production preselect
cable. However, the STCs added an extension to the arm assembly that
requires increased travel of the preselect cable to obtain the same
rotation as previously obtained with the shorter arm assembly. To
obtain the same arm assembly rotation, the preselect cable must travel
approximately an additional .75 inch. However, the original cable has
internal mechanical stops that prevent it from traveling the additional
distance. The cable's internal stops are contacted by a smaller
rotation displacement of the arm assembly. Since more linear
displacement of the cable is required to obtain the same switch action,
the internal mechanical
[[Page 50955]]
stops of the cable are reached before the switches designed to stop the
motion of the flaps activate.
As a result, when the internal stops in the cable are contacted,
the rotation of the arm assembly carrying the micro switches stops and
the switch to stop the drive motor is not activated. Because the switch
is not activated, the motor continues to run until either the motor
drive shear pin fails, a cable breaks, the structural bracket breaks,
or the secondary switches stop the motor before something breaks. The
sequence was verified on the reported airplane by the rigging,
installation, and operation of an STC production configuration.
That NPRM (75 FR 66700, October 29, 2010) proposed to require a
complete inspection of the flap system and modification of the flap
control system.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in an asymmetrical
flap condition with consequent loss of control.
Actions Since Previous NPRM Was Issued
During a subsequent flight after issuance of that NPRM (75 FR
66700, October 29, 2010), additional issues on the flap control system
were discovered. The service information called out in the initial NPRM
did not address these additional issues. Further investigation
determined that the lack of a proper rigging procedure was a
contributing factor in the flap issues.
Sierra Industries, Ltd. has issued Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness, 82-1, Issue 1, dated June 12, 2012, which incorporates
proper rigging procedures and corrective actions following additional
inspection procedures.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the original NPRM
(75 FR 66700, October 29, 2010). We received no comments on that NPRM
or on the determination of the cost to the public.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this supplemental NPRM because we evaluated all
the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of these
same type designs. Certain changes described above expand the scope of
the original NPRM (75 FR 66700, October 29, 2010). As a result, we have
determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide
additional opportunity for the public to comment on this supplemental
NPRM.
Proposed Requirements of the Supplemental NPRM
This supplemental NPRM would require accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information proposed in the original NPRM, and
require incorporation of Sierra Industries, Ltd. Instructions for
Continued Airworthiness, 82-1, Issue 1, dated June 12, 2012, into the
FAA-approved maintenance program.
The accomplishment and incorporation of these documents should
adequately mitigate the unsafe condition.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 150 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect the flap system and modify/ 25 work-hours x $85 per $1,000 $3,125 $468,750
replace the flap preselect control hour = $2,125.
cable.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. FAA-2010-1084; Directorate
Identifier 2010-CE-056-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 9, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model 402C
airplanes
[[Page 50956]]
modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA927NW and Model
414A airplanes modified by STC SA892NW, all serial numbers, that are
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a Cessna Model 414A airplane
modified by STC SA892NW that experienced an asymmetrical flap
condition causing an uncommanded roll when the pilot set the flaps
to the approach position. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure
of the flap system, which could result in an asymmetrical flap
condition. This condition could result in loss of control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection of the Flap Control System
Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, do a
complete inspection of the flap control system following the
Inspection Instructions section of Sierra Industries, Ltd. Service
Bulletin SI09-82 Series-1, Rev. A, dated June 12, 2012.
(h) Modification of the Flap Control System
(1) If any damage to the flap bellcrank or bellcrank mounting
structure is found in the inspection required in paragraph (g) of
this AD, before further flight, repair the damage and modify the
flap control system following the Accomplishment Instructions of
Sierra Industries, Ltd. Service Bulletin SI09-82 Series-1, Rev. A,
dated June 12, 2012.
(2) If no damage to the flap bellcrank or bellcrank mounting
structure is found in the inspection required in paragraph (g) of
this AD, within 180 days after the effective date of this AD, modify
the flap control system following the Accomplishment Instructions of
Sierra Industries, Ltd. Service Bulletin SI09-82 Series-1, Rev. A,
dated June 12, 2012.
(i) Instructions for Continued Airworthiness
Within 7 months after the effective date of this AD, or during
your next annual inspection, whichever occurs earlier, incorporate
Sierra Industries, Ltd. Instructions for Continued Airworthiness,
82-1, Issue 1, dated June 12, 2012, into your FAA-approved
maintenance program.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office , FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the
person identified in the Related Information section of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Michael A.
Heusser, Program Manager, Fort Worth ACO, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Fort Worth, Texas 76137; phone: (817) 222-5038; fax: (817) 222-5160;
email: michael.a.heusser@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Sierra Industries, Ltd, 122 Howard Langford Drive, Uvalde, Texas
78801; telephone: 888-835-9377; email: info@sijet.com; Internet:
https://www.sijet.com. You may review copies of the service
information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 816-329-4148.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 16, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-20734 Filed 8-22-12; 8:45 am]
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