[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 8, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-13850]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: June 8, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 93-CE-33-AD; Amendment 39-8936; AD 94-12-08]
Airworthiness Directives: Cessna Aircraft Company 210, P210, and
T210 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 92-26-
04, which applies to certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) 210,
P210, and T210 series airplanes. That AD requires operational checks of
the fuel gauges, fuel cap and adapter modifications, and preflight fuel
system quantity checks. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
received a petition for reconsideration of AD 92-26-04, and
subsequently suspended the effectiveness of this AD while the concerns
specified in the petition were evaluated. This action retains certain
requirements of AD 92-26-04, and incorporates certain items raised by
the petition for reconsideration. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to prevent loss of engine power caused by inadvertent fuel
loss or inadequate fuel servicing.
DATES: Effective July 22, 1994.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations was previously approved by the Director of the Federal
Register as of January 22, 1993.
ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained
from the Cessna Aircraft Company, Customer Services, P.O. Box 1521,
Wichita, Kansas 67201. This information may also be examined at the
FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 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 O. Pendleton, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport
Road, room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4143;
facsimile (316) 946-4407.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply
to certain Cessna 210, P210, and T210 series airplanes was published in
the Federal Register on August 24, 1993 (58 FR 44621). The action
proposed to supersede AD 92-26-04, Amendment 39-8431 (57 FR 57658,
December 7, 1992), with a new AD that would require the following on
Cessna 210, P210, and T210 series airplanes:
Retain the fuel gauge operational checks, fuel cap and
adapter modifications, and preflight fuel system quantity checks
currently required by AD 92-26-04;
Provide the option of utilizing approved alternative
procedures for calibrating the fuel systems;
Provide the option of accomplishing fuel capacity
checks after refueling the airplane or installing raised fuel caps;
and
Revise the applicability of the actual AD to more fully
clarify which airplanes are affected.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Several commenters state that the calibration procedures proposed
are ineffective, very expensive, and the equipment necessary to
accomplish the calibration is unavailable. Two of these commenters
referenced calibration and gauge accuracy procedures that they felt
were more realistic (more effective, less expensive, and available)
than those specified in the proposal. The FAA (1) reviewed the
procedures submitted by the commenters; (2) determined that the
referenced procedures are, at least, as realistic as those proposed;
and (3) incorporated the procedures into the AD.
One commenter recommends limiting the number of hours of operation
before an airplane equipped with uncalibrated fuel gauges must refuel.
The commenter states that this would reduce the cost associated with
requiring accurate fuel gauge calibration. The FAA concurs and has
added this provision to the AD.
Several commenters suggest increasing the pilots' knowledge of the
fuel system limitations through training and advisories. The FAA
concurs that this step is essential for aviation safety; however, AD's
are utilized to correct an unsafe condition that exists or is likely to
develop in aircraft of the same type design. Appropriate fuel system
placarding (specified in the proposed AD) does provide an advisory to
the limitations of the originally certificated fuel system, which could
help increase pilot knowledge. Any other action related to increasing
the pilot's knowledge of fuel system limitations is outside the scope
of AD action. The AD is unchanged as a result of this comment.
One commenter recommends that the FAA not require replacement of
the flush fuel caps because the existing fuel caps are acceptable if
they are properly maintained. The FAA concurs. The proposal included
the option of installing these raised fuel caps or fabricating and
installing a fuel capacity check placard on each wing fuel filler
opening. The AD is unchanged as a result of this comment.
One commenter recommends requiring replacement of the fuel caps
with caps that are not susceptible to fuel leakage or siphoning and
where certificated fuel capacity is easily obtainable. This commenter
states that service experience indicates that the fuel caps originally
certificated on these Cessna 210 series airplanes make fuel servicing
difficult and susceptible to water leakage into the tanks and fuel
siphoning during flight. The FAA does not concur that mandatory fuel
cap replacement is necessary. The FAA has determined that the
accomplishment of certain preflight requirements will provide the same
level of safety as fuel cap replacement. The FAA encourages fuel cap
replacement and the preflight requirements are reduced when replacement
is accomplished. The AD is unchanged as a result of this comment.
After careful review of all available information including the
comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for
the incorporation of the calibration and gauge accuracy procedures
referenced above and minor editorial corrections. The FAA has
determined that these procedures and minor corrections will not change
the meaning of the AD nor add any additional burden upon the public
than was already proposed.
The FAA estimates that 5,000 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 workhours per
airplane to accomplish the required action, and that the average labor
rate is approximately $55 an hour. Parts cost approximately $150 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,850,000. This figure is based on
the assumption that no affected airplane owner/operator has
accomplished the required action.
In addition, AD 92-26-04 currently has a cost impact of $2,125,000
(5 workhours x $55 per hour plus $150 for parts x 5,000 airplanes)
if the FAA had not suspended the effectiveness of that AD. The cost of
this AD is actually a reduction of one workhour per airplane over that
specified in AD 92-26-04, or a reduction of $275,000 for the entire
U.S. fleet.
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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action: (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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
by contacting 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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing AD 92-26-04, Amendment 39-
8431 (57 FR 57658, December 7, 1992), and by adding a new airworthiness
directive to read as follows:
94-12-08 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-8936; Docket No. 93-
CE-33-AD. Supersedes AD 92-26-04, Amendment 39-8431.
Applicability: The following model and serial number airplanes,
certificated in any category.
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Model Serial No.
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210G through 210R, and. 21058819 through 21065009, and
T210G through T210R.... T210-0198 through T210-0454.
P210N, and P210R....... P21000001 through P21000874.
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Compliance: Required within the next 12 calendar months after
the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
To prevent loss of engine power caused by inadvertent fuel loss
or inadequate fuel servicing, accomplish the following:
(a) Incorporate the Pilot Operating Procedures--Preflight Fuel
System Quantity Check that is Figure 1 of this AD into the airplane
flight manual or airplane records.
Figure 1
Pilot Operating Procedures--Preflight Fuel System Quantity Check
The following procedures are to be used on certain Cessna 210,
P210, and T210 Series airplanes whenever more than 75 gallons of
fuel are needed for range and reserve.
1. Verify that the airplane is level laterally and is
approximately 4.5 degrees nose up (normal nose strut on a level
surface).
Note: The airplane turn and bank instrument may be used to check
lateral leveling.
2. Visually inspect each fuel tank for fuel level with the upper
wing surface when full fuel capacity is intended to be in each tank.
3. Check each fuel cap and seal for security and wing surface
for a lack of fuel stains aft of each fuel cap.
Note: It is highly recommended that the wing tips and flap
trailing edges are checked during flight for evidence of fuel
siphoning.
(b) The incorporation of Figure 1 of this AD into the airplane
flight manual or airplane records as required by paragraph (a) of
this AD may be performed by the owner/operator holding at least a
private pilot certificate as authorized by Sec. 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
Sec. 43.11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.11).
(c) Calibrate the fuel quantity indicating system at the
unusable (empty) fuel gauge indication by accomplishing either
(c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD as follows:
(1) Checking (one-time) the fuel gauge calibration by:
(i) Draining the wing fuel tank sumps (defuel the airplane).
(ii) Turning the master switch on, ensuring that the fuel gauges
indicate empty (``E''); and
(iii) Adjusting or replacing the transmitter or gauge, as
required to obtain proper ``empty'' indication with empty wing fuel
tanks; or
(2) Fabricate a \1/8\-inch wide (\1/4\-inch long minimum) red
``Empty'' radial line and center on the gauge glass where the gauge
pointer indicates when the tank is empty; and fabricate and install
adjacent to the fuel gauges a placard (using letters at least \1/8\-
inch in height) with the following words:
Fuel Gauges Not Calibrated, Base All Fuel Calculations on Visual
Inspection, Time and Consumption Figures. With Full Tanks, Maximum
Endurance Is 4 Hours for Flight Planning.
(d) Accomplish either (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD as follows:
(1) Install raised fuel caps in accordance with the instructions
to Cessna Service Kit SK210-136, which is referenced by Cessna
Service Bulletin SEB91-10, dated October 25, 1991; or Supplemental
Type Certificate SA2456CE (owned by Mr. William J. Barton) for
Monarch Air & Development, Inc., Assembly No. WW-100-2 fuel caps
(only); or
(2) Fabricate two placards with the following words on each
using letters at least \1/8\-inch in height and install a placard on
each wing fuel filler opening: ``To Assure Full Capacity While
Filling, Fill Slowly During Last 5 Gallons. Recheck For Full After 2
Minutes.''
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Secs. 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) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be
approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 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: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Wichita ACO.
(g) The replacement required by this AD shall be done in
accordance with Cessna Service Kit SK210-136, which is referenced by
Cessna Service Bulletin SEB91-10, dated October 25, 1991. This
incorporation by reference was previously approved by the Director
of the Federal Register as of January 23, 1993, in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Cessna
Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, Kansas 67277. Copies may
be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant
Chief 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.
(h) This amendment (39-8936) supersedes AD 92-26-04, Amendment
39-8431.
(i) This amendment (39-8936) becomes effective on July 22, 1994.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 1, 1994.
Barry D. Clements,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 94-13850 Filed 6-7-94; 8:45 am]
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