[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. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Model                              Serial No.                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
210G through 210R, and.  21058819 through 21065009, and                 
T210G through T210R....  T210-0198 through T210-0454.                   
P210N, and P210R.......  P21000001 through P21000874.                   
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U