[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 180 (Monday, September 19, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-23079]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: September 19, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-CE-06-AD]

 

Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models T303, 
402C, 404, 414A, and 421C Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede AD 93-05-03, which 
currently requires repetitively inspecting each fuel inlet float valve 
in accordance with certain test procedures on Cessna Aircraft Company 
(Cessna) Models T303, 402C, 404, 414A, and 421C airplanes, and 
replacing any valve that does not pass this test. The manufacturer has 
developed fuel inlet float valves of improved design, and the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that the improved valves 
should be installed to reduce the number of repetitive tests currently 
required by AD 93-05-03. The proposed action would require installing 
these fuel inlet float valves of improved design. The actions specified 
by the proposed AD are intended to prevent possible loss of engine 
power caused by failure of a fuel inlet float valve.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 28, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-CE-06-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 
12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be inspected at 
this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
holidays excepted.
    Service information that applies to the proposed AD may be obtained 
from the Cessna Aircraft Company, Customer Services, P.O. Box 1521, 
Wichita, Kansas 67201. This information also may be examined at the 
Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Charles D. Riddle, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport 
Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4144; 
facsimile (316) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket No. 94-CE-06-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-CE-06-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

Discussion

    On March 4, 1993, the FAA issued AD 93-05-03, Amendment 39-8508 (58 
FR 13406, March 11, 1993), in order to require a certain fuel inlet 
float valve test on Cessna Models T303, 402C, 404, 414A, and 421C 
airplanes, and replacement of any valve that does not pass this test. 
An accident involving a Model 402C airplane where the fuel inlet valve 
failed in the open position prompted that action.
    Since AD 93-05-03 became effective, Cessna has developed fuel inlet 
float valves of improved design, and the FAA has determined that 
installation of these improved valves serves as a basis for reducing 
the number of repetitive tests currently required by AD 93-05-03.
    In addition, Cessna has issued Service Bulletin (SB) MEB93-10, 
dated December 3, 1993, which specifies procedures for replacing fuel 
inlet float valves; and (2) accomplishing an installation test.
    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to the incidents described above including the 
referenced service information, the FAA has determined that the fuel 
inlet float valves of improved design should be incorporated on the 
referenced airplanes to prevent possible loss of engine power caused by 
failure of a fuel inlet float valve.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop in other Cessna Models T303, 402C, 404, 414A, and 421C 
airplanes of the same type design, the proposed AD would supersede AD 
93-05-03 with a new AD that would require replacing the fuel inlet 
float valves with parts of improved design or modifying the existing 
part and periodically accomplishing functional tests to assure proper 
operation. The proposed actions would be accomplished in accordance 
with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS supplement to Cessna SB MEB93-10, 
dated December 3, 1993.
    The replacement compliance time is presented in calendar time 
instead of hours time-in-service (TIS). Operators in commuter service 
can put up to 200 hours TIS in one calendar month while a general 
aviation operator may not utilize the airplane 200 hours TIS in one 
calendar year. The calendar time compliance will allow commuter 
operators the option of accomplishing the actions to coincide with 
regularly scheduled maintenance.
    The FAA estimates that 1,641 airplanes in the U.S. registry would 
be affected by the proposed AD, that it would take approximately 22 
workhours (15 workhours for replacement and 7 workhours for 
installation) per airplane to accomplish the proposed action, and that 
the average labor rate is approximately $55 an hour. Parts cost 
approximately $3,144 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total 
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$7,144,914. This figure is based on the assumption that no affected 
airplane owner/operator has accomplished the proposed valve 
installation.
    Cessna has informed the FAA that enough improved fuel valves have 
been sold to equip approximately 1,040 of the affected airplanes. 
Assuming that these valves are installed on Cessna Models T303, 402C, 
404, 414A, and 421C airplanes, the proposed cost impact upon U.S. 
operators would be reduced from $7,144,914 to $2,616,754.
    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would 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) if promulgated, 
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 draft regulatory evaluation 
prepared for this action has been placed 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, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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 93-05-03, Amendment 39-
8508 (58 FR 13406, March 11, 1993), and by adding a new airworthiness 
directive to read as follows:

The Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. 94-CE-06-AD; Supersedes AD 
93-05-03, Amendment 39-8508.

    Applicability: The following model and serial number airplanes, 
certificated in any category: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Model                              Serial Nos.                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
T303        T30300001 through T30300315.                                
402C        402C0001 through 402C1020.                                  
404         404-0001 through 404-0859.                                  
414A        414A0001 through 414A1212.                                  
421C        421C0001 through 421C1807.                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless 
already accomplished.
    To prevent possible loss of engine power caused by failure of a 
fuel inlet float valve, accomplish the following:
    (a) For airplanes equipped with fuel inlet float valve part 
numbers (P/N) 9910242-1, 9910242-4, 9910242-5, 9910242-6, 9910242-7, 
9910242-8, 9910242-205, 9910242-206, 9910242-207, and 9910242-208, 
accomplish the following:
    (1) Within the next 200 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished (compliance 
with AD 93-05-03), perform the appropriate valve test in accordance 
with paragraph 2. Functional Test Procedure or paragraph 3. 
Installation Test Procedure in the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS 
supplement to Cessna Service Bulletin (SB) MEB93-10, dated December 
3, 1993. Accomplish these tests thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 200 hours TIS until the fuel inlet float valves are replaced 
with a P/N 9910242-11 or P/N 9910242-12 valve, and then accomplish 
the appropriate valve test at intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS.
    (2) Within 12 calendar months after accumulating 1,800 hours TIS 
on a fuel inlet float valve or within the next 12 calendar months 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace 
the valve with a P/N 9910242-11 or P/N 9910242-12 fuel inlet float 
valve in accordance with paragraph 4. Valve Replacement in the 
ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS supplement to Cessna SB MEB93-10, dated 
December 3, 1993. Thereafter, accomplish either the functional or 
installation test required by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD at 
intervals not to exceed 600 hours.

    Note 1: If the number of hours TIS accumulated on a fuel inlet 
float valve is unknown, airplane hours TIS may be used.

    (b) For airplanes equipped with fuel inlet float valve P/N 
9910242-9 or P/N 9910242-10, accomplish the following:
    (1) Within the next 200 hours TIS after the effective date of this 
AD, unless already accomplished (compliance with AD 93-05-03), perform 
the appropriate valve test in accordance with paragraph 2. Functional 
Test Procedure or paragraph 3. Installation Test Procedure in the 
ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS supplement to Cessna SB MEB93-10, dated 
December 3, 1993. Accomplish the appropriate valve test thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS until the fuel inlet float valves 
are modified as specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this AD, and then 
accomplish the appropriate valve test at intervals not to exceed 600 
hours TIS.
    (2) Within 12 calendar months after the effective date of this 
AD, install the K74D retainer kit in accordance with PROCEDURE No. 
P74D, which is included with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS 
supplement to Cessna SB MEB93-10, dated December 3, 1993. 
Thereafter, accomplish the functional and installation tests 
required by paragraph (b)(1) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 
600 hours.

    Note 2: Installation of the K74D retainer kit modifies the P/N 
9910242-9 or P/N 9910242-10 fuel inlet float valves to the P/N 
9910242-11 or P/N 9910242-12 configuration.

    (c) For valves failing any repetitive installation or functional 
test required by paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and (b)(2) of 
this AD, prior to further flight, accomplish the following (unless 
parts are not available and then comply with the requirements of 
paragraph (d) of this AD):
    (1) Replace the fuel inlet float valve with a P/N 9910242-11 or 
P/N 9910242-12 valve in accordance with paragraph 4. Valve 
Replacement in the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS supplement to Cessna 
SB MEB93-10, dated December 3, 1993.
    (2) Accomplish the installation test contained in paragraph 3. 
Installation Test Procedure in the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS 
supplement to Cessna SB MEB93-10, dated December 3, 1993. Accomplish 
the appropriate valve test thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 
hours TIS.
    (d) If any fuel valve replacement is necessary and the 
replacement parts are not available, accomplish the following 
provided the parts have been ordered from the manufacturer and are 
installed within 25 hours TIS after availability:
    (1) Incorporate the following into the Limitations Section of 
the Pilots Operating Handbook (POH) and FAA-approved Airplane Flight 
Manual (AFM):
    (i) For the Model T303 airplanes: UNUSABLE FUEL: Indicated fuel 
quantity below 36 pounds (6 gallons) in each main tank is unusable.
    (ii) For the Models 402C, 404, 414A, and 421C airplanes: 
UNUSABLE FUEL: Indicated fuel quantity below 90 pounds (15 gallons) 
in each main tank is unusable.
    (iii) For the Model 404 airplanes: FUEL QUANTITY: Minimum 
indicated fuel quantity for takeoff is 228 pounds (38 gallons) in 
each main tank.
    (iv) For the Models 402C, 414A, and 421C airplanes: FUEL 
QUANTITY: Minimum indicated fuel quantity for takeoff is 210 pounds 
(35 gallons) in each main tank.
    (2) Fabricate placards, as applicable, with the following words 
in letters at least 0.10-inch in height and install these placards 
within the pilot's clear view on the instrument panel in close 
proximity to the fuel quantity gage:
    (i) For Models 402C, 404, 414A, and 421C airplanes: ``UNUSABLE 
FUEL-INDICATED FUEL QUANTITY BELOW 90 POUNDS (15 GALLONS) IN EACH 
MAIN TANK IS UNUSABLE''.
    (ii) For Model T303 airplanes: ``UNUSABLE FUEL-INDICATED FUEL 
QUANTITY BELOW 36 POUNDS (6 GALLONS) IN EACH MAIN TANK IS 
UNUSABLE''.
    (3) For the Model 404 airplanes, fabricate four placards with 
the following in letters at least 0.10-inch in height: ``157 GAL''. 
Install these placards covering the four existing ``172 GAL'' 
markings on the existing placard around the engine fuel selector 
handles.
    (4) For the Models 402C, 414A, and 421C airplanes, fabricate 
four placards with the following in letters at least 0.10-inch in 
height: ``88 GAL''. Install these placards covering the four 
existing ``103 GAL'' markings on the existing placard around the 
engine fuel selector handles.
    (5) For the Model T303 airplanes, fabricate the following 
placards in letters at least 0.10-inch in height:
    (i) ``423 LBS'' (2 placards). Install these placards covering 
the two existing ``459 LBS'' markings on the existing placard around 
the engine fuel selector handles.
    (ii) ``363 LBS'' (1 placard). Install this placard covering the 
existing ``399 LBS'' marking on the existing placard around the 
engine fuel selector handles.
    (6) For all affected Model airplanes, fabricate a placard with 
the following words in letters at least 0.10-inch in height and 
install this placard within the pilot's clear view on the instrument 
panel: ``ROLLING, TURNING TAKEOFFS ARE PROHIBITED.''

    Note 3: The placard requirements may already be accomplished in 
accordance with either superseded AD 92-27-20 or AD 93-05-03 
(superseded by this action). These placard requirements are 
eliminated upon installation of the improved fuel valves as required 
by this AD.
    Note 4: The repetitive functional or installation test is not 
required if parts are not available and the requirements of 
paragraph (d) of this AD (including all subparagraphs) are complied 
with.

    (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 
initial or repetitive compliance times that provides an equivalent 
level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Manager, Wichita 
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 5: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Wichita ACO.

    (g) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of 
the document referred to herein upon request to the Cessna Aircraft 
Company, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, Kansas 67277; or may examine this 
document at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    (h) This amendment supersedes AD 93-05-03, Amendment 39-8508.
    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 12, 1994.
Barry D. Clements,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 94-23079 Filed 9-16-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P