[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 235 (Thursday, December 5, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64456-64458]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-30968]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-267-AD; Amendment 39-9844; AD 96-24-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 560 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 96-24-06 that was sent previously 
to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain Cessna Model 560 
series airplanes by individual letters. This AD requires revising the 
FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the flightcrew 
with limitations, operational procedures, and performance information 
to be used during approach and landing when residual ice is present or 
can be expected. This amendment is prompted by reports indicating that, 
while operating in icing conditions or when ice is on the wings, some 
of these airplanes have experienced uncommanded roll at a speed at (or 
slightly higher than) the speed at which the stall warning system is 
activated. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
uncommanded roll of the airplane during approach and landing when 
residual ice is present or can be expected.

DATES: Effective December 10, 1996, to all persons except those persons 
to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 96-24-
06, issued November 19, 1996, which contained the requirements of this 
amendment.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before February 3, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-267-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    Service information relating to this rulemaking action may be 
obtained from Cessna Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 
67277. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; at the FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 
Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carlos Blacklock, Aerospace Engineer, 
Flight Test and Program Management Branch, ACE-117W, FAA Small Airplane 
Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, 
Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 
946-4166; fax (316) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 19, 1996, the FAA issued 
priority letter AD 96-24-06, which is applicable to certain Cessna 
Model 560 series airplanes. That action was prompted by reports 
indicating that some of these airplanes, while operating in icing 
conditions or when ice is on the wings, have experienced uncommanded 
roll at a speed at, or slightly higher than, the speed at which the 
stall warning system is activated. (The speed at which the airplane's 
stick shaker is activated.)
    Results of an FAA investigation, which involved extensive flight 
tests with simulated ice on protected and unprotected airplane 
surfaces, revealed that, as this airplane model approaches stalling 
speed under normal operating conditions, it exhibits a significant 
uncommanded rolling tendency that requires immediate and aggressive 
action by the pilot to prevent excessive deviation from the intended 
flight path. In addition, the tendency to roll and the magnitude of the 
roll are more pronounced at some flap settings than others. With no ice 
present, the FAA found that this rolling tendency normally occurs near 
aerodynamic stall and after activation of the stall warning.
    The FAA also found that the stall warning system aboard the 
airplane may not compensate for increased stall speed resulting from 
accumulations of ice typically encountered. The lack of adequate stall 
warning margin has been verified by the FAA using the maximum 
accumulation defined in the Model 560 FAA-approved Airplane Flight 
Manual (AFM) for activation of the de-icing boots. In addition, the FAA 
has

[[Page 64457]]

determined that the approach and landing speeds specified in the AFM 
are not adequate for operating with ice accumulated on the airplane. 
The FAA also has determined that the AFM needs additional information 
to make the pilot more aware of the special characteristics of the 
airplane and procedures needed to operate during these conditions.
    When any residual ice is present, the stall warning system may not 
activate at speeds high enough above stall speed. This condition, if 
not corrected, could result in an uncommanded roll.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA reviewed and approved Cessna Citation Alert Service Letter 
SLA560-30-07, dated November 14, 1996, which describes procedures for 
revising the Limitations Section, Normal Procedures Section, and 
Performance Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) 
for this airplane model. These revisions provide limitations, 
operational procedures, and performance information to be used by the 
flightcrew during approach and landing when any residual ice is present 
or can be expected. These revisions include:
     a requirement to increase approach and landing speeds;
     procedures for using the de-icing system; and
     performance corrections for landing weight and distance.
    For airplanes having serial numbers 560-0001 through 560-0259 
inclusive, this information is contained in Temporary AFM Changes:
     560FM TC-96-01, dated November 14, 1996;
     560FM TC-96-02, dated November 14, 1996;
     560FM TC-96-03, dated November 14, 1996; and
     560FM TC-96-04, dated November 14, 1996.
    For airplanes having serial numbers 560-0260 through 560-5000 
inclusive, the information is contained in Cessna Model 560 Citation V 
Ultra (Unit -0260 and on) 56FMA-05, Revision 5, dated November 14, 
1996.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other airplanes of the same type design, the FAA issued priority 
letter AD 96-24-06 to prevent uncommanded roll of the airplane during 
approach and landing when residual ice is present or can be expected. 
The AD requires revision of the Limitations Section, Normal Procedures 
Section, and Performance Section of the AFM to provide the flightcrew 
with limitations, operational procedures, and performance information 
to be used during approach and landing when residual ice is present or 
can be expected. The actions are required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the Temporary AFM Changes and Cessna Model 560 Citation 
V Ultra document previously described.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters 
issued on November 19, 1996, to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
Cessna Model 560 series airplanes. These conditions still exist, and 
the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to 
section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to 
make it effective to all persons.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action. The manufacturer is 
currently developing a modification to the stall warning system which 
will increase the speed at which the stall warning is activated. In 
addition, the manufacturer is making permanent changes to the AFM (for 
airplanes with serial numbers 560-0001 through 560-0259 inclusive) 
which will provide revised limitations, operational procedures, and 
performance information to be used during approach and landing when 
residual ice is present or can be expected. Once the modification and 
permanent changes are developed, approved and available, the FAA may 
consider additional rulemaking.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ``ADDRESSES.'' 
All communications received on or before the closing date for comments 
will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the 
comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's 
ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the 
effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 96-NM-267-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    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.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from 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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the

[[Page 64458]]

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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-24-06 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-9844. Docket 96-NM-
267-AD.

    Applicability: Model 560 series airplanes having serial numbers 
560-0001 through 560-5000 inclusive; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise 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 (c) 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, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent uncommanded roll of the airplane during approach and 
landing when residual ice is present or can be expected, accomplish 
the following:

    Note 2: Cessna Citation Alert Service Letter A560-30-07, dated 
November 14, 1996, refers to the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual 
(AFM) revisions required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Priority 
Letter AD.

    (a) For airplanes having serial numbers 560-0001 through 560-
0259 inclusive: Within 10 days after receipt of this Priority 
Letter, revise the Limitations Section, Normal Procedures Section, 
and Performance Section of the AFM by inserting Temporary AFM 
Changes 560FM TC-96-01, dated November 14, 1996; 560FM TC-96-02, 
dated November 14, 1996; 560FM TC-96-03, dated November 14, 1996; 
and 560FM TC-96-04, dated November 14, 1996; which introduce 
limitations, procedures, and corrected performance information for 
approach and landing when residual ice is present or can be 
expected. Thereafter, operate the airplane in accordance with those 
limitations, procedures, and performance information.

    Note 3: When these temporary changes have been incorporated into 
general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted 
in the AFM and these temporary changes removed, provided the 
information contained in the general revisions is identical to that 
specified in Temporary AFM Changes 560FM TC-96-01, 560FM TC-96-02, 
560FM TC-96-03, and 560FM TC-96-04.
    (b) For airplanes having serial numbers 560-0260 through 560-
5000 inclusive: Within 10 days after the receipt of this Priority 
Letter, revise the Limitations Section, Normal Procedures Section, 
and Performance Section of the AFM by inserting Cessna Model 560 
Citation V Ultra (Unit -0260 and on) 56FMA-05, Revision 5, dated 
November 14, 1996, which introduces limitations, procedures, and 
corrected performance information for approach and landing when 
residual ice is present or can be expected. Thereafter, operate the 
airplane in accordance with those limitations, procedures, and 
performance information.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Operations Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Wichita ACO.

    Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Wichita ACO.

    (d) 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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on December 10, 1996, to 
all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by priority letter AD 96-24-06, issued November 19, 1996, 
which contained the requirements of this amendment.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 29, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-30968 Filed 12-4-96; 8:45 am]
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