[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 175 (Friday, September 10, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49115-49117]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-23620]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-312-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 560 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Cessna Model 560 
series airplanes, that currently 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. That action was 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 (or slightly 
higher than) the speed at which the stall warning system is activated. 
This action would require revising the AFM and would revise the 
applicability of the existing AD. This action also would require 
modification of the stall warning system of the angle-of-attack 
computer. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent uncommanded roll of the airplane during approach and landing 
when residual ice is present or can be expected.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 25, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-312-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 
67277. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 
Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas.

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:

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 shall 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 summarizing 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 Number 98-NM-312-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

[[Page 49116]]

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 98-NM-312-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On November 29, 1996, the FAA issued AD 96-24-06, amendment 39-9844 
(61 FR 64456, December 5, 1996), applicable to certain Cessna Model 560 
series airplanes, to require 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. That action 
was 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 (or slightly higher than) the speed at 
which the stall warning system is activated. The requirements of that 
AD are intended to prevent uncommanded roll of the airplane during 
approach and landing when residual ice is present or can be expected.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    In the preamble of AD 96-24-06, the FAA indicated that the actions 
required by that AD were considered ``interim action'' and that further 
rulemaking action was being considered. The FAA now has determined that 
further rulemaking action is indeed necessary; this AD follows from 
that determination.
    The manufacturer has developed a modification to the stall warning 
system of the angle-of-attack computer, which will increase the stall 
warning margin during flight in icing conditions. Additionally, the 
manufacturer has made changes to the AFM, which provide limitations, 
operational procedures, and performance information to be used during 
approach and landing when residual ice is present or can be expected.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Cessna Model 560 Citation V 
Ultra, AFM Revision 7, dated July 16, 1998, and Cessna Model 560 
Citation V, AFM Revision 11, dated July 16, 1998. These AFM revisions 
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 FAA also has reviewed and approved Cessna Service Bulletins 
SB560-34-69, Revision 2, dated July 24, 1998, and SB560-34-70, dated 
July 14, 1998. These service bulletins describe procedures for 
modification of the stall warning system of the angle-of-attack 
computer. This modification involves replacing the angle-of-attack 
computer with a new, improved computer and installing related wiring. 
Accomplishment of the action specified in the applicable service 
bulletin and AFM is intended to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would supersede all the requirements of AD 96-24-06. This 
proposed AD would require revising the AFM and would revise the 
applicability of the existing AD to exclude certain airplanes on which 
the modification was accomplished during manufacturing. This action 
also would require modification of the stall warning system of the 
angle-of-attack computer. The actions would be required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the applicable service bulletin and 
revision to the AFM described previously.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 437 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 327 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD.
    For all airplanes, the new AFM revision that is proposed in this AD 
action would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, 
at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of the AFM revision proposed by this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $19,620, or $60 per airplane.
    For airplanes listed in Cessna Service Bulletin SB560-34-69, the 
new modification that is proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 40 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $8,036 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the modification proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $10,436 per airplane.
    For airplanes listed in Cessna Service Bulletin SB560-34-70, the 
new modification that is proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 40 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $7,762 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the modification proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $10,162 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    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 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); 
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 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, 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-9844 (61 FR

[[Page 49117]]

64456, December 5, 1996), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket 98-NM-312-AD. Supersedes AD 96-24-
06, Amendment 39-9844.

    Applicability: Model 560 series airplanes having serial numbers 
(S/N) 560-0001 through 560-0437 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 
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 (d) 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:

Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revisions

    (a) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the FAA-approved 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; in accordance with the applicable revision of the AFM 
specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes having S/N's 560-0001 through 560-0259 
inclusive: AFM Model 560 Citation V, Revision 11, dated July 16, 
1998.
    (2) For airplanes having S/N's 560-0260 through 560-0437 
inclusive: AFM Model 560 Citation V Ultra, Revision 7, dated July 
16, 1998.

Modification

    (b) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the stall warning system of the angle-of-attack computer of the 
navigational system, in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2), 
as applicable, of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes having S/N's 560-0001 through 560-0055 
inclusive: Modify in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin SB560-
34-70, dated July 14, 1998.
    (2) For airplanes having S/N's 560-0056 through 560-0437 
inclusive: Modify in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin SB560-
34-69, Revision 2, dated July 24, 1998.

Spares

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane an angle-of-attack computer having part number 
C11606-2 or C11606-3.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Wichita ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Wichita ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (e) 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 3, 1999.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-23620 Filed 9-9-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P