[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 153 (Tuesday, August 8, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48373-48375]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-19818]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-255-AD; Amendment 39-11850; AD 2000-15-51]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 560XL Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting airworthiness directive (AD) 2000-15-51 that was sent 
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Cessna Model 560XL 
airplanes by individual notices. This AD requires, for certain 
airplanes, repetitive inspections to measure the amount the aileron 
fairlead tube protrudes beyond the clamp at the aft aileron sector, and 
modification of the aileron fairlead tubes, which terminates the 
repetitive inspections to measure the tube protrusion; and, for all 
airplanes, repetitive general visual inspections, and corrective 
actions, if necessary, to ensure that the fairlead tube remains flush 
with the clamp. This action is prompted by reports of two occurrences 
of improper aileron function discovered during preflight checks. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent interference 
between the aileron cable fairlead tube and the aileron cable sector, 
which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: Effective August 14, 2000, to all persons except those persons 
to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 2000-15-51, 
issued July 19, 2000, which contained the requirements of this 
amendment.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 14, 2000.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before October 10, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-255-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. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-255-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The applicable service information 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

[[Page 48374]]

the FAA, 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: Shane Bertish, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent 
Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4156; fax (316) 
946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 19, 2000, the FAA issued emergency 
AD 2000-15-51, which is applicable to certain Cessna Model 560XL 
airplanes.
    That action was prompted by reports of two occurrences of improper 
aileron function discovered during preflight checks. In the first 
occurrence, the ailerons did not operate within their full range; it 
was later discovered that the fairlead tube was contacting the aft 
cable sector. In the second occurrence, the aileron jammed in a 
ratcheting-type motion and could not be returned to neutral.
    If either aileron cable fairlead tube slides aft through its clamps 
while the airplane is in service, it could jam or otherwise interfere 
with the aileron cable sector at approximately 60 percent aileron 
travel (either left roll or right roll). The aileron cannot be returned 
to neutral from 60 percent or greater aileron travel. This condition 
can occur only if 60 percent or greater aileron travel is commanded. In 
certain circumstances, roughness or unusual friction may be detected in 
the aileron system at high control wheel deflections prior to jamming. 
Interference between the aileron cable fairlead tube and the aileron 
cable sector, if not corrected, could result in loss of control of the 
airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Cessna Service Bulletin SB560XL-
27-10, including Service Bulletin Supplemental Data, dated July 13, 
2000, which describes procedures for modification of the aileron 
fairlead tubes. The modification involves trimming the fairlead tube 
and cementing the clamp to the tube with fuel tank sealer.

Explanation of 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 emergency AD 
2000-15-51 to prevent interference between the aileron cable fairlead 
tube and the aileron cable sector, if not corrected, could result in 
loss of control of the airplane. The AD requires:
     For airplanes having serial numbers -5002 through -5093 
inclusive: repetitive general visual inspections to measure the amount 
the aileron fairlead tube protrudes beyond the clamp at the aft aileron 
sector.
     For airplanes having serial numbers -5002 through -5093 
inclusive: modification of the aileron fairlead tubes, which terminates 
the repetitive inspections to measure the tube protrusion.
     For all airplanes: repetitive general visual inspections, 
and corrective actions, if necessary, to ensure that the fairlead tube 
remains flush with the clamp.
    The modification is required to be accomplished in accordance with 
the service bulletin 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 notices 
issued on July 19, 2000, to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
Cessna Model 560XL 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.

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 2000-NM-255-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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, 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:


[[Page 48375]]


    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:

2000-15-51  Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-11850. Docket 
2000-NM-255-AD.

    Applicability: Model 560XL airplanes, certificated in any 
category; serial numbers (S/N) -5002 and subsequent.

    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 interference between the aileron cable fairlead tube 
and the aileron cable sector, which could result in loss of control 
of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Pre-modification Inspection

    (a) For airplanes having S/N -5002 through -5093 inclusive: 
Before the next flight after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a general visual inspection to measure how far the aileron fairlead 
tube protrudes beyond the clamp at the aft aileron sector. This area 
of the airplane is depicted in Figure 1 of Cessna Service Bulletin 
SB560XL-27-10, including Service Bulletin Supplemental Data, dated 
July 13, 2000. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to 
exceed 5 flight cycles until accomplishment of paragraph (b) of this 
AD. If, during any inspection required by this paragraph, more than 
one-half inch of the tube is found to protrude, prior to further 
flight, accomplish the actions specified by paragraph (b) of this 
AD.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

Modification

    (b) For airplanes having S/N -5002 through -5093 inclusive: 
Within 25 flight hours or 30 days after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs first, modify the aileron fairlead tubes 
(including trimming the fairlead tube and cementing the clamp to the 
tube with fuel tank sealer) in accordance with Cessna Service 
Bulletin SB560XL-27-10, including Service Bulletin Supplemental 
Data, dated July 13, 2000. Allow 2 hours of cure time before further 
flight. Accomplishment of the modification terminates the repetitive 
inspection requirement of paragraph (a) of this AD.

Post-modification Inspection

    (c) For all airplanes: At the applicable time specified by 
paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, perform a general visual 
inspection to determine if the fairlead tube is flush with the 
clamp. This area of the airplane is depicted in Figure 1 of Cessna 
Service Bulletin SB560XL-27-10, including Service Bulletin 
Supplemental Data, dated July 13, 2000. If the tube is not flush, 
prior to further flight, repeat the actions specified by paragraph 
(b) of this AD, and notify the Manager, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Mid-Continent Airport, 1801 Airport 
Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4106; fax 
(316) 946-4407. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 110 flight hours.
    (1) For airplanes having S/N -5002 through -5093 inclusive: At 
the next scheduled maintenance or within 110 flight hours after the 
modification required by paragraph (b) of this AD, whichever occurs 
first.
    (2) For S/N -5094 and subsequent: At the next scheduled 
maintenance or within 110 flight hours after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first.

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 ACO. 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 3: 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 
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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) The modification shall be done in accordance with Cessna 
Service Bulletin SB560XL-27-10, including Service Bulletin 
Supplemental Data, dated July 13, 2000. This incorporation by 
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 
67277. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
FAA, 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.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on August 14, 2000, to all 
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by emergency AD 2000-15-51, issued on July 19, 2000, which 
contained the requirements of this amendment.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 31, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-19818 Filed 8-7-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U