[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 133 (Wednesday, July 11, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36152-36154]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-17164]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-146-AD; Amendment 39-12320; AD 2001-14-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 560XL Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Cessna Model 560XL airplanes. This action 
requires inspection of certain electrical wiring of the landing light 
switch, associated components, and the aft J-box fairing light relay 
wire for chafing, discoloration, or damage; rerouting of certain 
wiring; and corrective follow-on actions, if necessary. This action is 
necessary to prevent shorting to the ground of the electrical power due 
to chafing of wiring, which could result in electrical fire in the 
wiring of the landing light switch, associated components, and the 
wiring of the aft J-box fairing light relays. This action is intended 
to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective July 26, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 26, 2001.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before September 10, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-146, 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. 2001-NM-146-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 service information referenced in this AD 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, 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: Raymond Johnston, 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) 946-4151; fax (316) 
946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report of an 
electrical fire on the left landing light switch on the cockpit 
pedestal of a Cessna Model 560XL airplane. Investigation revealed that 
a wire bundle was burned approximately eight inches below the landing 
light switch and that the switch was overheated and damaged. The 
investigation also revealed that wires from KZ041 in the J-box (a 
terminal located below the mounting plate for power relays) had shorted 
to the battery bus. The findings of the investigation indicated that 
incorrect routing of certain wiring had resulted in chafing of certain 
wiring. Such chafing of wiring could cause shorting to the ground of 
the electrical power and result in electrical fire in the landing light 
switch, associated components, and the wiring of the aft J-box fairing 
light relays.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Cessna Alert Service Letter (ASL) 
ALS560XL-33-02, dated May 4, 2001, which describes procedures for a 
visual inspection to detect any chafing, discoloration, or damaged 
wiring of the right KZ032 and left KZ-41 light relays and any 
associated components, and procedures for routing the light relay 
wiring correctly. For any wiring or associated components that are 
chafed, discolored, or damaged, the ASL provides procedures for 
accomplishing additional follow-on inspections of certain switch 
assemblies and associated wiring, and replacement of any discrepant 
wiring or associated components. Accomplishment of the actions 
specified in the ASL is intended to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is 
being issued to prevent shorting to the ground of the electrical power 
due to chafing of wiring, which could result in electrical fire in the 
wiring of the landing light switch, associated components, and the 
wiring of the aft J-box fairing light relays. This AD requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the ASL described 
previously.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

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.
    Submit comments using the following format:

[[Page 36153]]

     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is 
being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    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 2001-NM-146-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:

    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:

2001-14-09  Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-12320. Docket 
2001-NM-146-AD.

    Applicability: Model 560XL airplanes, serial numbers -5002 
through -5159 inclusive, -5161, and -5165; 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 (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 shorting to ground of the electrical power due to 
improper routing of certain wiring, which could result in electrical 
fire in the wiring of the landing light switch, associated 
components, and wiring of the aft J-box fairing light relays; 
accomplish the following:

Inspection for Chafing, Discoloration, or Damaged Wiring

    (a) Within 20 flight hours or 20 days after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a general visual 
inspection for any chafed, discolored or damaged wiring of the right 
KZ032 and left KZ-41 light relays and any associated components, per 
Cessna Alert Service Letter 560XL-33-02, dated May 4, 2001. If no 
discrepancy to the wiring or associated components is detected, 
before further flight, reroute the wiring of the aft J-box relay, 
per the alert service letter.

    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 droplight, 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.''

If any Discrepant Wiring is Detected

    (b) If any chafing, discoloration, or damage is detected in the 
wiring or the associated components as a result of the inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD, before further flight, 
accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) 
of this AD, per Cessna Alert Service Letter 560XL-33-02, dated May 
4, 2001.
    (1) Replace the aft J-box fairing light relay wiring with new 
wiring and reroute the wiring.
    (2) Perform a general visual inspection for any discoloration or 
damage of the right SC054 and left SC055 switch assemblies A3-212-01 
and associated wiring. Before further flight, replace any damaged or 
discolored wiring or switch assembly with new wiring or a new switch 
assembly.
    (3) Perform a general visual inspection for damage or 
discoloration of wiring specified in paragraph 11 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service letter. Before 
further flight, replace any damaged or discolored wiring with new 
wiring.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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. 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

    (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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Cessna Alert 
Service Letter ASL560XL-33-02, dated May 4, 2001. 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.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 26, 2001.


[[Page 36154]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 3, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-17164 Filed 7-10-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P