[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 13, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11220-11223]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-5703]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-CE-06-AD; Amendment 39-12673; AD 2002-05-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cirrus Design Corporation Models SR20 
and SR22 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 
applies to certain Cirrus Design Corporation (Cirrus) Models SR20 and 
SR22 airplanes. This AD requires you to incorporate temporary operating 
limitations into the Limitation Section of the airplane flight manual 
(AFM) for certain affected airplanes and install a cable clamp external 
to the cone adapter on the Cirrus Aircraft Parachute System (CAPS) 
activation cable for all affected airplanes. The operating limitations 
will reduce the need to use the CAPS system in a loss of aircraft 
control emergency situation. The installation will prevent the cable 
housing from going into the rocket cone and will allow the rocket to 
fire correctly. This AD is the result of a report from the manufacturer 
that certain CAPS may not activate in an emergency situation. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to initially limit the chance 
of failure of the CAPS activation system in an emergency situation and 
eventually eliminate this potential failure. Failure of this system 
would result in occupant injury and/or loss of life and loss of 
aircraft.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on March 19, 2002.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulation as of March 
19, 2002.

[[Page 11221]]

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any comments 
on this rule on or before April 26, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-06-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any 
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also send comments 
electronically to the following address: [email protected]. 
Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2002-CE-06-AD'' 
in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached 
electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for 
Windows or ASCII text.
    You may get the service information referenced in this AD from 
Cirrus Design Corporation, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth, MN 55811; 
telephone: (218) 727-2737; or electronically at the following address: 
www.cirrusdesign.com/sb. You may view this information at FAA, Central 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 
2002-CE-06-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory J. Michalik, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Chicago ACO, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 
60018; telephone: (847) 294-7135; facsimile: (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This AD?

    The FAA has received a report from the type certificate holder that 
a condition exists that could cause the Cirrus Airplane Parachute 
System (CAPS) installed on certain Cirrus Design Corporation (Cirrus) 
Model SR20 and SR22 airplanes not to activate in the event of an 
emergency. Ballistic Recovery Systems (BRS), the supplier of the CAPS, 
discovered the condition during a supplemental type certificate (STC) 
certification test of the same unit on another airplane.
    Investigation revealed that the rocket cone could allow for 
variance in the internal diameter at the threaded end of the rocket 
cone. This variance could result in the retaining nut internal to the 
cone adapter not to be fully secured on the affected parachutes. When 
the igniter end of the cable housing is unsecured, the cable will not 
pull the igniter pin free to release the parachute.
    This condition is prevalent on a manufacturing lot of 187 systems 
that BRS developed under a process change. The condition could exist on 
the other earlier systems that BRS developed.
    Section 23.221 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 23.221) 
requires that single-engine, normal category airplanes demonstrate 
compliance with either the one-turn spin or the spin-resistant 
requirements. The airplane, for spin recovery compliance, must recover 
from a one-turn spin or a three-second spin, whichever takes longer, in 
not more than one additional turn after the controls have been applied 
for recovery. The Cirrus SR20/SR22 are not certificated to meet the 
spin requirements or spin resistant requirements of 14 CFR 23.221. 
Instead, Cirrus installed an Airplane Parachute System (CAPS) that was 
FAA-approved as part of the SR20/SR22 type design.

What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    Failure of the igniter end of the cable housing to release the 
igniter pin, if not corrected, could result in CAPS not activating in 
an emergency situation. This would result in occupant injury and/or 
loss of life and loss of aircraft.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    Cirrus Design has issued Alert Service Bulletin SB A20-95-01, 
Issued: February 25, 2002, and Alert Service Bulletin A22-95-01, 
Issued: February 25, 2002. These service bulletins specify modifying 
the CAPS activation cable assembly in accordance with Ballistic 
Recovery Systems Inc. Service Bulletin SB 95-01, Issued: February 25, 
2002. This service bulletin includes procedures for installing a cable 
clamp external to the cone adapter.

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of 
This AD

What Has FAA Decided?

    The FAA has reviewed all available information, including the 
service information referenced above; and determined that:

--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other Cirrus Model SR20 and SR22 airplanes of the same type 
design;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service 
information (as specified in this AD) should be accomplished on the 
affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

What Does This AD Require?

    This AD requires you to:
--Incorporate temporary operating limitations into the Limitation 
Section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) for the airplanes with a 
CAPS that incorporates the process change. The operating limitations 
will reduce the need to use the CAPS system in a loss of aircraft 
control emergency situation. This action is accomplished by the pilot 
prior to further flight after the effective date of the AD; and
--Install a cable clamp external to the cone adapter on the Cirrus 
Aircraft Parachute System (CAPS) activation cable within 10 hours time-
in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD for those 
airplanes with a CAPS that incorporates the process change and within 
25 hours TIS after the effective date for all other airplanes. This 
installation will prevent the cable housing from going into the rocket 
cone and will allow the rocket to fire correctly.

    In preparation of this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft 
operators to obtain technical information and information on 
operational and economic impacts. We have included, in the rulemaking 
docket, a discussion of information that may have influenced this 
action.

Will I Have the Opportunity To Comment Prior to the Issuance of the 
Rule?

    Because the unsafe condition described in this document could 
result in failure of the CAPS activation system in an emergency 
situation, we find that notice and opportunity for public prior comment 
are impracticable. Therefore, good cause exists for making this 
amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

How Do I Comment on This AD?

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, FAA invites your 
comments on the rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or 
arguments you choose. You need to include the rule's docket number and 
submit your comments to the address specified under the caption 
ADDRESSES. We will consider all comments received on or before the 
closing date specified above. We may amend this rule in light of 
comments received. Factual information that supports your ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and

[[Page 11222]]

determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking action.

Are There Any Specific Portions of the AD I Should Pay Attention To?

    We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we receive 
before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules Docket. We 
will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each FAA contact 
with the public that concerns the substantive parts of this AD.

How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?

    If you want us to acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments, 
you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, 
write ``Comments to Docket No. 2002-CE-06-AD.'' We will date stamp and 
mail the postcard back to you.

Regulatory Impact

Does This AD Impact Various Entities?

    These regulations 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, FAA has determined that this 
final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132.

Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    We have determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation 
that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in 
aircraft, and 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 (otherwise, an evaluation is 
not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules 
Docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
Reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

2002-05-05  Cirrus Design Corporation: Amendment 39-12673; Docket 
No. 2002-CE-06-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD applies to 
the following airplane models and serial numbers that are 
certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Model                           Serial Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (1) Group 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SR20......................................  1148 through 1178, except
                                             1151
SR22......................................  0029 through 0160, except
                                             0159
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (2) Group 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SR20......................................  1005 through 1147
SR22......................................  0002 through 0028
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must 
comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to initially limit the chance of failure of the 
CAPS activation system in an emergency situation and eventually 
eliminate this potential failure. Failure of this system would 
result in occupant injury and/or loss of life and loss of aircraft.
    (d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this 
problem, you must perform the following actions, unless already 
accomplished:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For Group 1 airplanes:    Prior to further      The owner/operator
 in order reduce the need to   flight after March    holding at least a
 use the CAPS system in a      19, 2002 (the         private pilot
 loss of aircraft control      effective date of     certificate as
 emergency situation,          this AD) until the    authorized by
 incorporate the following     installation          section 43.7 of the
 into the Limitation Section   required by           Federal Aviation
 of the airplane flight        paragraph (d)(2) of   Regulations (14 CFR
 manual (AFM):                 this AD is            43.7) may
``(i) Do not operate the       accomplished.         incorporate into
 airplane in instrument                              the AFM the
 flight rules (IFR)                                  information
 conditions, only operate                            specified in
 the airplane in visual                              paragraphs
 flight rules (VFR)                                  (d)(1)(i) and
 conditions; and.                                    (d)(1)(ii) of this
(ii) Operate the airplane                            AD. Make an entry
 during daytime hours only,                          into the aircraft
 do not operate at night..                           records showing
                                                     compliance with
                                                     this portion of the
                                                     AD in accordance
                                                     with section 43.9
                                                     of the Federal
                                                     Aviation
                                                     Regulations (14 CFR
                                                     43.9).
 
(2) For all affected          For Group 1           In accordance with
 airplanes: in order to        airplanes: within     Ballistic Recovery
 prevent the cable housing     the next 10 hours     Systems Inc.
 from going into the rocket    time-in-service       Service Bulletin SB
 cone and in order to allow    (TIS) after March     95-01, Issued:
 the rocket to fire            19, 2002 (the         February 25, 2002,
 correctly, install a cable    effective date of     as specified in
 clamp external to the cone    this AD). The AFM     Cirrus Alert
 adapter on the Cirrus         Limitations           Service Bulletin
 Aircraft Parachute System     requirement in        SBA 20-95-01,
 (CAPS) activation cable.      paragraph (d)(1) of   Issued: February
                               this AD is no         25, 2002, and Alert
                               longer required       Service Bulletin
                               when this             A22-95-01, Issued:
                               installation is       February 25, 2002.
                               accomplished. For
                               Group 2 airplanes:
                               within the next 25
                               hours TIS after
                               March 19, 2002 (the
                               effective date of
                               this AD).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Chicago ACO.

    Note: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, 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

[[Page 11223]]

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 (e) 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific 
actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Gregory J. Michalik, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Chicago ACO, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des 
Plaines, IL 60018; telephone: (847) 294-7135; facsimile: (847) 294-
7834.
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD provided you comply 
with the following:
    (1) The aircraft is operated in Visual Flight Rules (VFR) 
conditions only; and
    (2) The aircraft is operated during daytime hours only.
    (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance 
with Ballistic Recovery Systems Inc. Service Bulletin SBA 95-01, 
Issued: February 25, 2002, as specified in Cirrus Alert Service 
Bulletin SBA 20-95-01, Issued: February 25, 2002, and Cirrus Alert 
Service Bulletin A22-95-01, Issued: February 25, 2002. The Director 
of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference 
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get copies from 
Cirrus Design Corporation, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth, MN 55811; 
telephone: (218) 727-2737; or electronically at the following 
address: www.cirrusdesign.com/sb. You may view this information at 
FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, 
Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on March 19, 2002.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 5, 2002.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-5703 Filed 3-12-02; 8:45 am]
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