[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 60 (Thursday, March 28, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14893-14895]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-7428]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-388-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 650 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Cessna Model 650 
airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time inspection of the 
side brace mechanism assemblies of the left and right main landing 
gears (MLG) to detect any incorrect part number, and corrective actions 
if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent inadvertent 
disengagement of the locking mechanism of the side brace mechanism 
assembly, which could lead to collapse of the respective MLG, and 
result in a gear-up landing and possible injury to passengers and crew. 
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 13, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-388-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 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-388-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 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, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, 
Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert P. Busto, 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) 946-4157; 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 action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     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 proposed 
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 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

[[Page 14894]]

submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-388-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

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. 2000-NM-388-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    Four incidents of main landing gear (MLG) collapse were reported on 
Cessna Model 650 airplanes upon landing. In one of those incidents, the 
right MLG became unlocked, while in two of those incidents, the left 
MLG became unlocked. In the fourth incident, the left MLG became 
unlocked, and, after the MLG struck a landing light fixture, the right 
MLG became unlocked. Another incident occurred during maintenance of an 
airplane, when the right outboard tire was overpressurized, causing 
failure of the tire/wheel in the hangar, and resulting in the right MLG 
becoming unlocked and consequent collapse of the MLG. Such conditions, 
if not corrected, could result in gear-up landing and possible injury 
to passengers and crew.

Background Information

    The MLG actuators are operated hydraulically to retract and extend 
the MLGs during normal operation. During such operation, the actuators 
are retracted/extended by the airplane's hydraulic system. In addition, 
the emergency system is used to extend the actuators, while the MLG 
side brace incorporates a locking mechanism that locks the side brace 
in the extended position to prevent the MLG from collapsing when fully 
extended. When hydraulic pressure is applied to retract the MLG, the 
locking mechanism is unlocked.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical content of the 
initial issue of Cessna Service Bulletin SB650-32-47, including Cessna 
Service Bulletin Supplemental Data SB650-32-47, both dated August 14, 
2000, which describes procedures for replacing any side brace mechanism 
assembly having an incorrect part number with a new, improved assembly. 
The new assembly includes an improved actuator that minimizes the 
chance of inadvertent unlock of the MLG. This replacement action is 
intended to 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 require a one-time inspection of the side brace 
mechanism assemblies of the left and right MLGs to detect any incorrect 
part number, and corrective actions if necessary. If an assembly having 
the correct part number is found, no further action is required by this 
proposed AD. However, if an assembly having an incorrect part number is 
found, corrective actions include removing the side brace mechanism 
assembly of the respective main landing gear; and installing a new, 
improved assembly having the correct part number. The proposed AD would 
require accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin 
described previously, except as discussed below.

Difference Between Proposed Rule and Service Bulletin

    The previously referenced service bulletin specifies a compliance 
time of approximately 1 year for accomplishing the replacement action. 
However, the FAA has determined that a 1-year compliance time would not 
address the identified unsafe condition in a timely manner because of 
the consequences of MLG failure, as described earlier. In developing an 
appropriate compliance time for this proposed AD, the FAA considered 
the degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe 
condition, the average utilization of the affected fleet, and the time 
necessary to perform the one-time inspection. In light of all of these 
factors, the FAA finds a 6-month compliance time for completing the 
required actions to be warranted, in that it represents an appropriate 
interval of time allowable for affected airplanes to continue to 
operate without compromising safety.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 353 Model 650 series airplanes of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 282 
airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that 
it would take approximately 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $169,200, or $600 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of 
this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in 
the future if this proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact 
figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time 
necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. 
These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the 
time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    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.

[[Page 14895]]

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket 2000-NM-388-AD.

    Applicability: Model 650 airplanes, serial numbers -0001 through 
-0241 inclusive, and serial numbers -7001 through -7112 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 (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 inadvertent disengagement of the locking mechanism of 
the side brace mechanism assembly of the left or right main landing 
gear (MLG), which could lead to collapse of the respective MLG, and 
result in gear-up landing and possible injury to passengers and 
crew; accomplish the following:

One-Time Inspection

    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
one-time inspection of the side brace mechanism assemblies of the 
left and right MLGs to detect any incorrect part number (P/N) found 
installed, as specified in Cessna Service Bulletin SB650-32-47, 
including Cessna Service Bulletin Supplemental Data SB650-32-47, 
both dated August 14, 2000.
    (1) If the correct part number is found installed on the left 
side brace mechanism assembly, P/N 6217076-201, and on the right 
side brace mechanism assembly, P/N 6217076-202, no further action is 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD.

Corrective Action

    (2) If incorrect P/N 6217076-2, 6217076-4, or 6217076-9 is found 
installed on either the left or right side brace mechanism assembly: 
Prior to further flight, replace any incorrect left side brace 
mechanism assembly with a new, improved assembly, P/N 6217076-201; 
and replace any incorrect right side brace mechanism assembly with a 
new, improved assembly, P/N 6217076-202; per Cessna Service Bulletin 
SB650-32-47, including Cessna Service Bulletin Supplemental Data 
SB650-32-47, both dated August 14, 2000. After the replacement 
action, no further action is required by this AD.

Spares

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a left or right MLG side brace mechanism assembly, P/N 6217076-2, 
6217076-4, or 6217076-9, on any airplane.

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). 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 Permit

    (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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 22, 2002.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-7428 Filed 3-27-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P