[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 168 (Thursday, August 29, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55357-55360]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-22001]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-CE-31-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cirrus Design Corporation Models SR20 
and SR22 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 2002-05-05, which currently applies to certain Cirrus Design 
Corporation (Cirrus) Models SR20 and SR22 airplanes. AD 2002-05-05 
currently 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. AD 2002-05-05 resulted from a report 
from the manufacturer that certain CAPS may not activate in an 
emergency situation. This proposed AD is the result of the manufacturer 
redesigning the CAPS activation system. This proposed AD would require 
you to modify the CAPS activation system. The actions specified by this 
proposed AD are intended to eliminate the chance of failure of the CAPS 
activation system in an emergency situation. Failure of this system 
could result in occupant injury and/or loss of life and loss of 
aircraft.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before November 1, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-31-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.

[[Page 55358]]

You may also send comments electronically to the following address: [email protected]. Comments sent electronically must contain 
``Docket No. 2002-CE-31-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 service information that applies to this proposed AD 
from Cirrus Design Corporation, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth, MN 55811; 
telephone: (218) 727-2737. You may also view this information at the 
Rules Docket at the address above.

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:

Comments Invited

How Do I Comment on This Proposed AD?

    The FAA invites comments on this proposed 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. We may amend this 
proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual information that 
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of this proposed AD action and determining whether we 
need to take additional rulemaking action.

Are There Any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay 
Attention to?

    The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed 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 contact we have with the public that 
concerns the substantive parts of this proposed AD.

How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?

    If you want FAA 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-31-AD.'' We will date stamp and 
mail the postcard back to you.

Discussion

Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?

    The FAA received a report from the type certificate holder that a 
condition existed 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.
    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 recovery 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 recovery 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.
    Possible failure of the CAPS activation system in a emergency 
situation caused us to issue AD 2002-05-05, Amendment 39-12673 (67 FR 
11220, March 13, 2002). AD 2002-05-05 requires the following:
    --Incorporating temporary operating limitations into the Limitation 
Section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) for the airplanes with a 
CAPS that incorporates the process change; and
    --Installing a cable clamp external to the cone adapter on the CAPS 
activation cable.

What Has Happened Since AD 2002-05-05 To Initiate This Action?

    After further testing, Cirrus has made design changes to the whole 
CAPS activation system that now eliminates possible failure of the CAP 
activation system. Incorporation of the design changes eliminates the 
need for the actions of AD 2002-05-05.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    Cirrus Design Corporation has issued the following service 
bulletins:
--Service Bulletin SB 20-95-03, Issued: June 10, 2002;
--Service Bulletin SB 20-95-04, Issued: July 10, 2002;
--Service Bulletin SB 20-95-05, Issued: July 10, 2002;
--Service Bulletin SB 20-95-05, Rev 1: dated August 14, 2002;
--Service Bulletin SB 22-95-03, Issued: June 10, 2002;
--Service Bulletin SB 22-95-04, Issued: July 10, 2002;
--Service Bulletin SB 22-95-05, Issued: July 10, 2002; and
--Service Bulletin SB 22-95-05, Rev 1: dated August 14, 2002;

What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?

    These service bulletins include procedures for:

--Replacing the CAPS handle access cover;
--Replacing the CAPS activation handle bracket; and
--Replacing the CAPS activation cable.

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

What Has FAA Decided?

    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to the incidents described above, we have 
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 should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

What Would This Proposed AD Require?

    This proposed AD would supersede AD 2002-05-05 with a new AD that 
would incorporate the actions in the previously-referenced service 
bulletins.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 391 airplanes in the U.S. 
registry.

[[Page 55359]]

What Would Be the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD on Owners/Operators 
of the Affected Airplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed 
modification to the CAPS handle access cover:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Total cost per
              Labor cost                 Parts cost       airplane            Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 workhour x $60 per hour = $60......             $19             $79  $79 x 391 = $30,889
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    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed 
modification to the CAPS activation handle bracket:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Total cost per
              Labor cost                 Parts cost       airplane            Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 workhours x $60 per hour = $120....              $7            $127  $127 x 391 = $49,657
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed 
modification to the CAPS activation cable:

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                                         Total parts   Total cost per
           Total labor cost                 cost          airplane            Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 workhours x $60 per hour = $180....            $320            $500  $500 x 391 = $195,500
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We summarize the following estimated costs to accomplish the 
proposed modification to the CAPS activation system:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Total cost per  Total cost on U.S.
    Labor cost         Parts cost        airplane          operators
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 workhours x $60            $346             $706        $706 x 391 =
  per hour = $360                                             $276,046
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The manufacturer will provide warranty credit for labor and parts 
to the extent noted under WARRANTY INFORMATION in each previously-
referenced service bulletin.

Compliance Time of This Proposed AD

What Would be the Compliance Time of This Proposed AD?

    The compliance time of this proposed AD is ``within 90 days after 
the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.''

Why Is the Proposed Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead 
of Hours Time-in-Service (TIS)?

    Failure of the CAPS is only unsafe during airplane operation; this 
unsafe condition is not a result of the number of times the airplane is 
operated. The chance of this situation occurring is the same for an 
airplane with 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) as it would be for an 
airplane with 500 hours TIS. For this reason, the FAA has determined 
that a compliance based on calendar time should be utilized in this AD 
in order to assure that the unsafe condition is addressed on all 
airplanes in a reasonable time period.

Regulatory Impact

Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?

    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 proposed rule would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.

Would This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
action (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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 has been placed 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, under 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:

[[Page 55360]]

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2002-05-05, Amendment 39-12673 (67 FR March 13, 2002), and by adding a 
new AD to read as follows:

Cirrus Design Corporation: Docket No. 2002-CE-31-AD; Supersedes AD 
2002-05-05, Amendment 39-12673.

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Model                              Serial No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SR20.............................  1005 through 1195.
SR22.............................  0002 through 0209.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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 eliminate the chance of failure of the 
Cirrus Aircraft Parachute System (CAPS) activation system in an 
emergency situation. Failure of this system could result in occupant 
injury and/or loss of life and loss of aircraft.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modify the Cirrus Airframe    Within the next 90    In accordance with
 Parachute System (CAPS) by    days after            Cirrus Service
 replacing the CAPS handle     effective date of     Bulletin SB 20-95-
 access cover, the CAPS        this AD, unless       03, Issued: June
 activation handle bracket,    already               10, 2002; Cirrus
 and the CAPS activation       accomplished.         Service Bulletin SB
 cable with parts of                                 20-95-04, Issued:
 improved design.                                    July 10, 2002;
                                                     Cirrus Service
                                                     Bulletin SB 20-95-
                                                     05, Issued: June
                                                     10, 2002; Cirrus
                                                     Service Bulletin SB
                                                     20-95-05, Rev 1:
                                                     dated August 14,
                                                     2002; Cirrus
                                                     Service Bulletin SB
                                                     22-95-03, Issued:
                                                     June 10, 2002;
                                                     Cirrus Service
                                                     Bullentin SB 22-95-
                                                     04, Issued: July
                                                     10, 2002; Cirrus
                                                     Service Bullentin
                                                     SB 22-95-05,
                                                     Issued: July 10,
                                                     2002; and Cirrus
                                                     Service Bulletin SB
                                                     22-95-05, Rev 1:
                                                     dated August 14,
                                                     2002, as
                                                     applicable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: Cirrus Service Bulletin SB 20-95-05, Issued: July 10, 
2002, on page 9 of 16, includes an incorrect compliance to SB 22-95-
05 in step 15. The correct compliance should be to SB 20-95-05.


    Note 2: Cirrus Service Bulletin SB 20-95-03, Issued: June 10, 
2002, on page 2 of 2, includes an incorrect compliance to SB 22-95-
03 in step 4. The correct compliance should be to SB 20-95-03.

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way?
    (1) You may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust 
the compliance time if:
    (i) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (ii) 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.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance 
with AD 2002-05-05, which is superseded by this AD, are not approved 
as alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

    Note 3: 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 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.
    (h) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? 
You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from 
Cirrus Design Corporation, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth, MN 55811; 
telephone: (218) 727-2737. You may view these documents at FAA, 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    (i) Does this AD action affect any existing AD actions? This 
amendment supersedes AD 2002-05-05, Amendment 39-12673.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 21, 2002.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-22001 Filed 8-28-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P