[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 207 (Friday, October 25, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65517-65519]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-27197]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 207 / Friday, October 25, 2002 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 65517]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-CE-38-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Brackett Aircraft Company, Brackett 
Single Screen Air Filter

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to Brackett Aircraft Company (Brackett) single 
screen air filter assemblies that are installed on airplanes. This 
proposed AD would require you to check the Brackett single screen air 
filter assembly for correct installation. This proposed AD would also 
require you to install an additional screen, replace the Brackett 
single screen air filter assembly with a double screen filter, or 
replace with another approved design filter at a specified time. This 
proposed AD is the result of several reports of service difficulties of 
incorrect installation of the air filters. The actions specified by 
this proposed AD are intended to detect and correct incorrect 
installation of the air filter, which could result in failure of the 
air filter. Such failure could lead to engine/turbocharger ingestion of 
the air filter foam element.

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

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-38-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-38-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 Brackett Aircraft Company, 7052 Government Way, Kingman, Arizona 
86401; telephone: (928) 757-4009; facsimile: (928) 757-4433. You may 
also view this information at the Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger Pesuit, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard; 
telephone: (562) 627-5251; facsimile: (562) 627-5210.

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-38-AD.'' We will date stamp and 
mail the postcard back to you.

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?

    The FAA has received several reports of service difficulties of 
incorrect installation of the Brackett single screen air filters on 
Cessna 206 and 210 series airplanes that incorporate Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) No. SA71GL. A safety recommendation was issued by FAA 
that recommended corrective action as a result of a fatal accident 
involving a Cessna Model T210N airplane.
    Investigation of this accident revealed that the air filter 
assembly had been installed with the screen incorrectly positioned on 
the upstream side of the frame. Incorrect installation of the air 
filter assembly resulted in portions of the air filter foam element 
entering the turbocharger compressor inlet.
    We determined this to be the cause of the reported power loss. The 
manufacturer has developed a double screen air filter that precludes 
incorrect air filter installation.

What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    If not detected and corrected, the air filter foam element could be 
ingested into the engine/turbocharger compressor. This condition could 
lead to loss of power during a critical phase of flight.

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 type design aircraft that incorporate a Brackett single 
screen air filter assembly;

[[Page 65518]]

--The Brackett single screen air filter assemblies should be 
immediately inspected for correct installation and eventually replaced; 
and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

What Would This Proposed AD Require?

    This proposed AD would require you to visually or by touch check 
the Brackett single screen air filter assembly for correct 
installation. This proposed AD would also require you to add a second 
screen, replace the Brackett single screen air filter with a double 
screen filter, or replace with another approved design filter at a 
specified time.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 2,000 airplanes in the 
U.S. registry.

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 
replacements:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Total cost
              Labor cost                  Parts cost     per airplane         Total cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 workhour x $60 = $60................             $44            $104  $104 x 2,000 = $208,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:

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:

Brackett Aircraft Company: Docket No. 2002-CE-38-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
Brackett single screen air filter assemblies, part number BA-2410, 
that are installed on, but not limited to, the following aircraft 
that are certificated in any category and incorporate Supplemental 
Type Certificate (STC) No. SA71GL:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Cessna model                                              Serial Nos.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TP206A, TP206B, TP206C, TP206D, TP206E, TU206A,       All serial numbers.
 TU206B, TU206C, TU206D, TU206E, TU206F, TU206G and
 T207A.
-----------------------------------------------------
210.................................................  All equipped with air conditioning.
-----------------------------------------------------
T210F, T210G, T210H, T210J, T210K, T210L, T210M,      All serial numbers.
 T210N, 210R, and T210R.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
an aircraft equipped with one of the affected single screen air 
filters must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to detect and correct incorrect installation of 
the air filter, which could result in failure of the air filter. 
Such failure could lead to engine/turbocharger ingestion of the air 
filter foam element.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

[[Page 65519]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Actions                             Compliance                            Procedures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Visually or by touch check the    Within the next 25 hours time in      The owner/operator holding at least
 single screen Brackett air filter     service (TIS) after the effective     a private pilot certificate as
 assembly (part number (P/N) BA-       date of this AD                       authorized by section 43.7 of the
 2410) to ensure that it is                                                  Federal Aviation Regulations (14
 installed with the screen on the                                            CFR 43.7) may accomplish the visual
 down stream side of the filter                                              or touch check of this AD. Make an
 assembly. Accomplish the following:                                         entry into the aircraft records
(i) Remove both upper engine                                                 showing compliance with these
 cowlings.                                                                   portions of the AD in accordance
(ii) Open the alternate air access                                           with section 43.9 of the Federal
 door located on the right side of                                           Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
 the engine compartment by applying
 pressure.
(iii) While viewing through the
 alternate air access door, use an
 inspection mirror and light to
 check that the screen is installed
 on the down stream side of the
 filter assembly; OR
(iv) Partially insert a hand into
 the open alternate air access door
 and touch the back of the filter
 element, feeling for the presence
 of the screen or absence of the
 screen.
-------------------------------------
(2) Verify that the BA-2410 air       If the air filter assembly is         In accordance with the applicable
 filter assembly has screens on both   installed incorrectly: Prior to       airplane maintenance instructions.
 sides. Install an additional screen   further flight after the visual or    The owner/operator may not
 P/N 2404-00 on the BA-2410 air        by touch check required by            accomplish the replacement/
 filter assembly if it is not          paragraph (d)(1) of this AD. If the   modification, unless he/she holds
 already equipped with screens on      air filter is installed correctly:    the proper mechanic authorization.
 both sides. Alternatively, replace    Within the next 100 hours TIS after
 the single screen Bracket air         the effective date of this AD
 filter assembly, P/N BA-2410, with
 an FAA-approved filter that is not
 Brackett P/N BA-2410
-------------------------------------
(3) You may accomplish the            Within the next 25 hours TIS after    In accordance with the applicable
 replacement required by this AD       the effective date of this AD         airplane or STC supplied
 instead of the check specified in                                           maintenance instructions.
 paragraph (d)(1) of this AD
-------------------------------------
(4) Do not install, on any affected   As of the effective date of this AD   Not applicable.
 airplane, any single screen
 Brackett air filter assembly, P/N
 BA-2410
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: Corrective action, if required, must be accomplished by 
appropriately rated maintenance personnel. The owner/operator may 
not accomplish the replacement/modification, unless he/she holds the 
proper mechanic authorization.


    Note 2: The compliance time of 100 hours TIS for replacement is 
based on FAA Safety Recommendation, Control Number 02.122, that 
recommends modifying to a dual screen configuration at 100 hours 
TIS.

    (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, Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles ACO.

    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 Roger Pesuit, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 
Paramount Boulevard; telephone: (562) 627-5251; facsimile: (562) 
627-5210.
    (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 
Brackett Aircraft Company, 7052 Government Way, Kingman, Arizona 
86401; telephone: (928) 757-4009; facsimile: (928) 757-4433. You may 
view these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 18, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-27197 Filed 10-24-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P