[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 145 (Tuesday, July 29, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44497-44499]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-19197]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-CE-28-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R, 
172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) 
Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H airplanes that 
are equipped with a Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system 
installed on the center instrument control panel near the throttle. 
This proposed AD would require you to install an update to the 
operating software of the KAP 140 autopilot computer system, change the 
unit's part number, and change the software modification identification 
tab. This proposed AD is the result of reports of inadvertent and 
undetected engagement of the autopilot system. The actions specified by 
this proposed AD are intended to prevent unintentionally engaging the 
KAP 140 autopilot computer system, which could cause the pilot to take 
inappropriate actions.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before September 22, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-28-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. 2003-CE-28-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 Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, 
Kansas 67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; facsimile: (316) 942-9006 and 
Honeywell, Business, Regional, and General Aviation, 23500 W. 105th 
Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061. You may also view this information at the 
Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Withers, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1801 Airport Road, 
Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-
4196; facsimile: (316) 946-4407.

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 proposed 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 proposed 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. 2003-CE-28-AD.'' We will date stamp and 
mail the postcard back to you.

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?

    We have received reports of an unsafe condition on certain Cessna 
Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H airplanes that 
are equipped with a Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system.
    The KAP 140 autopilot computer system is located on the lower 
portion of the center instrument control panel near the throttle on 
these Cessna airplanes. Because of this location on the instrument 
control panel of the affected Cessna airplanes, the Autopilot Engage 
(AP) button could unintentionally be depressed when the pilot pushes 
the throttle knob forward. The pilot could also unintentionally engage 
the autopilot system by inadvertently bumping the Heading (HDG) button, 
Altitude (ALT) mode-select button, or Autopilot Engage (AP) button on 
the KAP 140 computer. Unless intentionally engaged, the pilot does not 
know that the autopilot system is engaged.
    The Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system is also installed 
in the New Piper, Inc. Model PA-28-181 airplanes. This proposed AD 
would not affect these airplanes because of the location of the 
equipment. The equipment is installed on the center instrument panel 
near the throttle on the affected airplanes, but is installed in the 
upper half of the instrument control

[[Page 44498]]

panel on the Piper airplanes. The unsafe condition only exists on the 
Cessna airplanes.
    Honeywell has updated the operating software for the KAP 140 
autopilot computer system, which will now only allow the AP button on 
the instrument control panel to engage the autopilot system. This 
update also adds two voice messages if auto trim operation is detected, 
lengthens the amount of time that the autopilot button must be 
depressed in order for it to engage, and changes how the flight control 
display shows that the AP has been engaged.

What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    If not corrected, inadvertent and undetected engagement of the 
autopilot system could cause the pilot to take inappropriate actions.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    Cessna has issued Service Bulletin SB02-22-01, dated November 25, 
2002.
    Honeywell has issued Service Bulletin No: KC 140-M1, dated August 
2002; and Installation Bulletin No: 491, dated August 2002.

What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?

    Cessna Service Bulletin SB02-22-02, dated November 25, 2002, 
specifies installing an update to the autopilot computer system 
operating software by accomplishing the actions in Honeywell Service 
Bulletin No: KC 140-M1, dated August 2002.
    Honeywell Service Bulletin No: KC 140-M1, dated August 2002, 
includes procedures for:

--Installing an update to the autopilot computer system operating 
software;
--Changing the unit part number;
--Placing an M tag on the unit serial number tag; and
--Changing the unit's software modification tag.

    Honeywell Installation Bulletin No: 491, dated August 2002, 
describes the operational changes the software update makes to the KC 
140 autopilot computer system.

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 Cessna Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and 
T206H 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 require you to update to the operating 
software of the KAP 140 autopilot computer system; change the unit's 
part number; and change the software modification identification tab.

How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This Proposed AD?

    On July 10, 2002, FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This 
regulation now includes material that relates to special flight 
permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. This 
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this 
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in 
future AD actions.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 3,681 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 this proposed 
modification:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Total cost
             Labor cost                    Parts cost            per
                                                               airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 workhours x $65 per hour = $455..  Not applicable........        $455.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Not all Cessna Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and 
T206H airplanes on the U.S. registry have a KAP 140 autopilot computer 
system installed.
    Honeywell will provide warranty credit for labor and parts to the 
extent noted under WARRANTY INFORMATION in each specified in Honeywell 
Service Bulletin No: KC 140-M1, dated August 2002.

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:

Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. 2003-CE-28-AD

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
following airplane models and serial numbers that are:
    (1) equipped with a KAP 140 autopilot computer system, part 
number (P/N) 065-00176-2602, P/N 065-00176-5402, or P/N 065-00176-
7702 ; and
    (2) certificated in any category;

[[Page 44499]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Model                           Serial numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
172R................  17280001 through 17281073, 17281075 through
                       17281127, and 17281130
172S................  172S8001 through 172S9195, 172S9197, 172S9198, and
                       172S9200 through 172S9203
182S................  18280001 through 18280944
182T................  18280945 through 18281064, 18281067 through
                       18281145, 18281147 through 18281163, 18281165
                       through 18281167, and 18281172
T182T...............  T18208001 through T18208109, and T18208111 through
                       T18208177
206H................  20608001 through 20608183, 20608185, 20608187, and
                       20608188
T206H...............  T20608001 through T20608039, T20608041 through
                       T20608367, T20608269 through T20608379,
                       T20608381, T20608382, and T20608385
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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 prevent unintentionally engaging the KAP 140 
autopilot computer system, which could cause the pilot to take 
inappropriate actions.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following, unless 
already accomplished:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Install and update the    Within the next 100   In accordance with
 KC 140 autopilot computer     hours time-in-        Honeywell Service
 system operating software.    service (TIS) after   Bulletin No: KC 140-
                               the effective date    M1, dated August
                               of this AD.           2002, as specified
                                                     in Cessna Service
                                                     Bulletin SB02-22-
                                                     01, dated November
                                                     25, 2002.
(2) Accomplish the            Prior to further      In accordance with
 following: (i) Change the     flight after          Honeywell Service
 unit part number by           installing the        Bulletin No: KC 140-
 attaching flavor sticker,     update to the KC      M1, dated August
 part number (P/N) 057-02203-  140 autopilot         2002, as specified
 0003, on the unit's serial    computer system       in Cessna Service
 tag;                          operating software.   Bulletin SB02-22-
                                                     01, dated November
                                                     25, 2002.
(ii) Attach an M decal, P/N
 057-02984-0501, in front of
 the unit serial number
 (this indicates that the
 unit's P/N has been
 changed); and.
(iii) Attach a software mod
 tag, P/N 057-05287-0301, in
 place of the old tag to
 indicate the software
 change to SW MOD 03/01..
(3) Only install KC 140       As of the effective   Not applicable.
 autopilot computer systems,   date of this AD.
 P/Ns 065-00176-2602, 065-
 00176-5402, and 065-00176-
 7702, that have been
 modified as specified in
 paragraphs (d)(1) and
 (d)(2) of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    You may request a revised flight manual supplement from Cessna 
or Honeywell at the address specified in paragraph (f) of this AD.
    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? To use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time, 
follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Send these requests to the 
Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO). For 
information on any already approved alternative methods of 
compliance, contact Dan Withers, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, 
Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4196; facsimile: (316) 946-4107.
    (f) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? 
You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from 
Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, 
Kansas 67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; facsimile: (316) 942-9006 
and Honeywell, Business, Regional, and General Aviation, 23500 W. 
105th Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061. 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 July 22, 2003.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-19197 Filed 7-28-03; 8:45 am]
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