[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 201 (Friday, October 17, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59707-59709]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-26115]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-CE-41-AD; Amendment 39-13339; AD 2003-21-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 208 and 
208B Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 208 and 208B airplanes. 
This AD requires you to inspect the right inboard forward flap bell 
crank for cracks, deformation, and missing/incomplete welds. If cracks, 
deformation, or missing/incomplete welds are found, the AD would 
require you to immediately replace the flap bell crank or temporarily 
incorporate certain flap limitations. This AD is the result of reports 
of cracks and missing/incomplete welds in the right inboard forward 
flap bell crank. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the right 
inboard forward flap bell crank due to cracks, deformation, or missing/
incomplete welds. Such failure could lead to damage to the flap system 
and surrounding structure and result in reduced or loss of control of 
the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on October 21, 2003.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulation as of 
October 21, 2003.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by December 15, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this AD:
    [sbull] By mail: FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-41-AD, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    [sbull] By fax: (816) 329-3771.
    [sbull] By e-mail: [email protected]. Comments sent 
electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2003-CE-41-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.
    You may get the service information identified in this AD from 
Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, 
Kansas 67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; facsimile: (316) 942-9006. You 
may also view this information at the Rules Docket at the address 
above.
    You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-41-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m. 
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, 
Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: 316-946-4125; facsimile: 816-946-
4107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? The FAA has received reports that 
the right inboard forward flap bell crank on Cessna Models 208 and 208B 
airplanes could have missing/incomplete welds. Without complete welds, 
the flap bell cranks may not have sufficient strength or fatigue 
endurance to carry critical load with the use of flaps. This could 
result in cracking or deformation of the flap bell crank and lead to 
failure of the flap system.
    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? 
Failure of the flap system, if not prevented, could lead to damage to 
the flap system and surrounding structure and result in reduced or loss 
of control of the airplane.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Cessna 
issued Caravan Service Bulletin CAB03-11, Revision 1, dated September 
24, 2003.
    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
bulletin includes procedures for inspecting all the flap system flap 
bell cranks for cracks, deformation, and missing/incomplete welds. If 
cracks, deformation, or missing/incomplete welds are found, this 
service bulletin specifies either:

--Replacing the subject flap bell crank; or
--Incorporating Temporary Revision 208PHTR02, dated September 23, 2003, 
to the Other Limitations section of the Pilot's Operating Handbook 
(POH). This is a temporary option and replacing the subject flap bell 
crank is mandatory within a certain time frame.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD

    What has FAA decided? We have evaluated all pertinent information 
and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop 
on other products of this same type design.
    Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other Cessna Models 208 and 208B airplanes of the same 
type design, this AD is being issued to prevent failure of the right 
inboard forward flap bell crank due to cracks, deformation, or missing/
incomplete welds.
    What does this AD require? This AD requires you to inspect the 
right inboard forward flap bell crank for cracks, deformation, and 
missing/incomplete welds. If cracks, deformation, or missing/incomplete 
welds are found, the AD would require you to immediately replace the 
flap bell crank or temporarily incorporate certain flap limitations.
    In preparation of this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft 
operators to obtain technical information and information on 
operational and economic impacts. We did not receive any information 
through these contacts. If received, we would have included, in the 
rulemaking docket, a discussion of any information that may have 
influenced this action.
    Are there differences between the service information and this AD? 
Yes. The service information requires an inspection on all flap bell 
cranks within the flap system. However, this AD only addresses the 
right inboard forward flap bell crank.
    To date, FAA has only received reports on the right inboard forward 
flap bell cranks, and we are addressing this issue through a final 
rule; request for comments (immediately adopted rule) AD action. After 
issuing this AD, we will evaluate the condition of the entire flap 
system and determine whether additional action is necessary.

[[Page 59708]]

    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 
2002, we 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 altered products, special flight permits, and 
alternative methods of compliance. 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.

Comments Invited

    Will I have the opportunity to comment prior to the issuance of the 
rule? This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-41-AD'' 
in the subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge 
receipt of your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped 
postcard with the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your 
postcard and mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on 
the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of 
the rule that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts 
us through a nonwritten communication, and that contact relates to a 
substantive part of this AD, we will summarize the contact and place 
the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received by 
the closing date and may amend the AD in light of those comments.

Regulatory Findings

    Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that this 
AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. 
This AD 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.
    Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For 
the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    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. 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-41-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2003-21-04 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-13339; Docket No. 
2003-CE-41-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on October 21, 2003.

Are Any Other ADs Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects the following airplane models and serial 
numbers that are certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Model                             Serial No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
208.............................  20800001 through 20800369.
208B............................  208B0001 through 208B1014, 208B1017,
                                   208B1018, 208B1020 through 208B1024,
                                   208B1026, and 208B1029 through
                                   208B1033.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of reports of cracks and missing/
incomplete welds in the right inboard forward flap bell crank. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the right inboard forward 
flap bell crank due to cracks, deformation, or missing/incomplete 
welds. Such failure could lead to damage to the flap system and 
surrounding structure and result in reduced or loss of control of 
the airplane.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must accomplish the following, 
unless already accomplished (compliance with Cessna Caravan Service 
Bulletin CAB03-11, Revision 1, dated September 24, 2003):

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                 Actions                                  Compliance                          Procedures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the right inboard forward      Within the next 25 landings after         Use a flashlight and a
 flap bell crank assembly for cracks,       October 21, 2003 (the effective date of   mirror as necessary to see
 deformation, and missing/incomplete        this AD). If landings are unknown, then   if welds (1), (4), (5),
 welds. The affected flap bell crank        you may multiply hours time-in-service    and (6) exist and are at
 incorporates one of the following part     (TIS) by 1.25. For the purposes of this   least 0.06-inch thick
 numbers (P/N):                             AD, you may substitute 20 hours TIS for   around the full
 (i) P/N 2622083-18;                        25 landings.                              circumference of the
 (ii) P/N 2622281-2;                                                                  shaft. These welds and the
 (iii) P/N 2692001-2; or                                                              inspection procedures are
 (iv) P/N 2622281-12.                                                                 referenced in Figure 1,
                                                                                      details A, B, and C; and
                                                                                      Views A-A and B-B of
                                                                                      Cessna Caravan Service
                                                                                      Bulletin CAB03-11,
                                                                                      Revision 1, dated
                                                                                      September 24, 2003.

[[Page 59709]]

 
(2) If you find cracks, deformation, or    Replace or do the flap prohibition        Replacement: Use the
 missing/incomplete welds during the        actions prior to further flight after     Accomplishment
 inspection required by paragraph (e)(1)    the inspection required in paragraph      Instructions of Cessna
 of this AD, then accomplish one of the     (e)(1) of this AD. If you choose the      Caravan Service Bulletin
 following:                                 flap prohibition, you must have the       No.: CAB02-12, Revision 1,
(i) Replace the flap bell crank with a P/   replacement done within 200 hours TIS     dated January 27, 2003,
 N 2622311-7 flap bell crank; or            after the inspection required by          and the Accomplishment
(ii) Prohibit the use of flaps through      paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. After the    Instructions of Cessna
 the actions of paragraph (f) of this AD.   new flap bell crank (2622311-7) is        Caravan Service Kit No.:
                                            installed, the Temporary Revision         SK208-148A, dated January
                                            208PHTR02, dated September 23, 2003,      27, 2003.
                                            should be removed.                       Flap Prohibition: Use the
                                                                                      information in the
                                                                                      Temporary Revision
                                                                                      208PHTR02, dated September
                                                                                      23, 2003. The action is
                                                                                      referenced in Cessna
                                                                                      Caravan Service Bulletin
                                                                                      CAB03-11, Revision 1,
                                                                                      dated September 24, 2003.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Are the Actions I Must Do if I Choose the Flap Prohibition Option?

    (f) Insert Temporary Revision, 208PHTR02, dated September 23, 
2003, into the applicable pilot's operating handbook and FAA-
approved airplane flight manual. The owner/operator holding at least 
a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may incorporate this 
information into the AFM. Make an entry into the aircraft records 
showing compliance with this portion of the AD in accordance with 
Sec.  43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
    (1) This procedure applies to Cessna Models 208 and 208B 
landplanes. For other FAA-approved aircraft configurations (e.g., 
amphibian, floatplanes, etc.), you must operate with flaps up per 
the appropriate airplane flight manual supplement.
    (2) This procedure allows for applicable deviation from the 
Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) for these airplanes until the 
flap bell crank is replaced. The applicable MMEL requirements go 
back into effect at the time of flap bell crank replacement.

Are There Differences Between the Service Information and This AD?

    (g) Yes. The service information requires an inspection on all 
flap bell cranks within the flap system. However, this AD only 
addresses the right inboard forward flap bell crank. To date, FAA 
has only received reports on the right inboard forward flap bell 
cranks, and we are addressing this issue through a final rule; 
request for comments (immediately adopted rule) AD action. After 
issuing this AD, we will evaluate the condition of the entire flap 
system and determine whether additional action is necessary.

What About Alternative Methods of Compliance?

    (h) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.13. Send your request to the Manager, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO). For information on any already approved 
alternative methods of compliance, contact Paul Nguyen, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, 
Kansas 67209; telephone: 316-946-4125; facsimile: 816-946-4107.

Is There Material Incorporated by Reference?

    (i) You must do the actions required by this AD per Cessna 
Caravan Service Bulletin CAB03-11, Revision 1, dated September 24, 
2003; Cessna Caravan Service Bulletin No.: CAB02-12, Revision 1, 
dated January 27, 2003; and Cessna Caravan Service Kit No.: SK208-
148A, dated January 27, 2003 (Original issue: October 21, 2002). The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of this service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get a copy from Cessna Aircraft 
Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277; 
telephone: (316) 517-5800; facsimile: (316) 942-9006. You may review 
copies at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 8, 2003.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-26115 Filed 10-16-03; 8:45 am]
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