[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 233 (Thursday, December 4, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67789-67792]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-30075]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-CE-28-AD; Amendment 39-13382; AD 2003-24-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 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 AD requires 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 tag. This AD is the result of reports of inadvertent and 
undetected engagement of the autopilot system. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent unintentionally engaging the KAP 140 autopilot computer 
system, which could cause the pilot to take inappropriate actions.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on January 20, 2004.
    As of January 20, 2004, the Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulation.

ADDRESSES: 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 and 
Honeywell, Business, Regional, and General Aviation, 23500 W. 105th 
Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061.
    You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-28-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: 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:

Discussion

    What events have caused this 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 AD does 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 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

[[Page 67790]]

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 is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If not 
corrected, inadvertent and undetected engagement of the autopilot 
system could cause the pilot to take inappropriate actions.
    Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to 
amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to 
include an AD that would apply to certain 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 proposal was published 
in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on 
July 29, 2003 (68 FR 44497). The NPRM proposed to require you to:

--Install an update to the autopilot computer system operating 
software;
--Change the unit part number;
--Place an M tag on the unit serial number tag; and
--Change the unit's software modification tag.

Comments

    Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the 
opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. The following 
presents the comments received on the proposal and FAA's response to 
each comment:

Comment Issue: AD Action Is Not Necessary

    What is the commenter's concern? Three commenters state that they 
do not think AD action is necessary to address the proposed unsafe 
condition; however, one commenter agrees with the change to the KC 140 
autopilot computer system operating software.
    The other commenters state that appropriate pilot recognition and 
response could easily resolve the problem. One commenter states that an 
attentive pilot would know if the autopilot has been unintentionally 
engaged. The commenter gives examples of circumstances that should 
alert the pilot that the autopilot has been engaged:

--There is significant resistance in the controls;
--The mode of operation (i.e., ROL, HDG, etc.) is immediately displayed 
on the face of the autopilot; and
--The pitch trim wheel never moves on its own; therefore, if the 
autopilot is engaged and the pilot is trying to make a change in pitch 
manually, the autopilot will resist this change and the pitch trim 
wheel will move.

    The commenter states that because there are multiple indications 
that the KAP 140 autopilot is engaged, the proposed AD is not 
necessary.
    We infer that the commenters want us to withdraw the NPRM.
    What is FAA's response to the concern? We do not agree with that we 
should withdraw the NPRM. We agree that the autopilot computer system 
operating software should be updated. The changes to the KC 140 
autopilot computer system operating software required by this AD will 
greatly limit the ability of the pilot to unintentionally engage the 
autopilot. The changes will also provide additional indications to the 
pilot that the autopilot has been engaged.
    Because we continue to receive reports of related accidents 
involving pilots with experience ranging from novice to certified 
flight instructors, it is an indication that it is not obvious to all 
pilots that the autopilot is engaged. We do not agree that we could 
resolve the problem through appropriate pilot recognition and response.
    We are not changing the final rule AD based on these comments.

Conclusion

    What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully 
reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for the 
changes discussed above and minor editorial corrections. We have 
determined that these changes and minor corrections:

--Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for 
correcting the unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed in the NPRM.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 
2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, 
July 22, 2002), which governs the 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.

Costs of Compliance

    How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD 
affects 3,681 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the 
affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the 
modification:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Total cost per
          Labor cost               Parts cost         airplane              Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 workhours x $65 per hour =    Not applicable..            $455   7 workhours x $65 per hour = $455
 $455.
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    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 Honeywell Service Bulletin 
No: KC 140-M1, dated August 2002.

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.

[[Page 67791]]

    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-28-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. FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2003-24-13 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-13382; Docket No. 
2003-CE-28-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on January 20, 2004.

What Other ADs Are 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:
    (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;

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of reports of inadvertent and 
undetected engagement of the autopilot system. The actions specified 
in this AD are intended to prevent unintentionally engaging the KAP 
140 autopilot computer system, which could cause the pilot to take 
inappropriate actions.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Install and update the    Within the next 100   Follow Honeywell
 KC 140 autopilot computer     hours time-in-        Service Bulletin
 system operating software.    service (TIS) after   No: KC 140-M1,
                               January 20, 2004      dated August 2002,
                               (the effective date   as specified in
                               of this AD), unless   Cessna Service
                               already done.         Bulletin SB02-22-
                                                     01, dated November
                                                     25, 2002.
(2) Do the following: (i)     Prior to further      Follow Honeywell
 Change the unit part number   flight after          Service Bulletin
 by attaching flavor           installing the        No: KC 140-M1,
 sticker, part number (P/N)    update to the KC      dated August 2002,
 057-02203-0003, on the        140 autopilot         as specified in
 unit's serial tag;.           computer system       Cessna Service
                               operating software,   Bulletin SB02-22-
                               unless already done.  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 January 20,     Not applicable.
 autopilot computer systems,   2004 (the effective
 P/Ns 065-00176-2602, 065-     date of this AD.
 00176-5402, and 065-00176-
 7702, that have been
 modified as specified in
 paragraphs (d)(1) and
 (d)(2) of this AD).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) You may request a revised flight manual supplement from 
Cessna or Honeywell at the address specified in paragraph (h) of 
this AD.

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (g) 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), FAA. 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.

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?

    (h) You must do the actions required by this AD per Honeywell 
Service Bulletin No: KC 140-M1, dated August 2002, as specified in 
Cessna Service Bulletin SB02-22-01, dated November 25, 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 and Honeywell, 
Business, Regional, and General Aviation, 23500 W. 105th Street, 
Olathe, Kansas 66061. You may review

[[Page 67792]]

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 November 25, 2003.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-30075 Filed 12-3-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P