[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 10, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11346-11349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-5334]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2004-CE-03-AD]
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: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2003-24-13, which applies to certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) 
Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H airplanes that 
are equipped with a certain Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system 
installed on the center instrument control panel near the throttle. AD 
2003-24-13 currently requires you to install an update to the operating 
software of certain 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 the FAA inadvertently omitting 
four affected Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system part numbers 
and an affected airplane serial number from the applicability section 
of AD 2003-24-13. This proposed AD retains the actions required in AD 
2003-24-13, corrects the applicability section, and incorporates a 
revised installation bulletin issued by Honeywell.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by May 10, 
2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed 
AD:
     By mail: FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-CE-03-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
     By fax: (816) 329-3771.
     By e-mail: [email protected]. Comments sent 
electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2004-CE-03-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 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

[[Page 11347]]

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. 2004-CE-03-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:

Comments Invited

How Do I comment on This Proposed AD?

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2004-CE-03-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.

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

    We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. If you 
contact us through a nonwritten communication and that contact relates 
to a substantive part of this proposed 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 this proposed AD in 
light of those comments and contacts.

Discussion

Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?

    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 caused us to issue AD 2003-
24-13, Amendment 39-13382 (68 FR 67789, December 3, 2003).
    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 panel on the Piper airplanes. The 
unsafe condition only exists on certain Cessna airplanes.
    Honeywell has updated the operating software for the KAP 140 
autopilot computer system, which will now allow only 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.
    AD 2003-24-13 currently requires the following on certain Cessna 
Aircraft Company Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H 
airplanes that are equipped with a Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer 
system, part number (P/N) 065-00176-2602 , P/N 065-00176-5402, or P/N 
065-00176-7702 installed on the center instrument control panel near 
the throttle:

--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.

What Has Happened Since AD 2003-24-13 to Initiate This Proposed Action?

    We inadvertently omitted four affected Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot 
computer systems and an affected serial number for Model 182T airplanes 
from the applicability section. Honeywell revised Installation Bulletin 
No. 491 to the Rev. 3 level (dated April 2003). We will incorporate 
this bulletin into this proposed AD.

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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of this Proposed 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. Therefore, we are proposing AD action.

What Would This Proposed AD Require?

    This proposed AD would retain the actions required in AD 2003-24-
13, would add four additional affected Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot 
computer system part numbers and an affected airplane serial number to 
the applicability section, and would incorporate a revised Honeywell 
installation bulletin.

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

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:

[[Page 11348]]



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                                                              Total cost per
             Labor cost                    Parts cost            airplane        Total cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 workhours x $65 per hour = $455..  Not applicable........             $455   $455 x 3,681 = $1,674,855
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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, and Honeywell Installation Bulletin 
No. 491, Rev. 3, dated April 2003.

What Is the Difference Between the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD and 
the Cost Impact of AD 2003-24-13?

    The difference is the addition of four KC 140 autopilot systems and 
one airplane serial number to the applicability section of this 
proposed AD. There is no difference in cost to perform the proposed 
modification.

Regulatory Findings

Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.

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

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 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 proposed 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. 2004-CE-03-AD'' in your request.

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 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 2003-24-13, Amendment 39-13382 (68 FR 67789, December 4, 2003), 
and by adding a new AD to read as follows:

Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. 2004-CE-03-AD

When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?

    (a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD) by May 10, 2004.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2003-24-13.

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) 065-00176-2501, P/N 065-00176-2602 , P/N 065-00176-
5001, P/N 065-00176-5101, P/N 065-00176-5201, P/N 065-00176-5402, or 
P/N 065-00176-7702, all serial numbers; and
    (2) certificated in any category.

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         Model                            Serial numbers
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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 18281065, 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, T20608369 through T20608379,
                          T20608381, T20608382, and T20608385
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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:

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           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
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(1) For airplanes previously  Within the next 100   Follow Cessna
 affected by AD 2003-24-13:    hours time-in-        Service Bulletin
 install and update the KC     service (TIS) after   SB02-22-01, dated
 140 autopilot computer        January 20, 2004      November 25, 2002,
 system operating software.    (the effective date   and Honeywell
                               of AD 2003-24-13),    Service Bulletin
                               unless already done.  No: KC 140-M1,
                                                     dated August 2002,
                                                     as specified in
                                                     Honeywell
                                                     Installation
                                                     Bulletin No. 491,
                                                     Rev. 3, dated April
                                                     2000.
-----------------------------

[[Page 11349]]

 
(2) For airplanes previously  Prior to further      Follow Honeywell
 affected by AD 2003-24-13:    flight after          Service Bulletin
 do the following:.            installing the        No: KC 140-M1,
(i) Change the unit part       update to the KC      dated August 2002,
 number by attaching flavor    140 autopilot         as specified in
 sticker, part number (P/N)    computer system       Cessna Service
 057-02203-0003, on the        operating software    Bulletin SB02-22-
 unit's serial tag;.           as specified in       01, dated November
(ii) Attach an M decal, P/N    paragraph (e)(1) of   25, 2002.
 057-02984-0501, in front of   this AD, unless
 the unit serial number        already done.
 (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) For airplanes not         Within the next 100   Follow Honeywell
 affected by AD 2003-24-13:    hours time-in-        Installation
 install and update the KC     service (TIS) after   Bulletin No. 491,
 140 autopilot computer        the effective date    Rev. 3, dated April
 system operating software.    of this AD.           2003; Cessna
                                                     Service Bulletin
                                                     SB02-22-01, dated
                                                     November 25, 2002;
                                                     Honeywell Service
                                                     Bulletin No: KC 140-
                                                     M1, dated August
                                                     2002; and Cessna
                                                     Single Engine
                                                     Service Bulletin
                                                     SB98-22-01, dated
                                                     May 18, 1988, as
                                                     applicable.
-----------------------------
(4)For all affected           As of the effective   Not applicable.
 airplanes: install only KC    date of this AD.
 140 autopilot computer
 systems, part number (P/N)
 065-00176-2501, P/N 065-
 00176-2602, P/N 065-00176-
 5001, P/N 065-00176-5101, P/
 N 065-00176-5201, P/N 065-
 00176-5402, or P/N 065-
 00176-7702, that have been
 modified as specified in
 paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2),
 and (e)(3) of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) You may request a revised flight manual supplement from 
Cessna or 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 39.19.
    (1) Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to your 
principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments and 
will send your request to the Manager, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification (ACO), FAA. For information on any already approved 
alternative methods of compliance, 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.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance 
with AD 2003-24-13, which is superseded by this AD, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?

    (h) 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 March 4, 2004.
Sandra J. Campbell,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-5334 Filed 3-9-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P