Federal Register, Volume 70 Issue 57 (Friday, March 25, 2005)

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 57 (Friday, March 25, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15223-15227]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-5915]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20514; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-08-AD;
Amendment 39-14025; AD 2005-07-01]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Cessna Aircraft Company Models C208
and C208B 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 all
The Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 208 and 208B airplanes.
This AD requires you to incorporate information into the applicable
section of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). This AD results from
several accidents/incidents of problems with the affected airplanes
during operations in icing conditions, including six accidents in the
previous two icing seasons and nine events in the past few months. We
are issuing this AD to assure that the pilot has enough information to
prevent loss of control of the airplane while in-flight during icing
conditions.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on March 29, 2005.
We must receive any comments on this AD by April 30, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this AD:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-001.
Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
To get the service information identified in this proposed
AD, contact The Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, PO Box 7706,
Wichita, Kansas 67277-7706; telephone: (316) 517-5800; facsimile: (316)
942-9006.
To view the comments to this AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. The
docket number is FAA-2005-20514; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-08-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Pellicano, Aerospace Engineer
(Icing), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, c/o Atlanta Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), One Crown Center, 1985 Phoenix Boulevard,
Suite 450, Atlanta, GA 30349; telephone: (770) 703-6064; facsimile:
(770) 703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
What events have caused this AD? The FAA has received several
reports of accidents/incidents concerning problems with Cessna Models
C208 and C208B airplanes during operations in icing conditions. This
includes a total of six accidents in the previous two icing seasons and
nine events in the past few months. Most of the accidents occur on
approach and landing. One-third are suspected to be in supercooled
large droplets, icing conditions outside the 14 CFR part 25 Appendix C
certification envelope. The Cessna Models C208 and C208B are
certificated to 14 CFR part 23, but 14 CFR part 23 references 14 CFR
part 25 Appendix C for icing certification. The following chart shows
the monthly breakdown of the icing accidents/incidents of the affected
airplanes:

[[Page 15224]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR25MR05.105

The information shows that icing accidents/incidents are just as
prevalent or more prevalent during the months of March and April than
in November, December, and January. Therefore, the next month is
critical for the continued operational safety of the Cessna Models C208
and C208B in icing conditions.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If the pilot
does not have enough information on flight into icing conditions in the
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), then loss of control of the airplane
could occur.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? Cessna
has developed revisions to the FAA-approved AFM to address this issue,
as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Document Affects
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Temporary Revision 208PHTR04, Cessna Model 208, all models and serial
dated March 2, 2005, to the numbers.
FAA-approved Airplane Flight
Manual.
Revision 5 of of the 208 (675 Cessna Model C208 airplanes with a Pratt
SHP) FAA-approved Flight & Whitney Canada Ltd., PT6A-114A
Supplement 1 ``Known Icing turboprop engine installed (675 SHP) or
Equipment'', Cessna document FAA-approved engine of equivalent
D1352-S1-05, dated March 2, horsepower installed, except airplanes
2005. modified by Supplemental Type Manual
Certificate SA00892WI.
Revision 5 of of the 208 (600 Cessna Model C208 airplanes with a Pratt
SHP) FAA-approved Flight & Whitney Canada Ltd., PT6A-114
Manual Supplement S1 ``Known turboprop engine installed (600 SHP) or
Icing Equipment'', Cessna FAA-approved engine of equivalent
document D1307-S1-05, dated horsepower approved installed, except
March 2, 2005. airplanes modified by Supplemental Type
Certificate SA00892WI.
Revision 6 of the 208B (675 Cessna Model C208B airplanes with a Pratt
SHP) FAA-approved Flight & Whitney of Canada Ltd., PT6A-114A
Manual Supplement S1 ``Known turboprop engine installed (675 SHP) or
Icing Equipment'', Cessna FAA-approved engine of equivalent
document D1329-S1-06, dated horsepower installed, except airplanes
March 2, 2005. modified by Supplemental Type
Certificate SA00892WI.
Revision 5 of the 208B (600 Cessna Model C208B airplanes with a Pratt
SHP) FAA-approved Flight & Whitney of Canada Ltd., PT6A-114
Manual Supplement S1 ``Known turboprop engine installed (600 SHP) or
Icing Equipment'', Cessna FAA-approved engine of equivalent
document D1309-S1-05, dated horsepower installed, except airplanes
March 2, 2005. modified by Supplemental Type
Certificate SA00892WI.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 the same type design.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other type design Cessna Models C208 and C208B airplanes,
we are issuing this AD to assure that the pilot has enough information
to prevent loss of control of the airplane while in-flight during icing
conditions.

[[Page 15225]]

What does this AD require? This AD requires you to incorporate the
above-referenced documents into the AFM.
In preparing this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft
operators to get technical information and information on operational
and economic impacts. We did not receive any information through these
contacts that influenced our decision. The majority of the respondents
supported the dissemination of the information in the revised AFM.
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 before you issue 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 ``Docket No. FAA-2005-20514;
Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-08-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.

Authority for This Rulemaking

What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action?
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this AD.

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 FAA-2005-20514; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-08-AD'' in
your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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):

2005-07-01 The Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-14025; Docket
No. FAA-2005-20514; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-08-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

(a) This AD becomes effective on March 29, 2005.

Are Any Other ADs Affected by This Action?

(b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

(d) This AD results from several accidents/incidents of problems
with the affected airplanes during operations in icing condition,
including six accidents in the previous two icing seasons and nine
events in the past few months. We are issuing this AD to assure that
the pilot has enough information to prevent loss of control of the
airplane while in-flight during icing conditions.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

(e) No later than April 1, 2005 (3 days after March 29, 2005,
which is the effective date of this AD), incorporate the following
revisions into the Airplane Flight Manual:

[[Page 15226]]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the
Performance Section
(Section 5) of the
AFM Supplement by
Incorporate the inserting the
Affected airplanes following AFM following text (this
revision document may be done by
inserting a copy of
this AD in the AFM
Supplement)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Cessna Model C208 Section 2: None.
airplanes and Model C208B Limitations and
airplanes, all serial Section 4: Normal
numbers. Procedures:
Temporary Revision
208PHTR04, dated
March 2, 2005, to
the Pilots
Operating Handbook
(POH) and FAA-
approved Airplane
Flight Manual
(AFM), except
replace the
Limitations
(Section 2) of the
Temporary Revision
208PHTR04 to the
POH/FAA-approved
AFM with the
Appendix to this
AD. (This may be
done by inserting a
copy of this AD
into the POH/AFM.).
-----------------------------
(2) Cessna Model C208 Section 9: Optional WARNING: The stall
airplanes with a Pratt & Systems Description warning system has
Whitney of Canada Ltd., and Operating not been tested in
PT6A-114A turboprop engine Procedures: all icing
installed (675 SHP) or FAA- Revision 5 of the conditions and
approved engine of 208 (675 SHP) POH/ should not be
equivalent horsepower FAA-approved AFM relied upon in
installed, except airplanes Supplement S1 icing conditions.
modified by Supplemental ``Known Icing
Type Certificate SA0892WI. Equipment'' Cessna
document D1352-S1-
05, dated March 2,
2005.
-----------------------------
(3) Cessna Model C208 Section 9: Optional WARNING: The stall
airplanes with a Pratt & Systems Description warning system has
Whitney of Canada Ltd., and Operating not been tested in
PT6A-114 turboprop engine Procedures Revision all icing
installed (600 SHP) or FAA- 5 of the Cessna conditions and
approved engine of Model 208 (600 SHP) should not be
equivalent horsepower POH/FAA-approved relied upon in
installed, except airplanes AFM Supplement S1 icing conditions.
modified by Supplemental ``Known Icing
Type Certificate SA00892WI. Equipment'', Cessna
document D1307-S1-
05, dated March 2,
2005, except
incorporate the
Appendix to this AD
into paragraphs
``PREFLIGHT'' and
``VISUAL/TACTILE
CHECK'' of the
Limitations Section
of the POH/FAA-
approved AFM
Supplement S1
``Known Icing
Equipment''.
-----------------------------
(4) Cessna Model C208B Section 9: Optional WARNING: The stall
airplanes with a Pratt & Systems Description warning system has
Whitney of Canada Ltd., and Operating not been tested in
PT6A-114A turboprop engine Procedures Revision all icing
installed (675 SHP) or FAA- 6 of the 208B (675 conditions and
approved engine of SHP) POH/FAA- should not be
equivalent horsepower approved AFM relied upon in
installed, except airplanes Supplement S1 icing conditions.
modified by Supplemental ``Known Icing
Type Certificate SA00892WI. Equipment'', Cessna
document D1329-S1-
06, dated March 2,
2005.
-----------------------------
(5) Cessna Model C208B Section 9: Optional WARNING: The stall
airplanes with a Pratt & Systems Description warning system has
Whitney of Canada Ltd., and Operating not been tested in
PT6A-114A turboprop engine Procedures Revision all icing
installed (600 SHP) or FAA- 5 of the 208B (600 conditions and
approved engine of SHP) POH/FAA- should not be
equivalent horsepower approved AFM relied upon in
installed, except airplanes Supplement S1 icing conditions.
modified by Supplemental ``Known Icing
Type Certificate SA00892WI. Equipment'', Cessna
document D1309-S1-
05, dated March 2,
2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(f) 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 do the flight manual changes
requirement of this AD. Make an entry in the aircraft records
showing compliance with this portion of the AD following section
43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).

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. 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, Standards Staff, Small
Airplane Directorate, FAA, c/o Paul Pellicano, Aerospace Engineer
(Icing), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, c/o Atlanta Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix
Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, GA 30349; telephone: (770) 703-6064;
facsimile: (770) 703-6097. For information on any already approved
alternative methods of compliance, contact Paul Pellicano at the
address and phone number above.

May I Get Copies of the Document Referenced in this AD?

(h) You may obtain the service information referenced in this AD
from The Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, PO Box 7706,
Wichita, Kansas 67277-7706; telephone: (316) 517-5800; facsimile:
(316) 942-9006. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management
Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC, or on the
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. This is docket number FAA-2005-
20048; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-08-AD.

Appendix to AD 2005-07-01, Amendment 39-14025

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20514; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-08-AD]

Preflight

Takeoff is prohibited with any frost, ice, snow, or slush
adhering to the wings, horizontal stabilizer, control surfaces,
propeller blades, and engine inlets.

Warning

Even small amounts of frost, ice, and snow, or slush on the wing
may adversely change lift and drag. Failure to remove these
contaminants will degrade airplane performance and may prevent a
safe takeoff and climbout.

Visual/Tactile Check

In addition to a visual check, a tactile check of the wing
leading edge, wing upper surface (up to two feet behind the deicing
boot at on-span location as a minimum), horizontal tail leading
edge, and propeller

[[Page 15227]]

blades is required if the outside air temperature (OAT) is below
5[deg] C (41[deg] F) and visible moisture (rain, drizzle, sleet,
snow, fog etc.) is present or the airplane was exposed to visible
moisture (rain, drizzle, sleet, snow, fog etc.) since the previous
landing; or the airplane experienced in-flight ice accretion since
the previous takeoff; or the difference between the dew point
temperature and the OAT is 3[deg] C (5[deg] F) or less; or water is
present on the wing. Reference the preflight procedures in Section 4
of the basic Pilot's Operating Handbook.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 21, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-5915 Filed 3-24-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P