[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 78 (Monday, April 25, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21139-21141]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-8097]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21026; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-069-AD; 
Amendment 39-14069; AD 2005-09-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 750 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Cessna Model 750 airplanes. The AD requires repetitive 
inspections for clearance and chafing of an auxiliary power unit (APU) 
fuel tube assembly in the tail cone area of the airplane, and 
corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD also 
requires replacing the APU fuel line. This AD is prompted by reports of 
chafed APU fuel tubes leaking into the tail cone area due to 
interference between the fuel tube assembly and elevator flight control 
cables, hydraulic lines, and high-temperature bleed air couplings. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct this interference, which 
could result in chafing, fuel leaking into an area where ignition 
sources are present, and possible fire in an area without fire 
detection or extinguishing provisions.

DATES: Effective May 10, 2005.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 
10, 2005.
    We must receive comments on this AD by June 24, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses 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.
     Fax: (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.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Cessna 
Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277.

Examining the Dockets

    You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert D. Adamson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, room 100, Mid-Continent 
Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4145; fax (316) 
946-4107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received reports of severely chafed 
auxiliary power unit (APU) fuel tubes found during routine maintenance 
on Cessna Model 750 airplanes. The APU fuel tubes were leaking into the 
tail cone area of the airplane due to chafing from interference between 
the fuel tube and elevator flight control cables, hydraulic lines, and 
high temperature bleed air couplings. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in fuel leaking into an area where ignition sources are 
present, and consequent fire in an area without fire detection or 
extinguishing provisions.

[[Page 21140]]

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Cessna Alert Service Letter (ASL) ASL750-49-09, 
Revision 2, dated March 10, 2005. The ASL describes procedures for 
repetitive inspections to verify the clearance and detect chafing of 
one of the APU fuel tube assemblies in the tail cone area of the 
airplanes. The inspections specifically are intended to detect and 
correct possible interference between the APU fuel tube and elevator 
flight control cables, hydraulic lines, and high-temperature bleed air 
couplings. Corrective actions include the following:

                           Corrective Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Inspect--                   And--             If you find--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For chafing damage on the     Replace the APU fuel  Any lengthwise
 APU fuel tube assembly.       tube assembly with    scratch.
                               new parts.           Other nicks/
                                                     scratches, and
                                                     chafing and dents
                                                     that exceed certain
                                                     limits.
For chafing damage on the     Replace the elevator  Chafing with visible
 elevator control cables.      control cable with    wire braids and
                               new parts.            broken wires.
                              Blend out the damage  Chafing with visible
                                                     wire braids and no
                                                     broken wires.
                                                    Chafing with no
                                                     visible wire
                                                     braids.
The clearance of the APU      Adjust routing of     Inadequate clearance
 fuel tube assembly.           the APU fuel tube     between APU fuel
                               assembly.             tube assembly and--
                                                     elevator
                                                     cables.
                                                     high-
                                                     temperature bleed
                                                     air lines.
                                                     electrical
                                                     wiring.
                                                     airframe
                                                     structure.
                                                     hydraulic
                                                     lines.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The ASL specifies sending a report of the inspection results to the 
manufacturer.
    For certain airplanes, the ASL also specifies replacing, with new 
parts, and relocating the APU fuel tube in the tail cone area of the 
airplane. Those procedures are described in Cessna Service Bulletin 
SB750-49-05, Revision 1, dated January 17, 2000. The ASL specifies 
installing the new APU fuel tube before the initial inspection 
specified in the ASL.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other airplanes of the same type design. Therefore, we are 
issuing this AD to prevent fuel from leaking into an area where 
ignition sources are present, which could result in a fire in an area 
without fire detection or extinguishing provisions. This AD requires 
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously. This AD also requires reporting the inspection 
results to Cessna.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. The manufacturer is currently 
developing a modification that may terminate the repetitive inspections 
required by this AD action. Once this modification is developed, 
approved, and available, we may consider additional rulemaking.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment 
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make 
this AD effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-21026; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-069-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light 
of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket 
Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you can visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    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 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    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.

[[Page 21141]]

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation:
    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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to 
examine the regulatory evaluation.

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 FAA amends 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):

2005-09-01 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-14069. Docket No. 
FAA-2005-21026; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-069-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective May 10, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Cessna Model 750 airplanes, certificated 
in any category, serial numbers-0001 through-0240 inclusive.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of chafed auxiliary power 
unit (APU) fuel tubes leaking into the tail cone area of the 
airplane due to interference between the APU fuel tube assembly and 
elevator flight control cables, hydraulic lines, and high 
temperature bleed air couplings. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
detect and correct this interference, which could result in chafing, 
leaking into an area where ignition sources are present, and 
possible fire in an area without fire detection or extinguishing 
provisions.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Inspections

    (f) For all airplanes: Within 25 flight hours or 48 days, 
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, do a 
detailed inspection to verify the clearance and detect chafing of 
one of the APU fuel tube assemblies in the tail cone area of the 
airplane due to interference between the APU fuel tube and elevator 
flight control cables, hydraulic lines, and high temperature bleed 
air couplings. Do the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Cessna Alert Service Letter (ASL) ASL750-49-09, 
Revision 2, dated March 10, 2005. Do applicable corrective actions 
before further flight in accordance with the ASL. Repeat the 
inspection thereafter at the earlier of the times specified in 
paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD.
    (1) At intervals not to exceed 250 flight hours or 3 months, 
whichever occurs first.
    (2) Before further flight after access to the inspection area 
for any other inspection or maintenance.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

APU Replacement

    (g) For airplanes having serial numbers -0001 through -0031 
inclusive and -0033 through -0107 inclusive: Before the first 
inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD, replace the APU 
fuel tube in the tail cone area of the airplane, in accordance with 
Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-49-05, Revision 1, dated January 17, 
2000. The replacement APU fuel tube must be a new APU fuel tube 
having part number 6756605-23.

Report

    (h) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or 
(h)(2) of this AD, report the results (both positive and negative 
findings) of the initial inspection required by paragraph (f) of 
this AD, in accordance with Cessna ASL ASL750-49-09, Revision 2, 
dated March 10, 2005. Information collection requirements contained 
in this AD have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 
2120-0056.
    (1) If the inspection was done after the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) To perform the actions that are required by this AD, you 
must use Cessna Alert Service Letter ASL750-49-09, Revision 2, dated 
March 10, 2005; and Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-49-05, Revision 1, 
dated January 17, 2000; as applicable, unless the AD specifies 
otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves the 
incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of the service 
information, contact Cessna Aircraft Co., PO Box 7706, Wichita, 
Kansas 67277. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., 
room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC. To review copies of 
the service information contact the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_ register/code--of-- federal--regulations/
ibr-- locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 13, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-8097 Filed 4-22-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P