[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 118 (Tuesday, June 21, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35565-35568]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12149]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21275; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-28-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all The Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 208 and 208B 
airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to install a pilot assist 
handle, Cessna part number SK208-146-2, for all affected airplanes, 
install deicing boots on landing gear struts and cargo pod on certain 
Cessna Models 208 and 208B airplanes, and make changes to the Pilot's 
Operating Handbook (POH) and FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), 
and to the POH and AFM Supplement S1 for all affected airplanes. This 
proposed AD results from reports of several accidents and of 
problematic events involving the affected airplanes during operations 
in icing conditions, including nine events in the 2004-2005 icing 
season, and ground icing conditions. We are issuing this proposed AD to 
prevent ice adhering to critical surfaces. Ice adhering to critical 
surfaces could result in a reduction in airplane performance with the 
consequences that the airplane cannot perform a safe takeoff, climb, or 
maintain altitude.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by August 22, 
2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed 
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, P.O. Box 7706, 
Wichita, Kansas 67277-7706; telephone: (316) 517-5800; facsimile: (316) 
942-9006.
    To view the comments to this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. 
The docket number is FAA-2005-21275; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-28-
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:

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 the 
docket number, ``FAA-2005-21275; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-28-AD'' 
at the beginning of your 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 proposed 
rulemaking. Using the search function of our docket Web site, anyone 
can find and read the comments received into 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.). 
This is docket number FAA-2005-21275; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-
28-AD. You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you 
may visit  http://dms.dot.gov.
    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.

Docket Information

    Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD 
docket that contains the proposal, any comments received, and any final 
disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m. (eastern standard time), Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on 
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation NASSIF Building at 
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket 
on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    What events have caused this proposed AD? The FAA has received 
several reports of accidents and incidents concerning problems with 
Cessna Models 208 and 208B airplanes during operations in icing 
conditions. This includes a total of six accidents in the previous two 
icing seasons and nine incidents in the past few months. One-third of 
the Model 208 icing related accidents occurred as a result of loss of 
control after takeoff in ground icing conditions. One-third are 
suspected to

[[Page 35566]]

have occurred in supercooled large droplets, icing conditions outside 
the 14 CFR part 25 Appendix C certification envelope. The Cessna Models 
208 and 208B are certificated to 14 CFR part 23, but 14 CFR part 23 
references 14 CFR part 25 Appendix C for icing certification.
    Findings from the accidents conclude that there was a reduction in 
airplane performance due to drag from airframe ice accretion. The 
airplanes could not perform a safe takeoff, climb, or maintain 
altitude.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Ice adhering to 
critical surfaces could result in a reduction in airplane performance 
with the consequence that the airplane cannot climb or maintain 
altitude.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Cessna 
has issued the following service information:

--Service Bulletin No. CAB04-9, dated October 4, 2004;
--Service Kit No. SK208-146, dated October 4, 2004;
--Service Bulletin No. CAB95-19, dated October 13, 1995;
--Service Bulletin No. CAB93-20, Revision 1, dated October 13, 1995; 
and
--Accessory Kit No. AK208-6C, issued December 2, 1991, Revision C, 
dated August 27, 1993.

    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
information includes procedures for:

--Adding a low airspeed in icing warning system, a windshield ice 
indicator assembly, a pilot assist handle, and an enlarged windshield 
anti-ice panel; and
--Installing cargo pod and landing gear deice system.

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. For this reason, we are 
proposing AD action.
    What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require 
you to:

--Install the pilot assist handle (part number (P/N) SK208-146-2) for 
all Cessna Models 208 and 208B airplanes;
--Install Cessna Accessory Kit AK208-6C for all Cessna Models 208 and 
208B airplanes equipped with pneumatic deicing boots for flight into 
known icing; and
--Make changes to the Pilot's Operating Handbook ( POH) and FAA-
approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), and to the POH and AFM 
Supplement S1.

    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 would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that 
this proposed AD affects 743 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to 
do the proposed installation of the pilot assist handle (P/N SK208-146-
2) for all Cessna Models 208 and 208B airplanes:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Total cost per
                 Labor cost                    Parts cost       airplane         Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 work hours x $65 = $325..................            $858          $1,183  743 x $1,183 = $878,969
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    We estimate the following costs to do the proposed installation of 
the Cessna Accessory Kit AK208-6C for certain Cessna Modes 208 and 
208B:

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                                                             Total cost per
                 Labor cost                    Parts cost       airplane         Total cost on U.S. Operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37 work hours x $65 = $2,405...............          $6,000          $8,405  372 x $8,405 = $3,126,660
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    We estimate the following costs to do the proposed changes to the 
Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) and FAA-approved Airplane Flight 
Manual (AFM), and to the POH and AFM Supplement S1:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Total cost per
              Labor cost                        Parts cost            airplane      Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work hour x $65 = $65...............  Not Applicable...........             $65  743 x $65 = $48,295
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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

    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

[[Page 35567]]

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 other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) 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-2005-21275; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-28-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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

The Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. FAA-2005-21275; Directorate 
Identifier 2005-CE-28-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 August 22, 2005.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects Models 208 and 208B, all serial numbers, 
that are certificated in any category.

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of reports of several accidents and of 
problematic events involving the affected airplanes during 
operations in icing conditions, including nine events in the 2004-
2005 icing season, and ground icing conditions. The actions 
specified in this AD are intended to prevent ice adhering to 
critical surfaces. Ice adhering to critical surfaces could result in 
a reduction in airplane performance, with the consequence that the 
airplane cannot perform a safe takeoff, climb, or maintain altitude. 
The pilot assist handle will allow a pre-takeoff visual/tactile 
check of the wing upper surface to be safely conducted in ground 
icing conditions.

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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For Cessna Models 208 and     Within the next     Follow Cessna
 208B: Install the pilot assist    125 days after      Caravan Service
 handle (part number (P/N) SK208-  the effective       Bulletin No.
 146-2).                           date of this AD,    CAB04-9, dated
                                   unless already      October 4, 2004
                                   done.               and Cessna
                                                       Caravan Service
                                                       Kit No. SK208-
                                                       146, dated
                                                       October 4, 2004.
(2) For any Cessna Model 208B     Within the next     Follow Cessna
 airplane with Pratt & Whitney     125 days after      Caravan Service
 of Canada Ltd., PT6A-114 Turbo    the effective       Bulletin No.
 Prop engine installed (600 SHP)   date of this AD,    CAB95-19, dated
 or equivalent, and equipped       unless already      October 13, 1995,
 with pneumatic deicing boots      done.               and Cessna
 for flight into known icing:                          Caravan Accessory
 Install Cessna Accessory Kit                          Kit No. AK208-6C,
 AK208-6C.                                             issued December
                                                       2, 1991, Revision
                                                       C, dated August
                                                       27, 1993.
(3) For any Cessna Models 208     Within the next     Follow Cessna
 and 208B airplanes equipped       125 days after      Caravan Service
 with pneumatic deicing boots      the effective       Bulletin No.
 for flight into known icing and   date of this AD,    CAB93-20,
 not included in Paragraph         unless already      Revision 1, dated
 (e)(2): Install Cessna            done.               October 13, 1995,
 Accessory Kit AK208-6C.                               and Cessna
                                                       Caravan Acessory
                                                       Kit no. AK208-6C,
                                                       issued December
                                                       2, 1991, Revision
                                                       C, dated August
                                                       27, 1993.
(4) For all Cessna Models 208     Before further      You may make the
 and 208B equipped with            flight after the    changes by pen or
 pneumatic deicing boots: Make     installation        other permanent
 the changes (identified in the    required by         means and insert
 Appendix to this AD) to the       paragraph (e)(2)    a copy of this AD
 Cessna Models 208 or 208B         or (e)(3) of this   into the
 Pilot's Operating Handbook        AD.                 appropriate
 (POH) and FAA approved Airplane                       sections of the
 Flight Manual (AFM) or FAA-                           POH.
 approved later versions of the
 POH and AFM that incorporate
 the same information addressed
 in this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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 and POH 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, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already 
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Paul Pellicano, 
Aerospace Engineer (Icing), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, c/o 
Atlanta ACO, One Crown Center, 1985 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, 
Atlanta, GA 30349; telephone: (770) 703-6064; facsimile: (770) 703-
6097.

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

    (h) To get copies of the documents referenced in this AD, 
contact The Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, 
Wichita, Kansas 67277-7706; telephone: (316) 517-5800; facsimile: 
(316)

[[Page 35568]]

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. The docket number is Docket No. FAA-
2005-21275; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-28-AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 14, 2005.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

Appendix to Docket No. FAA-2005-21275; Changes to the Cessna Models 208 
or 208B Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) and FAA Approved Airplane 
Flight Manual

    Affected Cessna Models 208 or 208B Pilot's Operating Handbook 
(POH) and FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Supplement S1:
    1. Cessna Model 208 (600 SHP) Pilot's Operating Handbook, 
Supplement S1, Revision 5, D1307-S1-05, dated March 2, 2005.
    2. Cessna Model 208 (675 SHP) Pilot's Operating Handbook, 
Supplement S1, Revision 5, D1352-S1-05, dated March 2, 2005.
    3. Cessna Model 208B (600 SHP) Pilot's Operating Handbook, 
Supplement S1, Revision 5, D1309-S1-05, dated March 2, 2005.
    4. Cessna Model 208B (675 SHP) Pilot's Operating Handbook, 
Supplement S1, Revision 6, D1329-S1-06, dated March 2, 2005.
    Remove the following paragraph under ``REQUIRED EQUIPMENT'' in 
the Limitations section of the Affected Cessna Models 208 or 208B 
Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), Supplement S1:
    ``The following additional equipment is not required for flight 
into icing conditions as defined by FAR 25, but may be installed on 
early serial airplanes by using optional accessory Kit AK208-6. On 
later serial airplanes, this equipment may be included with the 
flight into known icing package. If installed, this equipment must 
be fully operational:''
    Affected Cessna Models 208 or 208B Pilot's Operating Handbook 
(POH) and FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manuals or FAA-approved later 
versions that incorporate the same information addressed in this AD:
    1. Cessna Model 208 (600 SHP) Pilot's Operating Handbook, 
Revision 33, D1307-33-13PH, dated October 30, 2002.
    2. Cessna Model 208 (675 SHP) Pilot's Operating Handbook, 
Revision 6, D1352-6-13PH, dated October 30, 2002.
    3. Cessna Model 208B (600 SHP) Pilot's Operating Handbook, 
Revision 28, D1309-28-13PH, dated October 30, 2002.
    4. Cessna Model 208B (675 SHP) Pilot's Operating Handbook, 
Revision 22, D1329-22-13PH, dated October 30, 2002.
    Add the following to the equipment listed under ``FLIGHT INTO 
KNOWN ICING'' in the ``KINDS OF OPERATION LIMITS'' in the 
LIMITATIONS section of the FAA approved Flight Manual (AFM) or FAA-
approved later versions that incorporate the same information 
addressed in this AD:
    ``Lower main landing gear leading edge deice boots''
    ``Cargo pod nosecap deice boot''
[FR Doc. 05-12149 Filed 6-20-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P