[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 33 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8443-8446]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-1407]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22558; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-107-AD; 
Amendment 39-14491; AD 2006-04-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 500, 550, S550, 560, 
560XL, and 750 Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Cessna Model 500, 550, S550, 560, 560XL, and 750 airplanes. 
This AD requires installing identification sleeves on the wires for the 
positive and negative terminal studs of the engine and/or auxiliary 
power unit (APU) fire extinguishing bottles, as applicable, and re-
connecting the wires to the correct terminal studs. This AD results 
from a report of mis-wired fire extinguishing bottles. We are issuing 
this AD to ensure that the fire extinguishing bottles are activated in 
the event of an engine or APU fire, and that flammable fluids are not 
supplied during a fire, which could result in an unextinguished fire in 
the nacelle or APU.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 24, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of March 24, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, 
room PL-401, Washington, DC.
    Contact Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277, 
for service information identified in this AD.

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:

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the airworthiness directive (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 street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Cessna Model 
500, 550, S550, 560, 560XL, and 750 airplanes. That NPRM was published 
in the Federal Register on September 30, 2005 (70 FR 57213). That NPRM 
proposed to require installing identification sleeves on the wires for 
the positive and negative terminal studs of the engine and/or auxiliary 
power unit (APU) fire extinguishing bottles, as applicable, and re-
connecting the wires to the correct terminal studs.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Request To Use Parts Other Than Factory Kit

    The commenter sees the need for the proposed AD, but does not like 
the fact that it is tied to a factory service bulletin. The commenter 
states that the kits specified in the service bulletin that are 
necessary to do the actions in the NPRM are often out of stock at the 
manufacturer. The commenter further points out that the actions in the 
NPRM can be accomplished without waiting for the kit because the 
actions can be done using standard items and practices in the field. In 
addition, the commenter states that the kits are much more costly than 
the estimate provided in the NPRM.
    We infer that the commenter is requesting confirmation that the 
factory-provided kits are available for all affected airplanes to 
accomplish the required actions, and that the kits will not be more 
costly than stated in the NPRM. The manufacturer has assured us that 
the kits are available and that the parts costs cited in the NPRM are 
correct. The manufacturer also noted that there is no cost for kits if 
the affected airplane is within its five-year warranty period. If the 
commenter has difficulty getting a kit or kits, or wishes to use 
standard items and practices in the field, the commenter can apply for 
an alternative method of compliance in accordance with the procedures 
in paragraph (j) of this AD.
    We have not changed the AD in this regard.

Request To Correct Incorrect Statement Regarding Shutoff Valves

    Another commenter supports the need for the proposed AD, but states 
that the ``Discussion'' section incorrectly indicates that the mis-
wiring will cause the shutoff valves for the main engine fuel and 
hydraulic firewall to open. The commenter suggests that we delete this 
statement. The commenter explains that the valves are motor-operated 
and remain in the last position when power is absent. They

[[Page 8444]]

close in less than one second when the illuminated engine fire light/
switch is pressed, which also arms the circuits for the fire 
extinguishing bottles, but does not apply power to the fire 
extinguishing bottles. The commenter states that if the fire 
extinguishing bottles are mis-wired, the valves would stay closed upon 
subsequent activation of the fire extinguishing bottle discharge switch 
and tripping of the circuit breaker. The commenter further states that 
the valve-closed annunciation would go off when the circuit breaker 
tripped.
    We disagree with the commenter. The tripped circuit breaker removes 
power from the fuel and hydraulic shutoff valves and the associated 
cockpit annunciations, except for the Model 750 APU installation. The 
fuel and hydraulic shutoff valves are powered closed from a normally 
open state. Cessna has tested the fuel and hydraulic shutoff valves and 
found that these valves may not close before the circuit breaker trips 
and removes power from the valve. Testing also showed that the time 
required before the circuit breaker trips varies from airplane to 
airplane. When power is removed, the valves could be in any position 
ranging from fully opened to fully closed. Therefore, if there is a 
fire, flammable fluids could continue to be supplied to the fire. As a 
result of this time variation, we included this condition in the 
Discussion section of the proposed AD. In addition, the Discussion 
section of the preamble does not reappear in the final rule. We have 
not changed the AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 2,801 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet, including about 2,369 airplanes of the affected design 
of U.S. Registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for 
U.S. operators to comply with this AD.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                                          Number of U.S.-
             Modification for Cessna Model--                Work hours     Average labor       Parts         Cost per       registered      Fleet cost
                                                                           rate per hour                     airplane        airplanes
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500, 550, S550, and 560 airplanes.......................               3             $65             $50            $245           1,827        $447,615
560XL airplanes.........................................               4              65             100             360             331         119,160
750 airplanes...........................................               2              65              25             155             211          32,705
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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.
    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 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 and placed it in the AD docket. 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2006-04-10 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-14491. Docket No. 
FAA-2005-22558; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-107-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective March 24, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Cessna Model 500, 550, S550, 560, 560XL, 
and 750 airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in 
the service bulletins in Table 1 of this AD.

                                       Table 1.--Cessna Service Bulletins
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      Cessna service bulletin              Revision                 Date                   Cessna model
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SB500-26-02.......................  Original.............  April 1, 2005........  500 airplanes.
SB550-26-05.......................  Original.............  April 1, 2005........  550 airplanes.

[[Page 8445]]

 
SB560-26-01.......................  Original.............  April 1, 2005........  560 airplanes.
SB560XL-26-02.....................  1....................  December 22, 2004....  560XL airplanes.
SB750-26-05.......................  Original.............  November 24, 2004....  750 airplanes.
SBS550-26-02......................  Original.............  April 1, 2005........  S550 airplanes.
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Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report of mis-wired fire 
extinguishing bottles. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the 
fire extinguishing bottles are activated in the event of an engine 
or auxiliary power unit (APU) fire, and that flammable fluids are 
not supplied during a fire, which could result in an unextinguished 
fire in the nacelle or APU.

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.

Installation

    (f) Within 100 flight hours or 60 days after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Install identification sleeves 
on the wires for the positive and negative terminal studs of the 
applicable fire extinguishing bottles identified in paragraphs 
(f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD; re-connect the wires to the 
correct studs; test the connection; and re-connect the wires again 
as applicable until the connection tests correctly. Do all actions 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD.
    (1) For Cessna Model 500, 550, S550, and 560 airplanes: The 
engine fire extinguishing bottles.
    (2) For Cessna Model 560XL airplanes: The engine and the APU 
fire extinguishing bottles.
    (3) For Cessna Model 750 airplanes: The APU fire extinguishing 
bottle.

No Reporting Requirement

    (g) Although the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
bulletins identified in Table 1 of this AD describe procedures for 
submitting a maintenance transaction report to the manufacturer, 
this AD does not require that action.

Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Earlier Revision of Service 
Bulletin

    (h) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna Service 
Bulletin SB560XL-26-02, dated November 22, 2004, are acceptable for 
compliance with the corresponding action in this AD.

Parts Installation

    (i) After the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
on any airplane a fire-extinguishing bottle unless identification 
sleeves on the wires for the positive and negative terminal studs 
have been installed in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) 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.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use the service information listed in Table 2 of 
this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless 
the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of these documents in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Cessna 
Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277, for a copy of 
this service information. You may review copies at the Docket 
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh 
Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

                                  Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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         Cessna service bulletin                   Revision level                          Date
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SB500-26-02, including Service Bulletin    Original.....................  April 1, 2005.
 Supplemental Data.
SB550-26-05, including Service Bulletin    Original.....................  April 1, 2005.
 Supplemental Data.
SB560-26-01, including Service Bulletin    Original.....................  April 1, 2005.
 Supplemental Data.
SB560XL-26-02, including Service Bulletin  1............................  December 22, 2004.
 Supplemental Data, dated November 22,
 2004, and excluding Attachment.
SB750-26-05, including Service Bulletin    Original.....................  November 24, 2004.
 Supplemental Data.
SBS550-26-02, including Service Bulletin   Original.....................  April 1, 2005.
 Supplemental Data.
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[[Page 8446]]

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 7, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-1407 Filed 2-16-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P