[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 2, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25785-25787]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-6590]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-24254; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-24-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cirrus Design Corporation Models SR20 
and SR22 Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005-17-
19, which applies to certain Cirrus Design Corporation (CDC) Models 
SR20 and SR22 airplanes. AD 2005-17-19 currently requires you to 
measure and adjust the crew seat break-over bolts and to replace the 
crew seat recline locks on both crew seats. Since we issued AD 2005-17-
19, CDC developed new crew seat break-over pins to replace the old crew 
seat break-over bolts. Consequently, this proposed AD would retain the 
action from AD 2005-17-19 of replacing the crew seat recline locks on 
both seats and would add the action of replacing the crew seat break-
over bolts with the new crew seat break-over pins on both seats. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent the crew seats from folding forward during 
emergency landing dynamic loads with consequent occupant injury.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 15, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment 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 20590-0001.
     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 proposed AD, contact 
Cirrus Design Corporation, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth, Minnesota 55811; 
telephone: (218) 727-2737; Internet address: http://www.cirrusdesign.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
     Wess Rouse, Small Airplane Project Manager, ACE-117C, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 
107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-8113; facsimile: 
(847) 294-7834; e-mail: [email protected]; or
     Angie Kostopoulos, Composite Technical Specialist, ACE-
116C, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, 
Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-7426; 
facsimile: (847) 294-7834; e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, ``FAA-
2006-24254; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-24-AD'' at the beginning of 
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may 
amend the proposed 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 we 
receive concerning this proposed AD.

Discussion

    CDC performed dynamic seat testing on Models SR20 and SR22 
airplanes. CDC found that, under emergency landing dynamic loads, the 
crew seats may fold forward at less than the 26 g required by 14 CFR 
23.562(b)(2). This condition, if not corrected, could result in the 
crew seats folding forward during emergency landing dynamic loads with 
consequent occupant injury.
    This condition caused us to issue AD 2005-17-19, Amendment 39-14240 
(70 FR 51999, September 1, 2005). AD 2005-17-19 currently requires the 
following on CDC Models SR20 and SR22 airplanes:
     Measuring and adjusting the crew seat break-over bolts; 
and
     Replacing the crew seat recline locks on both crew seats.
    Since AD 2005-17-19, CDC performed more dynamic seat testing on 
Models SR20 and SR22 airplanes and found that the crew seats may still 
fold forward at less than the 26 g required by 14 CFR 23.562(b)(2). CDC 
developed new crew seat break-over pins to replace the crew seat break-
over bolts.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed CDC Service Bulletins SB 2X-25-06 R4, Issued 
August 13, 2004, Revised May 5, 2005; and SB 2X-25-17 R1, Issued 
December 15, 2005, Revised January 20, 2006.
    The service information describes procedures for:
     Replacing the crew seat break-over bolts with the new crew 
seat break-over pins;
     Inspecting crew seats;
     Determining number of bolts used to secure recline locks 
to the seat frame;
     Performing recline lock replacement; and
     Checking the crew seat break-over pin alignment.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and 
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD 
would supersede AD 2005-17-19 with a new AD that would retain the 
action of

[[Page 25786]]

replacing the crew seat recline locks on both crew seats and would add 
the action of replacing the crew seat break-over bolts with the new 
crew seat break-over pins on both seats. This proposed AD would require 
you to use the service information described previously to perform 
these actions.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 2,230 airplanes in 
the U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to do the proposed replacements:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         Total cost   Total cost
                Labor cost                     Model number and serial     Parts  cost      per        on U.S.
                                                        number                            airplane    operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of the recline locks: 1         Model SR20, serial numbers S/          $83         $163      $41,565
 workhour x $80 per hour = $80.              N 1148 through 1152 and 1206
                                             through 1455.
Replacement of the recline locks: 1         Model SR20, S/N 1005 through           165          245       48,020
 workhour x $80 per hour = $80.              1147 and 1153 through 1205.
Replacement of the recline locks: 1         Model SR22, S/N 0002 through            89          169      176,267
 workhour x $80 per hour = $80.              1044.
Replacement of the crew seat break-over     Model SR20, S/N 1005 through            33          113      262,273
 pins: 1 workhour x $80 per hour = $80.      1600 and Model SR22, S/N
                                             0002 through 1727.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: CDC may provide warranty credit for service bulletins SB 
2X-25-17 R1, Issued: December 15, 2005; Revised: January 20, 2006; 
and SB 2X-25-06 R4, Issued: August 13, 2004; Revised: May 5, 2005.

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 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed 
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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    Where can I go to view the docket information? You may examine the 
AD docket that contains the proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The 
Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located at the street 
address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in 
the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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 FAA 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) 2005-17-19, Amendment 39-14240, and adding the following new AD:

Cirrus Design Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2006-24254; Directorate 
Identifier 2006-CE-24-AD; Supersedes AD 2005-17-19; Amendment 39-
14240.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by June 15, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-17-19, Amendment 39-14240.

Unsafe Condition

    (c) This AD affects the following airplane models and serial 
numbers that are certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) SR20..................................  1005 through 1600.
(2) SR22..................................  0002 through 1727.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from discovering that the crew seats, under 
emergency landing dynamic loads, may fold forward at less than the 
26 g required by the regulations, 14 Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR) 23.562(b)(2). We are issuing this AD to prevent the crew seats 
from folding forward during emergency landing with dynamic loads 
with consequent occupant injury.

Compliance

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

[[Page 25787]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For Model SR20, serial    Within 50 hours time- Follow Cirrus Design
 numbers (S/Ns) 1005 through   in-service (TIS) or   Corporation Service
 1600, and Model SR22, S/Ns    within 180 days,      Bulletin SB 2X-25-
 0002 through 1727, do the     whichever occurs      17 R1, Issued:
 following actions:            first, after the      December 15, 2005;
(i) At the lower back of the   effective date of     Revised: January
 crew seat, release the        this AD.              20, 2006.
 reclosable fasteners to
 expose the lower seat
 frame.
    (ii) Replace the crew
     seat break-over bolt
     with the new crew seat
     break-over pin, part
     number 17063-002.
    (iii) Recover the seat
     frame, refastening the
     reclosable fasteners.
    (iv) Inspect the crew
     seat.
    (v) Repeat the above
     actions for the
     opposite crew seat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) For Models SR20, S/Ns     Within 50 hours TIS   Follow Cirrus Design
 1005 through 1455, and        or within 180 days,   Corporation Service
 SR22, S/Ns 0002 through       whichever occurs      Bulletin SB 2X-25-
 1044, do the following        first after October   06 R4, Issued:
 actions:                      13, 2005 (the         August 13, 2004;
(i) Identify whether the       effective date of     Revised: May 5,
 recline lock is secured       AD 2005-17-19),       2005.
 with two bolts or three       unless already
 bolts.                        accomplished.
    (ii) If the recline
     locks are secured with
     two bolts, remove the
     existing recline locks
     and replace with the
     new recline locks kit,
     Kit Number 70084-001.
    (iii) If the recline
     locks are secured with
     three bolts, remove
     existing recline locks
     and replace with the
     new recline locks kit,
     Kit Number 70084-002.
    (iv) Check break-over
     pin alignment and
     adjust as necessary.
    (v) Check that the locks
     engage with the break-
     over bolts with the
     seat in the full
     recline position. If
     full seat recline is
     not possible or
     difficult to engage,
     grinding of the lower
     aft seat frame is
     necessary.
    (vi) Repeat the above
     actions for the
     opposite crew seat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (f) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
ATTN: Wess Rouse, Small Airplane Project Manager, ACE-117C, Chicago 
Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des 
Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-8113; facsimile: (847) 
294-7834; e-mail: [email protected]; or Angie Kostopoulos, 
Composite Technical Specialist, ACE-116C, Chicago Aircraft 
Certification Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, 
Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-7426; facsimile: (847) 294-
7834; e-mail: [email protected], have the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (g) To get copies of the documents referenced in this AD, 
contact Cirrus Design Corporation, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth, 
Minnesota 55811; telephone: (218) 727-2737; Internet address: http://www.cirrusdesign.com. 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-
2006-24254; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-24-AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 25, 2006.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6-6590 Filed 5-1-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P