[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 215 (Tuesday, November 7, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65047-65049]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-18659]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-26242; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-229-AD; 
Amendment 39-14817; AD 2006-23-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 750 Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Cessna Model 750 airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the inboard-
hinge brackets of the left and right elevators for cracking, and doing 
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD 
results from a report of cracking found on the elevator inboard-hinge 
brackets. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the 
elevator inboard-hinge brackets, which could result in structural 
failure of the elevators and consequent loss of control of the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 22, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 22, 
2006.
    We must receive comments on this AD by January 8, 2007.

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.
    Contact Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277, 
for service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  T.N. Baktha, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Services Branch, ACE-118W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent 
Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4155; fax (316) 
946-4107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We have received a report indicating that, during a maintenance 
inspection, a crack was found in one of the lugs on the elevator 
inboard-hinge bracket of a Cessna Model 750 airplane; cracking was also 
found on the elevator inboard-hinge brackets on seven other Model 750 
airplanes. The cracking was attributed to fatigue caused by excessive 
side loads on the bracket from the flexing of the elevator during 
flight. This condition, if not corrected, could result in structural 
failure of the elevators and consequent loss of control of the 
airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Cessna Alert Service Letter ASL750-27-21, 
excluding the attachment titled ``Inspection Results Form'' and 
including the attachment titled ``Flight Restrictions,'' dated October 
13, 2006. The service letter describes procedures for performing a 
visual inspection of the inboard-hinge brackets of the left and right 
elevators. Related investigative and corrective actions include:
     If any crack is found: Perform an eddy current inspection 
of the bracket(s) to confirm the crack and its length.
     If the crack is 0.30 inch or more: Replace the bracket(s) 
before the next flight.
     If the crack is less than 0.30 inch: Continued flight for 
repositioning of the airplane and replacement of the bracket is allowed 
within the restricted flight envelope included in the attachment to the 
service letter titled ``Flight Restrictions,'' for a maximum of 10 
flight hours'' time-in-service.

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. For this reason, we 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the elevator 
inboard-hinge brackets, which could result in structural failure of the 
elevators and consequent loss of control of the airplane. This AD 
requires inspecting the inboard-hinge brackets of the left and right 
elevators for cracking, and doing related investigative and corrective 
actions if necessary; except as discussed under ``Differences Between 
the AD and the Service Letter.''

[[Page 65048]]

Differences Between the AD and the Service Letter

    While it is not our usual policy to allow flight with known cracks, 
to be consistent with the service letter, this AD permits further 
flight with cracks with certain restrictions, as specified in paragraph 
(g)(2) of this AD. In consideration of these restrictions and the FAA's 
criteria for flight with known cracking, continued flight for a maximum 
of 10 flight hours for repositioning of the airplane and replacement of 
the bracket is allowed, provided the airplane is operated in accordance 
with the revised flight restrictions specified in the service letter.
    The procedures in the service letter refer only to a ``visual 
inspection'' for cracking of the inboard-hinge brackets. We have 
determined that the inspection should be described as a ``general 
visual inspection.'' Note 1 has been included in this AD to define this 
type of inspection.
    The procedures in the service letter specify submitting a sheet 
related to inspection results to the manufacturer, but this AD does not 
require that action.
    The procedures in the service letter also specify sending the 
elevator assembly to the manufacturer for replacement of the inboard-
hinge bracket if a crack is found that is 0.30 inch or longer; however, 
this AD requires corrective actions be done using a method approved by 
us.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. If final action is later 
identified, we may consider further rulemaking then.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-
26242; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-229-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    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 that 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 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.

Examining the Docket

    You may 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 Docket Management System 
receives them.

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 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 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):

2006-23-05 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-14817. Docket No. 
FAA-2006-26242; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-229-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective November 22, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Cessna Model 750 airplanes, 
certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report of cracking found on the 
elevator inboard-hinge brackets. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct cracking of the elevator inboard-hinge brackets, which 
could result in structural failure of the elevator and consequent 
loss of control of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within

[[Page 65049]]

the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been 
done.

Inspection

    (f) After the airplane accumulates 2,500 total flight hours: 
Perform a general visual inspection for cracking of the inboard-
hinge brackets of the left and right elevators in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna Alert Service Letter 
ASL750-27-21, dated October 13, 2006. Do the inspection before the 
airplane accumulates 3,000 total flight hours, or within 10 flight 
hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection 
area. This level of inspection is made under normally available 
lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, 
or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or 
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain 
proximity to the area being checked.''

Related Investigative and Corrective Actions

    (g) If any crack is found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight, perform an eddy 
current inspection of the inboard-hinge brackets to determine the 
crack length, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Cessna Alert Service Letter ASL750-27-21, dated October 13, 2006; 
and do the actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this 
AD, as applicable, at the time specified. All corrective actions 
must be done using a method approved by the Manager, Wichita 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a replacement method 
to be approved by the Manager, Wichita ACO, as required by this 
paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to 
this AD.
    (1) If the crack is 0.30 inch or more: Replace the bracket 
before further flight.
    (2) If the crack is less than 0.30 inch: Continued flight for a 
maximum of 10 flight hours for repositioning of the airplane and 
replacement of the bracket is allowed, within the restricted flight 
envelope included in the attachment to the service letter titled 
``Flight Restrictions.''

Special Flight Permits

    (h) Special flight permits, as described in Section 39.23 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.23), are allowed with the 
limitations required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.

No Reporting or Return of Parts to Manufacturer

    (i) Cessna Alert Service Letter ASL750-27-21, dated October 13, 
2006, specifies submitting a sheet related to inspection results to 
the manufacturer; this AD does not include that requirement. The 
service letter also specifies sending the elevator assembly to the 
manufacturer for replacement of the inboard-hinge bracket if a crack 
is found that is 0.30 inch or more; however, this AD requires 
corrective actions be done using a method approved by us.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) The Manager, Wichita ACO, 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 Cessna Alert Service Letter ASL750-27-21, 
excluding the attachment titled ``Inspection Results Form'' and 
including the attachment titled ``Flight Restrictions,'' dated 
October 13, 2006, 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 this document 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 26, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-18659 Filed 11-6-06; 8:45 am]
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