[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 31 (Thursday, February 15, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7357-7359]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-2628]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27258; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-213-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 500, 501, 550, 551, S550, 
560, 560XL, and 750 Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) that applies to certain Cessna Model 500, 550, S550, 
560, 560XL, and 750 airplanes. The existing AD currently 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 proposed AD would retain the 
requirements of the existing AD; add airplanes to the applicability; 
and, for certain airplanes only, require a review of wiring changes 
made using the original issue of one service bulletin and corrective 
actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from a determination 
that additional airplanes are subject to the unsafe condition described 
in the existing AD. We are proposing 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: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 2, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses 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.
     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 proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Trenton Shepherd, Mechanical Systems 
and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, 
Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4143; fax (316) 946-4107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``Docket No. 
2007-27258; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-213-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 with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed 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 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.

Discussion

    On February 7, 2006, we issued AD 2006-04-10, amendment 39-14491 
(71 FR 8443, February 17, 2006), for certain Cessna Model 500, 550, 
S550, 560, 560XL, and 750 airplanes. That 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. That AD resulted from a report of mis-wired 
fire extinguishing bottles. We issued that 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.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2006-04-10, we have determined that two affected 
airplane models, Models 501 and 551, were not included in the 
applicability of that AD. Model 501 and 551 airplanes could be subject 
to the same unsafe condition as other airplanes subject to AD 2006-04-
10; therefore, we have added those airplanes to the applicability of 
this proposed AD.
    We have also determined that, as written, Cessna Service Bulletin 
SB500-26-02, dated April 1, 2005, would not entirely correct the unsafe 
condition. Therefore, any actions done using the original issue of the 
service bulletin would not be considered acceptable for compliance with 
the requirements of

[[Page 7358]]

this proposed AD, unless the actions are confirmed to be in accordance 
with Revision 1 of the service bulletin, as described below.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Cessna Service Bulletin SB500-26-02, Revision 1, 
dated July 7, 2005, including Service Bulletin Supplemental Data, dated 
April 1, 2005, which clarifies and corrects certain instructions and 
wiring references in the text and Figure 1 of the original issue of the 
service bulletin. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to develop on other airplanes of the 
same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, which 
would retain the requirements of AD 2006-04-10; add airplanes to the 
applicability; and, for certain airplanes only, require a review of 
wiring changes made using Cessna Service Bulletin SB500-26-02, dated 
April 1, 2005. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions 
described previously, except as discussed under ``Difference Between 
the Proposed AD and Service Bulletins.''

Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletins

    Operators should note that, although the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the referenced service bulletins describe procedures 
for submitting a maintenance transaction report to the manufacturer, 
this proposed AD would not require that action.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 3,801 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet, including about 3,071 airplanes of U.S. Registry. The 
following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to 
comply with this proposed AD, at an average labor rate of $80 per work 
hour.

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                        Number of
                                                  Work                     Cost per       U.S.-
         Cessna Model               Action       hours        Parts        airplane    registered    Fleet cost
                                                                                        airplanes
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500, 550, S550, and 560        Re-identify and        3  $50............        $290         1,827      $529,830
 airplanes (action required     reconnect
 by AD 2006-04-10).             wires.
560XL airplanes (action        Re-identify and        4  100............         420           331       139,020
 required by AD 2006-04-10).    reconnect
                                wires.
750 airplanes (action          Re-identify and        2  25.............         185           211        39,035
 required by AD 2006-04-10).    reconnect
                                wires.
501 and 551 airplanes (action  Re-identify and        3  50.............         290           702       203,580
 required by this proposed      reconnect
 AD).                           wires.
500 airplanes (action          Verify wiring          1  No parts                 80           195        15,600
 required by this proposed      changes.                  required.
 AD).
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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 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. 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, 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
removing amendment 39-14491 (71 FR 8443, February 17, 2006) and adding 
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. 2007-27258; Directorate 
Identifier 2006-NM-213-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by April 2, 
2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2006-04-10.

[[Page 7359]]

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Cessna Model 500, 501, 550, 551, S550, 
560, 560XL, and 750 airplanes, certificated in any category; as 
identified in the service bulletins specified 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.......................  1....................  July 7, 2005.........  500/501 airplanes.
SB500-26-02.......................  Original.............  April 1, 2005........  500/501 airplanes.
SB550-26-05.......................  Original.............  April 1, 2005........  550/551 airplanes.
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.

Requirements of AD 2006-04-10

Installation

    (f) For Model 500, 550, S550, 560, 560XL, and 750 airplanes: 
Within 100 flight hours or 60 days after March 24, 2006 (the 
effective date of AD 2006-04-10), 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; except that, for Model 500 airplanes, Cessna Service 
Bulletin SB500-26-02, Revision 1, dated July 7, 2005 may be used. 
After the effective date of this AD, only Cessna Service Bulletin 
SB500-26-02, Revision 1, may be used to accomplish the requirements 
of this paragraph for Model 500 airplanes.
    (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.

Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Earlier Revision of Service 
Bulletin

    (g) For Model 560XL airplanes: Actions done before March 24, 
2006, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna 
Service Bulletin SB560XL-26-02, dated November 22, 2004, are 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions in this AD.

New Requirements of This AD

Actions for Additional Airplane Models

    (h) For Model 501 and 551 airplanes: Within 100 flight hours or 
60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, 
do the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD for the engine 
fire extinguishing bottles in accordance with Cessna Service 
Bulletin SB500-26-02, Revision 1, dated July 7, 2005, or Cessna 
Service Bulletin SB550-26-05, dated April 1, 2005; as applicable.

Verification of Actions Accomplished Using Original Issue of Service 
Bulletin

    (i) For Model 500 airplanes on which the actions specified in 
Cessna Service Bulletin SB500-26-02, dated April 1, 2005, have been 
done before the effective date of this AD: Within 100 flight hours 
or 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
first, verify that wiring changes previously done in accordance with 
Cessna Service Bulletin SB500-26-02, dated April 1, 2005, conform to 
the changes described in Cessna Service Bulletin SB500-26-02, 
Revision 1, dated July 7, 2005; and, if any non-conforming wiring 
changes are discovered, before further flight, correct the wiring 
changes as applicable to conform to the changes described in Cessna 
Service Bulletin SB500-26-02, Revision 1, dated July 7, 2005.

No Reporting Requirement

    (j) 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.

Parts Installation

    (k) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or 
(k)(2) 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) or (h) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For Model 500, 550, S550, 560, 560XL, and 750 airplanes: 
After March 24, 2006.
    (2) For Model 501 and 551 airplanes: After the effective date of 
this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l)(1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 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.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 8, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-2628 Filed 2-14-07; 8:45 am]
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