[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 86 (Friday, May 2, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24168-24171]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-9719]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0471; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-025-AD; 
Amendment 39-15508; AD 2008-10-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company 172, 175, 180, 
182, 185, 206, 207, 208, 210, and 303 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) 172, 175, 180, 182, 185, 206, 
207, 208, 210, and 303 series airplanes. This AD requires you to 
inspect the alternate static air source selector valve to assure that 
the part number identification placard does not obstruct the alternate 
static air source selector valve port. If the part number 
identification placard obstructs the port, this AD requires you to 
remove the placard, assure that the port is unobstructed, and report to 
the FAA if obstruction is found. This AD results from reports of 
improper installation of the part number identification placard on the 
alternate static air source selector valve. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent erroneous indications from the 
altimeter, airspeed, and vertical speed indicators, which could cause 
the pilot to react to incorrect flight information and possibly result 
in loss of control.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on May 12, 2008.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by July 1, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    To view the comments to this AD, go to http://www.regulations.gov. 
The docket number is FAA-2008-0471; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-025-
AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Fairback, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 
100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: 316-946-4154; fax: 316-946-4107; 
e-mail address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We recently received reports of improper installation of the part 
number identification placard on alternate static air source selector 
valves of certain Cessna 172, 175, 180, 182, 185, 206, 207, 208, 210, 
and 303 series airplanes. The part number identification placard refers 
to alternative air source selector valves, part number 2013142-18 that 
were manufactured between November 20, 2007, and February 18, 2008. The 
part number identification placard was installed on the valve body in a 
location that covers the port, which is the inlet for static air 
reference into the valve. The problem was discovered during a quality 
control check.
    All parts held in stock at Cessna have been corrected. Cessna has 
no way of verifying how many of these assemblies were manufactured and 
sent to the field with the part number identification placard installed 
over the alternate static air source selector valve port.
    We have no way of determining which airplanes have the remaining 
problem alternate static air source selector valve assemblies installed 
without having all of the affected airplanes and spares stock 
inspected.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in the altimeter, 
airspeed, and vertical speed indicators displaying erroneous 
indications. This could cause the pilot to react to incorrect flight 
information and possibly result in loss of control.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the information and 
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other products of the same type design. This AD requires 
inspecting the alternate static air source selector valve to assure 
that the part number identification placard does not obstruct the 
alternate static air source selector valve port. If the part number 
identification obstructs the port, this AD requires you to remove the 
placard, assure that the port is unobstructed, and report to the FAA if 
obstruction is found.
    In preparing this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft 
operators to get technical information and information on operational 
and economic impacts. We have included a discussion of information that 
may have influenced this action in the rulemaking docket.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
erroneous indications from

[[Page 24169]]

the altimeter, airspeed, and vertical speed indicators could cause the 
pilot to react to incorrect flight information and possibly result in 
loss of control. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity 
for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that 
good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 
days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, 
or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2008-0471; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-025-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light 
of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive concerning this AD.

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 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket that contains the AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.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) 647-5527) 
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.

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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2008-10-02 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-15508; Docket No. 
FAA-2008-0471; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-025-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective on May 12, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to airplanes listed in Table 1 and Table 2 
of this AD that:
    (1) Have a part number (P/N) 2013142-18 alternate static air 
source selector valve installed after November 19, 2007; and
    (2) Are certificated in any category:

    Table 1.--Applicability for Airplanes That Had the Affected Part
                        Installed at Manufacture
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Model                         Serial Nos. (S/Ns)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
172S..............................  172S10672 through 172S10674,
                                     172S10676, 172S10678 through
                                     172S10680, 172S10682, 172S10683,
                                     and 172S10685.
182T..............................  18282062 and 18282065.
T182T.............................  T18208822 and T18208828.
208...............................  20800417, 20800418, and 20800419.
208B..............................  208B1294 through 208B1310.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: Airplanes listed in Table 1 may have also had the 
affected part installed as a replacement part.


 Table 2.--Applicability for Airplanes That Could Have Had the Affected
    Part Installed as a Replacement Part or From Parts Held as Spares
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Model                                S/Ns
------------------------------------------------------------------------
172...............................  All S/Ns.
172R..............................  All S/Ns beginning with 17280001.
172S..............................  172S8001 through 172S10671.
F172D.............................  All S/Ns.
F172E.............................  All S/Ns.
F172F.............................  All S/Ns.
F172G.............................  All S/Ns.
F172H.............................  All S/Ns.
F172K.............................  All S/Ns.
F172L.............................  All S/Ns.
F172M.............................  All S/Ns.
F172N.............................  All S/Ns.
F172P.............................  All S/Ns.
FR172E............................  All S/Ns.
FR172F............................  All S/Ns.
FR172G............................  All S/Ns.
FR172H............................  All S/Ns.
FR172J............................  All S/Ns.
FR172K............................  All S/Ns.
P172D.............................  All S/Ns.
R172E (USAF T-41B) (USAF T-41C and  All S/Ns.
 D).
R172F (USAF T-41).................  All S/Ns.
R172G (USAF T-41C or D)...........  All S/Ns.
R172H (USAF T-41D)................  All S/Ns.
R172J.............................  All S/Ns.
R172K.............................  All S/Ns.
172RG.............................  All S/Ns.

[[Page 24170]]

 
175...............................  All S/Ns.
180...............................  All S/Ns.
182...............................  All S/Ns.
182S..............................  18280001 through 18280944.
182T..............................  18280945 through 18282061.
R182..............................  All S/Ns.
T182..............................  All S/Ns.
TR182.............................  All S/Ns.
T182T.............................  T18208001 through T18208821.
F182P.............................  All S/Ns.
F182Q.............................  All S/Ns.
FR182.............................  All S/Ns.
185...............................  All S/Ns.
206...............................  All S/Ns.
206H..............................  All S/Ns beginning with 20608001.
P206..............................  All S/Ns.
U206..............................  All S/Ns.
T206H.............................  All S/Ns beginning with T20608001.
TU206A............................  All S/Ns.
TU206B............................  All S/Ns.
TU206C............................  All S/Ns.
TU206D............................  All S/Ns.
TU206E............................  All S/Ns.
TU206F............................  All S/Ns.
TU206G............................  All S/Ns
207...............................  All S/Ns.
208...............................  20800001 through 20800416.
208B..............................  208B0001 through 208B1293.
210...............................  All S/Ns.
210-5 (205).......................  All S/Ns.
T210F.............................  All S/Ns.
T210G.............................  All S/Ns.
T210H.............................  All S/Ns.
T210J.............................  All S/Ns.
T210K.............................  All S/Ns.
T210L.............................  All S/Ns.
T210M.............................  All S/Ns.
T210N.............................  All S/Ns.
T210R.............................  All S/Ns.
T303..............................  All S/Ns.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 2: P/N 2013142-18 replaced P/Ns 2013142-9, -13, and -17.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD is the result of reports of improper installation of 
the part number identification placard on the alternate static air 
source selector valve. We are issuing this AD to prevent erroneous 
indications from the altimeter, airspeed, and vertical speed 
indicators, which could cause the pilot to react to incorrect flight 
information and possibly result in loss of control.

Compliance

    (e) For all affected airplanes, to address this problem, you 
must do the following, unless already done:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Actions                             Compliance                            Procedures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the alternate static air  (i) For static air source selector    (A) Adjust the pilot and copilot
 source selector valve to assure       valves installed before May 12,       seats as far aft as possible.
 that the part number identification   2008 (The effective date of this     (B) Use a flashlight and mirror to
 placard is not obstructing the        AD): Before further flight after      inspect the alternate static air
 port.                                 May 12, 2008 (the effective date of   source selector valve to assure the
                                       this AD), and                         port on the forward end of the
                                      (ii) For static air source selector    valve is clearly visible and not
                                       valves installed as modification or   covered by the part number
                                       replacement parts on or after May     identification placard.
                                       12, 2008 (the effective date of
                                       this AD): Before further flight
                                       after installation of a P/N 2013142-
                                       18 alternate static air source
                                       selector valve. Inspection of the
                                       part before installation is
                                       acceptable.
(2) If the alternate static air       Before further flight after any       Make an entry in the aircraft
 source selector valve port is found   inspection required in paragraph      records showing compliance with
 obstructed by the part number         (e)(1) of this AD where the port is   this portion of the AD following 14
 identification placard during any     found obstructed.                     CFR 43.9.
 inspection required by paragraph
 (e)(1) of this AD, remove the
 placard from the valve body,
 discard the placard, and assure
 that the port is open and
 unobstructed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) Report the results of the inspection required by this AD 
where an obstruction was found to the FAA.
    (1) Submit this report within 10 days after the inspection or 10 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (2) Use the form in Figure 1 of this AD and submit it to FAA, 
Manufacturing Inspection District Office, Mid-Continent Airport, 
1804 Airport Road, Room 101, Wichita, Kansas, 67209; or fax to (316) 
946-4189.
    (3) The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the 
information collection requirements contained in this regulation 
under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

[[Page 24171]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR02MY08.045

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to: 
Attn: David Fairback, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 
Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: 316-946-
4154; fax: 316-946-4107; e-mail address: [email protected]. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 28, 2008.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8-9719 Filed 5-1-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P