[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 12 (Thursday, January 19, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2659-2662]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-855]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-1413; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-062-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Cessna Aircraft Company Model 560XL airplanes. This proposed AD 
was prompted by reports of wheel inserts becoming loose and damaging 
brake assemblies on Model 560XL airplanes. This proposed AD would 
require an inspection of the torque lug and surrounding components 
(wheel base, side rim, lock ring) for damage (such as corrosion, 
cracks, dents, bent areas, damaged or missing paint or primer, or

[[Page 2660]]

wear on the metal), and of the bearing cup for corrosion, turned cup, 
or clearance that exceeds limits, and repair as applicable; measuring 
the torque lugs for width and replacing screws and inserts with new, 
improved screws and inserts; and re-identifying the wheel assemblies. 
We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 5, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For Cessna service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277-7706; 
telephone (316) 517-6215; fax (316) 517-5802; email 
[email protected]; Internet https://www.cessnasupport.com/newlogin.html. For Goodrich service information 
identified in this proposed AD, contact Goodrich Corporation, Aircraft 
Wheels & Brakes, P.O. Box 340, Troy, Ohio 45373-3872; telephone (937) 
440-2130; fax (937) 440-2055; email [email protected]; Internet 
http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (425) 227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket 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 AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (phone: (800) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Fairback, Aerospace Engineer, 
Mechanical Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Wichita 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-
Continent Airport, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-4154; fax: (316) 
946-4107; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-1413; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-062-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because 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 about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We have received reports of wheel inserts becoming loose and 
damaging brake assemblies on Model 560XL airplanes. In two cases, a 
loose wheel insert damaged the brake housing at a location that affects 
both the antiskid brake hydraulic system and the emergency brake 
system. In those two cases, both systems failed to stop the airplane on 
the runway. This condition, if not corrected, could result in brake 
failure, and consequently an airplane not being able to stop on the 
runway.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Cessna Service Bulletin SB560XL-32-41, Revision 1, 
dated May 5, 2011, including Service Bulletin Supplemental Data 
SB560XL-32-41, dated February 25, 2011. That service bulletin describes 
procedures for doing a general visual inspection of the torque lug and 
surrounding components (wheel base, side rim, lock ring) for damage 
(such as corrosion, cracks, dents, bent areas, damaged or missing paint 
or primer, or wear on the metal), and of the bearing cup for corrosion, 
turned cup, or clearance that exceeds limits, and repair if necessary; 
measuring the torque lugs for width and replacing screws and inserts 
with new, improved screws and inserts; and re-identifying the wheel 
assemblies.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.''

Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Operators should note that, although the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Cessna Service Bulletin SB560XL-32-41, Revision 1, 
dated May 5, 2011, describe procedures for submitting a comment sheet 
related to service bulletin quality and a sheet recording compliance 
with the service bulletin, this proposed AD would not require those 
actions.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 473 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection, and measurement of    Up to 11 work-      Up to $6,462......  Up to $7,397......  Up to $3,498,781
 the torque lugs, replacement of   hours x $85 per
 screws and inserts, and re-       hour = $935.
 marking.
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[[Page 2661]]

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs or 
replacements as applicable that would be required based on the results 
of the proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these repairs or replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                        Labor cost                Parts cost            Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair or replacement as applicable.  Between 1 and 9 work-     Between $0 and $24,000   Between $85 and $24,765
                                       hour[s] x $85 per hour    per wheel assembly.      per wheel assembly
                                       = Between $85 and $765
                                       per wheel assembly.
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    According to the manufacturer, all of the costs of this proposed AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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 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 this 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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. FAA-2011-1413; Directorate 
Identifier 2011-NM-062-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 5, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Cessna Aircraft Company Model 560XL 
airplanes; certificated in any category; having serial numbers 5002 
through 5372 inclusive, 5501 through 5830 inclusive, 6001 through 
6055 inclusive, 6057 through 6066 inclusive, 6069 through 6071 
inclusive, and 6073 through 6077 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 32, Landing Gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of wheel inserts becoming loose 
and damaging brake assemblies on Model 560XL airplanes. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent brake failure, which could result in an 
airplane not being able to stop on the runway.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection, Corrective Action, and Replacement

    Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, or during the 
next tire change accomplished after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first: Do the actions specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD on both main wheels, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna Service 
Bulletin SB560XL-32-41, Revision 1, dated May 5, 2011. Do all 
applicable repairs and replacements before further flight.
    (1) Do a general visual inspection of the torque lug and 
surrounding components (wheel base, side rim, lock ring) for damage 
(such as corrosion, cracks, dents, bent areas, damaged or missing 
paint or primer, or wear on the metal), and of the bearing cup for 
corrosion, turned cup, or clearance that exceeds limits, and all 
applicable repairs.
    (2) Measure the torque lugs for width and replace screws and 
inserts with new, improved screws and inserts.
    (3) Re-identify the wheel assembly.

    Note 1: Cessna Service Bulletin SB560XL-32-41, Revision 1, dated 
May 5, 2011, refers to Goodrich Service Bulletin 3-1571-32-7, dated 
February 25, 2011, as an additional source of guidance on inspecting 
and repairing the torque lugs, surrounding components, and bearing 
cup, and re-identifying the wheel assemblies.


    Note 2: 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 
ensure visual access to all 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.''

(h) Parts Installation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, a wheel

[[Page 2662]]

assembly having P/N 3-1571-3 or 3-1571-4, unless it has been 
inspected, measured, and re-identified, in accordance with paragraph 
(g) of this AD, and all applicable repairs or replacements have been 
done.

(i) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance 
with Cessna Service Bulletin SB560XL-32-41, dated February 25, 2011, 
are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of 
this AD.

(j) No Reporting Required

    Although Cessna Service Bulletin SB560XL-32-41, Revision 1, 
dated May 5, 2011, specifies to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) 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. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact David Fairback, 
Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-
116W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, 
Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 
946-4154; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: [email protected].
    (2) For Cessna service information identified in this AD, 
contact Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277; 
telephone (316) 517-6215; fax (316) 517-5802; email 
[email protected]; Internet https://www.cessnasupport.com/newlogin.html. For Goodrich service 
information identified in this proposed AD, contact Goodrich 
Corporation, Aircraft Wheels & Brakes, P.O. Box 340, Troy, Ohio 
45373-3872; telephone (937) 440-2130; fax (937) 440-2055; email 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Ave. SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (425) 227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 6, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-855 Filed 1-18-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P