[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 86 (Thursday, May 3, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26156-26158]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-10473]


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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; 
Amendment 39-17036; AD 2012-09-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Cessna Aircraft Company Model 560XL airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
reports of wheel inserts becoming loose and damaging brake assemblies 
on Model 560XL airplanes. This AD requires 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 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 issuing this AD to prevent brake failure, 
which could result in an airplane not being able to stop on the runway.

DATES: This AD is effective June 7, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of June 7, 2012.

ADDRESSES: For Cessna service information identified in this 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 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

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:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2012 (77 FR 
2659). That NPRM proposed to 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 wear on the metal), and of the bearing

[[Page 26157]]

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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 2659, January 19, 
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed, except for 
minor editorial changes. In addition, we have re-identified Note 2 of 
the NPRM (77 FR 2659, January 19, 2012) as paragraph (h) of this final 
rule. We also revised the language in paragraph (j) of this AD; this 
change does not affect the intent of this AD. We have determined that 
these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 2659, January 19, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 2659, January 19, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

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

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs or 
replacements as applicable that would be required based on the results 
of the 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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, all of the costs of this 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

    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),
    (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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    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):

2012-09-01 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-17036; Docket No. 
FAA-2011-1413; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-062-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective June 7, 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

[[Page 26158]]

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, including 
Supplemental Data, dated February 25, 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 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Cessna Service Bulletin 
SB560XL-32-41, Revision 1, dated May 5, 2011, including Supplemental 
Data, dated February 25, 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.

(h) Definition

    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.''

(i) Parts Installation

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

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions, as required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were done before the 
effective date of this AD in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin 
SB560XL-32-41, dated February 25, 2011.

(k) 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.

(l) 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.

(m) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact 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].

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (2) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51 of the following service information:
    (i) Cessna Service Bulletin SB560XL-32-41, Revision 1, dated May 
5, 2011, including Supplemental Data, dated February 25, 2011.
    (3) 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.
    (4) For Goodrich service information identified in this 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.
    (5) You may review copies of the 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.
    (6) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24, 2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-10473 Filed 5-2-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P