[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 137 (Tuesday, July 17, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41937-41939]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-17395]



[[Page 41937]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0720; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-059-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 750 airplanes. This proposed AD 
was prompted by reports of loss of displayed airspeed. This proposed AD 
would require inspecting certain logic modules to determine if certain 
cabin altitude/pitot static heater module assemblies are installed and 
replacing those assemblies with a new assembly; and revising the Non-
Normal Procedures Section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) to 
include procedures for resetting the pitot switch in the event of pitot 
heater failure and for total loss of airspeed indication. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent the loss of all displayed airspeed, which 
could result in reduced ability to control the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 31, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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 service information identified in this proposed 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. You may review 
copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 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: Christine Abraham, Aerospace Engineer, 
Electrical Systems and Avionics, ACE-119W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent 
Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: 316-946-4165; 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-2012-0720; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-059-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 multiple reports of loss of displayed airspeed. An 
investigation has revealed that a sudden temperature change to the 
pitot probe can cause a spike in the current supplied by the cabin 
altitude logic module. The over-current module senses the spike and 
shuts the current off resulting in loss of heat to the pitot probe(s). 
In the absence of pitot heat, ice can build up on the pitot probes 
resulting in no airspeed information being sent to the air data system 
and consequent loss of displayed airspeed. The loss of all displayed 
airspeed could result in reduced ability to control the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Cessna Service Letter SL750-30-08, Revision 1, dated 
July 11, 2011. This service information describes procedures for 
inspecting certain logic modules to determine if certain cabin 
altitude/pitot static heater module assemblies are installed and 
replacing those assemblies with a new assembly.
    We have also reviewed the following temporary changes to the Cessna 
750 AFM for resetting the pitot switch in the event of pitot heat 
failure and for total loss of airspeed indication.
     Cessna Temporary FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual 
Change 75FM TC-R11-25, approved June 26, 2012.
     Cessna Temporary FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual 
Change 75FM TC-R11-26, approved June 26, 2012.
     Cessna Temporary FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual 
Change 75FM TC-R11-23, approved June 26, 2012.
     Cessna Temporary FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual 
Change 75FM TC-R11-24, approved June 26, 2012.
     Cessna Temporary FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual 
Change 75FMA TC-R02-03, approved April 10, 2012.
     Cessna Temporary FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual 
Change 75FMA TC-R02-07, approved June 26, 2012.

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 ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.'' Additionally, this proposed AD would require revising 
the Non-Normal Procedures Section of the Cessna 750 AFM to include 
procedures for resetting the pitot switch in the event of pitot heater 
failure and for total loss of airspeed indication.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Although Cessna Service Letter SL750-30-08, Revision 1, dated July 
11, 2011, recommends accomplishing the inspection within 1,200 flight 
hours or two years after the date of receipt of that service letter, we 
have determined that interval would not address the

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identified unsafe condition soon enough to ensure an adequate level of 
safety for the affected fleet. In developing an appropriate compliance 
time for this proposed AD, we considered the degree of urgency 
associated with the subject unsafe condition and we find that a 
compliance time of within 600 flight hours or within one year after the 
effective date of this proposed AD, whichever occurs first, represents 
an appropriate interval of time for affected airplanes to continue to 
operate without compromising safety. This difference has been 
coordinated with Cessna.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 210 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
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Inspection.........................  2 work-hours x $85 per hour              $0            $170         $35,700
                                      = $170.
Revision...........................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour                0              85          17,850
                                      = $85.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
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 replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                  Action                                Labor cost                 Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...............................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85..          $4,058           $4,143
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some 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-2012-0720; Directorate 
Identifier 2012-NM-059-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 31, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Cessna Aircraft Company Model 750 
airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 0001 through 
0245 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 3030, Pitot/Static Anti-Ice System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of loss of displayed airspeed. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent the loss of all displayed 
airspeed, which could result in reduced ability to control the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Replacement

    Within 600 flight hours or one year after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first: Do an inspection of logic modules 
having part number (P/N) NC006 and P/N NC007 to determine if any 
cabin altitude/pitot static heater module assemblies having P/N 
6718477-9, or P/N 6718477-10, or 9914731-1 are installed, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna Service 
Letter SL750-30-08, Revision 1, dated July 11, 2011. If any

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altitude/pitot static heater module assembly having P/N 6718477-9, 
P/N 6718477-10, or 9914731-1 is installed: Before further flight, 
replace that assembly with a new assembly having P/N 6718477-11, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna Service 
Letter SL750-30-08, Revision 1, dated July 11, 2011.

(h) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    Concurrently with the actions required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD: Revise the Non-Normal Procedures Section of the Cessna 750 AFM 
to include the information the flight manual changes identified in 
paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3), (h)(4), (h)(5), and (h)(6) of 
this AD. This may be done by inserting copies of these flight manual 
changes into the Cessna 750 AFM. When these flight manual changes 
have been included in general revisions of the AFM, the general 
revisions may be inserted in the AFM, provided the relevant 
information in the general revision is identical to that in these 
flight manual changes, and then these temporary flight manual 
changes may be removed.
    (1) Cessna Temporary FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Change 
75FM TC-R11-25, approved June 26, 2012.
    (2) Cessna Temporary FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Change 
75FM TC-R11-26, approved June 26, 2012.
    (3) Cessna Temporary FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Change 
75FM TC-R11-23, approved June 26, 2012.
    (4) Cessna Temporary FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Change 
75FM TC-R11-24, approved June 26, 2012.
    (5) Cessna Temporary FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Change 
75FMA TC-R02-03, approved April 10, 2012.
    (6) Cessna Temporary FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Change 
75FMA TC-R02-07, approved June 26, 2012.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an 
altitude/pitot static heater module assembly having P/N 6718477-9, 
6718477-10, or 9914731-1, on any airplane.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 
21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the airplane 
can be modified (if the operator elects to do so), provided the 
actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD have been accomplished.

 (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 Christine 
Abraham, Aerospace Engineer, Electrical Systems and Avionics, ACE-
119W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, 
Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: 316-
946-4165; fax: 316-946-4107; email: [email protected].
    (2) For 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. You may review copies of the 
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 6, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-17395 Filed 7-16-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P