[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 161 (Monday, August 20, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50054-50056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20371]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 161 / Monday, August 20, 2012 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 50054]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0846; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-021-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 Models 172R and 172S airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports of chafed fuel return line
assemblies, which were caused by the fuel return line assembly rubbing
against the right steering tube assembly during full rudder pedal
actuation. This proposed AD would require you to inspect the fuel
return line assembly for chafing; replace the fuel return line assembly
if chafing is found; inspect the clearance between the fuel return line
assembly and both the right steering tube assembly and the airplane
structure; and adjustment as necessary. We are proposing this AD to
correct the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 4, 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 Company, Customer service, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, KS
67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; fax: (316) 517-7271; Internet: http://www.cessnasupport.com. You may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
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: Jeff Janusz, Aerospace Engineer,
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 S. Airport Road, Room
100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: (316) 946-4148; 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-2012-0846;
Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-021-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
In January 2012, we issued AD 2012-02-02 (77 FR 6003, February 7,
2012) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 172R and 172S
airplanes. That AD required inspection of the fuel return line assembly
for chafing; replacement of the fuel return line assembly if chafing is
found; inspection of the clearance between the fuel return line
assembly and both the right steering tube assembly and the airplane
structure; and adjustment as necessary. That AD resulted from reports
of chafed fuel return line assemblies, which were caused by the fuel
return line assembly rubbing against the right steering tube assembly
during full rudder pedal actuation. We issued that AD to detect and
correct chafing of the fuel return line assembly, which could result in
fuel leaking under the floor and fuel vapors entering the cabin. This
condition could lead to fire under the floor or in the cabin area.
We were recently notified that the unsafe condition also applies to
airplanes with an installed engine fuel return system modification kit.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Cessna Service Bulletin SB07-28-01, Revision 1, dated
September 22, 2011. The service information describes the following
procedures:
Inspecting the fuel return line assembly;
Replacing the fuel return line assembly if chafing is
found; and
Inspecting the clearance between the fuel return line
assembly and both the right steering tube assembly and the airplane
structure, adjusting as necessary.
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
[[Page 50055]]
``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information.''
This proposed AD will apply to only the Cessna Models 172R and 172S
airplanes that have installed an engine fuel return system modification
kit.
AD 2012-02-02 (77 FR 6003, February 7, 2012) will remain in effect
for the airplanes without the modification kit.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information
The service information permits tube damage up to a depth of 0.0035
inch. There is no known method to accurately measure the thickness
damage on a tube. We propose to require replacement of the fuel return
line assembly if any damage is found.
If no chafing is found in the inspection of the fuel return line
assembly, the service information does not require inspection for
clearance around the fuel return line assembly. We propose to require
you to inspect the clearance between the fuel return line assembly and
both the right steering tube assembly and airplane structure if no
chafing is found and if the fuel return line assembly requires
replacing.
The service information does not specify a minimum clearance
requirement between the fuel return line assembly and the right
steering tube assembly, only that the fuel return line assembly does
not touch either the right steering tube assembly or the airplane
structure. We propose to require a minimum of 0.5 inch of clearance
between the fuel return line assembly and the right steering tube
assembly and require visible positive clearance between the fuel return
line assembly and the airplane structure, during full rudder pedal
actuation.
The serial numbers this proposed AD apply to are not included in
the Effectivity of the service information. However, the procedures in
the service information for inspection and replacement of the fuel
return line assembly are still accurate for the serial numbers this
proposed AD applies to.
The requirements of this proposed AD, if adopted as a final rule,
would take precedence over the provisions in the service information.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 55 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 of the fuel return 1 work-hour x $85 Not applicable............. $85 $4,675
line assembly for chafing and per hour = $85.
clearance.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
and adjustments 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 replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of the fuel return line assembly 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $123 $208
and adjustment of the clearance between the $85.
fuel return line assembly and both the
steering tube assembly and the airplane
structure.
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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 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
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):
[[Page 50056]]
Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. FAA-2012-0846; Directorate
Identifier 2012-CE-021-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 4, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the following Cessna Aircraft Company
(Cessna) airplanes, certificated in any category:
(1) Model 172R, serial numbers (S/N) 17280001 through 17281187,
that have incorporated Cessna Aircraft Company Service Bulletin
SB04-28-03, dated August 30, 2004, and Engine Fuel Return System,
Modification Kit MK172-28-01, dated August 30, 2004; and
(2) Model 172S, S/N 172S8001 through 172S9490, that have
incorporated Cessna Aircraft Company Service Bulletin SB04-28-03,
dated August 30, 2004, and Engine Fuel Return System, Modification
Kit MK172-28-01; dated August 30, 2004.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 2820, Aircraft Fuel Distribution System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of chafed fuel return line
assemblies caused by the fuel return line assembly rubbing against
the right steering tube assembly during full rudder pedal actuation.
We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these
products.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspect the Fuel Return Line Assembly
At whichever of the following that occurs later, inspect the
fuel return line assembly (Cessna part number (P/N) 0500118-49) for
chafing following Cessna Service Bulletin SB07-28-01, Revision 1,
dated September 22, 2011.
(1) At the next annual inspection after the effective date of
this AD; or
(2) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
effective date of this AD; or
(3) Within the next 12 calendar months after the effective date
of this AD.
(h) Replace the Fuel Line Assembly
If you find evidence of chafing of the fuel return line assembly
(Cessna P/N 0500118-49) as a result of the inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, then before further flight, replace the
fuel return line assembly (Cessna P/N 0500118-49) following Cessna
Service Bulletin SB07-28-01, Revision 1, dated September 22, 2011.
(i) Inspect for a Minimum Clearance Between Certain Parts
After any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD and no
chafing of the fuel return line assembly (Cessna P/N 0500118-49) is
found or after replacement of the fuel return line assembly (Cessna
P/N 0500118-49) required by paragraph (h) of this AD, before further
flight, inspect for a minimum clearance between the following parts
throughout the range of copilot pedal travel:
(1) A minimum clearance of 0.5 inch between the fuel return line
assembly (Cessna P/N 0500118-49) and the right steering tube
assembly (Cessna P/N MC0543022-2C); and
(2) Visible positive clearance between the fuel return line
assembly (Cessna P/N 0500118-49) and the airplane structure.
(j) Adjust Clearance for Fuel Return Line Assembly
If the clearance between the fuel return line assembly and the
right steering tube assembly and the clearance between the fuel
return line assembly and the aircraft structure do not meet the
minimums as specified in paragraphs (i)(l) and (i)(2) of this AD,
before further flight, adjust the clearances to meet the required
minimums following the Instructions paragraph of Cessna Service
Bulletin SB07-28-01, Revision 1, dated September 22, 2011.
(k) Engine Fuel Return System Modification
Do not install Cessna Aircraft Company Service Bulletin SB 04-
28-03 and Engine Fuel Return System Modification Kit MK 172-28-01,
both dated August 30, 2004, without performing the actions in this
AD.
(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
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Jeff Janusz,
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO, FAA, 1801 S. Airport Road, Room
100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: (316) 946-4148; fax: (316) 946-
4107; email: [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Cessna Aircraft Company, Customer Service, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita,
KS 67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; fax: (316) 517-7271; Internet:
http://www.cessnasupport.com. You may review copies of the
referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 14, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-20371 Filed 8-17-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P