[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 164 (Thursday, August 23, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50954-50956]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20734]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 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.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 164 / Thursday, August 23, 2012 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 50954]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1084; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-056-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of 
comment period.

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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive 
(AD) for all Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model 402C airplanes 
modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA927NW and Model 414A 
airplanes modified by STC SA892NW. That NPRM proposed a complete 
inspection of the flap system and modification of the flap control 
system. That NPRM was prompted by a report of a Cessna Model 414A 
airplane modified by STC SA892NW that experienced an asymmetrical flap 
condition causing an uncommanded roll when the pilot set the flaps to 
the approach position. This action revises that NPRM by incorporating 
additional service information that addresses proper rigging procedures 
and corrective actions following additional inspection procedures. We 
are proposing this supplemental NPRM to correct the unsafe condition on 
these products. Since these actions impose an additional burden over 
that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow 
the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

DATES: We must receive comments on this supplemental NPRM by October 9, 
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: 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.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Sierra Industries, Ltd, 122 Howard Langford Drive, Uvalde, Texas 78801; 
telephone: 888-835-9377; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.sijet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas 
City, Missouri 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: Michael A. Heusser, Program Manager, 
Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort 
Worth, Texas 76137; phone: (817) 222-5038; fax: (817) 222-5160; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-1084; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-056-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 issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that 
would apply to all Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model 402C 
airplanes modified by Sierra Industries, Ltd. Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) SA927NW and Model 414A airplanes modified by STC 
SA892NW (both STCs formerly held by Robertson Aircraft Corporation). 
That NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 29, 2010 (75 FR 
66700).
    That NPRM (75 FR 66700, October 29, 2010) was prompted by a report 
that a Cessna Model 414A airplane, which was modified by STC SA892NW, 
had an asymmetrical flap condition that caused an uncommanded roll when 
the pilot set the flaps to the approach position.
    The flap preselect cable connects to the arm assembly and provides 
the flap position to the flap selector to close the position loop for 
the flap position. Micro switches are located on the arm assembly and 
provide the electrical signal for the arm position.
    STC SA927NW and STC SA892NW use the original production preselect 
cable. However, the STCs added an extension to the arm assembly that 
requires increased travel of the preselect cable to obtain the same 
rotation as previously obtained with the shorter arm assembly. To 
obtain the same arm assembly rotation, the preselect cable must travel 
approximately an additional .75 inch. However, the original cable has 
internal mechanical stops that prevent it from traveling the additional 
distance. The cable's internal stops are contacted by a smaller 
rotation displacement of the arm assembly. Since more linear 
displacement of the cable is required to obtain the same switch action, 
the internal mechanical

[[Page 50955]]

stops of the cable are reached before the switches designed to stop the 
motion of the flaps activate.
    As a result, when the internal stops in the cable are contacted, 
the rotation of the arm assembly carrying the micro switches stops and 
the switch to stop the drive motor is not activated. Because the switch 
is not activated, the motor continues to run until either the motor 
drive shear pin fails, a cable breaks, the structural bracket breaks, 
or the secondary switches stop the motor before something breaks. The 
sequence was verified on the reported airplane by the rigging, 
installation, and operation of an STC production configuration.
    That NPRM (75 FR 66700, October 29, 2010) proposed to require a 
complete inspection of the flap system and modification of the flap 
control system.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in an asymmetrical 
flap condition with consequent loss of control.

Actions Since Previous NPRM Was Issued

    During a subsequent flight after issuance of that NPRM (75 FR 
66700, October 29, 2010), additional issues on the flap control system 
were discovered. The service information called out in the initial NPRM 
did not address these additional issues. Further investigation 
determined that the lack of a proper rigging procedure was a 
contributing factor in the flap issues.
    Sierra Industries, Ltd. has issued Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness, 82-1, Issue 1, dated June 12, 2012, which incorporates 
proper rigging procedures and corrective actions following additional 
inspection procedures.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the original NPRM 
(75 FR 66700, October 29, 2010). We received no comments on that NPRM 
or on the determination of the cost to the public.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this supplemental NPRM because we evaluated all 
the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of these 
same type designs. Certain changes described above expand the scope of 
the original NPRM (75 FR 66700, October 29, 2010). As a result, we have 
determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide 
additional opportunity for the public to comment on this supplemental 
NPRM.

Proposed Requirements of the Supplemental NPRM

    This supplemental NPRM would require accomplishing the actions 
specified in the service information proposed in the original NPRM, and 
require incorporation of Sierra Industries, Ltd. Instructions for 
Continued Airworthiness, 82-1, Issue 1, dated June 12, 2012, into the 
FAA-approved maintenance program.
    The accomplishment and incorporation of these documents should 
adequately mitigate the unsafe condition.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 150 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect the flap system and modify/   25 work-hours x $85 per          $1,000           $3,125         $468,750
 replace the flap preselect control    hour = $2,125.
 cable.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-2010-1084; Directorate 
Identifier 2010-CE-056-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 9, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model 402C 
airplanes

[[Page 50956]]

modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA927NW and Model 
414A airplanes modified by STC SA892NW, all serial numbers, that are 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a Cessna Model 414A airplane 
modified by STC SA892NW that experienced an asymmetrical flap 
condition causing an uncommanded roll when the pilot set the flaps 
to the approach position. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure 
of the flap system, which could result in an asymmetrical flap 
condition. This condition could result in loss of control.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection of the Flap Control System

    Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, do a 
complete inspection of the flap control system following the 
Inspection Instructions section of Sierra Industries, Ltd. Service 
Bulletin SI09-82 Series-1, Rev. A, dated June 12, 2012.

(h) Modification of the Flap Control System

    (1) If any damage to the flap bellcrank or bellcrank mounting 
structure is found in the inspection required in paragraph (g) of 
this AD, before further flight, repair the damage and modify the 
flap control system following the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Sierra Industries, Ltd. Service Bulletin SI09-82 Series-1, Rev. A, 
dated June 12, 2012.
    (2) If no damage to the flap bellcrank or bellcrank mounting 
structure is found in the inspection required in paragraph (g) of 
this AD, within 180 days after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the flap control system following the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Sierra Industries, Ltd. Service Bulletin SI09-82 Series-1, Rev. A, 
dated June 12, 2012.

(i) Instructions for Continued Airworthiness

    Within 7 months after the effective date of this AD, or during 
your next annual inspection, whichever occurs earlier, incorporate 
Sierra Industries, Ltd. Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, 
82-1, Issue 1, dated June 12, 2012, into your FAA-approved 
maintenance program.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office , 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Michael A. 
Heusser, Program Manager, Fort Worth ACO, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137; phone: (817) 222-5038; fax: (817) 222-5160; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Sierra Industries, Ltd, 122 Howard Langford Drive, Uvalde, Texas 
78801; telephone: 888-835-9377; email: [email protected]; Internet: 
http://www.sijet.com. You may review copies of the service 
information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 816-329-4148.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 16, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-20734 Filed 8-22-12; 8:45 am]
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