[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 246 (Friday, December 21, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 75590-75593]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-30753]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1330; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-006-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 (Cessna) (previously COLUMBIA or 
LANCAIR) Models LC40-550FG, LC41-550FG, and LC42-550FG airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports that during maximum braking, if the 
brakes lock up and a skid occurs, a severe oscillatory yawing motion or 
``wheel walk'' may develop, which could result in further significant 
structural damage to the airplane. This proposed AD would require 
insertions into the pilot's operating handbook (POH) and the airplane 
maintenance manuals (AMM) regarding proper use of the brakes and 
inspection of the aft fuselage. We are proposing this AD to correct the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 4, 
2013.

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, 
Kansas 67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; fax (316) 517-7271; Internet: 
www.cessnasupport.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: Gary Park, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, 
KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-4123; 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

[[Page 75591]]

an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. 
FAA-2012-1330; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-006-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 several reports of structural damage to Cessna 
Models LC41-550FG and LC42-550FG airplanes due to ``wheel walking'' 
anomalies. These incidents were all precipitated by pilots applying 
maximum braking at high speeds, leading to locked wheels and prolonged 
tire skidding. The main landing gear struts developed a severe 
oscillatory yawing motion or ``wheel walking'' as the airplane 
decelerated.
    This ``wheel walking'' motion resulted in significant structural 
damage to the aft fuselage skin, affecting the inside skin and adjacent 
structure near the leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in further significant 
structural damage to the airplane.

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 insertions into the pilot's 
operating handbook (POH) and the airplane maintenance manuals (AMM) 
regarding proper use of the brakes and inspection of the aft fuselage.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 726 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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Insertion of manuals and          4.5 work-hours x $85 per  Not applicable....         $382.50         $277,695
 inspection of aft fuselage.       hour = $382.50.
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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

    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-2012-1330; Directorate 
Identifier 2012-CE-006-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 4, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to the following Cessna Aircraft Company 
(previously COLUMBIA or LANCAIR) Models LC40-550FG, LC41-550FG, and 
LC42-550FG airplanes that are certificated in any category:
    (i) LC40-550FG (Model 300), serial numbers 40001 through 40079;
    (ii) LC41-550FG (Model 400), serial numbers 41001 through 41108, 
41501 through 41533, 41563 through 41800, and 411001 through 411161; 
and
    (iii) LC42-550FG (Model 350), serial numbers 42001 through 
42084, 42501 through 42569, and 421001 through 421020.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 5300, Fuselage Structure (General).

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that during maximum braking, if 
the brakes lock up and a skid occurs, a severe oscillatory yawing 
motion or ``wheel walk'' may develop, which could result in 
significant structural damage to the airplane. We are proposing this 
AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

[[Page 75592]]

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD or within the next 3 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, incorporate 
figure 1 of paragraph (g) of this AD into the applicable Pilot's 
Operating Handbook (POH)/FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), 
Section 2, Limitations (Other Limitations). This may also be done by 
inserting a copy of this AD into the POH/AFM.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP21DE12.001

    (2) Within the next 50 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD or within the next 3 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs first, incorporate figure 2 of paragraph (g) of 
this AD into the applicable POH/AFM at the end of each of the 
following sections:
    (i) Section 4, Normal Procedures (Amplified Procedures): 
Landings, Normal Landings; and
    (ii) Section 4, end of paragraph: Short Field Landings.
    This may also be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the 
POH/AFM.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP21DE12.002

    (3) Within the next 50 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD or within the next 3 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs first, incorporate the Cessna maintenance 
manual revisions for the appropriate airplane from the following 
list:
    (i) Model LC40-550FG, Cessna Maintenance Manual 300MM02, 
Revision 2, Chapter 20-95-00, section titled ``Tap Testing--
Description and Operation''; Chapter 20-95-02, section titled 
``Structural Inspections--Description and Operation''; and Chapter 
53-70-00, section titled ``Fuselage Components--Adjustment/Test''; 
all dated July 1, 2012.
    (ii) Model LC41-550FG/T240, Cessna Maintenance Manual 400MM02, 
Revision 2, dated July 1, 2012, Chapter 20-90-00, section titled 
``Tap Testing--Description and Operation''; Chapter 20-95-00, 
section titled ``Structural Inspections--Description and 
Operation''; and Chapter 53-70-00, section titled ``Fuselage 
Components--Adjustment/Test''; all dated July 1, 2012.
    (iii) Model LC42-550FG, Cessna Maintenance Manual 350MM02, 
Revision 2, dated July 1, 2012, Chapter 20-95-00, section titled 
``Tap Testing--Description and Operation''; Chapter 20-95-02, 
section titled ``Structural Inspections--Description and 
Operation''; and Chapter 53-70-00, section titled ``Fuselage 
Components--Adjustment/Test''; all dated July 1, 2012.

    Note for paragraph (g)(3) of this AD: We recommend you replace 
your current maintenance manual in its entirety with the appropriate 
Cessna Maintenance Manual 300MM02, 350MM02, or 400MM02, all Revision 
2, all dated July 1, 2012, that would apply to your airplane.

    (4) The actions required by paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and 
(g)(3) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) 
holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered 
into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in 
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1)-(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). 
The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, 
or 135.439.
    (5) At the next annual inspection after the effective date of 
this AD or within the next 50 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later, and prior to further flight if a 
severe oscillatory yawing motion as described in figure 1 of 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD has occurred, inspect the aft fuselage 
following the aft fuselage inspection procedures for the appropriate 
model of airplane as follows:

[[Page 75593]]

    (i) LC40-550FG (Model 300), Cessna Maintenance Manual 300MM02, 
Revision 2, dated July 1, 2012:
    (a) Tap Testing: Chapter 20-95-00, section titled ``Tap 
Testing--Description and Operation'';
    (b) Visual Testing: Chapter 20-95-02, section titled 
``Structural Inspections--Description and Operation''; and/or
    (c) Fuselage: Chapter 53-70-00, section titled ``Fuselage 
Components--Adjustment/Test.''
    (ii) Model LC41-550FG/T240, Cessna Maintenance Manual 400MM02, 
Revision 2, dated July 1, 2012:
    (a) Tap Testing: Chapter 20-90-00, section titled ``Tap 
Testing--Description and Operation'';
    (b) Visual Testing: Chapter 20-95-00, section titled 
``Structural Inspections--Description and Operation''; and/or
    (c) Fuselage: Chapter 53-70-00, section titled ``Fuselage 
Components--Adjustment/Test.''
    (iii) Model LC42-550FG, Cessna Maintenance Manual 350MM02, 
Revision 2, dated July 1, 2012:
    (a) Tap Testing: Chapter 20-95-00, section titled ``Tap 
Testing--Description and Operation'';
    (b) Visual Testing: Chapter 20-95-02, section titled 
``Structural Inspections--Description and Operation''; and/or
    (c) Fuselage: Chapter 53-70-00, section titled ``Fuselage 
Components--Adjustment/Test.''
    (6) If any damaged or suspect areas are found during any aft 
fuselage inspection required by paragraph (g)(5) of this AD, before 
further flight, contact Cessna Customer Service by phone at (316) 
517-5800 or fax at (316) 517-7271 for an FAA-approved repair and 
perform the repair.

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

    Cessna Aircraft Company released the following POH/AFM Temporary 
Revisions via Cessna Service Bulletin SB 10-11-01, dated August 17, 
2010. Incorporation of the applicable document below is considered 
compliance with the POH/AFM change requirements in paragraphs (g)(1) 
and (g)(2) of this AD. The affected POH/AFM Temporary Revisions are:
     Cessna Corvalis 300: RA050001-O TR03-06, dated August 
13, 2010;
     Cessna Corvalis 350: RB050005-I TR08-11 (Garmin G1000-
equipped) and RB050000-R TR02-05 (Avidyne Entegra-equipped), dated 
August 13, 2010; and
     Cessna Corvalis 400: RC050005-I TR10-13 (Garmin G1000-
equipped) and RC050002-G TR02-05 (Avidyne Entegra-equipped), dated 
August 13, 2010.

 (i) 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Gary Park, 
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, KS 
67209; phone: (316) 946-4123; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: 
[email protected].

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 17, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-30753 Filed 12-20-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P