[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 45 (Thursday, March 7, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14726-14729]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-05287]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1052; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-014-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes

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 certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 172R, 172S, 
182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H airplanes. That NPRM proposed to 
supersede an existing AD that currently requires an inspection of the 
engine oil pressure switch and, if applicable, replacement with an 
improved engine oil pressure switch. Since we issued the existing AD, 
we have received new reports of internal failure of the improved engine 
oil pressure switch, which could result in complete loss of engine oil 
with consequent partial or complete loss of engine power or fire. The 
NPRM proposed to increase the applicability of the AD and place a life-
limit of 3,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) on the engine oil pressure 
switch, requiring replacement when the engine oil pressure switch 
reaches its life limit.

[[Page 14727]]

This action revises that NPRM by changing the applicable serial numbers 
ranges. 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. We are 
proposing this supplemental NPRM to correct the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this supplemental NPRM by April 22, 
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: 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 
Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, 
Kansas 67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; fax (316) 942-9006; Internet: 
www.cessna.com/customer-service/technical-publications.html. 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: Jeff Janusz, Sr. Propulsion Engineer, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, 
KS 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 proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-1052; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-014-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 certain Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 
182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H airplanes. That NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on October 2, 2012 (77 FR 60062). That NPRM proposed 
to supersede an existing AD that currently requires an inspection of 
the engine oil pressure switch and, if applicable, replacement with an 
improved engine oil pressure switch. Since we issued that AD, we 
received new reports of internal failure of the improved engine oil 
pressure switch, which could result in complete loss of engine oil with 
consequent partial or complete loss of engine power or fire. The NPRM 
proposed to increase the applicability of the existing AD and place a 
life-limit of 3,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) on the engine oil 
pressure switch, requiring replacement when the engine oil pressure 
switch reaches its life limit.

Actions Since Previous NPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued the previous NPRM (77 FR 60062, October 2, 2012), 
the serial number applicability has been changed for Cessna Aircraft 
Company Models 172R, 172S, 182T, T182T, and 206H airplanes.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the previous NPRM. 
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Stated Maintenance Activity

    Robert A. Hecht stated that he replaced the oil pressure switch on 
his 2000 Cessna 206H at 1,006 hours TIS because of light oil leaking 
from the case.
    The commenter is making a pronouncement about maintenance activity 
on his airplane and offered no further explanation as to what his 
intent was.

Request for Replacement at Next Inspection

    Stuart B. Harnden stated he believes the replacement of the oil 
switch should be mandatory at the next inspection, regardless of hours 
or condition of the oil pressure switch, since it cannot be predicted 
when a switch may fail.
    We do not agree because we would expect to see oil pressure 
switches removed from service on condition anyway at whatever TIS they 
become unairworthy. The goal of the AD action is to remove all switches 
with more than 3,000 hours TIS, and, if they are removed earlier for 
condition, that is an acceptable maintenance practice and does not 
affect this rulemaking activity.

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 the same 
type design. Certain changes described above expand the scope of the 
original NPRM. 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 proposed AD would increase the applicability statement of the 
existing AD, require an inspection of the engine oil pressure switch 
and place a life limit of 3,000 hours TIS on the engine oil pressure 
switch. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on 
these products.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 6,156 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 14728]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
             Action                      Labor cost              Parts cost           product        operators
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Inspection of the airplane or     .5 work-hour x $85 per   Not applicable.......          $42.50        $261,630
 engine records.                   hour = $42.50.
Inspection of the engine oil      .5 work-hour x $85 per   Not applicable.......           42.50         261,630
 pressure switch installation.     hour = $42.50.
Removal and replacement of the    .5 work-hour x $85 per   $54..................           96.50         594,054
 engine oil pressure switch and    hour = $42.50.
 logbook entry.
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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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2000-04-01, Amendment 39-11583 (65 FR 8649, February 22, 2000), and 
adding the following new AD:

Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. FAA-2012-1052; Directorate 
Identifier 2012-CE-014-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 22, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2000-04-01, Amendment 39-11583 (65 FR 
8649, February 22, 2000).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R, serial 
numbers (S/N) 17280001 through 17281618; 172S, S/N 172S8001 through 
172S11256; 182S, S/N 18280001 through 18280944; 182T, S/N 18280945 
through 18282357; T182T, S/N T18208001 through T18209089; 206H, S/N 
20608001 through 20608349; and T206H, S/N T20608001 through 
T20609079; certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 7931, Engine Oil Pressure.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by new reports of internal failure of the 
improved engine oil pressure switch, which could result in complete 
loss of engine oil with consequent partial or complete loss of 
engine power or fire. We are issuing this AD to increase the 
applicability of the AD and place a life-limit of 3,000 hours time-
in-service (TIS) on the engine oil pressure switch, requiring 
replacement when the engine oil pressure switch reaches its life 
limit.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
following Cessna Service Bulletin SB 07-79-01, dated January 29, 
2007, unless already done.

(g) Actions

    (1) At the next scheduled oil change, annual inspection, or 100-
hour time-in-service (TIS) inspection after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later, but in no case later than 12 months 
after the effective date of this AD, inspect the engine oil pressure 
switch to determine if it is part-number (P/N) 77041 or P/N 83278.
    (2) If after the inspection required in paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD, P/N 77041 engine oil pressure switch is installed, before 
further flight, replace the engine oil pressure switch with a new, 
zero time, P/N 83278 engine oil pressure switch. Record the engine 
oil pressure switch part number, date, and airplane hours TIS in the 
airplane log book. The recorded engine oil pressure switch TIS will 
be used as the benchmark for calculation of the 3,000 hour TIS limit 
on the engine oil pressure switch.
    (3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a P/N 
77041 engine oil pressure switch on any affected airplane.
    (4) If after the inspection required in paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD it is confirmed that P/N 83278 engine oil pressure switch is 
installed, through inspection of the airplane or engine logbooks 
determine the TIS of the engine oil pressure switch.
    (5) If after the inspection required in paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD you cannot positively identify the hours TIS on the P/N 83278 
engine oil pressure switch, before further flight, replace the 
engine oil pressure switch with a new, zero time, P/N 83278 engine 
oil pressure switch. Record the engine oil pressure switch part 
number, date, and airplane hours in the airplane log book. The 
recorded engine oil pressure switch TIS will be used as the 
benchmark for calculation of the 3,000 hour TIS limit on the engine 
oil pressure switch.
    (6) When the engine oil pressure switch is at or greater than 
3,000 hours TIS or within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later, and repetitively thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 3,000

[[Page 14729]]

hours TIS on the P/N 83278 engine oil pressure switch, replace it 
with a new, zero time, P/N 83278 engine oil pressure switch. Record 
the engine oil pressure switch part number, date, and airplane hours 
in the airplane log book. The recorded engine oil pressure switch 
TIS will be used as the benchmark for calculation of the 3,000 hour 
TIS limit on the engine oil pressure switch.

(h) 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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jeff Janusz, Sr. 
Propulsion Engineer, Wichita ACO, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, 
KS 67209 phone: (316) 946-4148; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, 
Kansas 67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; fax (316) 942-9006; 
Internet: www.cessna.com/customer-service/technical-publications.html html. 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.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 27, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-05287 Filed 3-6-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P