[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 116 (Monday, June 17, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27932-27935]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-12622]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0392; Product Identifier 2019-CE-020-AD; Amendment
39-19639; AD 2019-08-51]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cirrus Design Corporation
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Cirrus Design Corporation (Cirrus) Model SF50 airplanes. This AD was
sent previously as an emergency AD to all known U.S. owners and
operators of
[[Page 27933]]
these airplanes. This AD requires replacing the angle of attack (AOA)
sensors with improved AOA sensors. This AD was prompted by three
incidents on Cirrus Model SF50 airplanes of the stall warning and
protection system (SWPS) or Electronic Stability & Protection (ESP)
System engaging when not appropriate. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 17, 2019 to all persons except those
persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2019-
08-51, issued on April 18, 2019, which contained the requirements of
this amendment.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication identified in this AD as of June 17,
2019.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by August 1, 2019.
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 final rule, contact
Cirrus Worldwide Headquarters, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth, Minnesota
55811; telephone: (800) 921-2737 or after hours (800) 921-2737; fax:
(218) 788-3500; email: [email protected]; internet:
https://cirrusaircraft.com/service-support/. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation, 901
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. It is
also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0392.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0392; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone:
800-647-5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wess Rouse, Small Airplane Program
Manager, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018;
telephone: (847) 294-8113; fax: (847) 294-7834; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On April 18, 2019, we issued Emergency AD 2019-08-51, which
requires replacing the AOA sensors with improved AOA sensors. Emergency
AD 2019-08-51 was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and
operators of Cirrus Model SF50 airplanes. This action was prompted by
reports of three incidents on Cirrus Model SF50 airplanes of the SWPS
or ESP System engaging when not appropriate. The SWPS or ESP systems
may engage even when sufficient airspeed and proper angle of AOA exists
for normal flight. The SWPS includes the stall warning alarm, stick
shaker, and stick pusher. The ESP includes under speed protection
(USP). The SWPS or the ESP systems engaging inappropriately could
potentially result in a stall warning crew alert (CAS) message
activation, accompanied by an audio alarm and stick shaker activation,
followed possibly by either low speed ESP/USP engaging, and the stick
pusher engaging. The pilot will also observe the dynamic and color-
coded (Red) airspeed awareness ranges displaying the stall band,
regardless of actual indicated airspeed.
The information below presents detailed information on the three
incidents.
1. While the airplane was under manual pilot control, the airplane
activated several downward pitch commands coincident with stall
warning, stick shaker, and several associated alerts. The pilot
reported ``AOA FAIL'' and ``STICK PUSHER FAIL CAS'' messages preceding
the pitch command. The pilot was able to stop the automatic pitch
commands by pressing and holding the autopilot disconnect button in
accordance with the emergency procedure in the airplane flight manual
and safely landed at his destination.
2. The operator reported stall warning and stick pusher failure in
flight.
3. The airspeed indicator went red and the stall warning and stick
shaker were heard and felt while on descent. The autopilot was
disengaged with the same results. The system settled with stick pusher
fail, stall warning fail, and LSA fail under the airspeed. The pilot
hand flew the approach and had no VREF indicator but AOA
appeared to be operating normally.
Cirrus and Aerosonic (manufacturer of the technical standard order
AOA sensor) have identified the probable root cause as an AOA sensor
malfunction due to a quality escape in the assembly of the AOA sensor
at Aerosonic. Two set screws that secure the potentiometer shaft to the
AOA vane shaft may have improper torqueing and no application of thread
locker (Loctite) to secure the two set screws. The AOA sensor with this
quality escape is labeled with part number 4677-03.
Potential erroneous AOA derived indications may occur before,
during, and after unintended automatic control system engagement. These
indications include an abnormal appearing low speed red band or VREF
green donut presented on the airspeed tape. Failed indications or
intermittent indication may result in one or more of the following:
Unintended automatic flight control activations;
The flight crew having difficulty controlling the
airplane;
Excessive nose-down attitude; and/or
Possible impact with terrain.
We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Cirrus Design Corporation SF50 Service Bulletin
Number: SB5X-34-03, dated April 16, 2019 (SB5X-34-03). The service
information provides instructions for replacing the AOA sensor with an
improved flight sensor. The FAA also reviewed Cirrus SF50 Alert Service
Advisory SA19-08, dated April 8, 2019. This service information
provides instructions for the pilot to follow in the event the AOA
sensor fails in flight.his service information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing 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 these same type
designs.
[[Page 27934]]
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that required the immediate adoption of
Emergency AD 2019-08-51, issued on April 18, 2019, to all known U.S.
owners and operators of these airplanes. The FAA found that the risk to
the flying public justified waiving notice and comment prior to
adoption of this rule because the noted condition presents an immediate
danger to pilots and passengers of Cirrus Model SF50 airplanes. An
uncommanded pitch down may be difficult to recover from in some flight
regimes with potential fatal consequences. The before further flight
compliance time to replace the AOA sensors due to the potential fatal
consequences does not allow for prior notice and opportunity to comment
for the public.
These conditions still exist and the AD is hereby published in the
Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective to all
persons. Therefore, the FAA finds good cause that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. In addition,
for the reason(s) stated above, the FAA finds that good cause exists
for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
SB5X-34-03 specifies 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) before replacing
the AOA sensors. The FAA determined that allowing 5 hours TIS to
replace the AOA sensors does not mitigate the unsafe condition; thus,
this AD requires such replacement before further flight.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment. However, the FAA invites you to send any written data, views,
or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2019-
0392 and Product Identifier 2019-CE-020-AD at the beginning of your
comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final
rule. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments we receive, without change, to
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive
verbal contact we receive about this final rule.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 99 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Replace the AOA sensor................ 1.25 work-hours x $85 $16,250 $16,356.25 $1,619,268.75
per hour = $106.25.
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According to the manufacturer, all of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, the FAA has 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.
The FAA is 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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders,
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation
Division.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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):
2019-08-51 Cirrus Design Corporation: Amendment 39-19639; Docket No.
FAA-2019-0392; Product Identifier 2019-CE-020-AD.
[[Page 27935]]
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective June 17, 2019 to all persons except those
persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD
2019-08-51, issued on April 18, 2019, which contained the
requirements of this amendment.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Cirrus Design Corporation Model SF50
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in standard category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 27; Flight Controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by Cirrus reporting three incidents of the
stall warning and protection system (SWPS) or Electronic Stability &
Protection (ESP) System engaging when not appropriate. The SWPS and
ESP may engage even when sufficient airspeed and proper angle of
attack (AOA) exists for normal flight. SWPS includes the stall
warning alarm, stick shaker and stick pusher. ESP includes under
speed protection (USP). The SWPS and ESP engaging could potentially
result in a STALL WARNING crew alert (CAS) message activation,
accompanied by an audio alarm and stick shaker activation, followed
possibly by either low speed ESP/USP engaging and/or the stick
pusher engaging. The pilot will also observe the dynamic and color-
coded (Red) airspeed awareness ranges displaying the stall band,
regardless of actual indicated airspeed. These conditions, if not
addressed, could result in the flight crew having difficulty
controlling the airplane, lead to excessive nose-down attitude,
significant altitude loss, and possible impact with terrain.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Corrective Action
(1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD,
replace the AOA sensor with an improved AOA sensor, Aerosonic part
number 4677-03 Mod 1 or Cirrus part number 32159-004 in accordance
with section 11. ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS, paragraphs A, B, and C
of Cirrus Design Corporation SF50 Service Bulletin Number: SB5X-34-
03, dated April 16, 2019.
(2) Before further flight after replacement of the AOA sensor
per paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, perform final installation checkout
procedures and flight tests in accordance with a method approved by
the Manager, FAA, Chicago ACO Branch. For the checkout procedures
and flight test to be approved by the Manager, FAA, Chicago ACO
Branch as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter
must specifically refer to this AD.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any AOA
sensor on any affected airplane unless it is an improved AOA sensor
as identified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(h) Special Flight Permit
A special flight permit is allowed with the following
limitation: Operators may fly the airplane to a location where the
modification/corrective action can be incorporated. However, the
pilot must follow the procedures listed in section 4., Pilot Actions
Required, in Cirrus SF50 Alert Service Advisory SA19-08, dated April
8, 2019.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Chicago ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (j)(1) 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 further information about this AD, contact: Wess Rouse,
Small Airplane Program Manager, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107,
Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-8113; fax: (847)
294-7834; email: [email protected].
(2) For additional information related to this AD, you may refer
to Cirrus SF50 Alert Service Advisory SA19-08, dated April 8, 2019.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Cirrus Design Corporation SF50 Service Bulletin Number:
SB5X-34-03, dated April 16, 2019.
(ii) Cirrus SF50 Alert Service Advisory SA19-08, dated April 8,
2019.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Cirrus Worldwide Headquarters, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth,
Minnesota, 55811; telephone: (800) 921-2737 or after hours (800)
921-2737; fax: (218) 788-3500; email:
[email protected]; internet: https://cirrusaircraft.com/service-support/.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Small Airplane
Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
(816) 329-4148. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 10, 2019.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation
Division, AIR-601.
[FR Doc. 2019-12622 Filed 6-14-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P