Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 206H, and T206H Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 22, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8649-8651]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-3794]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-07-AD; Amendment 39-11583; AD 2000-04-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R, 
172S, 182S, 206H, and T206H Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 172R, 172S, 
182S, 206H, and T206H airplanes. This AD requires that you accomplish 
the following:

--Inspect the oil pressure switch to determine if the oil pressure 
switch is part-number (P/N) 77041 or P/N 83278; and
--Replace any P/N 77041 oil pressure switch with a P/N 83278 switch.

    This AD is the result of reports of failure of the oil pressure 
switch diaphragm. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
prevent loss of engine oil through the failure of the oil pressure 
switch diaphragm, which could result in partial or complete loss of 
engine power.

DATES: Effective March 11, 2000.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulation as of March 
11, 2000.
    The FAA must receive any comments on this rule on or before April 
17, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-07-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106.
    You may get the service information referenced in this AD from the 
Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita,  
Kansas  67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; facsimile: (316) 942-9006. 
You may examine this information at the FAA, Central Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-07-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, 
DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Pendleton, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Mid-
Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4143; 
facsimile: (316) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD?: We have received three reports of 
the diaphragm of the oil pressure switch failing on Cessna Modesl 172R, 
182S, and 206H airplanes. The part number (P/N) of the failed oil 
pressure switch is 77041. The P/N 77041 oil pressure switch is utilized 
on the following Cessna airplanes:
      

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
172R..............................  17280001 through 17280830.
172S..............................  172S8001 through 172S8324, 172S8326
                                     through 172S8333, 172S8340,
                                     172S8342, 172S8344, 172S8345, and
                                     172S8347.
182S..............................  18280001 through 18280660.
206H..............................  20608001 through 20608053, 20608055
                                     through 20608071, and 20608073
                                     through 20608076.
T206H.............................  T20608001 through T20608093,
                                     T20608095 through T20608103,
                                     T20608105 through T20608131,
                                     T20608133 through T20608137,
                                     T20608139, T20608141, T20608144,
                                     and T20608145.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected?: 
Failure of the engine oil pressure switch diaphragm results in loss of 
engine oil through the vent hole. This could lead to partial or 
complete loss of engine power.

Relevant Service Information

    Is there service information that applies to this subject?: Yes. 
Cessna has issued Service Bulletin No. SB00-79-01, dated January 31, 
2000.
    What are the provisions of this service bulletin?: The service 
bulletin specifies and includes procedures for accomplishing the 
following:

--Inspecting the oil pressure switch to determine if the oil pressure 
switch is P/N 77041 or P/N 83278; and
--Replacing any P/N 77041 oil pressure switch with a P/N 83278 switch.

[[Page 8650]]

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of the 
AD

    What has the FAA decided?: After examining the circumstances and 
reviewing all available information related to the incidents described 
above, including the relevant service information, the FAA has 
determined that:

--An unsafe condition exists or could develop on Cessna Models 172R, 
172S, 182S, 206H, and T206H airplanes;
--The actions of the above-referenced service bulletin should be 
accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to prevent loss of engine oil 
through the failure of the oil pressure switch diaphragm, which could 
result in partial or complete loss of engine power.


    What does this AD require?: This AD requires you to accomplish the 
following:

--Inspect the oil pressure switch to determine if the oil pressure 
switch is P/N 77041 or P/N 83278; and
--Replace any P/N 77041 oil pressure switch with a P/N 83278 switch.

    What is the compliance time of this AD?: Within the next 25 hours 
time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD.
    Will the public have the opportunity to comment prior to the 
issuance of the rule?: No. Since a situation exists that requires the 
immediate adoption of this regulation, the FAA finds that notice and 
opportunity for public prior comment hereon are impracticable, and that 
good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 
days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, the FAA invites 
comments on this rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or 
arguments you choose. You need to include the rule's docket number and 
submit your comments in triplicate to the address specified under the 
caption ADDRESSES. The FAA will consider all comments received on or 
before the closing date. We may amend this rule in light of comments 
received. Factual information that supports your ideas and suggestions 
is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action 
and determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking action.
    The FAA is re-examining the writing style we currently use in 
regulatory documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of 
June 1, 1998. That memorandum requires federal agencies to communicate 
more clearly with the public. We are interested in your comments on 
whether the style of this document is clearer, and any other 
suggestions you might have to improve the clarity of FAA communications 
that affect you. You can get more information about the Presidential 
memorandum and the plain language initiative at http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
    The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. You may examine all comments we 
receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules 
Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each 
FAA contact with the public that concerns the substantive parts of this 
AD.
    If you want us to acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you 
must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write 
``Comments to Docket No. 2000-CE-07-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail 
the postcard back to you.

Regulatory Impact

    These regulations 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. Therefore, the FAA has determined that 
this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive 
Order 13132.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a significant regulatory action under 
Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action 
involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that 
this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket (otherwise, an evaluation is 
not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules 
Docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.
      

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

2000-04-01  Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-11583; Docket No. 
2000-CE-07-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD?: The following model 
and serial number airplanes, certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
172R..............................  17280001 through 17280830.
172S..............................  172S8001 through 172S8324, 172S8326
                                     through 172S8333, 172S8340,
                                     172S8342, 172S8344, 172S8345, and
                                     172S8347.
182S..............................  18280001 through 18280660.
206H..............................  20608001 through 20608053, 20608055
                                     through 20608071, and 20608073
                                     through 20608076.
T206H.............................  T20608001 through T20608093,
                                     T20608095 through T20608103,
                                     T20608105 through T20608131,
                                     T20608133 through T20608137,
                                     T20608139, T20608141, T20608144,
                                     and T20608145.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 8651]]

    (b) Who must comply with this AD?: Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes on the U.S. Register.
    (c) What problem does this AD address?: The actions of this AD 
are intended to prevent failure of the engine oil pressure switch 
diaphragm, which results in loss of engine oil through the vent 
hole. This could lead to partial or complete loss of engine power.
    (d) What must I do to address this problem?: Within the next 25 
hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
the oil pressure switch to determine if it is part-number (P/N) 
77041 (or FAA-approved equivalent part number) or P/N 83278 (or FAA-
approved equivalent part number). Then accomplish the following, as 
applicable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    If                                  Then
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P/N 77041 (or FAA-approved equivalent part  1. Prior to further flight
 number) oil pressure switch is installed,   after inspection, replace
                                             this switch with a P/N
                                             83278 (or FAA-approved
                                             equivalent part number) oil
                                             pressure switch; and
                                            2. As of the effective date
                                             of this AD, do not install
                                             a P/N 77041 (or FAA-
                                             approved equivalent part
                                             number) oil pressure switch
                                             on any affected airplane.
P/N 83278 (or FAA-approved equivalent part  No further action is
 number) oil pressure switch is installed,   required by this AD except
                                             that, as of the effective
                                             date of this AD, do not
                                             install a P/N 77041 (or FAA-
                                             approved equivalent part
                                             number) oil pressure switch
                                             on any affected airplane.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) What procedures must be used to accomplish the actions of 
this AD?: You must use the procedures in Cessna Service Bulletin 
SB00-79-01, dated January 31, 2000, to accomplish this action.
    (f) Can I comply with this AD in any other way?: Yes.
    (1) You may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust 
the compliance time if:
    (i) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (ii) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Wichita ACO.
    (2) This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding 
applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, 
altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this 
AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so 
that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the 
owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of 
compliance in accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. The 
request should include an assessment of the effect of the 
modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe 
condition, specific actions you propose to address it.
    (g) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance?: Contact Paul Pendleton, 
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 
Airport Road, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; 
telephone: (316) 946-4143; facsimile: (316) 946-4407.
    (h) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD?: The FAA can issue a special flight permit 
under sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 
(14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location 
where you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (i) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference?: Yes. Actions required by this AD must be done in 
accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin SB00-79-01, dated January 
31, 2000. The Director of the Federal Register approved this 
incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 
You can get copies from the Cessna Aircraft Company, Product 
Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277. You can look at 
copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, 
Washington, DC.
    (j) When does this amendment become effective?: This amendment 
becomes effective on March 11, 2000.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 11, 2000.
Michael K. Dahl,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-3794 Filed 2-18-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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