Airworthiness Directives; The Cessna Aircraft Company Model 525 (CitationJet 1) Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 6, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9027-9029]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-2743]



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Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 25 / Tuesday, February 6, 2001 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 9027]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-71-AD; Amendment 39-12099; AD 2001-02-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Cessna Aircraft Company Model 525 
(CitationJet 1) 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 The Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model 525 
(CitationJet 1) airplanes. This AD requires you to replace certain 
direct current (DC) power battery switches. This AD is the result of 
reports of the potential for a certain 8-pole battery switch to fail 
during flight. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
this battery switch from failing while the airplane is in-flight, which 
is a latent failure. This could result in the pilot's inability to 
select ``EMER'' power or the inability to disconnect an overheated main 
ship's battery. On a battery overheat indication, the Airplane Flight 
Manual (AFM) instructs the pilot to disconnect the battery and, if the 
problem cannot be fixed, the pilot should immediately land the 
airplane. The main ship's battery that remains powered in an overheated 
condition may become hot enough to damage adjacent components and 
structure and may interfere with continued flight and a safe landing.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on February 28, 2001.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulation as of 
February 28, 2001.
    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any comments 
on this rule on or before March 21, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to FAA, Central Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-71-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    You may get the service information referenced in this AD from 
Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, 
Kansas 67277; telephone: (316) 517-6000; facsimile: (316) 517-8500. You 
may examine this information at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-71-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: Clyde Erwin, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, 
Wichita, Kansas 67209, telephone: (316) 946-4149; facsimile: (316) 946-
4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? The FAA has received reports of a 
potential problem with 8-pole direct current (DC) battery switches that 
were installed on Cessna Model 525 (CitationJet 1) airplanes. Eaton 
(located in Sarosota, Florida) is the original equipment manufacturer 
(OEM) of the affected switch (Eaton part number A3-205-01/P).
    Analysis of the problem shows that the switch could fail to make 
contact or may make intermittent contact. Certain manufacturing lots 
were assembled using components that were out-of-tolerance. The 
application of the switch from this lot, as used in the Cessna Model 
525 (CitationJet 1) airplanes, could result in any or all of the 
following failure conditions:

--The pilot could lose power to the ``AVN EMER'' bus;
--The pilot could become unable to disconnect an overheated ship's 
NICAD battery. On a battery overheat indication, the AFM instructs the 
pilot to disconnect the battery and, if the problem cannot be fixed, 
the pilot should immediately land the airplane. The main ship's battery 
that remains powered in an overheated condition may become hot enough 
to damage adjacent components and structure and may interfere with 
continued flight and a safe landing. The FAA classifies this condition 
as catastrophic; and
--The pilot could lose power to the ``EMER'' bus.
    There is no annunciation feature for these failures and they are 
only detectable in flight while the pilot requires the use of the 
applicable function.
    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? This 
latent failure could result in the battery switch failing while the 
airplane is in-flight. This could result in the pilot's inability to 
select ``EMER'' power or the inability to disconnect an overheated main 
ship's battery.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Cessna 
has issued Service Bulletin No. SB525-24-20, dated November 16, 2000. 
This service bulletin includes procedures for replacing both the DC 
power battery switch (Eaton part number A3-205-01/P) and the windshield 
anti-ice bleed air control switch (Eaton part number A3-204-01).

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

    What has FAA decided? The FAA has reviewed all available 
information, including the service information referenced above; and 
determined that:

--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other Cessna Model 525 (CitationJet 1) airplanes of the same 
type design;
--The DC power battery switch replacement specified in the previously-
referenced service information (as specified in this AD) should be 
accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

    What does this AD require? This AD requires you to replace the DC 
power battery switch (Eaton part number A3-205-01/P with a 
manufacturer's date code of 9926 through 0039). Accomplishment of this 
action is required in accordance with Cessna

[[Page 9028]]

Service Bulletin No. SB525-24-20, dated November 16, 2000.
    Are there differences between this AD and the service information? 
Cessna Service Bulletin No. SB525-24-20, dated November 16, 2000, 
includes procedures for replacing both the DC power battery switch 
(Eaton part number A3-205-01/P) and the windshield anti-ice bleed air 
control switch (Eaton part number A3-204-01).
    Failure of the DC power battery switch is latent; the switch can 
only be tested during a phase check or other maintenance event; and the 
failure is a safety of flight issue. The anti-ice bleed air control 
switches are currently checked during preflight and the AFM contains 
normal emergency procedures should a failure occur in flight. For these 
reasons, we are only requiring replacement of the DC power battery 
switch in this AD.
    Will I have the opportunity to comment prior to the issuance of the 
rule? Because the unsafe condition described in this document could 
result in the pilot not having power to critical flight components, FAA 
finds that notice and opportunity for public prior comment are 
impracticable. Therefore, good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on this AD? Although this action is in the form of 
a final rule and was not preceded by notice and opportunity for public 
comment, we invite your comments on the 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. We will consider all 
comments received on or before the closing date specified above. 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.
    Are there any specific portions of the AD I should pay attention 
to? 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.
    We are reviewing 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 clear, 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.
    How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? 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-71-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard 
back to you.

Regulatory Impact

    Does this AD impact various entities? 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, FAA has determined that this final rule does not have 
federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
    Does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? 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, under 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

2001-02-13  The Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-12099; Docket 
No. 2000-CE-71-AD.
    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD applies to 
Model 525 (CitationJet 1) airplanes, serial numbers 525-0360 through 
525-0400, that:
    (1) incorporate a direct current (DC) power battery switch, 
Eaton part number A3-205-01/P; and
    (2) are certificated in any category.
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent this battery switch from failing 
while the airplane is in-flight, which is a latent failure. This 
could result in the pilot's inability to select ``EMER'' power or 
the inability to disconnect an overheated main ship's battery. On a 
battery overheat indication, the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) 
instructs the pilot to disconnect the battery and, if the problem 
cannot be fixed, the pilot should immediately land the airplane. The 
main ship's battery that remains powered in an overheated condition 
may become hot enough to damage adjacent components and structure 
and may interfere with continued flight and a safe landing.
    (d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this 
problem, you must accomplish the following actions:

[[Page 9029]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Action                 Compliance time       Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the airplane to       During the next     Not Applicable.
 determine whether a DC power      phase check that
 battery switch, Eaton part        occurs 30
 number A3-205-01/P with a         calendar days or
 manufacturer's date code of       more after
 9926 through 0039, is installed.  February 28, 2001
                                   (the effective
                                   date of this AD)
                                   or within the
                                   next 60 calendar
                                   days after
                                   February 28, 2001
                                   (the effective
                                   date of this AD),
                                   whichever occurs
                                   first.
(2) If, by inspecting the         Prior to further    Not Applicable.
 airplane, you can positively      flight after the
 show that one of the affected     inspection.
 DC power battery switches is
 not installed, then the
 replacement requirement of this
 AD does not apply. Make an
 entry into the aircraft records
 that shows compliance with this
 portion of the AD, in
 accordance with section 43.9 of
 the Federal Aviation
 Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
(3) If, by inspecting the         Prior to further    In accordance with
 airplane, you find that one of    flight after the    the
 the affected DC power battery     inspection,         Accomplishment
 switches is installed or you      unless already      Instructions
 cannot positively show that one   accomplished.       section of Cessna
 of the affected DC power                              Service Bulletin
 battery switches is not                               SB525-24-20,
 installed, replace with a new                         dated November
 switch of the same part number                        16, 2000.
 that has a manufacturer's date
 code of 0040 or later, or FAA-
 approved equivalent part number.
(4) Do not install, on any        As of February 28,  Not Applicable.
 affected airplane, a DC power     2001 (the
 battery switch, Eaton part-       effective date of
 number A3-205-01/P with a         this AD).
 manufacturer's date code of
 9926 through 0039.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: Cessna Service Bulletin No. SB525-24-20, dated November 
16, 2000, includes procedures for replacing both the DC power 
battery switch (Eaton part number A3-205-01/P) and the windshield 
anti-ice bleed air control switch (Eaton part number A3-204-01). 
Failure of the DC power battery switch is latent, the switch can 
only be tested during a phase check or other maintenance event, and 
the failure is a safety of flight issue. The anti-ice bleed air 
control switches are currently checked during preflight and the AFM 
contains normal emergency procedures should a failure occur in 
flight. For this reason, we are only requiring replacement of the DC 
power battery switch in this AD.

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) 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.

    Note 2: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, 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 (e) 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.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Clyde Erwin, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport 
Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209, telephone: (316) 946-4149; 
facsimile: (316) 946-4407.
    (g) 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.
    (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance 
with Cessna Service Bulletin No. SB525-24-20, dated November 16, 
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 Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, 
P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277. You can look at copies at 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.
    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on February 28, 2001.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 24, 2001.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-2743 Filed 2-5-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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