Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 146 (Friday, July 30, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45570-45573]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-17217]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2004-CE-03-AD; Amendment 39-13752; AD 2004-15-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R, 
172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-24-13, 
which applies to certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 172R, 
172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H airplanes that are equipped 
with a certain Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system installed on 
the center instrument control panel near the throttle. AD 2003-24-13 
currently requires you to install an update to the operating software 
of certain KAP 140 autopilot computer system, change the unit's part 
number, and change the software modification identification tab. This 
AD is the result of the FAA inadvertently omitting four affected 
Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system part numbers and an 
affected airplane serial number from the applicability section of AD 
2003-24-13. This AD retains the actions required in AD 2003-24-13, 
corrects the applicability section, and incorporates a revised 
installation bulletin issued by Honeywell.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on September 12, 2004.
    As of September 12, 2004, the Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulation.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information identified in this AD 
from Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, 
Kansas 67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; facsimile: (316) 942-9006 and 
Honeywell, Business, Regional, and General Aviation, 23500 W. 105th 
Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061.
    You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-CE-03-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m. 
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Withers, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1801 Airport Road, 
Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-
4196; facsimile: (316) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? Reports of an unsafe condition on 
certain Cessna Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H 
airplanes that are equipped with a Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer 
system caused us to issue AD 2003-24-13, Amendment 39-13382 (68 FR 
67789, December 3, 2003).
    The KAP 140 autopilot computer system is located on the lower 
portion of the center instrument control panel near the throttle on 
these Cessna airplanes. Because of this location on the instrument 
control panel of the affected Cessna airplanes, the Autopilot Engage 
(AP) button could

[[Page 45571]]

unintentionally be depressed when the pilot pushes the throttle knob 
forward. The pilot could also unintentionally engage the autopilot 
system by inadvertently bumping the Heading (HDG) button, Altitude 
(ALT) mode-select button, or Autopilot Engage (AP) button on the KAP 
140 computer. Unless intentionally engaged, the pilot may not know that 
the autopilot system is engaged.
    The Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system is also installed 
in the New Piper, Inc. Model PA-28-181 airplanes. This AD will not 
affect these airplanes because of the location of the equipment. The 
equipment is installed on the center instrument panel near the throttle 
on the affected airplanes, but is installed in the upper half of the 
instrument control panel on the Piper airplanes. The unsafe condition 
only exists on certain Cessna airplanes.
    Honeywell has updated the operating software for the KAP 140 
autopilot computer system, which will now allow only the AP button on 
the instrument control panel to engage the autopilot system. This 
update also adds two voice messages if auto trim operation is detected, 
lengthens the amount of time that the autopilot button must be 
depressed in order for it to engage, and changes how the flight control 
display shows that the AP has been engaged.
    AD 2003-24-13 currently requires the following on certain Cessna 
Aircraft Company Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H 
airplanes that are equipped with a Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer 
system, part number (P/N) 065-00176-2602, P/N 065-00176-5402, or P/N 
065-00176-7702 installed on the center instrument control panel near 
the throttle:
    <bullet> Installing an update to the autopilot computer system 
operating software;
    <bullet> Changing the unit part number;
    <bullet> Placing an M tag on the unit serial number tag; and
    <bullet> Changing the unit's software modification tag.
    What has happened since AD 2003-24-13 to initiate this action? We 
inadvertently omitted four affected Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot 
computer systems and an affected serial number for Model 182T airplanes 
from the applicability section. Honeywell revised Installation Bulletin 
No. 491 to the Rev. 3 level (dated April 2003). We will incorporate 
this bulletin into this AD.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If not 
corrected, inadvertent and undetected engagement of the autopilot 
system could cause the pilot to take inappropriate actions.
    Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to 
amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to 
include an AD that would apply to certain Cessna Models 172R, 172S, 
182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H airplanes that are equipped with a 
certain Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system installed on the 
center instrument control panel near the throttle. This proposal was 
published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) on March 10, 2004 (69 FR 11346). The NPRM proposed to supersede 
AD 2003-24-13 with a new AD that would retain the actions required in 
AD 2003-24-13, would add four additional affected Honeywell KAP 140 
autopilot computer system part numbers and an affected airplane serial 
number to the applicability section, and would incorporate a revised 
Honeywell installation bulletin.

Comments

    Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the 
opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. The following 
presents the comments received on the proposal and FAA's response to 
each comment:

Comment Issue: AD Action Is Not Necessary

    What is the commenter's concern? The commenter states that FAA's 
discussion about the cause of the unsafe condition addressed in the 
proposed AD is unjustifiable.
    The commenter states that an attentive pilot would know if the 
autopilot has been unintentionally engaged. The commenter also states 
that it is a convenience to the pilot to have the autopilot mode 
selector near the throttle while maneuvering during an approach or a go 
around that may necessitate a change in function.
    The commenter states that the proposed AD is not necessary; 
therefore, the cost to have the software upgraded should be paid for by 
Honeywell.
    We infer that the commenter want us to withdraw the NPRM and 
current AD 2003-24-13.
    What is FAA's response to the concern? We do not agree with that we 
should withdraw the NPRM or AD 2003-24-13. The changes to the KC 140 
autopilot computer system operating software required by this AD and AD 
2003-24-13 will greatly limit the ability of the pilot to 
unintentionally engage the autopilot. The changes will also provide 
additional indications to the pilot that the autopilot has been 
engaged.
    Because we continue to receive reports of related accidents 
involving pilots with experience ranging from novice to certified 
flight instructors, it is an indication that it is not obvious to all 
pilots that the autopilot is engaged.
    We are not changing the final rule AD based on these comments.

Conclusion

    What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully 
reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor 
editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 
2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, 
July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This regulation now 
includes material that relates to altered products, special flight 
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material 
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is 
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD 
actions.

Costs of Compliance

    How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD 
affects 3,681 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the 
affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the 
modification:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Total cost per         Total cost on U.S.
              Labor cost                      Parts cost                airplane                operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 workhours x $65 per hour = $455....  Not applicable.........  $455...................  $455 x 3,681 =
                                                                                          $1,674,855
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 45572]]

    Not all Cessna Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and 
T206H airplanes on the U.S. registry have a KAP 140 autopilot computer 
system installed.
    Honeywell will provide warranty credit for labor and parts to the 
extent noted under WARRANTY INFORMATION in Honeywell Service Bulletin 
No: KC 140-M1, dated August 2002, and Honeywell Installation Bulletin 
No. 491, Rev. 3, dated April 2003.
    What is the difference between the cost impact of this AD and the 
cost impact of AD 2003-24-13? The difference is the addition of four KC 
140 autopilot systems and one airplane serial number to the 
applicability section of this AD. There is no difference in cost to 
perform the modification.

Regulatory Findings

    Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that 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.
    Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? 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 the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2004-CE-03-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

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) 
2003-24-13, Amendment 39-13382 (68 FR 67789, December 4, 2003), and by 
adding a new AD to read as follows:

2004-15-18 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-13752; Docket No. 
2004-CE-03-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on September 12, 2004.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2003-24-13.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects the following airplane models and serial 
numbers that are:
    (1) equipped with a KAP 140 autopilot computer system, part 
number (P/N)
065-00176-2501, P/N 065-00176-2602 , P/N 065-00176-5001, P/N 065-
00176-5101, P/N 065-00176-5201, P/N 065-00176-5402, or P/N 065-
00176-7702, all serial numbers; and
    (2) certificated in any category.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
172R..............................  17280001 through 17281073, 17281075
                                     through 17281127, and 17281130.
172S..............................  172S8001 through 172S9195, 172S9197,
                                     172S9198, and 172S9200 through
                                     172S9203.
182S..............................  18280001 through 18280944.
182T..............................  18280945 through 18281065, 18281067
                                     through 18281145, 18281147 through
                                     18281163, 18281165 through
                                     18281167, and 18281172.
T182T.............................  T18208001 through T18208109, and
                                     T18208111 through T18208177.
206H..............................  20608001 through 20608183, 20608185,
                                     20608187, and 20608188.
T206H.............................  T20608001 through T20608039,
                                     T20608041 through T20608367,
                                     T20608369 through T20608379,
                                     T20608381, T20608382, and
                                     T20608385.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of reports of inadvertent and undetected 
engagement of the autopilot system. The actions specified in this AD 
are intended to prevent unintentionally engaging the KAP 140 autopilot 
computer system, which could cause the pilot to take inappropriate 
actions.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Actions                                  Compliance                          Procedures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For airplanes previously affected by   Within the next 100 hours time-in-        Follow Cessna Service
 AD 2003-24-13: install the update to the   service (TIS) after January 20, 2004      Bulletin SB02-22-01, dated
 KC 140 autopilot computer system           (the effective date of AD 2003-24-13),    November 25, 2002, and
 operating software.                        unless already done.                      Honeywell Service Bulletin
                                                                                      No: KC 140-M1, dated
                                                                                      August 2002, as specified
                                                                                      in Honeywell Installation
                                                                                      Bulletin No. 491, Rev. 3,
                                                                                      dated April 2003.
------------------------------------------

[[Page 45573]]

 
(2) For airplanes previously affected by   Prior to further flight after installing  Follow Honeywell Service
 AD 2003-24-13: do the following:           the update to the KC 140 autopilot        Bulletin No: KC 140-M1,
(i) Change the unit part number by          computer system operating software as     dated August 2002, as
 attaching flavor sticker, part number (P/  specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this     specified in Cessna
 N) 057-02203-0003, on the unit's serial    AD, unless already done.                  Service Bulletin SB02-22-
 tag;                                                                                 01, dated November 25,
(ii) Attach an M decal, P/N 057-02984-                                                2002.
 0501, in front of the unit serial number
 (this indicates that the unit's P/N has
 been changed); and
(iii) Attach a software mod tag, P/N 057-
 05287-0301, in place of the old tag to
 indicate the software change to SW MOD
 03/01.
------------------------------------------
(3) For airplanes not affected by AD 2003- Within the next 100 hours time-in-        Follow Honeywell
 24-13: install the update to the KC 140    service (TIS) after September 12, 2004    Installation Bulletin No.
 autopilot computer system operating        (the effective date of this AD).          491, Rev. 3, dated April
 software.                                                                            2003; Cessna Service
                                                                                      Bulletin SB02-22-01, dated
                                                                                      November 25, 2002;
                                                                                      Honeywell Service Bulletin
                                                                                      No: KC 140-M1, dated
                                                                                      August 2002; and Cessna
                                                                                      Single Engine Service
                                                                                      Bulletin SB98-22-01, dated
                                                                                      May 18, 1998, as
                                                                                      applicable.
------------------------------------------
(4) For all affected airplanes: install    As of September 12, 2004 (the effective   Not applicable.
 only KC 140 autopilot computer systems,    date of this AD).
 part number (P/N) 065-00176-2501, P/N
 065-00176-2602 , P/N 065-00176-5001, P/N
 065-00176-5101, P/N 065-00176-5201, P/N
 065-00176-5402, or P/N 065-00176-7702,
 that have been modified as specified in
 paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and (e)(3) of
 this AD.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) You may request a revised flight manual supplement from Cessna 
at the address specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (g) You may request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 14 CFR 
39.19.
    (1) Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to your 
principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments and will 
send your request to the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification (ACO), 
FAA. For information on any already approved alternative methods of 
compliance, contact Dan Withers, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Mid-Continent 
Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4196; facsimile: 
(316) 946-4407.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance with 
AD 2003-24-13, which is superseded by this AD, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?

    (h) You must do the actions required by this AD following the 
instructions in Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin SB98-22-01, dated 
May 18, 1998; Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin SB02-22-01, dated 
November 25, 2002; Honeywell Service Bulletin No: KC 140-M1, dated 
August 2002; and Honeywell Installation Bulletin No. 491, Rev. 3, dated 
April 2003. The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get a copy from Cessna 
Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 
67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; facsimile: (316) 942-9006 and 
Honeywell, Business, Regional, and General Aviation, 23500 W. 105th 
Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061. You may review copies at FAA, Central 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; or 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 21, 2004.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-17217 Filed 7-29-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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