Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 120 (Friday, June 21, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37448-37452]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-14689]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1330; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-006-AD; 
Amendment 39-17470; AD 2013-11-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) (previously COLUMBIA or LANCAIR) 
Models LC40-550FG, LC41-550FG, and LC42-550FG airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports that during maximum braking, if the brakes lock up 
and a skid occurs, a severe oscillatory yawing motion or ``wheel walk'' 
may develop, which could result in further significant structural 
damage to the airplane. This AD requires insertions into the pilot's 
operating handbook (POH) and the airplane maintenance manuals (AMM) 
regarding proper use of the brakes and inspection of the aft fuselage. 
We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 26, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of July 26, 2013.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Cessna Aircraft Company, Customer Service, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, 
Kansas 67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; fax (316) 517-7271; Internet: 
www.cessnasupport.com. 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Park, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, 
KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-4123; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That

[[Page 37449]]

NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 21, 2012 (77 FR 
75590). That NPRM proposed to require insertions into the pilot's 
operating handbook (POH) and the airplane maintenance manuals (AMM) 
regarding proper use of the brakes and inspection of the aft fuselage.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Modify the Landing Gear

    Paul Rene LaChance stated that while supportive of the AD, he 
believes it to be too late and does not go far enough. He commented 
that he had experienced such an incident himself. Maximum braking had 
occurred. Afterward, the airplane was flown for a short flight with the 
pilot unaware of the severe tail damage, and the tail almost came off. 
The commenter states we should require modification of the airplane 
with the main landing gear oriented vertical rather than the current 
forward tilt.
    We do not agree with this comment. The controllability of the 
aircraft is not in question if the pilot reduces brake pressure in the 
event of a wheel walking event. The procedures in the AD will ensure 
pilots are aware of appropriate actions and what inspections are 
required if such an event occurs. The commenter may provide 
substantiating data and apply for an alternative method of compliance 
(AMOC) following the procedures in paragraph (i) of this AD to 
implement a design modification.

AD Is Not Necessary and Should Be Withdrawn

    Darryl James Taylor, Steven Masters, William Paul Boyd, Paul 
Harrington, George Richard Wilhelmsen, Todd Thompson, Larry D. Fenwick, 
and Thomas Clare who is President of the Cessna Advanced Aircraft Club 
(CAAC), requested we withdraw the NPRM (77 FR 75590, December 21, 2012) 
because it is unnecessary, does not add to safety, and is ineffective. 
The AD would affect 726 airplanes, and there have only been five 
occurrences out of thousands of landings over the past nine years. The 
commenters do not feel this is statistically significant. Since the AD 
comes several years after an isolated incident, the AD addresses no 
real safety concern. Appropriate notices have already been incorporated 
in POH manuals per Cessna Service Bulletin SB 10-11-01, dated August 
17, 2010. The commenters feel it is unlikely that additional notes to 
the POH or placards will be an effective solution.
    We do not agree with this comment. The wheel walking 
characteristics are highly unusual. We are unaware of any other 
airplane model that has experienced such an event. Currently, the 
events are relatively well publicized, but they may be forgotten or 
unknown to future pilots without previous knowledge about the airplane. 
Adding the changes to the POH and maintenance manual and mandating the 
aft fuselage inspection will assure that someone does not take off 
again after an event without having the airplane inspected. The added 
changes will also help the pilot better know how to handle the airplane 
if the wheel walk event does occur. The AD process is the only means 
where the FAA can require all owner/operators to incorporate all the 
necessary changes and conduct the required inspection. However, owner/
operators that have already incorporated the POH changes per the Cessna 
service bulletin may receive credit for certain actions required by 
this AD.

Engineering Solution Needed

    Darryl James Taylor, William Paul Boyd, Paul Herrington, George 
Richard Wilhelmsen, and Larry D. Fenwick commented that maximum braking 
is considered panic braking where the pilot instinctively reacts to an 
adverse condition, and they feel the real issue is proper maintenance 
training. The braking issue occurs only when the gear bushings have 
slipped completely out, and maintenance shops do not know what they are 
looking at. In which case, the solutions in the AD will be ineffective. 
Probably, the landings were not made under ideal or normal conditions, 
and the pilots may have exceeded operational specifications during 
landing. This issue should have an engineering solution such as anti-
lock brakes, which could prevent brake lock-up and avoid the adverse 
condition. It would address maximum braking, no matter what the cause. 
The anti-lock system would include slotted wheels and Hall sensors and 
change the current braking system. The cost would be justified because 
of the reduced risk of structural damage.
    We do not agree with this comment. Although we would consider a 
design change as an AMOC, we have determined that the requirements in 
this AD are sufficient to address the unsafe condition. The commenters 
may provide substantiating data and apply for an AMOC following the 
procedures in paragraph (i) of this AD to implement a modification as 
an acceptable level of safety to address the unsafe condition.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 75590, December 21, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 75590, December 21, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 726 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
             Action                  Labor cost              Parts cost               product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insertion into the POH and the   4.5 work-hours x   Not applicable..............         $382.50        $277,695
 maintenance manuals, and         $85 per hour =
 inspection of aft fuselage.      $382.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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,

[[Page 37450]]

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

    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):

2013-11-10 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-17470 ; Docket No. 
FAA-2012-1330; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-006-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 26, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to the following Cessna Aircraft Company 
(previously COLUMBIA or LANCAIR) Models LC40-550FG, LC41-550FG, and 
LC42-550FG airplanes that are certificated in any category:
    (i) LC40-550FG (Model 300), serial numbers 40001 through 40079;
    (ii) LC41-550FG (Model 400), serial numbers 41001 through 41108, 
41501 through 41533, 41563 through 41800, and 411001 through 411161; 
and
    (iii) LC42-550FG (Model 350), serial numbers 42001 through 
42084, 42501 through 42569, and 421001 through 421020.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 5300, Fuselage Structure (General).

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that during maximum braking, if 
the brakes lock up and a skid occurs, a severe oscillatory yawing 
motion or ``wheel walk'' may develop, which could result in 
significant structural damage to the airplane. We are proposing this 
AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after July 
26, 2013 (the effective date of this AD) or within the next 3 months 
after July 26, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), whichever 
occurs first, incorporate figure 1 of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD 
into the applicable Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)/FAA-approved 
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), Section 2, Limitations (Other 
Limitations). This may also be done by inserting a copy of this AD 
into the POH/AFM.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21JN13.000

    (2) Within the next 50 hours TIS after July 26, 2013 (the 
effective date of this AD) or within the next 3 months after July 
26, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first, 
insert a copy of this AD into the POH/AFM or incorporate figure 2 of 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD into the applicable POH/AFM at the end 
of each of the following sections:
    (i) Section 4, Normal Procedures (Amplified Procedures): 
Landings, Normal Landings; and
    (ii) Section 4, end of paragraph: Short Field Landings.

[[Page 37451]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21JN13.001

    (3) Within the next 50 hours TIS after July 26, 2013 (the 
effective date of this AD) or within the next 3 months after July 
26, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first, 
incorporate the following Cessna Aircraft Company maintenance manual 
revisions for the appropriate model airplane as specified in 
paragraphs (g)(3)(i) through (g)(3)(iii) of this AD into your 
maintenance program (maintenance manual).
    (i) For Model LC40-550FG (Model 300): Pages 1 through 5, Subject 
20-95-00, ``Tap Testing--Description and Operation''; pages 1 
through 2, Subject 20-95-02, ``Structural Inspections--Description 
and Operation''; and pages 501 through 503, Subject 53-70-00, 
``Fuselage Components--Adjustment/Test''; of Cessna Aircraft Company 
Maintenance Manual, Model LC40-550FG, 300MM02, Revision 2, dated 
July 1, 2012.
    (ii) For Model LC41-550FG (Model 400): Pages 1 through 5, 
Subject 20-90-00, ``Tap Testing--Description and Operation''; pages 
1 through 2, Subject 20-95-00, ``Structural Inspections--Description 
and Operation''; and pages 501 through 503, Subject 53-70-00, 
``Fuselage Components--Adjustment/Test''; of Cessna Aircraft Company 
Maintenance Manual, Model LC41-550FG/T240, 400MM02, Revision 2, 
dated July 1, 2012.
    (iii) For Model LC42-550FG (Model 350): Pages 1 through 5, 
Subject 20-95-00, ``Tap Testing--Description and Operation''; pages 
1 through 2, Subject 20-95-02, ``Structural Inspections--Description 
and Operation''; and pages 501 through 503, Subject 53-70-00, 
``Fuselage Components--Adjustment/Test''; of Cessna Aircraft Company 
Maintenance Manual, Model LC42-550FG, 350MM02, Revision 2, dated 
July 1, 2012.

    Note 1 for paragraph (g)(3) of this AD:  We recommend you 
replace your current maintenance manual in its entirety with the 
updated Cessna Aircraft Company Maintenance Manual applicable to 
your model airplane, 300MM02, 350MM02, or 400MM02, all Revision 2, 
all dated July 1, 2012.

    (4) The actions required by paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and 
(g)(3) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) 
holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered 
into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in 
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1)-(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). 
The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, 
or 135.439.
    (5) At the next annual inspection after July 26, 2013 (the 
effective date of this AD) or within the next 50 hours TIS after 
July 26, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs 
later, and before further flight if a severe oscillatory yawing 
motion as described in figure 1 of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD has 
occurred, inspect the aft fuselage following the aft fuselage 
inspection procedures for the appropriate model of airplane as 
specified in paragraphs (g)(5)(i) through (g)(5)(iii) of this AD.
    (i) For Model LC40-550FG (Model 300): Pages 1 through 5, Subject 
20-95-00, ``Tap Testing--Description and Operation''; pages 1 
through 2, Subject 20-95-02, ``Structural Inspections--Description 
and Operation''; and pages 501 through 503, Subject 53-70-00, 
``Fuselage Components--Adjustment/Test''; of Cessna Aircraft Company 
Maintenance Manual, Model LC40-550FG, 300MM02, Revision 2, dated 
July 1, 2012.
    (ii) For Model LC41-550FG (Model 400): Pages 1 through 5, 
Subject 20-90-00, ``Tap Testing--Description and Operation''; pages 
1 through 2, Subject 20-95-00, ``Structural Inspections--Description 
and Operation''; and pages 501 through 503, Subject 53-70-00, 
``Fuselage Components--Adjustment/Test''; of Cessna Aircraft Company 
Maintenance Manual Model LC41-550FG/T240, 400MM02, Revision 2, dated 
July 1, 2012.
    (iii) For Model LC42-550FG (Model 350): Pages 1 through 5, 
Subject 20-95-00, ``Tap Testing--Description and Operation''; pages 
1 through 2, Subject 20-95-02, ``Structural Inspections--Description 
and Operation''; and pages 501 through 503, Subject 53-70-00, 
``Fuselage Components--Adjustment/Test''; of Cessna Aircraft Company 
Maintenance Manual, Model LC42-550FG, 350MM02, Revision 2, dated 
July 1, 2012.
    (6) If any damaged or suspect areas are found during any aft 
fuselage inspection required by paragraph (g)(5) of this AD, before 
further flight, contact Cessna Customer Service by phone at (316) 
517-5800 or fax at (316) 517-7271 for an FAA-approved repair and 
perform the repair.

(h) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    Cessna Aircraft Company released the following POH/AFM Temporary 
Revisions via Cessna Service Bulletin SB 10-11-01, dated August 17, 
2010. Incorporation of the applicable document specified in 
paragraphs (h)(i) through (h)(iii) of this AD is considered 
compliance with the POH/AFM change requirements in paragraphs (g)(1) 
and (g)(2) of this AD. The applicable POH/AFM Temporary Revisions 
are:
    (i) Cessna Corvalis 300: RA050001-O TR03-06, dated August 13, 
2010;
    (ii) Cessna Corvalis 350: RB050005-I TR08-11 (Garmin G1000-
equipped) and RB050000-R TR02-05 (Avidyne Entegra-equipped), dated 
August 13, 2010; and
    (iii) Cessna Corvalis 400: RC050005-I TR10-13 (Garmin G1000-
equipped) and RC050002-G TR02-05 (Avidyne Entegra-equipped), dated 
August 13, 2010.

(i) 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Gary Park, 
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, KS 
67209; phone: (316) 946-4123;

[[Page 37452]]

fax: (316) 946-4107; email: [email protected].
    (2) Cessna Service Bulletin SB 10-11-01, dated August 17, 2010.

(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) Pages 1 through 5, Subject 20-95-00, ``Tap Testing--
Description and Operation''; of Cessna Aircraft Company Maintenance 
Manual, Model LC40-550FG, 300MM02, Revision 2, dated July 1, 2012.
    (ii) Pages 1 through 2, Subject 20-95-02, ``Structural 
Inspections--Description and Operation''; of Cessna Aircraft Company 
Maintenance Manual, Model LC40-550FG, 300MM02, Revision 2, dated 
July 1, 2012.
    (iii) Pages 501 through 503, Subject 53-70-00, ``Fuselage 
Components--Adjustment/Test''; of Cessna Aircraft Company 
Maintenance Manual, Model LC40-550FG, 300MM02, Revision 2, dated 
July 1, 2012.
    (iv) Pages 1 through 5, Subject 20-90-00, ``Tap Testing--
Description and Operation''; of Cessna Aircraft Company Maintenance 
Manual, Model LC41-550FG/T240, 400MM02, Revision 2, dated July 1, 
2012.
    (v) Pages 1 through 2, Subject 20-95-00, ``Structural 
Inspections--Description and Operation''; of Cessna Aircraft Company 
Maintenance Manual, Model LC41-550FG/T240, 400MM02, Revision 2, 
dated July 1, 2012.
    (vi) Pages 501 through 503, Subject 53-70-00, ``Fuselage 
Components--Adjustment/Test''; of Cessna Aircraft Company 
Maintenance Manual, Model LC41-550FG/T240, 400MM02, Revision 2, 
dated July 1, 2012.
    (vii) Pages 1 through 5, Subject 20-95-00, ``Tap Testing--
Description and Operation''; of Cessna Aircraft Company Maintenance 
Manual, Model LC42-550FG, 350MM02, Revision 2, dated July 1, 2012.
    (viii) Pages 1 through 2, Subject 20-95-02, ``Structural 
Inspections--Description and Operation''; of Cessna Aircraft Company 
Maintenance Manual, Model LC42-550FG, 350MM02, Revision 2, dated 
July 1, 2012.
    (ix) Pages 501 through 503, Subject 53-70-00, ``Fuselage 
Components--Adjustment/Test''; of Cessna Aircraft Company 
Maintenance Manual, Model LC42-550FG, 350MM02, Revision 2, dated 
July 1, 2012.
    (3) For Cessna Aircraft Company service information identified 
in this AD, contact Cessna Aircraft Company, Customer Service, P.O. 
Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; fax 
(316) 517-7271; Internet: www.cessnasupport.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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.
    (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 May 23, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-14689 Filed 6-20-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

The complete text was extracted from the official GovInfo HTML edition for this publication. Acquired 2026-10-09T02:54:42.106055+00:00. Text extraction preserves the recorded source wording; it does not determine current requirements.

Open the captured official edition

Source SHA-256

fe6cd4547b695447d964740324dfdb3b931db9ce060e3706501594918839a8fd

Text SHA-256

3b7389dae59b71db54e2a4ea79a76de83b1761a6bd5eaaff74427ea9bcbd8708