Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 750 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 39 (Friday, February 27, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9938-9939]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-5197]



[[Page 9938]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-38-AD; Amendment 39-10364; AD 98-05-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 750 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Cessna Model 750 airplanes. This action 
requires repetitive lubrication of the aileron feel cartridge assembly 
shaft. This action also requires replacement of the roll feel and 
centering bungee assembly with an improved assembly, which constitutes 
terminating action for the repetitive lubrication. This amendment is 
prompted by reports of partial to full jamming of the aileron control 
circuit during flight of the airplane. The actions specified in this AD 
are intended to prevent the possibility of accumulation of ice on the 
aileron feel cartridge assembly shaft, which could result in jamming of 
the aileron control circuit, and consequent reduced controllability of 
the airplane.

DATES: Effective March 16, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 16, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before April 28, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-38-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277. This 
information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 
Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
Suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joel Ligon, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, 
Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 
946-4138; fax (316) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA recently received reports of four 
separate incidents of partial to full jamming of the aileron control 
circuit during flight of Cessna Model 750 airplanes. In each instance, 
control of the airplane was maintained by reversion to the backup 
manual control of the flight controls, yaw input, or by application of 
secondary roll control input. In the reported occurrences, the affected 
airplanes were exposed to precipitation on the ground prior to flight, 
or had encountered precipitation while in flight. Investigation 
revealed that water contamination and subsequent accretion of ice on 
the center aileron roll feel and centering assembly can prevent free 
movement of the bungee shaft, which may cause jamming of the aileron 
control circuit. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Cessna has issued Citation Alert Service Letter ASL750-12-02, dated 
September 29, 1997, which describes procedures for repetitive 
lubrication of the aileron feel cartridge assembly shaft.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved Cessna Citation Service Bulletin 
750-27-10, dated January 16, 1998, which includes Supplemental Data to 
Service Bulletin 750-27-10, dated January 16, 1998, which describes 
procedures for replacement of the roll feel and centering bungee 
assembly with an improved assembly that would prevent ice accumulation 
on the aileron feel cartridge assembly shaft. Accomplishment of this 
replacement eliminates the need for the repetitive lubrications of the 
aileron feel cartridge assembly shaft.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being 
issued to prevent the possibility of accumulation of ice on the aileron 
feel cartridge assembly shaft, which could result in jamming of the 
aileron control circuit, and consequent reduced controllability of the 
airplane. This AD requires accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the alert service letter and the service bulletin described previously, 
except as discussed below.

Differences Between the AD and the Relevant Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that, although the service bulletin 
recommends accomplishing the replacement within 90 days after the 
release of the service bulletin, the FAA has determined that an 
interval of 90 days would not address the identified unsafe condition 
in a timely manner. In developing an appropriate compliance time for 
this AD, the FAA considered not only the manufacturer's recommendation, 
but the degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe 
condition, the average utilization of the affected fleet, and the time 
necessary to perform the replacement. In light of all of these factors, 
the FAA finds 60 days to be an appropriate compliance time for 
initiating the required actions in that it represents the maximum 
interval of time allowable for affected airplanes to continue to 
operate without compromising safety.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public 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 that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to

[[Page 9939]]

modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before 
and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for 
examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-
public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in 
the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 98-NM-38-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it 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. 
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

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 the following new 
airworthiness directive:

98-05-02  Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-10364. Docket 98-NM-
38-AD.

    Applicability: Model 750 airplanes, serial numbers 0001 through 
0053 inclusive; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: 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 (d) 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 the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the possibility of the accumulation of ice on the 
aileron feel cartridge assembly shaft, which could result in jamming 
of the aileron control circuit, and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 10 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
this AD, lubricate the aileron feel cartridge assembly shaft in 
accordance with Cessna Citation Alert Service Letter ASL750-12-02, 
dated September 29, 1997. Thereafter, repeat the action at intervals 
not to exceed 30 days until the requirements of paragraph (b) are 
accomplished.
    (b) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, replace 
the roll feel centering bungee assembly with an improved bungee 
assembly in accordance with Cessna Citation Service Bulletin 750-27-
10, dated January 16, 1998, which includes Supplemental Data to 
Service Bulletin 750-27-10, dated January 16, 1998. Accomplishment 
of this replacement constitutes terminating action for the 
repetitive actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (c) Airplanes on which the replacement required by paragraph (b) 
of this AD is performed within the compliance time specified in 
paragraph (a) of this AD are not required to accomplish the action 
required by paragraph (a).
    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Wichita ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Wichita ACO.

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Cessna Citation 
Alert Service Letter ASL750-12-02, dated September 29, 1997; and 
Cessna Citation Service Bulletin 750-27-10, dated January 16, 1998, 
which includes Supplemental Data to Service Bulletin 750-27-10, 
dated January 16, 1998. This incorporation by reference was approved 
by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Cessna 
Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport 
Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 16, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 23, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-5197 Filed 2-26-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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