[Federal Register: December 4, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 233)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 67789-67792]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04de03-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-CE-28-AD; Amendment 39-13382; AD 2003-24-13]
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 adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T,
206H, and T206H airplanes that are equipped with a Honeywell KAP 140
autopilot computer system installed on the center instrument control
panel near the throttle. This AD requires you to install an update to
the operating software of the KAP 140 autopilot computer system, change
the unit's part number, and change the software modification
identification tag. This AD is the result of reports of inadvertent and
undetected engagement of the autopilot system. We are issuing this AD
to prevent unintentionally engaging the KAP 140 autopilot computer
system, which could cause the pilot to take inappropriate actions.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on January 20, 2004.
As of January 20, 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. 2003-CE-28-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? We have received 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.
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 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 does 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 does 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 the Cessna airplanes.
Honeywell has updated the operating software for the KAP 140
autopilot computer system, which will now only allow the AP button on
the instrument
[[Page 67790]]
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.
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
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
July 29, 2003 (68 FR 44497). The NPRM proposed to require you to:
--Install an update to the autopilot computer system operating
software;
--Change the unit part number;
--Place an M tag on the unit serial number tag; and
--Change the unit's software modification tag.
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? Three commenters state that they
do not think AD action is necessary to address the proposed unsafe
condition; however, one commenter agrees with the change to the KC 140
autopilot computer system operating software.
The other commenters state that appropriate pilot recognition and
response could easily resolve the problem. One commenter states that an
attentive pilot would know if the autopilot has been unintentionally
engaged. The commenter gives examples of circumstances that should
alert the pilot that the autopilot has been engaged:
--There is significant resistance in the controls;
--The mode of operation (i.e., ROL, HDG, etc.) is immediately displayed
on the face of the autopilot; and
--The pitch trim wheel never moves on its own; therefore, if the
autopilot is engaged and the pilot is trying to make a change in pitch
manually, the autopilot will resist this change and the pitch trim
wheel will move.
The commenter states that because there are multiple indications
that the KAP 140 autopilot is engaged, the proposed AD is not
necessary.
We infer that the commenters want us to withdraw the NPRM.
What is FAA's response to the concern? We do not agree with that we
should withdraw the NPRM. We agree that the autopilot computer system
operating software should be updated. The changes to the KC 140
autopilot computer system operating software required by this AD 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 do not agree that we could
resolve the problem through appropriate pilot recognition and response.
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 the
changes discussed above and minor editorial corrections. We have
determined that these changes and minor corrections:
--Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for
correcting the unsafe condition; and
--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:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
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7 workhours x $65 per hour = Not applicable.. $455 7 workhours x $65 per hour = $455
$455.
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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.
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.
[[Page 67791]]
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. 2003-CE-28-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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:
2003-24-13 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-13382; Docket No.
2003-CE-28-AD.
When Does This AD Become Effective?
(a) This AD becomes effective on January 20, 2004.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) None.
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) 065-00176-2602, P/N 065-00176-5402, or P/N 065-00176-
7702; and
(2) certificated in any category;
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Model Serial Nos.
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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 18281064,
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,
T20608269 through T20608379,
T20608381, T20608382, and
T20608385.
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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:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Install and update the Within the next 100 Follow Honeywell
KC 140 autopilot computer hours time-in- Service Bulletin
system operating software. service (TIS) after No: KC 140-M1,
January 20, 2004 dated August 2002,
(the effective date as specified in
of this AD), unless Cessna Service
already done. Bulletin SB02-22-
01, dated November
25, 2002.
(2) Do the following: (i) Prior to further Follow Honeywell
Change the unit part number flight after Service Bulletin
by attaching flavor installing the No: KC 140-M1,
sticker, part number (P/N) update to the KC dated August 2002,
057-02203-0003, on the 140 autopilot as specified in
unit's serial tag;. computer system Cessna Service
operating software, Bulletin SB02-22-
unless already done. 01, dated November
25, 2002.
(ii) Attach an M decal, P/N
057-02984-0501, 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) Only install KC 140 As of January 20, Not applicable.
autopilot computer systems, 2004 (the effective
P/Ns 065-00176-2602, 065- date of this AD.
00176-5402, and 065-00176-
7702, that have been
modified as specified in
paragraphs (d)(1) and
(d)(2) of this AD).
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(f) You may request a revised flight manual supplement from
Cessna or Honeywell 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 39.13. Send your request to the Manager, Wichita Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Dan Withers,
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801
Airport Road, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4196;
facsimile: (316) 946-4107.
Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?
(h) You must do the actions required by this AD per Honeywell
Service Bulletin No: KC 140-M1, dated August 2002, as specified in
Cessna Service Bulletin SB02-22-01, dated November 25, 2002. 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
[[Page 67792]]
copies at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 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.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 25, 2003.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-30075 Filed 12-3-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P