[Federal Register: April 14, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 71)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 19682-19685]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14ap05-3]
[[Page 19682]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20916; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-027-AD;
Amendment 39-14055; AD 2005-08-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 680 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Cessna Model 680 airplanes. This AD requires revising the
airplane flight manual (AFM) to add procedures to facilitate recovery
of the cockpit display units in the event that the cockpit display
units go blank, and to add flight crew briefings on the use of standby
instruments in case the cockpit display units go blank and do not
recover. This AD also requires repetitive tests of the avionics
standard communication bus (ASCB) for any failures, and corrective
action if any failure is found. This AD also requires installing
hardware and avionics software upgrades; installing the upgrades will
allow removal of AFM revisions and will end the repetitive inspections
of the ASCB. This AD is prompted by a report indicating that analysis
of the Honeywell Primus Epic systems installed on Cessna Model 680
airplanes revealed that all four of the cockpit display units could go
blank simultaneously. We are issuing this AD to prevent a simultaneous
loss of data from all four cockpit display units, and loss of primary
navigation instruments, autopilot, flight director, master caution/
warning lights, aural warnings, global positioning system position
information, and air data and altitude information to non-avionics
systems. These losses could reduce the flightcrew's situational
awareness, increase flightcrew workload, and consequently reduce the
ability to maintain safe flight of the airplane.
DATES: Effective April 29, 2005.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the AD are approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of April
29, 2005.
We must receive comments on this AD by June 13, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Cessna
Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401,
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket
number is FAA-2005-20916; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2005-NM-027-AD.
Examining the Dockets
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bryan Easterwood, Aerospace Engineer,
Electrical and Avionics Systems, ACE-119W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft
Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent
Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4132; fax (316)
946-4107.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received reports indicating that, on
airplanes equipped with the Honeywell Primus Epic system, all
information on all cockpit display units may be lost (blank screens) or
may become simultaneously invalid during flight. On Cessna Model 680
airplanes, this condition has been attributed to a failure of the
master network interface controller (NIC) in the Honeywell Primus Epic
system to synchronize with NICs that control the avionics system
communication bus (ASCB). Attempts by all of the NICs to re-synchronize
disables all ASCB data. The synchronization process can be delayed or
worsened by a failure of any ASCB. This condition, if not corrected,
could result in the simultaneous loss of data from all four cockpit
display units, and loss of primary navigation instruments, autopilot,
flight director, master caution/warning lights, aural warnings, global
positioning system position information, and air data and altitude
information to non-avionics systems. These losses could reduce the
flightcrew's situational awareness, increase flightcrew workload, and
consequently reduce the ability to maintain safe flight of the
airplane.
Other Relevant Rulemaking
We have determined that, since the Honeywell Primus Epic system is
also installed on Dassault Model Falcon 2000EX and 900EX series
airplanes, Gulfstream Model GV-SP series airplanes, and Empresa
Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ 170 series
airplanes, those airplanes are subject to an unsafe condition similar
to that addressed in this AD. In light of that determination, we issued
the ADs listed in the following table to address the unsafe condition
on those airplane models.
Related ADs
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Airplane AD citation
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Dassault Model Falcon 2000EX and 900EX AD 2005-04-15, amendment 39-
series airplanes. 13987 (70 FR 9853, March 1,
2005).
Gulfstream Model GV-SP series airplanes AD 2005-04-06, amendment 39-
13978 (70 FR 7847, February
16, 2005).
EMBRAER Model ERJ 170 series airplanes. AD 2004-26-12, amendment 39-
13924 (69 FR 78300, December
30, 2004).
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[[Page 19683]]
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Cessna Service Bulletin SB680-34-03, including
Attachment, Revision 1, dated March 18, 2005. The service bulletin
describes procedures for performing repetitive tests of the avionics
standard communication bus (ASCB) for any failures; accomplishing
corrective action if any failure is found during the ASCB test; and
installing hardware and avionics software upgrades. The corrective
action for ASCB test failures includes fixing any wiring problems,
replacing parts, and correcting computer configurations. The hardware
and avionics software upgrades include:
Installing a software upgrade of the Honeywell Primus Epic
system;
Replacing the horizontal stabilizer trim actuator with a
new, improved actuator;
Modifying certain wiring associated with the actuator; and
Replacing two printed circuit boards (PCBs) with new,
improved PCBs.
We have also reviewed Cessna Temporary Changes (TC) 68FM TC-R03-01;
68FM TC-R03-02; 68FM TC-R03-03; and 68FM TC-R03-04; all dated March 18,
2005; to the Cessna Model 680 Citation Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).
The TCs describe procedures to recover the cockpit display units in the
event that all four cockpit display units go blank during flight.
Additionally, these TCs advise the flight crew that, during the use of
Taxi, Before Takeoff, Approach, and Before Landing checklists, the
briefings (takeoff and approach) should include the possibility of the
loss of all cockpit display units and the subsequent transition to
standby instruments.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other airplanes of the same type design. Therefore, we are
issuing this AD to prevent the simultaneous loss of data from all four
cockpit display units, and loss of primary navigation instruments,
autopilot, flight director, master caution/warning lights, aural
warnings, global positioning system position information, and air data
and altitude information to non-avionics systems. These losses could
reduce the flightcrew's situational awareness, increase flightcrew
workload, and consequently reduce the ability to maintain safe flight
of the airplane. This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified
in the service bulletin described previously, except as discussed under
``Difference Between the AD and the Service Bulletin.'' This AD also
requires revising the AFM to include the information in the TCs
described previously.
Difference Between the AD and the Service Bulletin
Operators should note that, although the Accomplishment
Instructions of the referenced service bulletin describe procedures for
submitting a maintenance transaction report recording compliance with
the service bulletin, this AD does not require that action. The FAA
does not need this information from operators.
Clarification of Actions Beyond What Is Necessary To Prevent the Unsafe
Condition
The Cessna service bulletin was being developed for Honeywell Epic
Phase 2 certification before the unsafe condition was reported to the
FAA. The software upgrade that is necessary for preventing the unsafe
condition is included with software upgrades that were developed for
the Phase 2 certification. Hardware upgrades that were also developed
for the Phase 2 certification are included in the service bulletin.
While it is theoretically possible to separate the upgrades and then
issue a service bulletin that specifies only the software upgrades
necessary to prevent the unsafe conditions, it is impractical to do the
service bulletin revision before the effective date of this AD.
Therefore, we find it necessary to require accomplishment of all the
software upgrades and hardware upgrades specified in the service
bulletin.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make
this AD effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an
address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-20916;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-027-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light
of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket
Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you can visit
http://dms.dot.gov.
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, 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
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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation:
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
[[Page 19684]]
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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to
examine the regulatory evaluation.
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 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):
2005-08-03 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-14055. Docket No.
FAA-2005-20916; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-027-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective April 29, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Cessna Model 680 airplanes, certificated
in any category; with serial numbers -0001 through -0021 inclusive.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report indicating that analysis of
the Honeywell Primus Epic systems installed on Cessna Model 680
airplanes revealed that all four of the cockpit display units could
go blank simultaneously. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent a
simultaneous loss of data from all four cockpit display units, and
loss of primary navigation instruments, autopilot, flight director,
master caution/warning lights, aural warnings, global positioning
system (GPS) position information, and air data and altitude
information to non-avionics systems. These losses could reduce the
flightcrew's situational awareness, increase flightcrew workload,
and consequently reduce the ability to maintain safe flight of the
airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revisions
(f) Within 72 hours after the effective date of this AD, revise
the applicable sections of the Cessna Model 680 Citation Airplane
Flight Manual 68FM by inserting a copy of the procedures contained
in the temporary changes listed in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1.--Cessna Temporary Changes
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Cessna temporary changes Date
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68FM TC-R03-01......................... March 18, 2005.
68FM TC-R03-02......................... March 18, 2005.
68FM TC-R03-03......................... March 18, 2005.
68FM TC-R03-04......................... March 18, 2005.
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Initial and Repetitive Tests
(g) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, do a
test of the avionics system communication bus for any failure
indication in accordance with the Attachment of Cessna Service
Bulletin SB680-34-03, Revision 1, dated March 18, 2005. If any
failure indications are found during the test, do applicable
corrective actions before further flight in accordance with the
service bulletin. Repeat the test thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 30 days until the actions required by paragraph (h) of this
AD are done.
Terminating Actions
(h) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, do
hardware and avionics software upgrades in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna Service Bulletin SB680-34-03,
including Attachment, Revision 1, dated March 18, 2005. Doing the
requirements of this paragraph ends the requirements of paragraph
(g) of this AD, and the AFM revisions required by paragraph (f) of
this AD may be removed from the AFM.
No Reporting Required
(i) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
Previous Actions
(j) Hardware and avionics software upgrades done before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Cessna Service Bulletin SB680-34-03, dated February
2, 2005, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of
paragraph (h) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use the service information that is specified in
Table 2 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal
Register approves the incorporation by reference of these documents
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of
the service information, contact Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706,
Wichita, Kansas 67277. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh
Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC. To review
copies of the service information, go to 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
.
Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Cessna service information Revision level Date
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Cessna Service Bulletin SB680- 1.............. March 18, 2005
34-03, including Attachment.
Cessna Temporary Change 68FM TC- Original....... March 18, 2005.
R03-01.
Cessna Temporary Change 68FM TC- Original....... March 18, 2005.
R03-02.
Cessna Temporary Change 68FM TC- Original....... March 18, 2005.
R03-03.
Cessna Temporary Change 68FM TC- Original....... March 18, 2005.
R03-04.
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[[Page 19685]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 5, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-7379 Filed 4-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P