[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 186 (Monday, September 27, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59062-59065]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-23834]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0380; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-009-AD;
Amendment 39-16444; AD 2010-20-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Cessna Aircraft Company Model 750
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), which applies to all Model 750 airplanes. That AD currently
requires inspecting the inboard-hinge brackets of the left and right
elevators for cracking and doing related investigative and corrective
actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, this new AD requires
inspecting for cracks of the bracket of the inboard horizontal
stabilizer and measuring the lug thickness of the horizontal stabilizer
hinges; doing corrective actions if necessary; and modifying the left
and right elevators and left and right horizontal stabilizer. For all
airplanes, this new AD requires replacing the existing elevator
[[Page 59063]]
assemblies with new elevator assemblies, which terminates the
requirements of the existing AD. This new AD also revises the
applicability to remove certain airplanes. This AD results from a
report of cracking found on the elevator inboard-hinge brackets and the
horizontal stabilizer hinges. We are issuing this AD to prevent such
cracking of the elevator inboard-hinge brackets and the horizontal
stabilizer hinges, which could result in structural failure of the
elevators and consequent loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective November 1, 2010.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 1,
2010.
On November 22, 2006 (71 FR 65047, November 7, 2006), the Director
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a
certain other publication listed in the AD.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277; telephone
316-517-6215; fax 316-517-5802; e-mail [email protected];
Internet https://www.cessnasupport.com/newlogin.html.
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 (telephone 800-647-5527) is the 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: T.N. Baktha, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ACE-118W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office,
1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas
67209; telephone (316) 946-4155; fax (316) 946-4107.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that supersedes AD 2006-23-05, amendment
39-14817 (71 FR 65047, November 7, 2006). The existing AD applies to
all Model 750 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on April 8, 2010 (75 FR 17879). That NPRM proposed to continue
to require inspecting the inboard-hinge brackets of the left and right
elevators for cracking and doing related investigative and corrective
actions if necessary. For certain airplanes that NPRM proposed to
require an inspection for cracks and corrosion of the bracket of the
inboard horizontal stabilizer and measuring the lug thickness of the
horizontal stabilizer hinges; doing corrective actions if necessary;
and modifying the left and right elevators and left and right
horizontal stabilizer. For all airplanes, that NPRM proposed to require
replacing the existing elevator assemblies with new elevator
assemblies, which would terminate the requirements of the existing AD.
That NPRM also proposed to revise the applicability to remove certain
airplanes.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments that have been
received on the NPRM.
Request To Remove References to Corrosion
Cessna Aircraft Company requests that in the ``Differences Between
the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin'' section of the NPRM the
sentence, ``This proposed AD would also require an inspection for
corrosion and replacement of any corroded brackets,'' be removed.
Cessna states that corrosion of the brackets has not been an issue, and
current maintenance practices are sufficient. Cessna states that the
requirement to inspect the horizontal hinge brackets for corrosion will
complicate compliance for operators that have already complied with
previous revisions of Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27-62. Cessna
states that the addition of an inspection for corrosion of the
horizontal inboard hinge in paragraph (k)(1) of the NPRM is not
specified in Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27-62, Revision 3, dated
August 21, 2009.
We agree with Cessna's request. Since the NPRM was issued, we have
received sufficient technical information to support the request. We
have changed the AD to remove references to corrosion.
Request To Clarify Table 1 of the NPRM
Cessna states that it is unclear which requirements of paragraph
(k) of the NPRM are covered by previous revisions of Cessna Service
Bulletin SB750-27-62. Cessna requests that we amend Table 1 of the NPRM
to reference paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(3) of the NPRM.
We partially agree with Cessna's request. In lieu of revising Table
1 of this AD, we have changed paragraph (l) of this AD to show that
actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD, in
accordance with the service bulletins identified in Table 1 of this AD,
are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
requirements of paragraphs ``(k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(3) of this AD.''
Request To Clarify the Effect of Previous Compliance
JATEC requests that we explain how the NPRM affects airplanes that
have already complied with Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27-62,
Revision 3, dated August 21, 2009. JATEC asks if anything further is
required once Revision 3 has been incorporated.
As specified in paragraph (f) of this AD, you are responsible for
having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance
time specified, unless the actions have already been done. In addition,
as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD, once the actions required by
that paragraph are accomplished, the requirements of paragraphs (g)
through (j) of this AD are terminated; no further action is required.
No changes to this AD are necessary in this regard.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments that have been received, and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described
previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators
to comply with this AD.
[[Page 59064]]
Estimated Costs
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Number of
Average U.S.-
Action Work hours labor rate Parts Cost per airplane registered Fleet cost
per hour airplanes
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Inspection (required by AD 2006- 2................ $85 $0................. $170.................... 253 $43,010.
23-05).
Modification and Replacement (new Up to 200........ 85 The manufacturer Up to $17,000........... 253 Up to $4,301,000.
actions). states that it
will supply parts
to the operators
at no cost.
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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 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); 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
removing amendment 39-14817 (71 FR 65047, November 7, 2006) and by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2010-20-10 The Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-16444. Docket
No. FAA-2010-0380; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-009-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective November 1, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2006-23-05, Amendment 39-14817.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to The Cessna Aircraft Company Model 750
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Cessna
Service Bulletin SB750-27-62, Revision 3, dated August 21, 2009.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight
Controls.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from a report of cracking found on the
elevator inboard-hinge brackets and the horizontal stabilizer
hinges. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to
prevent cracking of the elevator inboard-hinge brackets and the
horizontal stabilizer hinges, which could result in structural
failure of the elevators and consequent loss of control of the
airplane.
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Restatement of Requirements of AD 2006-23-05, With No Changes
Inspection
(g) After the airplane accumulates 2,500 total flight hours:
Perform a general visual inspection for cracking of the inboard-
hinge brackets of the left and right elevators in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna Alert Service Letter
ASL750-27-21, dated October 13, 2006. Do the inspection before the
airplane accumulates 3,000 total flight hours, or within 10 flight
hours after November 22, 2006 (the effective date of AD 2006-23-05),
whichever is later.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual
inspection is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure,
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting,
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''
Related Investigative and Corrective Actions
(h) If any crack is found during the inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, perform an eddy
current inspection of the inboard-hinge brackets to determine the
crack length, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Cessna Alert Service Letter ASL750-27-21, dated October 13, 2006;
and do the actions specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this
AD, as applicable, at the time specified. All corrective actions
must be done using a method approved by the Manager, Wichita
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a replacement method
to be approved by the Manager, Wichita ACO, as required by this
paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to
this AD.
[[Page 59065]]
(1) If the crack is 0.30 inch or more: Replace the bracket
before further flight.
(2) If the crack is less than 0.30 inch: Continued flight for a
maximum of 10 flight hours for repositioning of the airplane and
replacement of the bracket is allowed, within the restricted flight
envelope included in the attachment to Cessna Alert Service Letter
ASL750-27-21, dated October 13, 2006, titled ``Flight
Restrictions.''
Special Flight Permits
(i) Special flight permits, as described in Section 39.23 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.23), are allowed with the
limitations required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
No Reporting or Return of Parts to Manufacturer
(j) Cessna Alert Service Letter ASL750-27-21, dated October 13,
2006, specifies submitting a sheet related to inspection results to
the manufacturer; this AD does not include that requirement. The
service letter also specifies sending the elevator assembly to the
manufacturer for replacement of the inboard-hinge bracket if a crack
is found that is 0.30 inch or more; however, this AD requires
corrective actions be done using a method approved by us.
New Requirements of This AD
(k) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do the
applicable actions required by paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), (k)(3),
and (k)(4) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27-62, Revision 3,
dated August 21, 2009. Accomplishing the actions required by
paragraph (k) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraphs
(g) through (j) of this AD.
(1) For all airplanes except those having S/Ns 288 through 305
inclusive: Do an eddy current inspection for cracks of the bracket
of the inboard horizontal stabilizer. Before further flight, replace
any cracked bracket of the inboard horizontal stabilizer with a
serviceable bracket.
(2) For all airplanes except those having S/Ns 288 through 305
inclusive: Measure the lug thickness of the horizontal stabilizer
hinges. If the lug thickness is not within the acceptable tolerance
range, as identified in Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27-62,
Revision 3, dated August 21, 2009, before further flight, replace
the bearing plate with a serviceable bearing plate.
(3) For all airplanes except those having S/Ns 288 through 305
inclusive: Modify the left and right horizontal stabilizer; and add
the modification part number of the horizontal stabilizer to the
modification section of the MS27253-1 identification plate.
(4) For all airplanes: Replace the existing elevator assemblies
with new elevator assemblies having part numbers 6734000-17 (for the
left side) and 6734000-18 (for the right side).
Credit for Actions Done Using the Previous Service Information
(l) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the service bulletins identified in Table 1 of this
AD are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
requirements of paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(3) of this AD.
Table 1--Credit for Previous Service Bulletins
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Revision
Service Bulletin level Date
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Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27- (1) October 13, 2008.
62.
Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27- 1 October 22, 2008.
62.
Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27- 2 December 17, 2008.
62.
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\1\ Original.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(m)(1) The Manager, Wichita ACO, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: T.N. Baktha, Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-118W, FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport
Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209;
telephone (316) 946-4155; fax (316) 946-4107.
(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(n) You must use Cessna Alert Service Letter ASL750-27-21,
excluding the attachment titled ``Inspection Results Form'' and
including the attachment titled ``Flight Restrictions,'' dated
October 13, 2006; and Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27-62, Revision
3, dated August 21, 2009, including Service Bulletin Supplemental
Data, Revision D, dated September 18, 2009; as applicable; to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27-62,
Revision 3, dated August 21, 2009, including Service Bulletin
Supplemental Data, Revision D, dated September 18, 2009, under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the
incorporation by reference of Cessna Alert Service Letter ASL750-27-
21, excluding the attachment titled ``Inspection Results Form'' and
including the attachment titled ``Flight Restrictions,'' dated
October 13, 2006, on November 22, 2006 (71 FR 65047, November 7,
2006).
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277; telephone
316-517-6215; fax 316-517-5802; e-mail
[email protected]; Internet https://www.cessnasupport.com/newlogin.html.
(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(5) You may also review copies of the 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 15, 2010.
Robert D. Breneman,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-23834 Filed 9-24-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P