[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 240 (Wednesday, December 15, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 78177-78179]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-31428]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 240 / Wednesday, December 15, 2010 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 78177]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1243; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-058-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model
172 Airplanes Modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA01303WI
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD would require installing a full
authority digital engine control (FADEC) backup battery, replacing the
supplement pilot's operating handbook and FAA approved airplane flight
manual, and replacing the FADEC backup battery every 12 calendar
months. This proposed AD was prompted by an incident where an airplane
experienced an in-flight engine shutdown caused by a momentary loss of
electrical power to the FADEC. We are proposing this AD to prevent
interruption of electrical power to the FADEC, which could result in an
uncommanded engine shutdown. This failure could lead to a loss of
engine power.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 31,
2011.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Thielert Aircraft Engines Service GmbH, Platanenstra[szlig]e 14, D-
09350 Lichtenstein, Deutschland; telephone: +49 (37204) 696-1474; fax:
+49 (37204) 696-1910; Internet: http://www.thielert.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 proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Rejniak, Aerospace Engineer,
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1801 Airport Road,
Room 100; phone: (316) 946-4128; fax: (316) 946-4107; e-mail:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-1243;
Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-058-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
In 2007, a Diamond DA42 airplane experienced a dual in-flight
engine shutdown. Our review of the incident determined the root cause
was an unsafe design feature that allowed momentary interruption of
electrical power to both engine FADECs. The interruption caused the
FADECs to reset, shutting down both engines with a consequent loss of
engine power. Cessna Model 172 airplanes modified by STC No. SA01303WI
have a similar unsafe design feature that can allow the FADEC to shut
down or reset if the main battery is depleted and the electrical
charging system malfunctions.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in an uncommanded
engine shutdown. This failure could lead to a loss of engine power.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH Service Bulletins TM TAE
601-0007, Revision 8, dated October 14, 2010, and TM TAE 601-1001 P1,
Revision 8, dated October 14, 2010. The service information describes
procedures for installation of a FADEC backup battery.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 14 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
[[Page 78178]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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For airplanes with a 14-volt battery 24 work-hours x $85 per $820 $2,860 $14,300
system; installation of a 14-volt hour = $2,040.
FADEC backup battery.
For airplanes with a 28-volt battery 24 work-hours x $85 per 1,160 3,200 28,800
system; installation of a 28-volt hour = $2,040.
FADEC backup battery.
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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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
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),
(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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. FAA-2010-1243; Directorate
Identifier 2010-CE-058-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by January 31, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all serial numbers of the following
airplanes, certified in any category, that are modified by
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA01303WI, as identified in
Table 1 of this AD:
Table 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Engine Group
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(1) 172F, 172G, 172H, 172I, 172K, TAE 125-01 1
172L, 172M, F172F, F172G, F172H,
F172K, F172L, and F172M.
(2) 172F, 172G, 172H, 172I, 172K, TAE 125-02-99 2
172L, 172M, F172F, F172G, F172H,
F172K, F172L, and F172M.
(3) 172N, 172P, F172N, and F172P.. TAE 125-01 3
(4) 172N, 172P, F172N, and F172P.. TAE 125-02-99 4
(5) 172R and 172S................. TAE 125-01 5
(6) 172R and 172S................. TAE 125-02-99 6
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Subject
(d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport
Association (ATA) of America Code 72: Engine.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD was prompted by an incident where an airplane
experienced an in-flight engine shutdown caused by a momentary loss
of electrical power to the FADEC. We are issuing this AD to prevent
interruption of electrical power to the FADEC, which could result in
an uncommanded engine shutdown. This failure could lead to a loss of
engine power.
Compliance
(f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) For all airplanes: Modify the Within the next 100 hours time-in- (i) For groups 1, 3, and 5
engine electrical system by service after the effective date of airplanes: Follow Thielert Aircraft
installing a backup battery system this AD or within 30 days after the Engines GmbH Service Bulletin TM
and associated wiring and effective date of this AD, TAE 601[dash]0007, Revision 8,
circuitry. whichever occurs first. dated October 14, 2010.
[[Page 78179]]
.................................... (ii) For groups 2, 4, and 6
airplanes: Follow Thielert Aircraft
Engines GmbH Service Bulletin TM
TAE 601-1001 P1, Revision 8, dated
October 14, 2010.
(2) For all airplanes: Replace the Within 12 calendar months after (i) For groups 1, 3, and 5
FADEC backup battery. doing the modification required in airplanes: Follow page 8 of Chapter
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD and 20-AMM-24-01-US, Issue 2, Revision
repetitively thereafter within 12 No.: 2, dated October 8, 2010, of
calendar months after the previous Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH
replacement. Supplement Airplane Maintenance
Manual Cessna 172 & Reims F172 TAE
125-01, Doc. No.: AMM-20-01
(U.S.[dash]Version) Version: 2/4.
.................................... (ii) For groups 2, 4, and 6
airplanes: Follow page 7 of Chapter
20-AMM-24-02-US, Issue: 1, Rev. No:
1, dated October 8, 2010, of
Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH
Supplement Airplane Maintenance
Manual Cessna 172 & Reims F172
CENTURION 2.0 (TAE 125-02-99), Doc.
No.: AMM-20-02 (U.S.[dash]Version)
Version: 1/1.
(3) For groups 1 and 2 airplanes: Before further flight after doing Not applicable.
Incorporate Thielert Aircraft the modification required in
Engines GmbH Supplemental Airplane paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
Flight Manual or Pilot's Operating
Handbook and FAA Approved Airplane
Flight Manual Supplement (as
applicable), TAE-No.: 20-0310-
21042, Issue 2-1, dated October 4,
2010, into the pilot's operating
handbook.
(4) For groups 3 and 4 airplanes: Before further flight after doing Not applicable.
Incorporate Thielert Aircraft the modification required in
Engines GmbH Supplemental Airplane paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
Flight Manual or Pilot's Operating
Handbook and FAA Approved Airplane
Flight Manual Supplement (as
applicable), TAE-No.: 20-0310-
20042, Issue 2-1, dated October 4,
2010, into the pilot's operating
handbook.
(5) For groups 5 and 6 airplanes: Before further flight after doing Not applicable.
Incorporate Thielert Aircraft the modification required in
Engines GmbH Supplemental Pilot's paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
Operating Handbook and FAA Approved
Airplane Flight Manual Supplement,
TAE-No.: 20-0310-22042, Issue 2-1,
dated October 4, 2010, into the
pilot's operating handbook.
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Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g)(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 Principal
Maintenance Inspector or Principal Avionics Inspector, as
appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight
Standards District Office.
Related Information
(h) For more information about this AD, contact Richard Rejniak,
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100;
phone: (316) 946-4128; fax: (316) 946-4107; e-mail:
[email protected].
(i) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Thielert Aircraft Engines Service GmbH, Platanenstra[szlig]e 14, D-
09350 Lichtenstein, Deutschland; telephone: +49 (37204) 696-1474;
fax: +49 (37204) 696-1910; Internet: http://www.thielert.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.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 9, 2010.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-31428 Filed 12-14-10; 8:45 am]
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