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[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 240 (Wednesday, December 15, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 78177-78179]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-31428]

========================================================================
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.

========================================================================


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).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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: 
richard.rejniak@faa.gov.

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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Actions                             Compliance                            Procedures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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: 
richard.rejniak@faa.gov.
    (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]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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