[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 15 (Friday, January 23, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3455-3458]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-1297]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-CE-150-AD; Amendment 39-10287; AD 98-01-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R and 
182S Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-01-01, which was sent 
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain Cessna 
Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 172R and 182S airplanes. This AD 
requires fabricating and installing placards to prohibit operation in 
instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions and use of the alternate 
static air source; inspecting the alternate static air source valve to 
assure that the alternate static air source port is not restricted by 
the identification placard and to assure that the valve body does not 
separate from the valve flange; and reworking or replacing as 
necessary. The AD was the result of reports of improper installation of 
the identification placard on the alternate static air source. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent erroneous 
indications from the altimeter, airspeed, and vertical speed 
indicators, which could cause the pilot to react to incorrect flight 
information and possibly result in loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: Effective February 2, 1998, to all persons except those to whom 
it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 98-01-01, 
issued December 22, 1997, which contained the requirements of this 
amendment.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director

[[Page 3456]]

of the Federal Register as of February 2, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before March 16, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-CE-150-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th 
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from 
the Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, 
Kansas 67277. This information may also be examined at the Rules Docket 
at the address above, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Joel Ligon, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Mid-
Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4138; 
facsimile (316) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On December 22, 1997, the FAA issued priority letter AD 98-01-01, 
which applies to Cessna Models 172R and 182S airplanes. That AD 
resulted from reports of improper installation of the identification 
placard on the alternate static air source. This placard was installed 
on the valve body in a location that covers the external orifice, which 
is the inlet for static air reference into the valve.
    Cessna discovered the problem during a preflight static check on a 
Model 172R airplane. Further investigation and a purge of stock at the 
manufacturing facility revealed 21 valve assemblies having the 
identification placard installed over the static air reference orifice. 
Cessna has no way of verifying how many of these assemblies were 
manufactured and sent to the field with the identification placard 
installed over the static air reference orifice.
    Several of these assemblies have been identified and corrected on 
the above-referenced airplanes. The FAA has no way of determining which 
airplanes have the remaining problem alternate static air source 
assemblies installed without having all of the affected airplanes 
inspected.
    These assemblies are required for flight into instrument flight 
rules (IFR) conditions as defined in Sec. 91.411 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 91.411). Use of these assemblies is 
optional in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions.
    If these assemblies are not identified and reworked or replaced, 
selection of the alternate air source will cause the altimeter, 
airspeed, and vertical speed indicators to display erroneous 
indications. This could cause the pilot to react to incorrect flight 
information and possibly result in loss of control of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    Cessna has issued Service Bulletin No. SB97-34-02, Revision 1, 
dated December 22, 1997, which includes:

--Procedures for inspecting the alternate static air source valve to 
assure that the alternate static air source port is not restricted by 
the identification placard and to assure that the valve body does not 
separate from the valve flange;
--Procedures for reworking the alternate static air source valve if the 
port is restricted; and
--Reference to replacing the alternate static air valve assembly if the 
valve body separates from the valve flange in accordance with the 
maintenance manual.

    Cessna is providing warranty credit for both labor and parts for 
required inspections, reworks, and replacements.

The FAA's Determination and Explanation of the AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop in other Cessna Models 172R and 182S of the same type 
design, the FAA issued priority letter AD 98-01-01 to prevent erroneous 
indications from the altimeter, airspeed, and vertical speed 
indicators, which could cause the pilot to react to incorrect flight 
information and possibly result in loss of control of the airplane. The 
AD requires the following:

--Immediately fabricating placards that prohibit operation in IFR 
conditions and prohibit use of the alternate static air source, and 
installing these placards in the cockpit within the pilot's clear view;
--Eventually inspecting the alternate static air source valve to assure 
that the alternate static air source port is not restricted by the 
identification placard and to assure that the valve body does not 
separate from the valve flange;
--Reworking the alternate static air source assembly if the port is 
restricted; and
--Replacing the alternate static air source assembly if the valve body 
separates from the valve flange.

    Accomplishment of the inspection and rework is required in 
accordance with the previously referenced service information. 
Accomplishment of the replacement is required in accordance with the 
applicable maintenance manual.

Determination of the Effective Date of the AD

    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters 
issued on December 22, 1997, to all known U.S. operators of certain 
Cessna Models 172R and 182S airplanes. These conditions still exist, 
and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment 
to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to 
make it effective as to all persons.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting immediate flight safety and, thus, was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity to comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications 
received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, 
and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual 
information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is 
extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and 
determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket No. 97-CE-150-AD.'' The

[[Page 3457]]

postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may 
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to 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

    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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

98-01-01  Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-10287; Docket No. 
97-CE-150-AD.

    Applicability: The following airplane models and serial numbers, 
certificated in any category:
    Model 172R Airplanes: serial numbers 17280003 through 17280171, 
17280173 through 17280175, 17280177 through 17280179, 17280182 
through 17280184, 17280186, 17280189, 17280190, 17280192 through 
17280212, 17280214, 17280216 through 17280221, 17280223 through 
17280236, 17280239 through 17280251, 17280253 through 17280263, 
17280265, 17280268, 17280270 through 17280272, 17280283, 17280297, 
and 17280301; and
    Model 182S Airplanes: serial numbers 18280001, 18280002, 
18280004 through 18280045, 18280048 through 18280060, 18280062 
through 18280064, 18280067, and 18280070.
    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (h) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless 
already accomplished, except to those operators receiving this 
action by priority letter issued December 22, 1997, which made these 
actions effective immediately upon receipt.
    To prevent erroneous indications from the altimeter, airspeed, 
and vertical speed indicators, which could cause the pilot to react 
to incorrect flight information and possibly result in loss of 
control of the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Prior to further flight after the effective date of this AD, 
fabricate placards with the following words, using letters at least 
\1/8\-inch in height, and install these placards in the cockpit 
within the pilot's clear view:
    (1) ``IFR operation is prohibited.''
    (2) ``Use of the alternate static air source is prohibited.''
    (b) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD or within the next 4 calendar months after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect the 
alternate static air source valve to assure that the alternate 
static air source valve is not restricted by the identification 
placard and to assure that the valve body does not separate from the 
valve flange in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin No. SB97-34-
02, Revision 1, dated December 22, 1997.
    (1) If the alternate static air source valve is restricted, 
prior to further flight after the inspection required by paragraph 
(b) of this AD, rework the alternate static air source assembly in 
accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin No. SB97-34-02, Revision 1, 
dated December 22, 1997.
    (2) If the valve body separates from the valve flange, replace 
the alternate static air source assembly in accordance with the 
maintenance manual at one of the compliance times presented below 
(paragraph (b)(2)(i) or (b)(2)(ii) of this AD):
    (i) Prior to further flight to eliminate the operating 
limitations required by the placards in paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and 
(a)(2) of this AD; or
    (ii) Within the next 25 hours TIS after the inspection provided 
the operating limitations required by the placards in paragraphs 
(a), (a)(1), and (a)(2) of this AD are adhered to.
    (c) The placard requirements of paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and 
(a)(2) of this AD may be eliminated when the inspection, rework, and 
replacement requirements are accomplished as specified in paragraphs 
(b), (b)(1), and (b)(2) of this AD.
    (d) The inspection, rework, and replacement requirements 
specified in paragraphs (b), (b)(1), and (b)(2) of this AD may be 
accomplished at any time prior to ``within the next 100 hours TIS 
after the effective date of this AD or within the next 4 calendar 
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
first.''
    (e) Within 10 days after the inspection required by paragraph 
(b) of this AD, send the results of the inspection in writing to the 
FAA at the address specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. Include 
the serial number of the airplane and state whether the alternate 
static air source assembly needed to be reworked or replaced. 
(Reporting approved by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB 
No. 2120-0056).
    (f) Fabricating and installing the placards as required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator 
holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by 
section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and 
must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with 
this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
    (g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (h) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, 
Kansas 67209. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate 
FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to 
the Manager, Wichita ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Wichita ACO.

    (i) The inspection and rework required by this AD shall be done 
in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin No. SB97-34-02, Revision 
1, dated December 22, 1997. This incorporation by reference was 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from the 
Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, 
Kansas 67277. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, 
Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

[[Page 3458]]

    (j) This amendment (39-10287) becomes effective on February 2, 
1998, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made 
immediately effective by priority letter AD 98-01-01, issued 
December 22, 1997, which contained the requirements of this 
amendment.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 12, 1998.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-1297 Filed 1-22-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U