[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 153 (Thursday, August 7, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45902-45905]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-18231]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27268; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-025-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing) Models 
LC40-550FG, LC41-550FG, and LC42-550FG Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to revise Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-07-

[[Page 45903]]

06, which applies to certain Cessna Aircraft Company (type certificate 
previously held by Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing) (Cessna) Models 
LC40-550FG, LC41-550FG, and LC42-550FG airplanes. AD 2007-07-06 
currently requires the following: adding information to the limitations 
section of the airplane flight manual (AFM); repetitively inspecting 
the aileron and the elevator linear bearings and control rods for 
foreign object debris, scarring, or damage; and taking all necessary 
corrective actions. Since we issued AD 2007-07-06, Cessna has issued a 
new service bulletin that contains procedures for installing an access 
panel to facilitate the required inspections. Consequently, this 
proposed AD would retain the actions currently required in AD 2007-07-
06; allow installing access panels; and change the serial number 
applicability. We are proposing this AD to prevent jamming in the 
aileron and elevator control systems, which could result in failure. 
This failure could lead to loss of control.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 6, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 
proposed AD:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, 
Kansas 67227; phone (316) 517-5800; fax: (316) 942-9006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Morfitt, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057; telephone: (425) 917-6405; fax: (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, ``FAA-
2007-27268; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-025-AD'' at the beginning of 
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may 
amend the proposed AD in light 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 concerning this proposed AD.

Discussion

    Reports of foreign material lodged in a linear bearing (part number 
LA57272500), which supports a push-pull tube in the aileron control 
system, on a Model LC41-550FG airplane caused us to issue AD 2007-07-
06, Amendment 39-15011 (72 FR 15822, April 3, 2007). AD 2007-07-06 
currently requires the following on certain Cessna Models LC40-550FG, 
LC41-550FG, and LC42-550FG airplanes:
    <bullet> Adding information to the limitations section of the 
airplane flight manual (AFM);
    <bullet> Repetitively inspecting the aileron and the elevator 
linear bearings and control rods for foreign object debris, scarring, 
or damage; and
    <bullet> Taking all necessary corrective actions.
    Since issuing AD 2007-07-06, Cessna has issued a new service 
bulletin that contains procedures for installing a linear bearing 
access panel to facilitate doing the inspections required in AD 2007-
07-06. The inspections required in AD 2007-07-06 are to be done by 
drilling a 3/4-inch diameter hole in the flap cove.
    Cessna has also changed the serial number applicability of the 
airplanes affected by AD 2007-07-06. Production methods have changed to 
eliminate the possibility of bearing contamination from adhesive during 
the assembly process. The bearing design has been changed to reduce the 
possibility of jamming, and access panels in the lower wing are now 
being installed during production.
    The airplane maintenance manual has also been changed to 
incorporate an annual inspection requirement of the aileron linear 
bearings into the maintenance program for new production airplanes.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in jamming of the 
aileron and elevator control systems, which could result in loss of 
control.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Cessna Mandatory Service Bulletins SB-07-002D and 
SB-07-018, both dated May 29, 2008.
    These service bulletins describe procedures for:
    <bullet> Adding information to the ``Before Starting Engine'' 
checklist;
    <bullet> Inspecting the aileron and the elevator linear bearings 
and control rods for foreign object debris, scarring, or damage; and
    <bullet> Installing a linear bearing access panel.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and 
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD 
would revise AD 2007-07-06 with a new AD that would retain the actions 
currently required in AD 2007-07-06; allow installing access panels; 
and change the serial number applicability. This proposed AD would 
require you to use the service information described previously to 
perform these actions.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 1,495 airplanes in the U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to do the proposed inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Total cost
                   Labor cost                                 Parts cost               Total cost      on U.S.
                                                                                      per airplane    operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $80 per hour = $320..............  Not applicable....................         $320      $478,400
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do the optional access panel 
installation:

[[Page 45904]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Total cost
             Labor cost                    Parts cost            per
                                                               airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 work-hours x $80 per hour =       Not applicable........       $1,120
 $1,120.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Warranty credit for installing the access panel will be given to 
the extent noted in Cessna Mandatory Service Bulletins SB-07-018, dated 
May 29, 2008.

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 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 that the 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); 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposed AD, the 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information 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 Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) 
is located at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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 removing Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 2007-07-06, Amendment 39-15011 (72 FR 15822, April 3, 2007), and 
adding the following new AD:

Cessna Aircraft Company (type certificate previously held by 
Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing): Docket No. FAA-2007-27268; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-025-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by October 6, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD revises AD 2007-07-06, Amendment 39-15011.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the following airplane models and serial 
numbers that are certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LC40-550FG........................  40001 through 40079.
LC41-550FG........................  41001 through 41800 and 411001
                                     through 411041.
LC42-550FG........................  42001 through 42569 and 421001
                                     through 421006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD is the result of reports of possible foreign object 
contamination of the linear bearings. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent jamming in the aileron and elevator control systems, which 
could result in failure. This failure could lead to loss of control.

Compliance

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless 
already done:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Insert Appendix A of      Before further        The owner/operator
 Columbia Mandatory Service    flight after April    holding at least a
 Bulletin SB-07-002, dated     9, 2007 (the          private pilot
 March 14, 2007, or Appendix   compliance date       certificate as
 A of Cessna Mandatory         retained from AD      authorized by
 Service Bulletin SB-07-       2007-07-06).          section 43.7 of the
 002D, dated May 29, 2008,                           Federal Aviation
 into the limitations                                Regulations (14 CFR
 section of the airplane                             43.7) may do the
 flight manual (AFM).                                AFM insertion
                                                     requirement of this
                                                     AD. Make an entry
                                                     into the aircraft
                                                     logbook showing
                                                     compliance with
                                                     this portion of the
                                                     AD in accordance
                                                     with section 43.9
                                                     of the Federal
                                                     Aviation
                                                     Regulations (14 CFR
                                                     43.9).

[[Page 45905]]

 
(2) Access and inspect the    Initially inspect     Following Columbia
 aileron bearings in both      within the next 35    Mandatory Service
 wings and the elevator        hours time-in-        Bulletin SB-07-002,
 bearings in the fuselage      service (TIS) after   dated March 14,
 for foreign object debris.    April 9, 2007 (the    2007, or Cessna
                               compliance date       Mandatory Service
                               retained from AD      Bulletin SB-07-
                               2007-07-06).          002D, dated May 29,
                               Repetitively          2008, and FAA-
                               inspect thereafter    approved
                               at intervals not to   maintenance
                               exceed 12 calendar    procedures. The
                               months.               appropriate
                                                     maintenance manual
                                                     contains these
                                                     procedures.
(3) Remove any debris found   Before further        Following Columbia
 during any inspection         flight after the      Mandatory Service
 required in paragraph         inspection in which   Bulletin SB-07-002,
 (e)(2) of this AD.            the debris is found.  dated March 14,
                                                     2007, or Cessna
                                                     Mandatory Service
                                                     Bulletin SB-07-
                                                     002D, dated May 29,
                                                     2008, and FAA-
                                                     approved
                                                     maintenance
                                                     procedures. The
                                                     appropriate
                                                     maintenance manual
                                                     contains these
                                                     procedures.
(4) Inspect the aileron and   Initially inspect     Following Columbia
 elevator control rods for     within the next 35    Mandatory Service
 scarring or damage near the   hours TIS after       Bulletin SB-07-002,
 linear bearings.              April 9, 2007 (the    dated March 14,
                               compliance date       2007, or Cessna
                               retained from AD      Mandatory Service
                               2007-07-06).          Bulletin SB-07-
                               Repetitively          002D, dated May 29,
                               inspect thereafter    2008, and FAA-
                               at intervals not to   approved
                               exceed 12 calendar    maintenance
                               months.               procedures. The
                                                     appropriate
                                                     maintenance manual
                                                     contains these
                                                     procedures.
(5) Contact the manufacturer  Make all repairs      Following Columbia
 at the address specified in   before further        Mandatory Service
 paragraph (h)(2) of this AD   flight after the      Bulletin SB-07-002,
 for a repair scheme if any    inspection in which   dated March 14,
 scarring or damage is found   scarring or damage    2007, or Cessna
 during any inspection         is found.             Mandatory Service
 required in paragraph                               Bulletin SB-07-
 (e)(4) of this AD.                                  002D, dated May 29,
                                                     2008, and FAA-
                                                     approved
                                                     maintenance
                                                     procedures. The
                                                     appropriate
                                                     maintenance manual
                                                     contains these
                                                     procedures.
(6) For the inspections       At any time after     Following Cessna
 required in paragraphs        the effective date    Mandatory Service
 (e)(2) and (e)(4) of this     of this AD.           Bulletin SB-07-018,
 AD, you may install a                               dated May 29, 2008.
 linear bearing access panel
 instead of drilling an
 inspection hole. If the
 hole has previously been
 drilled, the access panel
 may also be installed in
 addition to the inspection
 hole.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: Previous compliance with paragraphs (e)(1) through 
(e)(5) of this AD using Columbia Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-07-
002A, dated August 29, 2007; Cessna Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-
07-002B, dated December 10, 2007; or Cessna Mandatory Service 
Bulletin SB-07-002C, dated February 18, 2008, are acceptable methods 
of compliance.


    Note 2: Compliance with Cessna Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-07-
018, dated May 29, 2008, is not considered terminating action for 
this AD. This AD takes precedence over Cessna Mandatory Service 
Bulletin SB-07-018, dated May 29, 2008.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (f) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, ATTN: Jeff Morfitt, Aerospace Engineer, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, WA 98057; telephone: (425) 917-6405; fax: (425) 917-6590, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC 
on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office 
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (g) AMOCs approved for AD 2007-07-06 are approved for this AD.

Related Information

    (h) To get copies of the service information referenced in this 
AD, contact Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, 
Wichita, Kansas 67227; phone (316) 517-5800; fax: (316) 942-9006. To 
view the AD docket, go to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, or on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 1, 2008.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-18231 Filed 8-6-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P