Document ID: FAA-2018-0049-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Textron Aviation Inc. Airplanes
Posted Date: 2018-02-01T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 22 (Thursday, February 1, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4605-4609]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01923]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 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. 83, No. 22 / Thursday, February 1, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 4605]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0049; Product Identifier 2017-CE-031-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Textron Aviation Inc. Models 172N, 172P, 172Q, 172RG, F172N, 
F172P, FR172K, R172K, 182E, 182F, 182G, 182H, 182J, 182K, 182L, 182M, 
182N, 182P, 182Q, 182R, T182, F182P, F182Q, F182RG, R182, TR182, 206, 
P206/TP206, U206/TU206, 207/T207, 210-5 (205), 210-5A (205A), 210B, 
210C, 210D, 210E, 210F, and T210F airplanes. This proposed AD was 
prompted by a report of cracks found in the lower area of the forward 
cabin doorpost bulkhead. This proposed AD would require repetitively 
inspecting the lower forward doorpost at the strut attach fitting for 
cracks and making all necessary repairs. We are proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 19, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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 NPRM, contact Textron 
Aviation Inc., Textron Aviation Customer Service, One Cessna Blvd., 
Wichita, Kansas 67215; telephone: (316) 517-5800; email: 
[email protected]; internet: www.txtav.com. You may review this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation 
Division, 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0049; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bobbie Kroetch, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita ACO Branch, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; 
telephone: (316) 946-4155; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: 
[email protected] or [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-2017-0049; 
Product Identifier 2017-CE-031-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.

Discussion

    We received a report from an operator of one of the affected 
Textron Aviation Inc. model airplanes that cracks were found in the 
lower area of the forward cabin doorpost bulkhead. Further 
investigation revealed more than four dozen similar cracks on Textron 
Aviation Inc. 100 and 200 airplanes. It has been determined that the 
cracks result from metal fatigue.
    This condition, if not detected and addressed, could result in 
failure of the wing strut attach point during operation, which could 
result in loss of control.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Cessna Single Engine Accomplishment Instructions SEB95-
19, dated December 29, 1995; and Cessna Single-Engine Accomplishment 
Instructions SEB93-5R1, Revision 1, dated September 8, 1995. As 
applicable, the service information describes procedures for 
repetitively inspecting the lower area of the forward cabin doorposts 
for cracks and repairing any cracks found by modifying the area with 
the applicable Cessna service kit. This service information is 
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it 
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in 
the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    We reviewed Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin SEB93-5, Revision 
1, dated September 8, 1995, and Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin 
SEB95-19, dated December 29, 1995. As applicable, these service 
bulletins provide the manufacturer's recommended compliance times for 
the initial and repetitive inspections.
    These service bulletins also specify a terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections when the applicable Cessna repair service kit is 
installed if cracks are found.

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

[[Page 4606]]

develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the lower 
area of the forward cabin doorposts for cracks and repairing any cracks 
found by modifying the area with the applicable Cessna service kit.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 14,653 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost              Parts cost          product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect the lower area of the      1.5 work-hours x $85 per  Not applicable.....         $127.50   $1,868,257.50
 forward cabin doorposts for        hour = $127.50.
 cracks.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that 
would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We 
have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this 
repair:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install Cessna Single-Engine Service Kit     24 work-hours x $85 per hour =                 $646          $2,686
 SK172-147.                                   $2,040.
Install Cessna Single-Engine Service Kit     24 work-hours x $85 per hour =                  920           2,960
 SK182-115.                                   $2,040.
Install Cessna Single-Engine Service Kit     24 work-hours x $85 per hour =                  500           2,540
 SK206-42C.                                   $2,040.
Install Cessna Single-Engine Service Kit     24 work-hours x $85 per hour =                  587           2,627
 SK207-19.                                    $2,040.
Install Cessna Single-Engine Service Kit     24 work-hours x $85 per hour =                  952           2,992
 SK210-156.                                   $2,040.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders, 
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and 
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation 
Division.

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

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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Textron Aviation Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2017-0049; Product Identifier 
2017-CE-031-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 19, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Textron Aviation Inc. (type 
certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company) model 
airplanes, that are certificated in any category:
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(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of cracks found in the lower 
area of the forward cabin doorpost bulkhead. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and address cracking of the wing strut attach point. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the 
wing in operation, which could result in loss of control.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspections

    At the following compliance times, visually inspect the lower 
forward doorpost at the strut attach fitting for cracks. Do the 
inspection following Cessna Single Engine Accomplishment 
Instructions SEB95-19, dated December 29, 1995, and Cessna Single-
Engine Accomplishment Instructions SEB93-5R1, dated September 8, 
1995, as applicable. During the inspection, pay special attention to 
the contour of the wing strut support fitting. If cracks are 
present, they should be visible at the intersection of the doorpost 
and the forward doorpost bulkhead.
    (1) As of the effective date of this AD, airplanes that have 
accumulated less than 4,000 hours time-in-service (TIS): Initially 
inspect upon reaching 4,000 hours TIS or within the next 200 hours 
TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, airplanes that have 
accumulated 4,000 hours TIS or more: Initially inspect within the 
next 200 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD or within the 
next 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
first.

(h) Repair Cracks

    If cracks are found during any inspection required in paragraph 
(g) or paragraph (i) of this AD, before further flight, install the 
applicable service kit as specified in Cessna Single Engine 
Accomplishment Instructions SEB95-19, dated December 29, 1995, and 
Cessna Single-Engine Accomplishment Instructions SEB93-5R1, dated 
September 8, 1995, as applicable.

(i) Repetitive Inspections

    (1) If no cracks are found during the initial inspection 
required in paragraph (g) of this AD, repetitively thereafter 
inspect every 12 months or 1,000 hours TIS, whichever occurs first, 
as long as no cracks are found. Do the inspections following the 
applicable service information specified in paragraph (g) of this 
AD.
    (2) If cracks were found during any inspection required in 
paragraph (g) or paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, repetitively 
thereafter inspect at intervals not to exceed 1,000 hours TIS after 
installing the applicable service kit. These repetitive inspections 
should be done following the applicable Accomplishment Instructions 
of the service information specified in paragraph (g) of this AD to 
the fullest extent while additionally looking for cracks extending 
beyond the added repair parts.

(j) Contacting the Manufacturer

    If cracks are found that extend beyond the service kit doublers 
that were installed as required in paragraph (h) of this AD during 
any inspection required in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, before 
further flight, contact the manufacturer at the address specified in 
paragraph (m)(2) of this AD for an FAA-approved repair scheme 
designed specifically for this AD and incorporate that repair.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) For the following Textron Aviation Inc. model airplanes, 
credit will be given for the initial inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD if done before the effective date of this 
AD following the Accomplishment Instructions in Cessna Single Engine 
Service Bulletin SEB93-5, dated March 26, 1993.
    (i) Model 210-5 (205) airplanes, serial numbers (S/N) 205-0551 
and 205-0556 through 205-0577.
    (ii) Model 206 airplanes, S/N 206-0094 and 206-0138 through 206-
0275.
    (iii) Model P206/TP206 airplanes, S/N P206-0001 through P206-
0603 and P20600604 through P20600647.
    (iv) Model U206/TU206 airplanes, S/N 676, U206-0276 through 
U206-1444, and U20601445 through U20607020.
    (v) Model 207/T207 airplanes, S/N 20700001 through 20700788.
    (2) For Textron Aviation Inc. Model U206/TU206 airplanes, S/N 
676, U206-0276 through U206-1444, and U20601445 through U20607020: 
Credit will be given for the repair required in paragraph (h) of 
this AD if done before the effective date of this AD following the 
Accomplishment Instructions in Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin 
SEB93-5, dated March 26, 1993.
    (3) For Textron Aviation Inc. Model 207/T207 airplanes, S/N 
20700001 through 20700788: No credit will be given for the repair 
required in paragraph (h) of this AD if done before the effective 
date of this AD following the Accomplishment Instructions in Cessna 
Single Engine Service Bulletin SEB93-5, dated March 26, 1993.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Wichita ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (m) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Bobbie Kroetch, 
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, 
Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4155; fax: (316) 946-
4107; email: [email protected] or [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Textron Aviation Inc., Textron Aviation Customer Service, One Cessna 
Blvd., Wichita, Kansas 67215; telephone: (316) 517-5800; email: 
[email protected]; internet: www.txtav.com. You may review this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation 
Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-
4148.

[[Page 4609]]

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 24, 2018.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-01923 Filed 1-31-18; 8:45 am]
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