Document ID: FAA-2012-0880-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Cessna Airplane Company Airplanes
Posted Date: 2012-08-22T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 163 (Wednesday, August 22, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50644-50646]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20694]

 ========================================================================
 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. 77, No. 163 / Wednesday, August 22, 2012 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 50644]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0880; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-004-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Airplane Company Airplanes

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 
certain Cessna Airplane Company Model 525 airplanes equipped with 
certain part number (P/N) air conditioning (A/C) compressor motors. 
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of smoke and/or fire in the 
tailcone caused by brushes wearing beyond their limits on the A/C 
motor. This proposed AD would require inspection of the number of hours 
on the A/C compressor hour meter, inspection of the logbook, and 
replacement of the brushes on certain P/N A/C compressor motors or 
deactivation of the A/C system until replacement of the brushes. This 
proposed AD also requires reporting of aircraft information related to 
the replacement of the brushes. We are proposing this AD to correct the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 9, 2012.

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.

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: Christine Abraham, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 
100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: (316) 946-4165; fax: (316) 946-4107; 
email: WICHITA-COS@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-2012-0880; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-004-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

    We received more than 10 reports of smoke/fire (3 reports of fire) 
in the tailcone on Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) 525, 550, and 560 
airplanes, where investigation revealed brushes had worn beyond their 
limits on the part number (P/N) 1134104-1 A/C compressor motors. When 
the brush wears down, the rivet in the brush contacts the commutator, 
causing sparks (potential ignition source) and excessive heat build-up 
within the motor assembly. The A/C motor is located in the tailcone 
where flammable fluids are present (fuel lines and some hydraulics) on 
the Cessna airplanes. There is no fire detection or fire extinguishing 
equipment in the tailcone.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fire in the 
tailcone with no means to detect or extinguish it.

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 repetitive inspection of the 
compressor hour meter on Cessna Model 525 airplanes that have P/N 
1134104-1 or 1134104-5 A/C compressor motor installed; an aircraft 
logbook check for an entry for replacing the brushes, compressor motor, 
or compressor condenser module assembly (pallet); and replacement of 
the brushes on the A/C motor or deactivation of the A/C system with 
installation of a placard prohibiting use of the A/C system until 
replacement of the brushes. This proposed AD would also require, when 
the brushes are replaced, reporting of aircraft information related to 
the replacement of the brushes. The FAA is analyzing this unsafe 
condition on airplanes certificated under 14 CFR part 25 and may take 
AD action on those airplanes.
    The reporting data required by this proposed AD will enable us to 
obtain better insight into brush wear. The reporting data will also 
indicate if the replacement intervals we established are adequate. 
After we analyze the reporting data received, we may take future 
rulemaking action.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 408 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 50645]]

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost             Parts cost             product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect and replace brushes on     11 work-hours x $85  $252....................          $1,187        $484,296
 the A/C motor.                     per hour = $935.
Return shipment of brushes to the  $15 per return with  Not applicable..........              30          12,240
 manufacturer.                      two required
                                    returns.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-2012-0880; Directorate 
Identifier 2012-CE-004-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 9, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Cessna Aircraft Company Model 525 airplanes, 
serial number (S/N) 525-0001 through 525-0558, and 525-0600 through 
525-0701, that
    (1) are equipped with part number (P/N) 1134104-1 or 1134104-5 
air conditioning (A/C) compressor motor; and
    (2) are certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 21, Air Conditioning.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of smoke and/or fire in the 
tailcone caused by brushes wearing beyond their limits on the A/C 
motor. We are issuing this AD to require replacement of the brushes 
on certain P/N A/C compressor motors or deactivation of the A/C 
system until replacement of the brushes. This AD also requires 
reporting of aircraft information related to the replacement of the 
brushes.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspections

    Within the next 30 days after the effective date of this AD or 
within the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do the following:
    (1) Inspect the number of hours on the A/C compressor hour 
meter; and
    (2) Check the aircraft logbook for any entry for replacing the 
A/C compressor motor brushes with new brushes or replacing the 
compressor motor or compressor condenser module assembly (pallet) 
with a motor or assembly that has new brushes.
    (i) If the logbook contains an entry for replacement of parts as 
specified in the paragraph above, determine the number of hours on 
the A/C compressor motor brushes by comparing the number of hours on 
the compressor motor since replacement and use this number in 
paragraph (h) of this AD; or
    (ii) If through the logbook check you cannot positively 
determine the number of hours on the A/C compressor motor brushes as 
specified in the paragraph above, you must use the number of hours 
on the A/C compressor hour meter to comply with the requirements of 
this AD or presume the brushes have over 500 hours TIS and use this 
number in paragraph (h) of this AD.

(h) Replacement

    At the later of the times specified in paragraph (h)(1) and 
(h)(2) of this AD, using the hour reading on the A/C compressor hour 
meter determined in paragraph (g) of this AD, replace the A/C 
compressor motor brushes with new brushes. Thereafter, repeat the 
replacement of the A/C compressor motor brushes no later than every 
500 hours TIS on the A/C compressor motor. Do the replacement 
following Cessna Aircraft Company Model 525 Maintenance Manual, 
Revision 23, dated July 1, 2012.
    (1) Before or when the A/C compressor motor brushes reach a 
total of 500 hours TIS; or
    (2) Before further flight after the inspection required in 
paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) Deactivation

    (1) In lieu of replacing the A/C compressor motor brushes, 
before or when the A/C compressor motor brushes reach a total of 500 
hours TIS, you may deactivate the A/C. Pull the vapor cycle A/C 
circuit breaker, install a placard by the A/C selection switch 
prohibiting use of the vapor cycle air conditioner, and document 
deactivation of the system in the aircraft logbook referring to this 
AD as the reason for deactivation. While the system is deactivated, 
aircraft operators must remain aware of operating temperature 
limitations as detailed in the specific airplane flight manual.
    (2) If you choose to deactivate the system and then later choose 
to return the A/C to service: Before returning the A/C system to

[[Page 50646]]

service and removing the placard, you must apply the inspection and 
replacement requirements of the brushes as specified in paragraph 
(g) and (h) of this AD.

(j) Return of Replaced Parts and Reporting Requirement

    For the first two A/C compressor motor brush replacement cycles 
on each aircraft, within 30 days after the replacement or within 30 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
send the brushes that were removed to Cessna Aircraft Company, 
Cessna Service Parts and Programs, 7121 Southwest Boulevard, 
Wichita, KS 67215. Provide the following information with the 
brushes:
    (1) The Model and S/N of the airplane;
    (2) P/N of Motor;
    (3) P/N of the brushes, if known;
    (4) The elapsed amount of motor hours since the last brush/motor 
replacement, if known;
    (5) If motor hours are unknown, report the elapsed airplane 
flight hours since the last brush/motor replacement and indicate 
that motor hours are unknown; and
    (6) Number of motor hours currently displayed on the pallet hour 
meter.

(k) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits are permitted with the following 
limitation: Operation of the A/C system is prohibited.

(l) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 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 appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(n) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Christine Abraham, 
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, 
Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: (316) 946-4165; fax: (316) 946-4107; 
email: WICHITA-COS@FAA.GOV.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 16, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2012-20694 Filed 8-21-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P