Document ID: FAA-2010-0380-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Cessna Aircraft Company Model 750 Airplanes
Posted Date: 2010-04-08T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 67 (Thursday, April 8, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17879-17882]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-7943]

 ========================================================================
 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. 67 / Thursday, April 8, 2010 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 17879]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0380; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-009-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Cessna Aircraft Company Model 750 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) that applies to all Model 750 airplanes. The existing AD 
currently requires inspecting the inboard-hinge brackets of the left 
and right elevators for cracking and doing related investigative and 
corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, this proposed 
AD would require inspecting for cracks and corrosion of the bracket of 
the inboard horizontal stabilizer and measuring the lug thickness of 
the horizontal stabilizer hinges; doing corrective actions if 
necessary; modifying the left and right elevators and left and right 
horizontal stabilizer. For all airplanes, this proposed AD would 
require replacing the existing elevator assemblies with new elevator 
assemblies, which would terminate the requirements of the existing AD. 
This proposed AD would also revise the applicability to remove certain 
airplanes. This proposed AD results from a report of cracking and 
corrosion found on the elevator inboard-hinge brackets and the 
horizontal stabilizer hinges. We are issuing this AD to prevent such 
cracking and corrosion of the elevator inboard-hinge brackets and the 
horizontal stabilizer hinges, which could result in structural failure 
of the elevators and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 24, 2010.

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: 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 Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277; telephone 
316-517-6215; fax 316-517-5802; e-mail citationpubs@cessna.textron.com; 
Internet https://www.cessnasupport.com/newlogin.html. You may review 
copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-
227-1221.

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 (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: T.N. Baktha, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ACE-118W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 
1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 
67209; telephone (316) 946-4155; fax (316) 946-4107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0380; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-009-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

    On October 26, 2006, we issued AD 2006-23-05, Amendment 39-14817 
(71 FR 65047, November 7, 2006), for all The Cessna Aircraft Company 
Model 750 airplanes. That AD requires inspecting the inboard-hinge 
brackets of the left and right elevators for cracking, and doing 
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. That AD 
resulted from a report of cracking found on the elevator inboard-hinge 
brackets. We issued that AD to detect and correct cracking of the 
elevator inboard-hinge brackets, which could result in structural 
failure of the elevators and consequent loss of control of the 
airplane.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    The preamble to AD 2006-23-05 explains that we considered the 
requirements ``interim action'' and were considering further rulemaking 
if a final action is identified. We now have determined that further 
rulemaking is indeed necessary, and this proposed AD follows from that 
determination.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27-62, Revision 3, 
dated August 21, 2009, including Service Bulletin Supplemental Data, 
Revision D, dated September 18, 2009. That service bulletin describes 
procedures for the following:

[[Page 17880]]

     For certain airplanes, doing an eddy current inspection 
for cracks of the bracket of the inboard horizontal stabilizer; and 
corrective action, if necessary, which is replacing any cracked bracket 
of the inboard horizontal stabilizer with a serviceable bracket.
     For certain airplanes, measuring the lug thickness of the 
horizontal stabilizer hinges; and corrective action, if necessary, 
which is replacing the bearing plate with a serviceable bearing plate 
if the lug thickness is not within the acceptable tolerance range.
     For certain airplanes, modifying the left and right 
horizontal stabilizer, and adding the modification part number of the 
horizontal stabilizer to the modification section of the MS27253-1 
identification plate.
     For all airplanes, replacing the left and right elevator 
assemblies with new elevator assemblies.
    Accomplishment of the applicable actions specified in Cessna 
Service Bulletin SB750-27-62, Revision 3, dated August 21, 2009, 
eliminates the need for the actions required by AD 2006-23-05.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to develop on other airplanes of the 
same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, which 
would supersede AD 2006-23-05 and would retain the requirements of the 
existing AD. This proposed AD removes certain airplanes from the 
applicability of the existing AD. Cessna Model 750 airplanes with 
serial number 750-306 and subsequent are no longer subject to the 
requirements of this AD as Cessna has incorporated the applicable 
requirements in production. This proposed AD would also require 
accomplishing the actions specified in the ``Relevant Service 
Information'' described previously, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin.''

Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin

    Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27-62, Revision 3, dated August 21, 
2009, specifies to do eddy current inspection for cracks of the bracket 
of the inboard horizontal stabilizer and replace any cracked brackets. 
This proposed AD would also require an inspection for corrosion and 
replacement of any corroded brackets.

Change to Existing AD

    This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2006-23-05. 
Since AD 2006-23-05 was issued, the AD format has been revised, and 
certain paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding 
paragraph identifiers have changed in this proposed AD, as listed in 
the following table:

                      Revised Paragraph Identifiers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Corresponding requirement in this
    Requirement in AD 2006-23-05                 proposed AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             paragraph (d)                        paragraph (e)
             paragraph (e)                        paragraph (f)
             paragraph (f)                        paragraph (g)
             paragraph (g)                        paragraph (h)
             paragraph (h)                        paragraph (i)
             paragraph (i)                        paragraph (j)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this proposed AD.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                             Number of U.S.-
             Action                  Work hours       Average labor         Parts         Cost per airplane    registered             Fleet cost
                                                      rate per hour                                             airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (required by AD 2006- 2.................             $85  $0................  $170..............             253  $43,010.
 23-05).
Modification and Replacement     Up to 200.........              85  The manufacturer    Up to $17,000.....             253  Up to 4,301,000.
 (new proposed actions).                                              states that it
                                                                      will supply parts
                                                                      to the operators
                                                                      at no cost.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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. See the 
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

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:

[[Page 17881]]

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 Amendment 39-14817 (71 FR 
65047, November 7, 2006) and adding the following new AD:

The Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. FAA-2010-0380; Directorate 
Identifier 2009-NM-009-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by May 24, 
2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2006-23-05, Amendment 39-14817.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to The Cessna Aircraft Company Model 750 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Cessna 
Service Bulletin SB750-27-62, Revision 3, dated August 21, 2009.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from a report of cracking and corrosion 
found on the elevator inboard-hinge brackets and the horizontal 
stabilizer hinges. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing 
this AD to prevent cracking and corrosion of the elevator inboard-
hinge brackets and the horizontal stabilizer hinges, which could 
result in structural failure of the elevators and consequent loss of 
control of the airplane.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

RESTATEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS OF AD 2006-23-05, WITH NO CHANGES:

Inspection

    (g) After the airplane accumulates 2,500 total flight hours: 
Perform a general visual inspection for cracking of the inboard-
hinge brackets of the left and right elevators in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna Alert Service Letter 
ASL750-27-21, dated October 13, 2006. Do the inspection before the 
airplane accumulates 3,000 total flight hours, or within 10 flight 
hours after November 22, 2006 (the effective date of AD 2006-23-05), 
whichever is later.

    Note 1:  For the purposes of this AD, a general visual 
inspection is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

Related Investigative and Corrective Actions

    (h) If any crack is found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, perform an eddy 
current inspection of the inboard-hinge brackets to determine the 
crack length, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Cessna Alert Service Letter ASL750-27-21, dated October 13, 2006; 
and do the actions specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this 
AD, as applicable, at the time specified. All corrective actions 
must be done using a method approved by the Manager, Wichita 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a replacement method 
to be approved by the Manager, Wichita ACO, as required by this 
paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to 
this AD.
    (1) If the crack is 0.30 inch or more: Replace the bracket 
before further flight.
    (2) If the crack is less than 0.30 inch: Continued flight for a 
maximum of 10 flight hours for repositioning of the airplane and 
replacement of the bracket is allowed, within the restricted flight 
envelope included in the attachment to Cessna Alert Service Letter 
ASL750-27-21, dated October 13, 2006, titled ``Flight 
Restrictions.''

Special Flight Permits

    (i) Special flight permits, as described in Section 39.23 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.23), are allowed with the 
limitations required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.

No Reporting or Return of Parts to Manufacturer

    (j) Cessna Alert Service Letter ASL750-27-21, dated October 13, 
2006, specifies submitting a sheet related to inspection results to 
the manufacturer; this AD does not include that requirement. The 
service letter also specifies sending the elevator assembly to the 
manufacturer for replacement of the inboard-hinge bracket if a crack 
is found that is 0.30 inch or more; however, this AD requires 
corrective actions be done using a method approved by us.

NEW REQUIREMENTS OF THIS AD:

    (k) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
applicable actions required by paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), (k)(3), 
and (k)(4) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27-62, Revision 3, 
dated August 21, 2009. Accomplishing the actions required by 
paragraph (k) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraphs 
(g) through (j) of this AD.
    (1) For all airplanes except those having S/Ns 288 through 305 
inclusive: Do an eddy current inspection for cracks and corrosion of 
the bracket of the inboard horizontal stabilizer. Before further 
flight, replace any cracked or corroded bracket of the inboard 
horizontal stabilizer with a serviceable bracket.
    (2) For all airplanes except those having S/Ns 288 through 305 
inclusive: Measure the lug thickness of the horizontal stabilizer 
hinges. If the lug thickness is not within the acceptable tolerance 
range, as identified in Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27-62, 
Revision 3, dated August 21, 2009, before further flight, replace 
the bearing plate with a serviceable bearing plate.
    (3) For all airplanes except those having S/Ns 288 through 305 
inclusive: Modify the left and right horizontal stabilizer; and add 
the modification part number of the horizontal stabilizer to the 
modification section of the MS27253-1 identification plate.
    (4) For all airplanes: Replace the existing elevator assemblies 
with new elevator assemblies having part numbers 6734000-17 (for the 
left side) and 6734000-18 (for the right side).

Credit for Actions Done Using the Previous Service Information

    (l) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with the service bulletins identified in Table 1 of this 
AD are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding 
requirements of paragraph (k) of this AD.

                                 Table 1--Credit for Previous Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Service Bulletin                       Revision level                       Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27-62..............  Original................  October 13, 2008.
Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27-62..............  1.......................  October 22, 2008.
Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27-62..............  2.......................  December 17, 2008.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 17882]]

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (m)(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. Send information to 
ATTN: T.N. Baktha, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-118W, 
FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent 
Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4155; fax (316) 
946-4107.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. 
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 1, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-7943 Filed 4-7-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P