[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 213 (Wednesday, November 4, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59460-59463]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-29363]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-CE-138-AD; Amendment 39-10865; AD 98-23-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company 180 and 185
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 80-10-
01, which applies to certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) 180 and
185 series airplanes that have either Airglas Engineering Company,
Inc., (AECI) Model LW3600-180 (single position) or Model LW3600-180A
(two position) fixed penetration wheel skis installed in accordance
with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA213AL. AD 80-10-01 requires
modifying the ski bungee assemblies, safety cables, and check cables,
and their attachments to the airplane and the skis; limiting the
maximum airspeed to 160 knots with skis installed; and installing an
airspeed limitation placard. This AD is the result of field reports of
incidents occurring on the affected airplanes that were in compliance
with AD 80-10-01, and the fact that Cessna Model 180K airplanes were
inadvertently left out of the existing AD. This AD retains the actions
required by AD 80-10-01; requires re-marking the airspeed indicator to
display the reduced airspeed limits and placing a certain airplane
flight manual (AFM) supplement in the cockpit; and adds Cessna Model
180K airplanes to the Applicability section of the AD. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to prevent one or both wheel skis
from rotating into a nose-down position during flight, which could
result in loss of control of the airplane and/or possible airplane
damage during flight or landing operations.
DATES: Effective December 22, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 22, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained
from Airglas Engineering Company, Inc., P.O. Box 190107, Anchorage,
Alaska 99519-0107; telephone: (907) 344-1450; facsimile: (907) 349-
4938. This information may also be examined at
[[Page 59461]]
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-CE-138-AD, Room
1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office
of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700,
Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Gordon K. Mandell, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Anchorage Aircraft Certification Office, 222 West 7th
Avenue, #14, Room 128, Anchorage, Alaska 99513-7587; telephone: (907)
271-2670; facsimile: (907) 271-6365.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR part 39) to include an AD that applies to certain Cessna 180 and
185 series airplanes that have either Airglas Engineering Company,
Inc., (AECI) Model LW3600-180 (single position) or Model LW3600-180A
(two position) fixed penetration wheel skis installed in accordance
with STC SA213AL was published in the Federal Register as a notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on June 26, 1998 (63 FR 34833). The NPRM
proposed to supersede AD 80-10-01, Amendment 39-3762, which currently
requires modifying the ski bungee assemblies, safety cables, and check
cables, and their attachments to the airplane and the skis; limiting
the maximum airspeed to 160 knots with skis installed; and installing
an airspeed limitation placard. The NPRM proposed to require the
following:
--Modifying the ski bungee assemblies, safety cables, and check
cables, and their attachments to the airplane and the skis;
--Installing a placard adjacent to the airspeed indicator limiting
the never exceed speed to 160 knots with the skis installed;
--Re-marking the airspeed indicator to display the reduced never
exceed speed (160 KIAS) and the reduced maximum structural cruising
speed (139 KIAS) with the skis installed; and
--Placing AECI Document No. AE97-13FM, ``Supplemental Airplane
Flight Manual and Airplane Flight Manual Supplement'', dated October
10, 1997, in the airplane cockpit.
Accomplishment of the proposed actions as specified in the NPRM
would be required in accordance with AECI Service Bulletin (SB) No.
LW3600-3, originally issued: September 21, 1979; Amended: October 10,
1997; AECI Drawing No. LW3600-180A-1 and -2, Revision ``B'', dated
September 21, 1979; AECI Drawing No. LW3600-180A-3, Revision ``A'',
dated April 30, 1979; AECI Drawing No. LW3600-180, Revision ``F'',
dated September 21, 1979 (for single position wheel ski installations)
or AECI Drawing No. LW3600-180A, Revision ``E'', dated September 21,
1979 (for two position wheel ski installations); AECI Drawing No.
LW3600-180A-11, originally issued: September 21, 1979; and AECI
Document AE97-13FM, ``Supplemental Airplane Flight Manual and Airplane
Flight Manual Supplement'', dated October 10, 1997.
The NPRM was the result of field reports of incidents occurring on
the affected airplanes that were in compliance with AD 80-10-01, and
the fact that Cessna Model 180K airplanes were inadvertently left out
of the existing AD.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the following comments received.
Comment Disposition
The one commenter states that requiring re-marking of the airspeed
indicator to display the reduced airspeed limits will not fix the
problem because airplane operators that ignore placard requirements
will also ignore the airspeed indicator requirements. This commenter
operates one of the affected airplanes with skis for 6 months out of
each year.
The commenter states that, if the proposed AD is adopted, he will
have to accomplish pitot and static pressure checks required by current
regulation every 6 months when he changes the airspeed indicator during
ski installation and removal.
The commenter also states that skis are similar to other devices,
such as landing gear, flaps, ramps, and doors that are affixed to or
incorporated into aircraft. The commenter states that the maximum speed
at which the other devices can be extended or opened in flight are
specified only by placards and not by markings on the airspeed
indicator.
The commenter goes on to state that, based on the above
information, the costs of installing and removing the skis will become
extremely high, and the commenter asks the FAA to remove the
requirement of re-marking the airspeed indicator to display the reduced
airspeed limits.
The FAA does not concur that the requirement in the proposed AD of
re-marking the airspeed indicator is not justified.
The FAA's intent of requiring that the airspeed indicator be re-
marked is not to provide another airspeed limit indication for certain
pilots to ignore, but to provide consistent indications of airspeed
limits, i.e., to eliminate the confusion generated by having the
information in an airspeed limitation placard contradicting the
airspeed indicator.
The proposed AD requires re-marking the airspeed indicator, but
does not specifically require removing the existing airspeed indicator
and replacing it with one marked differently. If the existing airspeed
indicator is left in place and re-marked, no pitot and static pressure
checks would be required. Each airplane owner/operator has the choice
of changing the markings of the airspeed indicator either by replacing
the airspeed indicator or by re-marking the existing airspeed indicator
without removing it.
The FAA understands that an owner/operator who decides to replace
the airspeed indicator will have to accomplish pitot and static
pressure checks each time the airspeed indicator is replaced and that
there are costs involved with this. However, the FAA has determined
that the safety benefits of eliminating the confusion caused when the
airspeed indicator contradicts current placards far outweigh this
burden.
In addition, the FAA does not consider skis similar to other
devices, such as landing gear, flaps, ramps, and doors that are affixed
to or incorporated into aircraft. The compared items are all ones that
can be extended or opened and retracted or closed during flight. On the
other hand, the installation of skis on aircraft changes the aircraft's
configuration until the skis are removed. Fixed penetration wheel skis
cannot be extended or opened and then retracted or closed.
The commenter's assertion that the maximum speed at which wing
flaps can be extended in flight is not specified by airspeed indicator
markings is incorrect. The range of airspeeds over which the flaps of a
small airplane can be extended in flight is specified by a white arc on
the airspeed indicator. The upper end of the white arc is the maximum
speed at which the flaps can be extended.
No changes have been made to the final rule as a result of these
comments.
The FAA's Determination
After careful review of all available information related to the
subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the
public interest require the adoption of
[[Page 59462]]
the rule as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. The FAA
has determined that these minor corrections will not change the meaning
of the AD and will not impose any additional burden upon the public
than was already proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 170 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 workhours per
airplane to accomplish this action, and that the average labor rate is
approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $350 per airplane.
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $100,300, or $590 per airplane.
AECI has informed the FAA that approximately 12 of the affected
airplanes have the modification required by this AD already
incorporated. Based on this, the cost impact of the proposed AD is
reduced by $7,080, from $100,300 to $93,220.
None of the above figures take into account the costs involved if
operators would have to re-accomplish the work, i.e., ski removal and
re-installation.
AD 80-10-01 currently requires most of the same actions on the
affected airplanes that are required by this AD. The only differences
between this AD and AD 80-10-01 are the addition of Cessna Model 180K
airplanes to the applicability and the requirements for re-marking the
airspeed indicator and placing an AFM supplement in the cockpit.
Fabricating and installing the placard, placing the AFM supplement in
the cockpit, and re-marking the airspeed indicator (provided the
indicator is re-marked by painting the outside of the glass) can be
accomplished by:
--For airplanes operated in accordance with part 91 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 91): An owner/operator who holds at
least a private pilot's certificate; and
--For airplanes operated in accordance with part 135 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 135): An operator who holds an
operating certificate issued under part 135 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR part 135), as authorized by sections 43.3, 43.7,
and 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.3, 43.7, and
43.9).
The only cost impact upon the public for airplanes other than the
affected Cessna Model 180K airplanes is the time it will take the
affected airplane owners/operators to incorporate these actions.
Therefore, this AD has no additional cost impact over that already
required by AD 80-10-01, except for the costs associated with the
affected Cessna Model 180K airplanes.
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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
by contacting 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 removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD)
80-10-01, Amendment 39-3762, and by adding a new AD to read as
follows:
98-23-02 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-10865; Docket No. 97-
CE-138-AD; Supersedes AD 80-10-01, Amendment 39-3762.
Applicability: The following airplane models, all serial
numbers; certificated in any category, that have either Airglas
Engineering Company, Inc., (AECI) Model LW3600-180 (single position)
or Model LW3600-180A (two position) fixed penetration wheel skis
installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
SA213AL:
Models
180 180D 180H 185A 185E
180A 180E 180J 185B A185E
180B 180F 180K 185C A185F
180C 180G 185 185D ............
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 (g) 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 within the next 50 hours time-in-service
(TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless already
accomplished.
To prevent one or both wheel skis from rotating into a nose-down
position during flight, which could result in loss of control of the
airplane and/or possible airplane damage during flight or landing
operations, accomplish the following:
(a) Modify the wheel ski bungee assemblies, safety cables, and
check cables, and their attachments to the airplane and the skis, in
accordance with Airglas Engineering Company, Inc. (AECI) Drawing No.
LW3600-180A-1 and -2, Revision ``B'', dated September 21, 1979; AECI
Drawing No. LW3600-180A-3, Revision ``A'', dated April 30, 1979; and
AECI Drawing No. LW3600-180, Revision ``F'', dated September 21,
1979 (for single position wheel ski installations) or AECI Drawing
No. LW3600-180A, Revision ``E'', dated September 21, 1979 (for two
position wheel ski installations).
Note 2: AECI Service Bulletin (SB) No. LW3600-3, originally
issued: September 21, 1979; Amended: October 10, 1997, specifies
following the procedures provided in the drawings referenced in
paragraph (a) of this AD.
(b) Fabricate a placard using letters at least \1/8\ inch in
height and install this placard adjacent to the airspeed indicator,
in accordance with AECI Drawing No. LW3600-180A-11, originally
issued: September 21, 1979, and AECI SB No. LW3600-3, originally
issued: September 21, 1979; Amended: October 10, 1997.
(c) Re-mark the airspeed indicator to display the never exceed
airspeed (160 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS)) and the maximum
structural cruising speed (139 KIAS) with skis installed, in
accordance with AECI SB No. LW3600-3, originally issued: September
21, 1979; Amended: October 10, 1997.
(d) Place AECI Document AE97-13FM, ``Supplemental Airplane
Flight Manual and Airplane Flight Manual Supplement'', dated October
10, 1997, in the airplane cockpit, in accordance with AECI SB No.
LW3600-3, originally issued: September 21, 1979; Amended: October
10, 1997.
(e) The placard, airspeed indicator re-marking (provided the
indicator is re-marked
[[Page 59463]]
by painting the outside of the glass), and AFM supplement placement
requirements of paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this AD,
respectively, can be accomplished by:
(1) For airplanes operated in accordance with part 91 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 91): An owner/operator who
holds at least a private pilot's certificate; and
(2) For airplanes operated in accordance with part 135 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 135): An operator who
holds an operating certificate issued under part 135 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 135), as authorized by sections
43.3, 43.7, and 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
43.3, 43.7, and 43.9).
(f) 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.
(g) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be
approved by the Manager, Anchorage Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 222 West 7th Avenue, #14, Room 128, Anchorage, Alaska 99513-
7587.
(1) The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Anchorage ACO.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance approved for AD 80-10-01
are not considered approved as alternative methods of compliance for
this AD.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Anchorage ACO.
(h) The modifications, placard installation, airspeed indicator
re-marking, and AFM supplement placement required by this AD shall
be done in accordance with AECI SB No. LW3600-3, originally issued:
September 21, 1979; Amended: October 10, 1997; AECI Drawing No.
LW3600-180A-1 and -2, Revision ``B'', dated September 21, 1979; AECI
Drawing No. LW3600-180A-3, Revision ``A'', dated April 30, 1979;
AECI Drawing No. LW3600-180, Revision ``F'', dated September 21,
1979 (for single position wheel ski installations) or AECI Drawing
No. LW3600-180A, Revision ``E'', dated September 21, 1979 (for two
position wheel ski installations); AECI Drawing No. LW3600-180A-11,
originally issued: September 21, 1979; and AECI Document AE97-13FM,
``Supplemental Airplane Flight Manual and Airplane Flight Manual
Supplement'', dated October 10, 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 Airglas Engineering Company, Inc., P.O. Box 190107,
Anchorage, Alaska 99519-0107. 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.
(i) This amendment supersedes AD 80-10-01, Amendment 39-3762.
(j) This amendment becomes effective on December 22, 1998.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 27, 1998.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-29363 Filed 11-3-98; 8:45 am]
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