[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 7, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36618-36623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-16911]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-87-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Precise Flight, Inc. Model SVS III 
Standby Vacuum Systems

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to all U.S. owners and operators of aircraft 
equipped with Precise Flight, Inc. Model SVS III standby vacuum systems 
installed in accordance with the applicable supplemental type 
certificate (STC) or through field approval. The proposed AD would 
require

[[Page 36619]]

incorporating revised operating limitations for the affected standby 
vacuum systems into the airplane flight manual (AFM), and repetitively 
inspecting the push-pull cable, vacuum lines, saddle fittings, and 
shuttle valve for correct installation and damage (wear, chafing, 
deterioration, etc.). The proposed AD would also require immediately 
correcting any discrepancy found and conducting a function test of the 
vacuum system after the inspections. This AD results from reports of 
shuttle valve failure and standby vacuum system malfunction on 
aircraft. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
detect and correct problems with the standby vacuum system before 
failure or malfunction and to provide operating procedures for the 
pilot regarding the use and limitations of this system.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 30, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-87-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be inspected at this location 
between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted.
    Service information that applies to the proposed AD may be obtained 
from Precise Flight, Inc., 63120 Powell Butte Road, Bend, Oregon 97701; 
telephone: (800)-547-2558. This information also may be examined at the 
Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Della Swartz, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW, 
Renton, Washington 98055-4065; telephone: (425) 227-2596; facsimile: 
(425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned 
with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket No. 98-CE-87-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: 
Rules Docket No. 98-CE-87-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106.

Discussion

    The FAA has received several reports of problems on aircraft 
equipped with Precise Flight, Inc. Model SVS III standby vacuum 
systems. In particular, the reports show 14 incidents of failed shuttle 
control valves and 2 accidents where improper use of the standby vacuum 
system was a factor. Other parts of the standby vacuum system that 
could fail include the saddle fittings, vacuum lines, and the push-pull 
cables.
    The standby vacuum system is intended to provide emergency vacuum 
power for aircraft instruments when the primary vacuum system fails. 
The design of the Precise Flight, Inc. Model SVS III standby vacuum 
system is such that it may not be able to provide sufficient power to 
maintain altitude and operate the vacuum instruments.
    Failure of the standby vacuum system in instrument flight rules 
(IFR) can lead to the pilot making incorrect decisions based on the 
data received from the instruments with consequent loss of control of 
the aircraft.
    The Precise Flight, Inc. Model SVS III standby vacuum systems are 
installed on aircraft through a supplemental type certificate (STC) or 
through field approval. The Applicability section of the proposed AD 
lists the applicable STC's and aircraft that could have these standby 
vacuum systems installed. This list is not meant to be exhaustive nor 
does it include all aircraft with the systems installed through field 
approval.

Relevant Service Information

    Precise Flight, Inc. has issued the following:

--Airplane Flight Manual Supplements (AFMS) for Standby Vacuum Systems 
(each document corresponds with the Applicable STC), which include 
operating procedures for the pilot regarding the use and limitations of 
the Model SVS III standby vacuum system; and
--Precise Flight Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (Section 3.3 
of Installation Report No. 50050), Revision 25, dated August 26, 1996, 
which specifies procedures for inspecting the push-pull cables, vacuum 
lines, saddle fittings, and shuttle valve for correct installation and 
damage (wear, chafing, deterioration, etc.); immediately correcting any 
discrepancy found; and conducting a function test of the vacuum system 
after each inspection.

The FAA's Determination

    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to the incidents described above, including the 
above-referenced service information, the FAA has determined that AD 
action should be taken to detect and correct problems with the standby 
vacuum system before failure or malfunction and to provide operating 
procedures for the pilot regarding the use and limitations of this 
system.

Explanation of the Provisions of the Proposed AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop in aircraft equipped with Precise Flight, Inc. Model 
SVC III standby vacuum systems, the FAA is proposing AD action. The 
proposed AD would require incorporating revised operating limitations 
for the affected standby vacuum systems into the airplane flight manual 
(AFM), and repetitively inspecting the push-pull cable, vacuum lines, 
saddle fittings, and shuttle valve for correct installation and damage 
(wear, chafing, deterioration, etc.). The proposed AD would also 
require immediately correcting any discrepancy found and conducting a 
function test of the vacuum system after each inspection.

Compliance Time of the Proposed AD

    The compliance times of the proposed AD are presented in calendar 
time. Although malfunction or failure of the standby vacuum systems is 
only unsafe while the aircraft is in flight, the condition is not a 
direct result of repetitive aircraft operation. The unsafe

[[Page 36620]]

condition could exist on a standby vacuum system installed on an 
aircraft with only 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), but may not develop 
on another standby vacuum system installed on an aircraft until 1,000 
hours TIS. The inspection compliance times are proposed to coincide 
with annual inspections so as to allow the owner/operator of the 
aircraft to have the proposed action accomplished at a time when he/she 
had already scheduled maintenance activities.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 10,000 standby vacuum systems would be 
affected by the proposed AD, that it would take approximately 3 
workhours per vacuum system to accomplish the proposed actions, and 
that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Based on 
these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $1,800,000, or $180 per airplane.
    These figures only take into account the costs of the initial 
inspection and initial functional test of the standby vacuum systems; 
subsequent inspections and functional tests and any corrective actions 
are not included in the cost impact. The FAA has no way of determining 
the number of repetitive inspections and functional tests each airplane 
owner/operator will incur over the life of an airplane incorporating 
one of the affected standby vacuum systems. The FAA also has no way of 
determining the number of standby vacuum systems that would require 
corrective action based on the inspection results.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would 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) if promulgated, 
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 draft regulatory evaluation 
prepared for this action has been placed 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, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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 adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

Precise Flight, Inc.: Docket No. 98-CE-87-AD.

    Applicability: Model SVS III standby vacuum systems, installed 
on, but not limited to, the aircraft listed in the following chart. 
These systems can be installed either in accordance with the 
applicable supplemental type certificate (STC) or through field 
approval:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Affected STC                   Make and model airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA2160NM.............................  Raytheon Beech Models 23, A23,
                                        A23A, A23-19, 19A, B19, B19A,
                                        A23-24, B23, C23, A24, A24R,
                                        B24R, C24R, 35, A35, B35, C35,
                                        D35, E35, F35, G35, 35R, H35,
                                        J35, K35, M35, N35, P35, S35,
                                        V35, V35A, V35B, 35-33, 35-A33,
                                        35-B33, 35-C33, 35-C33A, E33,
                                        E33A, E33C, F33, F33A, F33C,
                                        G33, 36, A36, A36TC, B36TC,
                                        4S(YT-34), A45(T-34A, B-45),
                                        D45(T-34B), and 77 Series.
SA2161NM.............................  Raytheon Beech Model V35B.
SA2162NM.............................  Cessna Models 120, 140, 140A,
                                        150, 150A, 150B, 150C, 150D,
                                        150E, 150F, 150G, 150H, 150J,
                                        150K, 150L, A150L, 150M, 152,
                                        A152, A150K, A150M, 170, 170A,
                                        170B, 172, 172A, 172B, 172C,
                                        172D, 172E, 172F (USAFT-41A),
                                        172G, 172H(USAFT-41A), 172I,
                                        172K, 172L, 172M, 172N, 172P,
                                        172Q, 175, 175A, 175B, 175C,
                                        P172D, R172E (USAFT-41B, USAFT41-
                                        3, and USAFT-41D), R172F (USAFT-
                                        41D and USAFT-41C), R172G (USAFT-
                                        41D), R172H (USAFT-41D), R172J,
                                        R172K, 172RG, 177, 177A, 177B,
                                        177RG, 180, 180A, 180B, 180C,
                                        180D, 180E, 180F, 180G, 180H,
                                        180J, 180K, 182, 182A, 182B,
                                        182C, 182D, 182E, 182F, 182G,
                                        182H, 182J, 182K, 182L, 182M,
                                        182N, 182P, 182Q, 182R, 182RG,
                                        T182, T182RG, T182R, 185, 185A,
                                        185B, 185C, 185D, 185E, A185E,
                                        A185F, 188, 188A, 188B, A188,
                                        A188B, T188C, 206, P206, P206A,
                                        P206B, P206C, P206D, P206E,
                                        TP206A, TP206B, TP206C, TP206D.
                                        TP206E, U206-A, U206-B, U206-C,
                                        U206-D, U206-E, U206-F, U206-G,
                                        TU206-A, TU206-B, TU206-C, TU206-
                                        D, TU206-E, TU206-F, TU206-G,
                                        207, 207A, T207, T207A, 210,
                                        210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, 210E,
                                        210F, 210-5 (205), 210-5A
                                        (205A), T210F, 210G, T-210G,
                                        210H, T-210H, 210J, 205P, T-
                                        210J, 210K, T-210K, T210L, 210L,
                                        210M, T210M, 210N, P210N, T210N,
                                        205T, 210R, P210R, 205U, T210R,
                                        210-5, 210-5A, 305A (USAF 0-1A),
                                        305C (USAF 0-1E), 305D (USAF 0-
                                        1F), 305F, 305B (USAF T0-1D),
                                        305E (0-1D or 0-1F), and 321
                                        (Navy 0E-2).
SA2163NM.............................  Cessna Model U206G.
SA2164NM.............................  Cessna Model 180Q.
SA2166NM.............................  Cessna Model 177.
SA2167NM.............................  The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.
                                        (Piper) Models L-14, PA-12, PA-
                                        12S, PA-14, PA-15, PA-16, PA-
                                        16S, PA-17, PA-18, PA-18A, PA-
                                        18S, PA-18-105 (Special), PA-18S-
                                        105(SP), PA-18-125 (Army L-21A),
                                        PA-18AS-125, PA-18S-125, PA-18-
                                        135, PA-18A-135, PA-18AS-135, PA-
                                        18S-135, PA-18-150, PA-18A-150,
                                        PA-18AS-150, PA-18S-150, PA-19
                                        (Army L-18C), PA-19S, PA-20, PA-
                                        20S, PA-20-115, PA-20S-115, PA-
                                        20-135, PA-22, PA-22-108, PA-22-
                                        135, PA-22S-135, PA-22-150, PA-
                                        22S-150, PA-22-160, PA-22S-160,
                                        PA-24, PA-24-250, PA-24-260, PA-
                                        24-400, PA-25, PA-25-235, PA-25-
                                        260, PA-32-260, PA-32RT-300, PA-
                                        32RT-301T, PA-32-300, PA-32RT-
                                        300T, PA-32-301, PA-32S-300, PA-
                                        32R-301, PA-32-301T, PA-32R-300,
                                        PA-32R-301T, PA-28-140, PA-28-
                                        141, PA-28-150, PA-28-151, PA-28-
                                        160, PA-28S-160, PA-28-180, PA-
                                        28R-180, PA-28S-180, PA-28-235,
                                        PA-28S-235, PA-28-181, PA-28-
                                        161, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-201, PA-
                                        28R-201T, PA-28-236, PA-28RT-
                                        201, PA-28RT-201T, PA-28-201T,
                                        PA-36-285, PA-36-300, PA-36-375,
                                        PA-38-112, and PA-46-31OP.
SA2168NM.............................  Mooney Models M20, M20A, M20B,
                                        M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, M20G,
                                        M20J, M20K, M20M , and M22.
SA2683NM.............................  Aerocar, Inc. Model I.

[[Page 36621]]

 
                                       Aerodifusion, S.L. Model Jodel D-
                                        1190S.
                                       Aeromere, S.A. Model Falco F.8.L.
                                       Aeronautica Macchi S.P.A. Models
                                        AL60, AL60-B, AL60-F5, and AL60-
                                        C5.
                                       Aeronautica Macchi & Aerfer Model
                                        AM-3.
                                       Aeronca Inc. Models 15AC and
                                        S15AC.
                                       Aerospatiale Model TB20 Trinidad.
                                       Arctic Aircraft Co., Inc. Models
                                        S-1A, S-1A-65F, S-1A-85F, S-1A-
                                        90F, S-1B1(Army L-67 XL-6), and
                                        S-1B2.
                                       Avions Mudry et Cie Model CAP
                                        10B.
                                       American Champion Models
                                        (Bellanca, Aeronca) 7AC, 7ACA,
                                        S7AC (L-16A), 7BCM (L-16B),
                                        7CCM, 7DC, S7DC, 7EC, S7EC,
                                        7ECA, 7FC, 7GC, 7GCA, 7GCCA,
                                        7GCB, 7GCBA, 7GCBC, 7HC, 7JC,
                                        7KC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, 8GCBC, 11AC,
                                        S11AC, 11BC, S11BC, 11CC, and
                                        S11CC.
                                       Bellanca Aircraft Corporation
                                        Models 14-9, 14-9L, 14-12F-3, 14-
                                        13, 14-13-2, 14-13-3, 14-13-3W,
                                        14-19, 14-19-2, 14-19-3A, 17-30,
                                        17-31, 17-31TC, 17-30A, 17-31A,
                                        and 17-31ATC.
                                       Biemond, C. Model Teal CB1.
                                       Board, G.R. Models Columbia XJL-1
                                        and Bolkow Jr.
                                       Clark Aircraft, Inc. Models 12
                                        and 1000.
                                       Falcon Aircraft Corporation Model
                                        F-1.
                                       Flug und Fahrzeugwerke AG Model
                                        AS 202/15 ``Brand''.
                                       Found Brothers Model FBA-2C
                                       Fuji Heavy Industries Models FA-
                                        200-160, FA-200-180, and FA-200-
                                        180AO.
                                       Funk Aircraft Model Funk C.
                                       Kearns, Edward Scott (Garcia,
                                        Henry S.) Model (Emigh) Trojan A-
                                        2.
                                       Swift Museum Foundation, Inc.
                                        Model (Globe) GC-1A, GC-1B.
                                       Goodyear Aircraft Model GA-22A.
                                       Great Lakes Aircraft Model 2T-1A-
                                        1 and 2T-1A-2.
                                       Grumman American Models G-164, G-
                                        164A, G-164B, AA-1, AA-1A, AA-
                                        1B, AA-1C, AA-5, AA-5A, and AA-
                                        5B.
                                       Commander Aircraft (Gulfstream)
                                        Models 112, (112A, 112B, 112TC,
                                        112TCA, 114, and 114A.
                                       Helio Enterprises Models H-250, H-
                                        295 (USAF U-10D), H-391 (USAF YL-
                                        24), H-395 (SAF L-28A), H-395A,
                                        HT-295, and H-700.
                                       Prop-Jets, Inc. (Interceptor
                                        Corp., Aero Commander, Meyers)
                                        Models 200, 200A, 200B, 200C,
                                        and 200D.
                                       C. Itoh Aircraft Maintenance &
                                        Engineering Co. LTD. Model N-62.
                                       Jamieson Corporation Model J-2-
                                        L1B.
                                       Jodel, Avion Models D-140-B, DR-
                                        1050, D-1190, and 150.
                                       Lake Models C-1, C-2-IV, LA-4, LA-
                                        4-200, and LA-4-250.
                                       Luscombe Aircraft Corp. Models 8,
                                        8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, T-8F,
                                        and 11A.
                                       Maule Aerospace Technology Corp.
                                        Models Bee Dee M-4, M-4, M-4C, M-
                                        4S, M-4T, M-4-180C, M-4-180S, M-
                                        4-210, M-4-201C, M-4-210S, M-4-
                                        210T, M-4-220S, M-4-220T, M-5-
                                        180C, M-5-200, M-5-210C, M-5-
                                        210TC, M-T-220C, M-5-235, M-5-
                                        235C, M-6-180, M-6-235, M-7-235,
                                        MX-7-180, MX-7-235.
                                       Messerschmitt-Bolkow Models BO-
                                        209-150.
                                       FV&RV, BO209-160 FV&RV, BO-209,
                                        and 150OFF.
                                       Nardi S.A. Model FN-333.
                                       Jimmie Thompson Enterprise
                                        (Navion Rangemaster Aircraft
                                        Corporation) Models Navion (L-
                                        17A).
                                       Navion A (L-17B, L-17C), Navion
                                        B, D, E, F, G, and H.
                                       White International Ltd. Models
                                        (Pitts) S-1S, S-1T, S-2, and S-
                                        2A.
                                       Procaer S.P.A. Models F 15/B, F
                                        15/C, and F 15/E.
                                       Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
                                        (Rockwell) Models 111, 112,
                                        112B, 112TC, 112TCA, and 114.
                                       Aermacchi S.p.A Models S.205,
                                        S.205-18F, S.205-18/R, S.205-20/
                                        F, S.205-20/R, S.205-22/R,
                                        S.208, S.208A, F.260, and
                                        F.260B.
                                       Socata Groupe Aerospatiale Models
                                        Rallye Series MS880B, MS885,
                                        MS892-A-150, MS892E-150, MS893A,
                                        MS893E, MS894A, MS894E,
                                        TB9,TB10, and TB21.
                                       Stinson Models 108-2 and 108-3.
                                       Sud Aviation Models Gardan GY.80-
                                        1500, GY.80-160, and GY.80-180.
                                       Taylorcraft Aircraft Company
                                        Models F19, F21, and F21A.
                                       Univair Aircraft Corporation
                                        (Forney) Models F-1, F-1A,
                                        (ERCO)E, 415D, (ALON)A-2, A20a,
                                        (Mooney)M10, (Mooney) (ERCO) 415-
                                        C, and 415-CD.
                                       Augustair, Inc. (Varga Aircraft
                                        Corporation) Models 2150, 2150A,
                                        and 2180.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 1: The above list includes the aircraft where the Precise 
Flight, Inc. Model SVS III standby vacuum systems could be installed 
through STC. This list is not meant to be exhaustive nor does it 
include all aircraft with the systems installed through field 
approval.
    Note 2: This AD applies to any aircraft with a standby vacuum 
system installed that is 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 
aircraft 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 (e) 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 as indicated in the body of this AD, unless 
already accomplished.
    To detect and correct problems with the standby vacuum system 
before failure or malfunction and to provide operating procedures 
for the pilot regarding the use and limitations of this system, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within the next 30 calendar days after the effective date of 
this AD, accomplish whichever (paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) below) of 
the following that applies:
    (1) For airplanes with the affected standby vacuum system 
installed in accordance with the applicable STC, incorporate the 
applicable Precise Flight, Inc. Airplane Flight Manual Supplement 
(AFMS) for Standby Vacuum Systems (each document corresponds with 
the applicable STC as

[[Page 36622]]

presented in the chart below) into the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), 
including installing all placards specified in these AFMS's; or 
insert a copy of the Appendix to this AD into the AFM, including 
installing all placards specified in the Appendix:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Applicable STC                          AFMS Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA2160NM............................  May 7, 1998.
SA2161NM............................  August 6, 1998.
SA2162NM............................  August 6, 1998.
SA2163NM............................  August 6, 1998.
SA2164NM............................  August 6, 1998.
SA2166M.............................  August 6, 1998.
SA2167NM............................  August 6, 1998.
SA2168NM............................  August 6, 1998.
SA2683NM............................  August 6, 1998; or.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) For airplanes with the affected standby vacuum system 
installed through field approval, insert the Appendix to this AD 
into the AFM, including installing all placards specified in the 
Appendix.
    (b) Within the next 12 calendar months after the effective date 
of this AD, and thereafter at intervals specified in the following 
paragraphs, inspect the push-pull cable, vacuum lines, saddle 
fittings, and shuttle valve for correct installation and damage 
(wear, chafing, deterioration, etc.). Accomplish these inspections 
in accordance with Precise Flight Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness (Section 3.3 of Installation Report No. 50050), 
Revision 25, dated August 26, 1996.
    (1) Reinspect the push-pull cable, vacuum lines, and saddle 
fittings at intervals not to exceed 12 calendar months; and
    (2) Reinspect the shuttle valve at intervals not to exceed 24 
calendar months.
    (c) Prior to further flight after each inspection required by 
paragraph (b) of this AD, accomplish the following in accordance 
with Precise Flight Instructions for Continued Airworthiness 
(Section 3.3 of Installation Report No. 50050), Revision 25, dated 
August 26, 1996.
    (1) Correct any discrepancy found; and
    (2) Conduct a function test of the vacuum system and assure 
proper function.
    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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.
    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
initial or repetitive compliance times that provides an equivalent 
level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW, Renton, Washington 
98055-4065. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate 
FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to 
the Manager, Seattle ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

    (f) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of 
the documents referred to herein upon request to Precise Flight, 
Inc., 63120 Powell Butte Road, Bend, Oregon 97701; or may examine 
this/these document(s) at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106.

BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

Appendix to Docket No. 98-CE-87-AD

System Description

    A Precise Flight Standby Vacuum System may be installed to 
provide a temporary vacuum system in the event of a primary vacuum 
failure. The Standby Vacuum System operates on the differential 
between the intake manifold and ambient air pressure and is directed 
through a shuttle valve system to drive your flight instruments.

I. Operating Limitations

A. Instructions

    1. The Standby Vacuum System is for emergency or standby use 
only and not for dispatch purposes.
    2. Vacuum powered add/or Vacuum gyro directed autopilot 
operation may be unreliable when the Standby Vacuum System is the 
sole source of vacuum. Vacuum powered or vacuum gyro directed 
autopilot should be OFF when operating with a failed primary vacuum 
system.
    3. The Supplemental Vacuum System is not designed to operate 
pneumatic de-ice systems. DO NOT operate a pneumatic de-ice system 
when operating with a failed primary vacuum system.
    4. Above 10,000 ft. pressure altitude, engine power settings may 
have to be significantly reduced to provide adequate vacuum power 
for proper gyro instrument operation.
    5. The following placards are required to be in full view of 
pilot:

B. Placards

    Placard to be located on the push/pull control cable.
    Placard to be located around the LED for the pump inop warning 
light.
    Placard to be placed in front and in full view of the pilot.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDBY VACUUM SYSTEM EQUIPPED: FOR OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND
 LIMITATIONS SEE SUPPLEMENT IN OWNERS MANUAL OR PILOTS OPERATING
 HANDBOOK
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    One of the following placards must be placed in full view of the 
pilot near the instrument vacuum indicator after appropriate entries 
have been made.

 Approximate Standby Vacuum Available--Altitude-Power Chart for Aircraft With Constant Speed Propeller--Maximum
                                                 Continuous RPM.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Press alt. (Ft.)                      RPM                 Man. pressure        SVS vacuum in Hg. Min.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000.................................  Max. Cont..............
4000.................................  Max. Cont..............
6000.................................  Max. Cont..............
8000.................................  Max. Cont..............
10,000...............................  Max. Cont..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 Approximate Standby Vacuum Available--Altitude-Power Chart for aircraft
                      With a Fixed Pitch Propeller
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       SVS vacuum in Hg
        Press alt. (Ft.)                  RPM                min.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000............................
4000............................
6000............................
8000............................
10,000..........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Operating Procedures

A. Normal Procedures

1. Ground Check

    a. Cycle the Standby Vacuum Control Knob Out--ON--, and return 
Control Knob IN--OFF--position.

2. Before Takeoff

    a. Idle Engine at low speed, momentarily pull the standby vacuum 
knob out--ON--and check vacuum gauge. Normally, the vacuum reading 
will be slightly higher. After checking system push Standby Vacuum 
System knob IN--OFF--. Check that vacuum gauge has returned to the 
previous reading.

3. Enroute

    a. Regularly check vacuum gauge and monitor warning light for 
proper vacuum system operation.

B. Emergency Procedures

1. Primary Vacuum Failure Warning Light Illuminates

    a. Pull the Standby Vacuum System knob OUT -ON- and adjust 
throttle setting as required to maintain adequate vacuum for the 
primary instruments--Suction Gauge Reading in the Green Arc--If 
necessary descend to a lower altitude to obtain a larger 
differential between manifold and ambient pressure. Vacuum power 
must be closely monitored by checking the vacuum gauge frequently.
    b. The SVS is not designed for continued IFR flight. Immediate 
steps should be taken to return to VFR conditions or to land. If 
this

[[Page 36623]]

is not possible, IFR flight should be continued only as long as 
necessary to return to VFR conditions or land the airplane.
    WARNING: FAILURE OF THE VACUUM SYSTEM STILL CONSTITUTES AN 
EMERGENCY SITUATION REGARDLESS OF THE INSTALLATION OF THE SVS. IT 
MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO MAINTAIN A SAFE ALTITUDE AND MAKE USE OF THE 
SVS. IN SUCH A SITUATION THE AIRPLANE MUST BE FLOWN USING NON-VACUUM 
POWERED INSTRUMENTS.
    c. If descent is impractical:
     Periodically and temporarily reduce power as required 
to provide adequate vacuum to the aircraft primary instruments.
     Reapply power as required, while comparing vacuum 
driven gyros against the Turn and Bank Indicator, Turn Coordinator, 
VSI and/or other flight instruments.
     When an obvious discrepancy is noted between the vacuum 
driven instruments and other flight instrumentation. Periodically 
and temporarily reduce power as required to provide adequate vacuum 
to the aircraft primary instruments.

III. Performance

    No change.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 25, 1999.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-16911 Filed 7-6-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P