[Federal Register: December 27, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 249)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 78968-78970]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27de02-7]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-CE-38-AD; Amendment 39-12988; AD 2002-26-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Brackett Aircraft Company, Brackett
Single Screen Air Filter
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to Brackett Aircraft Company (Brackett) single screen air
filter assemblies that are installed on airplanes. This AD requires you
to check the Brackett single screen air filter assembly for correct
installation. This AD also requires you to install an additional
screen, replace the Brackett single screen air filter assembly with a
double screen filter, or replace with another approved design filter at
a specified time. This AD is the result of several reports of service
difficulties of incorrect installation of the air filters. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct incorrect
installation of the air filter, which could result in failure of the
air filter. Such failure could lead to engine/turbocharger ingestion of
the air filter foam element.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on February 18, 2003.
ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD
from Brackett Aircraft Company, 7052 Government Way, Kingman, Arizona
86401; telephone: (928) 757-4009; facsimile: (928) 757-4433. You may
view this information at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 2002-CE-38-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger Pesuit, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard;
telephone: (562) 627-5251; facsimile: (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
The FAA has received several reports of service difficulties of
incorrect installation of the Brackett single screen air filters on
Cessna 206 and 210 series airplanes that incorporate Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) No. SA71GL. A safety recommendation was issued by FAA
that recommended corrective action as a result of a fatal accident
involving a Cessna Model T210N airplane.
Investigation of this accident revealed that the air filter
assembly had been installed with the screen incorrectly positioned on
the upstream side of the frame. Incorrect installation of the air
filter assembly resulted in portions of the air filter foam element
entering the turbocharger compressor inlet.
The NTSB determined this to be the cause of the reported power
loss. The manufacturer has developed a double screen air filter that
precludes incorrect air filter installation.
What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?
If not detected and corrected, the air filter foam element could be
ingested into the engine/turbocharger compressor. This condition could
lead to loss of power during a critical phase of flight.
Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?
We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to
Brackett single screen air filter assemblies that are installed on
airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on October 25, 2002 (67 FR 65517).
The NPRM proposed to require you to visually or by touch check the
Brackett single screen air filter assembly for correct installation.
This proposed AD would also require you to add a second screen, replace
the Brackett single screen air filter with a double screen filter, or
replace with another approved design filter at a specified time.
Was the Public Invited to Comment?
The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making
of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule
or on our determination of the cost to the public.
FAA's Determination
What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?
After careful review of all available information related to the
subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for
minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor
corrections:
--Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the
unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?
We estimate that this AD affects 2,000 airplanes in the U.S.
registry.
What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected
Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish the replacements:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
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1 workhour x $60 = $60.............. $44 $104 $104 x 2,000 = $208,000
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Regulatory Impact
Does This AD Impact Various Entities?
The regulations adopted herein will 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
[[Page 78969]]
Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
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, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:
2002-26-03 Brackett Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-12988; Docket No.
2002-CE-38-AD.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects
Brackett single screen air filter assemblies, part number BA-2410,
that are installed on, but not limited to, the following aircraft
that are certificated in any category and incorporate Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) No. SA71GL:
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Cessna Model Serial Nos.
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TP206A, TP206B, TP206C, TP206D, TP206E, All serial numbers.
TU206A, TU206B, TU206C, TU206D, TU206E,
TU206F, TU206G and T207A.
210....................................... All equipped with air
conditioning.
T210F, T210G, T210H, T210J, T210K, T210L, All serial numbers.
T210M, T210N, 210R, and T210R.
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(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
an aircraft equipped with one of the affected single screen air
filters must comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to detect and correct incorrect installation of
the air filter, which could result in failure of the air filter.
Such failure could lead to engine/turbocharger ingestion of the air
filter foam element.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Visually or by touch check Within the next The owner/operator
the single screen Brackett 25 hours time in holding at least a
air filter assembly (part service (TIS) private pilot
number (P/N) BA-2410) to after February certificate as
ensure that it is installed 18, 2003 (the authorized by
with the screen on the down effective date section 43.7 of the
stream side of the filter of this AD). Federal Aviation
assembly. Accomplish the Regulations (14 CFR
following: 43.7) may accomplish
(i) Remove both upper engine the visual or touch
cowlings. check of this AD.
(ii) Open the alternate air Make an entry into
access door located on the the aircraft records
right side of the engine showing compliance
compartment by applying with these portions
pressure. of the AD in
(iii) While viewing through accordance with
the alternate air access section 43.9 of the
door, use an inspection Federal Aviation
mirror and light to check Regulations (14 CFR
that the screen is installed 43.9).
on the down stream side of
the filter assembly; OR.
(iv) Partially insert a hand
into the open alternate air
access door and touch the
back of the filter element,
feeling for the presence of
the screen or absence of the
screen.
(2) Verify that the BA-2410 If the air filter In accordance with
air filter assembly has assembly is the applicable
screens on both sides. installed airplane maintenance
Install an additional screen incorrectly: instructions. The
P/N 2404-00 on the BA-2410 Prior to further owner/operator may
air filter assembly if it is flight after the not accomplish the
not already equipped with visual or by replacement/
screens on both sides. touch check modification, unless
Alternatively, replace the required by he/she holds the
single screen Brackett air paragraph (d)(1) proper mechanic
filter assembly, P/N BA-2410, of this AD. If authorization.
with an FAA-approved filter the air filter
that is not Brackett P/N BA- is installed
2410. correctly:
Within the next
100 hours TIS
after February
18, 2003 (the
effective date
of this AD).
(3) You may accomplish the Within the next In accordance with
replacement required by this 25 hours TIS the applicable or
AD instead of the check after February STC supplied
specified in paragraph (d)(1) 18, 2003 (the maintenance
of this AD. effective date instructions.
of this AD).
(4) Do not install, on any As of February Not Applicable.
affected airplane, any single 18, 2003 (the
screen Brackett air filter effective date
assembly, P/N BA-2410. of this AD).
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Note 1: Corrective action, if required, must be accomplished by
appropriately rated maintenance personnel. The owner/operator may
not accomplish the replacement/modification, unless he/she holds the
proper mechanic authorization.
Note 2: The compliance time of 100 hours TIS for replacement is
based on FAA Safety Recommendation, Control Number 02.122,
[[Page 78970]]
that recommends modifying to a dual screen configuration at 100
hours TIS.
(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
(1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent
level of safety; and
(2) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.
Note 3: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph
(a) of this AD, 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 (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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific
actions you propose to address it.
(f) Where can I get information about any already-approved
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Roger Pesuit, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960
Paramount Boulevard; telephone: (562) 627-5251; facsimile: (562)
627-5210.
(g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under
Sec. Sec. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
(h) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD?
You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from
Brackett Aircraft Company, 7052 Government Way, Kingman, Arizona
86401; telephone: (928) 757-4009; facsimile: (928) 757-4433. You may
view these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
(i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment
becomes effective on February 18, 2003.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 18, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-32510 Filed 12-26-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P