[Federal Register: May 25, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 101)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 29672-29673]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25my04-13]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket Nos. 2002-CE-05-AD and 2002-CE-57-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 401,
401A, 401B, 402, 402A, 402B, 402C, 411, 411A, and 414A Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Proposed rules; Withdrawal.
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SUMMARY: This document withdraws two notices of proposed rulemaking
(NPRMs) that would have applied to Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna)
Models 401, 401A, 401B, 402, 402A, 402B, 402C, 411, 411A, and 414A
airplanes. The proposed ADs would have superseded existing ADs and
would have required you to repetitively inspect the wing spar caps of
all airplanes for fatigue cracks and repair or replace as necessary and
incorporate a spar strap modification on each wing spar on certain
airplanes. The FAA has decided not to issue the new ADs as proposed. We
will propose ADs after alternative solutions are developed.
ADDRESSES: You may view the AD dockets at FAA, Central Region, Office
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-05-AD or
Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-57-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Mid-Continent
Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4125; facsimile:
(316) 946-4107.
[[Page 29673]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
What action has FAA taken to date? We issued proposals to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include
two ADs that would apply to Cessna Models 401, 401A, 401B, 402, 402A,
402B, 402C, 411, and 411A, 414A airplanes. These proposals (Docket Nos.
2002-CE-05-AD and 2002-CE-57-AD) were published in the Federal Register
as notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRMs) on May 15, 2003 (68 FR 26239
and 68 FR 26244). The NPRMs proposed the following:
Docket No. 2002-CE-05-AD: applies to Cessna Models 401,
401A, 401B, 402, 402A, 402B, 411, and 411A airplanes and proposed to
supersede AD 79-10-15 R2 with a new AD that would require one of the
following (depending on the aircraft configuration):
--For airplanes that do not incorporate one of the specified Cessna
Service Kits: Repetitively inspect the wing spar caps for fatigue
cracks and repair or replace the wing spar caps as necessary and
incorporate a spar strap modification on each wing spar; or
--For airplanes that incorporate one of the specified Cessna Service
Kits: Repetitively inspect the wing spar caps for fatigue cracks and
repair or replace the wing spar caps as necessary.
Docket No. 2002-CE-57-AD: applies to Cessna Models 402C
and 414A airplanes and proposed to supersede AD 2000-23-01 with a new
AD that would require you to:
--Inspect the wing spar caps for fatigue cracks;
--Repair or replace the wing spar caps as necessary; and
--Incorporate a spar strap modification on each wing spar.
Was the public invited to comment? The FAA invited interested
persons to participate in the making of these amendments during the
original 75-day comment periods. We extended the comment periods for
another 30 days and then reopened the comment periods for another 60
days. We received numerous comments on the NPRMs.
In addition, we held a public meeting on March 3 and 4, 2004, in
Herndon, Virginia. The public meeting allowed an open flow of
communication among the FAA, the public, and industry on issues related
to the NPRMs.
What is FAA's determination of the best course of action? After
analyzing all information related to this subject, the FAA has decided
not to issue the ADs as proposed. We have determined that the best way
to address the unsafe condition is for FAA, the public, and industry to
develop alternative solutions to address the unsafe condition. We will
repropose ADs after alternative solutions are developed.
Future Action
Does this mean the FAA cannot take regulatory action in the future?
No. Withdrawal of these NPRMs does not prevent us from issuing other
regulatory action in the future, and it does not commit us to any
future action. In fact, we plan to propose and issue further rulemaking
on this subject after alternative solutions are identified and
developed. We fully expect one of the options in such a proposed action
would be the incorporation of the Cessna service information and
repetitive inspections with appropriate compliance schedules.
How can I be part of the solution? The FAA, the public, and
industry need to continue the discussion on this issue. The FAA is
planning a second public meeting. Details of this meeting will be
published in the Federal Register and made available on the Internet.
Regulatory Impact
Does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? Since
this action only withdraws two proposed ADs, it is not an AD and,
therefore, is not covered under Executive Order 12866, the Regulatory
Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR
11034, February 26, 1979).
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Withdrawal
Accordingly, FAA withdraws the following notices of proposed
rulemaking:
Docket No. 2002-CE-05-AD, which was published in the
Federal Register on May 15, 2003 (68 FR 26239); and
Docket No. 2002-CE-57-AD, which was published in the
Federal Register on May 15, 2003 (68 FR 26244).
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 18, 2004.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-11705 Filed 5-24-04; 8:45 am]
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