[Federal Register: October 26, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 207)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 60790-60793] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr26oc07-18] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2007-28956; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-068-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 525, 525A, and 525B Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 525, 525A, and 525B airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to inspect the lower wing skin structure, forward wing spar, lower fuselage skin, fairings, and the external fairing frames for corrosion; repair any damage found; apply a corrosion inhibitive sealant to the fuselage fairings before reinstalling; and disable the cockpit mounted pilot relief tube. This proposed AD results from leaking of the cockpit mounted pilot relief tube, which caused corrosion of the airplane structure. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct any damage from corrosion of the airplane structure. Corrosion of the airplane structure could cause structural degradation and lead to structural failure of the airplane with consequent loss of control. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 26, 2007. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this proposed AD:Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Fax: (202) 493-2251. [[Page 60791]] 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 Company, Citation Marketing Division, P.O. 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277; telephone: 1-800-835-4090; fax: 1-800-517-8500. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: T.N. Baktha, Aerospace Engineer, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, 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 regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, ``FAA- 2007-28956; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-068-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light 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 concerning this proposed AD. Discussion Cessna reported wing skin corrosion in a Model 525 and belly skin corrosion in several Model 525A airplanes. Cessna received information on more than 18 cases of significant corrosion. Cessna also received information on 42 cases of some corrosion on Models 525, 525A, and 525B airplanes. Corrosive fluids leaked after use of the cockpit mounted pilot relief tube and caused corrosion of the fuselage skins, fairings, fairing support structure, and wing structure. This condition, if not corrected, could result in structural degradation and lead to structural failure of the airplane with consequent loss of control. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed the following Cessna service information for this AD: Service Bulletin SB525-53-20, dated April 30, 2007; Service Bulletin SB525A-53-01, dated April 30, 2007; Service Bulletin SB525B-53-01, dated April 30, 2007; Alert Service Letter ASL525-53-04, Revision 2, dated August 19, 2007; Alert Service Letter ASL525A-53-05, Revision 2, dated July 25, 2007; and Alert Service Letter ASL525B-53-02, Revision 2, dated July 25, 2007. The service information describes procedures for the following actions: Inspecting the lower wing skin structure, forward wing spars, lower fuselage skin, fairings, and external fairing frames for corrosion; Repairing corrosion by blending within specified limits or by contacting the manufacturer to obtain an FAA-approved repair scheme if corrosion damage can not be repaired within the limits specified; Doing a surface eddy current inspection or a dye-penetrant inspection on the repaired blended areas for cracks, and contacting the manufacturer to obtain an FAA-approved repair scheme if cracks are found; Applying a corrosion inhibitive sealant to the fuselage fairings before reinstalling; and Disabling the cockpit mounted relief tube. FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD would require you to inspect the lower wing skin structure, forward wing spar, lower fuselage skin, fairings, and the external fairing frames for corrosion; repair any damage found; apply a corrosion inhibitive sealant to the fuselage fairings before reinstalling; and disable the cockpit mounted pilot relief tube. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 261 airplanes in the U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to do the proposed inspection: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total cost per Total cost on Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 80 work-hours x $80 per hour = $6,400......... Not Applicable.................. $6,400 $1,670,400 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need repair or further inspection based on the results of the proposed inspection, or the costs associated with such repair or inspection. We estimate the following costs to do the proposed disabling of the cockpit mounted pilot relief tube: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total cost per Total cost on Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- .5 work-hours x $80 per hour = $40............ Not Applicable.................. $40 $10,440 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cessna will provide warranty credit to the extent specified in Cessna Citation Service Bulletin SB525-53-20, dated April 30, 2007; Service Bulletin SB525A-53-01, dated April 30, 2007; Service Bulletin SB525B-53-01, dated April 30, 2007; Alert Service Letter ASL525-53-04, Revision 2, dated August 19, 2007; Alert Service Letter ASL525A-53-05, Revision 2, dated July 25, 2007; and Alert Service Letter ASL525B-53- 02, Revision 2, dated July 25, 2007. 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 [[Page 60792]] 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. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information 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 Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is located at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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: 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 adding the following new AD: Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. FAA-2007-28956; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-068-AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by December 26, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to the following airplane models and serial numbers that have a cockpit mounted pilot relief tube installed and are certificated in any category: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Models Serial Nos. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (1) 525............................. 0001 through 0637. (2) 525A............................ 0001 through 0347. (3) 525B............................ 0001 through 0152. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from leaking of the pilot relief tube, which caused corrosion of the airplane structure. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any damage from corrosion on the airplane structure. Corrosion of the airplane structure could cause structural degradation and lead to structural failure of the airplane with consequent loss of control. Compliance (e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Actions Compliance Procedures ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (1) Inspect the lower wing skin Within the next 90 Follow Cessna structure, forward wing spars, days after the Citation Alert lower fuselage skin, fairings, effective date of Service Letter and external fairing frames for this AD. ASL525-53-04, corrosion. Revision 2, dated August 19, 2007; Alert Service Letter ASL525A-53- 05, Revision 2, dated July 25, 2007; or Alert Service Letter ASL525B-53-02, Revision 2, dated July 25, 2007. (2) If corrosion damage is found Before further Follow Cessna in the lower wing skin flight after the Citation Alert structure, forward wing spars, inspection Service Letter lower fuselage skin, fairings, required in ASL525-53-04, and external fairing frames paragraph (e)(1) Revision 2, dated during the inspection required of this AD. August 19, 2007; in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, Alert Service repair as specified in the Letter ASL525A-53- applicable service information. 05, Revision 2, If the corrosion damage can not dated July 25, be repaired within the limits 2007; or Alert specified in the applicable Service Letter service information, contact ASL525B-53-02, the manufacturer at 1-800-835- Revision 2, dated 4090 for an FAA-approved repair July 25, 2007. scheme and incorporate this repair. (3) If corrosion on the lower Before further Follow Cessna wing skin structure, forward flight after the Citation Alert wing spars, and lower fuselage repair by Service Letter skin was repaired by blending blending was done ASL525-53-04, within the limits specified in as specified in Revision 2, dated the service information, do a paragraph (e)(2) August 19, 2007; surface eddy current inspection of this AD. Alert Service or a dye-penetrant inspection Letter ASL525A-53- for cracks. 05, Revision 2, dated July 25, 2007; or Alert Service Letter ASL525B-53-02, Revision 2, dated July 25, 2007. (4) If cracks are found during Before further Contact Cessna the surface eddy current flight after the Aircraft Company, inspection or the dye-penetrant inspection Citation Customer inspection required in required in Support at 1-800- paragraph (e)(3) of this AD, paragraph (e)(3) 835-4090. contact the manufacturer for an of this AD. FAA-approved repair scheme and incorporate this repair. [[Page 60793]] (5) Install the fuselage Before further Follow Cessna fairings and apply corrosion flight after the Citation Alert inhibitive sealant. inspection Service Letter required in ASL525-53-04, paragraph (e)(1) Revision 2, dated of this AD if no August 19, 2007; corrosion was Alert Service found; or before Letter ASL525A-53- further flight 05, Revision 2, after doing the dated July 25, repairs and 2007; or Alert inspections Service Letter required in ASL525B-53-02, paragraphs Revision 2, dated (e)(2), (e)(3), July 25, 2007. and (e)(4) of this AD if corrosion or cracks were found. (6) Determine the type of Within the next 90 Cessna Citation installation of the cockpit days after the Service Bulletin mounted pilot relief tube and effective date of SB525-53-20, disable the relief tube. this AD. dated April 30, 2007; Service Bulletin SB525A- 53-01, dated April 30, 2007; or Service Bulletin SB525B- 53-01, dated April 30, 2007. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (f) 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, Wichita ACO, Aerospace Engineer, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4155; fax: (316) 946-4107. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Related Information (g) To get copies of the service information referenced in this AD, contact Cessna Aircraft Company, Citation Marketing Division, P.O. 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277; telephone: 1-800-835-4090; fax: 1- 800-517-8500. To view the AD docket, go to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, or on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov. The docket number is Docket No. FAA-2007-28956; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-068-AD. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 22, 2007. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-21127 Filed 10-25-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P