Airworthiness directives: Cessna,

[Federal Register: January 7, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 5)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 1075-1076]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr07ja00-13]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-229-AD]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 750 Citation X Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); rescission.

SUMMARY: This document proposes to rescind an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Cessna Model 750 Citation X series airplanes, that currently requires repetitive in-flight functional tests to verify proper operation of the secondary horizontal stabilizer pitch trim system, and repair, if necessary. The actions specified by that AD are intended to detect and correct such contamination and damage, which could result in simultaneous failure of both primary and secondary pitch trim systems, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. Since the issuance of that AD, an improved part has been developed, which, if installed, would terminate the repetitive tests; that improved part has been installed on all affected airplanes or is being installed in production. Therefore, the identified unsafe condition no longer exists.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 22, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-229-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9:00a.m. and 3:00p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Information pertaining to this proposed rule may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joel M. Ligon, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4138; fax (316) 946-4407.

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 shall 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filedin 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 Number 99-NM-229-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, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-229-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056.

Discussion

On July 29, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-16-17, amendment 39-10693 (63 FR 42206, August 7, 1998), applicable to all Cessna Model 750 Citation X series airplanes, to require repetitive in-flight functional tests to verify proper operation of the secondary horizontal stabilizer pitch trim system, and repair, if necessary. That action was prompted by reports of simultaneous failures of the primary and secondary horizontal stabilizer pitch trim system during flight, due to internal water contamination and corrosion damage in the system actuator. The requirements of that AD are intended to detect and correct such contamination and damage, which could result in simultaneous failure of both primary and secondary pitch trim systems, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

Since the issuance of that AD, the manufacturer has developed a modification (reference Cessna Service Bulletin SB750-27-23, dated February 2, 1999) that involves replacement of the horizontal stabilizer trim system actuator with an improved actuator incorporating a moisture condenser. The improved design will prevent internal water contamination and corrosion damage of the actuator. The FAA has determined that installation of this improved actuator will adequately address the unsafe condition identified in AD 98-16-17, and will eliminate the need for the repetitive in-flight functional tests required by that AD.

The manufacturer has verified that the modification has been accomplished on all affected airplanes, including those in production, and on all actuators in operators' inventories. Therefore, the unsafe condition cannot be reintroduced into the fleet.

FAA's Conclusions

Since all affected airplanes, including those in production, and all actuators in operators' inventories have been modified, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to rescind AD 98-16-17 in order to prevent operators from performing an unnecessary action.

This proposed action would rescind AD 98-16-17. Rescission of AD 98-16-17 would constitute only such action, and, if followed by a final action, would not preclude the agency from issuing another notice in the future, nor would it commit the agency to any course of action in the future.

Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that 52 airplanes of U.S. registry are affected by AD 98-

[[Page 1076]]

16-17. The actions that are currently required by that AD take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $6,240, or $120 per airplane. However, the adoption of this proposed rescission would eliminate those costs.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this 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) 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 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.

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 removing amendment 39-10693.

   Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket 99-NM-229-AD. Rescinds AD 98-16-17, Amendment 39-10693.

   Applicability: All Model 750 Citation X series airplanes, certificated in any category.

   Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 3, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 00-377Filed1-6-00; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-P