Airworthiness directives: Cirrus Design Corp.,
[Federal Register: May 8, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 88)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 26707-26711]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08my06-15]
[[Page 26707]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
[Docket No. FAA-2006-24010; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-14-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cirrus Design Corporation Model SR20 and SR22 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cirrus Design Corporation (CDC) Model SR20 and SR22 airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to check the maintenance records to determine whether the brake caliper piston O-ring seals were replaced at the last annual or 100-hour inspection. If the O-rings were not replaced, this proposed AD would require you to replace the O-ring seals with new seals or replace brake calipers. This proposed AD would also require you to modify the main landing gear wheel fairings to add temperature indicator sticker inspection holes, trim the wheel fairings to prevent them from holding fluids, install temperature indicator stickers on the brake calipers, and insert Revision A6 (with revised preflight walk-around and taxi procedures) into the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH). This proposed AD results from several reports of airplanes experiencing brake fires and two airplanes losing directional control. We are issuing this proposed AD to detect, correct, and prevent overheating damage to the brake caliper piston O-ring seals, which could result in leakage of brake hydraulic fluid. Consequently, this could lead to the loss of braking with loss of airplane directional control or brake fire.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 10, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this proposed AD:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Cirrus Design Corporation, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth, Minnesota 55811; telephone: (218) 727-2737 or on the Internet at http://www.cirrusdesign.com .
You may examine the comments on this proposed AD in the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wess Rouse, Aerospace Engineer, ACE- 117C, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-8113; facsimile: (847) 294-7834.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include the docket number, ``FAA-2006-24010; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-14-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://dms.dot.gov , including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Using the search function of the DOT docket Web site, anyone can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
Discussion
The FAA recently received four reports of CDC Models SR20 and SR22 airplanes experiencing brake fires and one airplane losing directional control resulting in contact with a parked airplane. There was one prior report of loss of directional control in 2002.
Investigation has shown that with a free castering nose wheel, occasional right braking during taxi is necessary due to helical propwash. Excessive brake use during taxi can result in overheating damage of the O-ring seals on the right brake caliper piston. Consequently, the overheating damage of the O-ring seals on the brake caliper piston results in leakage of brake hydraulic fluid.
In addition to excessive use of the right brake, data suggests that brake caliper piston O-ring seals have not typically been replaced at annual or 100-hour inspections as specified in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM).
To address this unsafe condition, CDC has developed the following:
Modifications to the main landing gear (MLG) wheel fairings to add temperature indicator sticker inspection holes and trim the wheel fairings to ensure that any leaking hydraulic fluid runs onto the pavement where it may be seen rather than collecting in the wheel pants;
Temperature indicator stickers to install on brake calipers; and
Revision A6 for the POH (with revised preflight walk- around and taxi procedures).
This condition, if not corrected, could cause leakage of brake hydraulic fluid and lead to the loss of braking with loss of airplane directional control or brake fire.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed CDC Service Bulletins SB 2X-32-13, Issued: December 15, 2005; and SB 2X-32-14 R1, Issued: January 18, 2006, Revised: February 17, 2006.
The service information describes procedures for:
A wheel conversion and brake upgrade; and
Modifications of the MLG fairings to include inspection holes that facilitate monitoring (temperature indicator stickers) for brake assembly temperature and trimming of the MLG fairings to provide for additional clearance;
Installation of temperature indicator stickers on the brake assemblies; and
Incorporation of Revision A6 into the POH.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD to address an unsafe condition that we determined is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design. The proposed AD would require you to:
Check the maintenance records to determine whether the brake caliper piston O-ring seals were replaced at the last annual or 100-hour inspection, and,
[[Page 26708]]
if not replaced, replace the O-ring seals with new seals or replace brake calipers;
Modify the MLG wheel fairings to add a temperature indicator sticker inspection hole;
Trim the wheel fairings to prevent them from holding fluids;
Install temperature indicator stickers on the brake calipers; and
Insert Revision A6 into the POH.
The proposed AD would require you to use the service information described previously to perform these actions.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Information
The proposed AD would require you to check the maintenance records to determine whether the brake caliper piston O-ring seals were replaced at the last annual or 100-hour inspection, and, if not replaced, would require you to replace the O-ring seals with new seals or replace brake calipers. This step is not included in the service bulletin. We include it in the proposed AD to assure the O-ring seals are replaced or have been recently replaced. Replacement procedures for the brake caliper piston O-ring seals are in Section 32-42 of the CDC Model SR20 or SR22 AMM. The requirements of the proposed AD, if adopted as a final rule, would take precedence over the provisions in the service information.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 2,135 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to do this proposed check of maintenance records to determine whether the brake caliper piston O- ring seals were replaced at the last annual or 100-hour inspection:
Total cost per Labor cost
Parts cost
airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
1 workhour x $80 = $80.......... Not applicable.....
$80 2,135 x $80 = $170,800.
We estimate the following costs to install any necessary O-ring seals that would be required based on the results of this proposed check of maintenance records. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need this seal installation:
Total cost per Labor cost
Parts cost airplane
4 work hours x $80 = $320...............
$8
$328
We estimate the following costs to replace any brake calipers on Model SR20 airplanes, serial numbers (S/Ns) 1005 through 1194, that would be required based on the results of this proposed check of maintenance records. We have no way of determining the number of these Model SR20 airplanes that may need to replace brake calipers:
Total cost per Labor cost
Parts cost airplane
12 workhours x $80 = $960...............
$1,167
$2,127
We estimate the following costs to replace any brake calipers on Model SR20 airplanes, S/Ns 1195 through 1600, that would be required based on the results of this proposed check of maintenance records. We have no way of determining the number of these Model SR20 airplanes that may need to replace brake calipers:
Total cost per Labor cost
Parts cost airplane
8 workhours x $80 = $640................
$1,167
$1,807
We estimate the following costs to replace any brake calipers on Model SR22 airplanes that would be required based on the results of this proposed check of maintenance records. We have no way of determining the number of Model SR22 airplanes that may need to replace brake calipers:
Total cost per Labor cost
Parts cost airplane
5 workhours x $80 = $400................
$845
$1,245
We estimate the following costs to do the proposed modification of the MLG wheel fairings to add the temperature indicator sticker inspection holes, trim the wheel fairings to prevent them from holding fluids, and install the temperature indicator sticker on the brake calipers:
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Total cost per Labor cost
Parts cost airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
2 workhours x $80 = $160..........
$2
$162 2,135 x $162 = $345,870.
The CDC has indicated that CDC will provide warranty credit as stated in the service information for modifying the MLG wheel fairings by adding the temperature indicator sticker inspection holes, trimming the wheel fairings to prevent them from holding fluids, and installing the temperature indicator sticker on the brake calipers.
We estimate the following costs to do the proposed insertion of Revision A6 into the POH:
Total cost per Total cost on Labor cost
Parts cost
airplane U.S. operators
1 workhour x $80.............................. Not applicable..................
$80
$170,800
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 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:
-
Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
-
Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
-
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. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
Examining the Dockets
You may examine the docket that contains the proposal, any comments received and any final disposition on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov , or in person at the DOT Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management Facility receives them.
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 Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
-
The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
-
The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Cirrus Design Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2006-24010; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-14-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by July 10, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the following airplane models and serial numbers (S/N) that are certificated in any category:
(1) Group 1: Model SR20 Airplanes, S/N 1005 through 1600.
(2) Group 2: Model SR22 Airplanes, S/N 0002 through 1739.
(3) Group 3: Model SR20 Airplanes, S/N 1005 through 1592.
(4) Group 4: Model SR22 Airplanes, S/N 0002 through 1727.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from several reports of airplanes that experienced brake fires and two airplanes that lost directional control. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect, correct, and prevent overheating damage to the brake caliper piston O-ring seals, which could result in leakage of brake hydraulic fluid. Consequently, this could lead to the loss of braking with loss of airplane directional control or brake fire.
Compliance
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
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Table 1.--Actions/Compliance/Procedures
Actions
Compliance
Procedures
(1) For Group 1 and Group 2 Within 50 hours time- No special Airplanes: Check the
in-service (TIS) procedures maintenance records to
after the effective necessary to check determine whether the brake date of this AD, the maintenance caliper piston O-ring seals unless already done. records. The owner/ were replaced at the last
operator holding at annual or 100-hour
least a private inspection.
pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may make this check. You must make an entry into the airplane records that shows compliance with this portion of the AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). (2) For Group 1 and Group 2 Before further
For the replacement, Airplanes: If you find as a flight after the brake maintenance result of the check
check required by procedures are required by paragraph
paragraph (e)(1) of included in Section (e)(1) of this AD that
this AD.
32-42 of the SR20 there is no record of the
or SR22 Aircraft replacement of brake
Maintenance Manual. caliper piston O-ring seals
For the replacement at the last annual or 100-
of old brake hour inspection, then do
calipers with new the following:
brake calipers, (i) Replace the O-ring seals
follow Cirrus with new O-ring seals; or
Design Corporation (ii) Replace old brake
Service Bulletin SB calipers with new brake
2X-32-13, Issued: calipers.
December 15, 2005. (3) For Group 3 and Group 4 Do the modification Follow Cirrus Design Airplanes:
within 50 hours TIS Corporation Service (i) Modify the main landing after the effective Bulletin SB 2X-32- gear (MLG) wheel fairings date of this AD, 14 R1, Issued: to add temperature
unless already
January 18, 2006, indicator sticker
done. Do the
Revised: February inspection holes and trim temperature
17, 2006. the wheel fairings to
indicator sticker prevent them from holding installation within fluids; and
50 hours TIS after (ii) Install a temperature the effective date indicator sticker on the of this AD, unless brake calipers.
already done, and thereafter before further flight anytime you have the o-ring seals replaced due to overheating of the brake assembly (temperature indicator sticker turned black). (4) For all airplanes:
Within 50 hours TIS The owner/operator Insert the appropriate
after the effective holding at least a Revision A6 part number (P/ date of this AD, private pilot N) into the Pilot's
unless already done. certificate as Operating Handbook (POH),
authorized by as presented in TABLE 2.--
section 43.7 of the REVISION A6 TO THE PILOT'S
Federal Aviation OPERATING HANDBOOK, in
Regulations (14 CFR paragraph (f) of this AD..
43.7) may insert the information into the POH as specified in paragraph (e)(4) of this AD. Make an entry into the airplane maintenance records showing compliance with this portion of the AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). (5) For Group 3 and Group 4 As of the effective Follow Cirrus Design Airplanes:
date of this AD. Corporation Service (i) Do not install any MLG
Bulletin SB 2X-32- fairings without also doing
14 R1, Issued: the modifications required
January 18, 2006, by paragraph (e)(3)(i) of
Revised: February this AD; and
17, 2006. (ii) Do not replace any brake calipers without also installing the temperature indicator sticker required by paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this AD.
(f) The following table specifies the POH Revision A6 part number as required in paragraph (e)(4) of this AD:
Table 2.--Revision A6 to the Pilot's Operating Handbook
Model SR20 or Affected airplanes
SR22 airplane POH
Date FAA-approved P/N
(1) Model SR20, S/N 1148 through 1267..........
11934-002 January 18, 2006. (2) Model SR20, S/N 1005 through 1147 that have
11934-002 January 18, 2006. the 3,000-pound gross weight modification following Cirrus Design Corporation Service Bulletin SB 20-01-00, Issued: February 25, 2003. (3) SR20, S/N 1268 through 1739................
11934-003 January 18, 2006. (4) SR22, S/N 002 through 1739.................
13772-001 January 18, 2006.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ATTN: Wess Rouse, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, ACE-117C, Chicago ACO, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-8113; facsimile: (847) 294-7834, has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
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Related Information
(h) To get copies of the documents referenced in this AD, contact Cirrus Design Corporation, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth, Minnesota 55811; telephone: (218) 727-2737, or on the Internet at http://www.cirrusdesign.com. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket
Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC, or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is Docket No. FAA-
2006-24010; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-14-AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 1, 2006. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6-6905 Filed 5-5-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
