AD 2001-23-03

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 221 (Thursday, November 15, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57361-57364]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 01-28332]



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Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 221 / Thursday, November 15, 2001 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 57361]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-26-AD; Amendment 39-12500; AD 2001-23-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172N, 
172P, R172K, 172RG, F172N, F172P, FR172J, and FR172K Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 80-04-
08, which requires inspecting (one-time) the fuel line and map light 
switch in the left hand forward door post for chafing or arcing on 
certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model 172N, R172K, F172N, and 
FR172K airplanes and repairing any damage found. AD 80-04-08 also 
requires providing at least a 0.50-inch clearance between the map light 
switch and the fuel line; and installing a switch cover (insulator) 
over the map light switch. This AD requires you to extend the 
inspections and installation of the switch cover requirement to certain 
172N, 172P, R172K, 172RG, F172N, F172P, FR172J, and FR172K series 
airplanes. This AD also requires replacement of the fuel line, if 
damaged; and makes the switch cover inspection and replacement 
repetitive. This AD is the result of FAA receiving several reports of 
incidents of electrical shorts on Cessna Model 172N airplanes. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct any 
chafing between the map light switch and the bordering fuel line, which 
could result in a fuel leak and an in-flight fire.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on December 27, 2001.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of 
December 27, 2001.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD 
from the Cessna Aircraft Company, PO Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277; 
telephone: (316) 517-5800, facsimile: (316) 942-9006. You may examine 
this information at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 
2000-CE-26-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Clyde Erwin, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 
100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209, telephone: (316) 
946-4149; facsimile: (316) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    Has FAA taken any action to this point? The FAA issued AD 80-04-08, 
Amendment 39-3696, February 16, 1980, in order to preclude the 
possibility of a fuel leak or an in-flight fire due to contact between 
a map light switch and an adjacent fuel line of certain Cessna Models 
172N, R172K, F172N, and FR172K airplanes. AD 80-04-08 requires that you 
do the following on the affected airplanes:

--Visually inspect the fuel line and map light switch located in the 
left hand forward door post for chafing or arcing and replace damaged 
parts as necessary. If not already existing, provide at least a 0.50-
inch clearance between the map light switch and the fuel line in 
accordance with procedures in FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1A.
--Install a cover (insulator), Cessna Part Number 0511080-1, over the 
map light switch in accordance with Cessna Single Engine Service 
Information Letter SE80-3 and Supplement #1 thereto, both dated January 
21, 1980.

    AD 80-04-08 was the result of instances of chafing between the map 
light switch and the adjacent fuel line on the affected airplanes. When 
the chafing caused an electrical short, insulation melted from the map 
light wire and a hole was burned in the fuel line.
    What has happened to necessitate further AD action? Since issuance 
of AD 80-04-08, FAA has received several reports of incidents of 
electrical shorts on Cessna Model 172N airplanes. These electrical 
shorts have resulted because the mounting screws may be elongated or 
broken out on the affected airplanes or doorpost cover shapes have 
changed over time. Switch covers may:

--Deteriorate over time;
--Receive damage from service activities,
--Be left off after service activities;
--Not be mounted properly; or
--Not be used in after-market interior installations.

    AD 80-04-08 applied to only certain serial numbers and did not 
cover all of the models that have map light switches in the doorpost.
    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 certain Cessna Model 172N, 172P, 
R172K, 172RG, F172N, F172P, FR172J, and FR172K series airplanes. This 
proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) on January 8, 2001 (66 FR 1273). The NPRM proposed to 
supersede AD-80-04-08 with a new AD that would require:

--Repetitively inspecting for the existence and damage to the cover 
(insulator) for the doorpost map light switch;
--Installing a cover (insulator) if missing or damaged; and
--Replacing the fuel line, if damaged.

    Was the public invited to comment? The FAA encouraged interested 
persons to participate in the making of this amendment. At the request 
of several commenters, we issued an NPRM to extend the comment period 
from February 12, 2001, to April 13, 2001. This document was published 
in the Federal Register on February 12, 2001 (66 FR 9779). A summary of 
the comments received on both of these documents follow, along with our 
responses.

[[Page 57362]]

Comment Issue No. 1: Agree That This AD Will Correct an Unsafe 
Condition and Provide Aviation Safety

    What is the commenter's concern? One commenter suggests that the 
proposed AD is necessary because the doorposts in these aircraft have 
become conduits for wiring of add-on systems accomplished by the field 
approval process. The commenter suggests that repetitive inspections 
would significantly enhance the safety and reliability of airplane 
operation.
    Several commenters agree that FAA is correct in adding aircraft 
serial numbers to the proposed AD.
    What is FAA's response to the concern? Since the comments agree 
with the NPRM as written, we are not changing the final rule as a 
result of these comments.

Comment Issue No. 2: AD 80-04-08  Already Addresses the Unsafe 
Condition

    What is the commenter's concern? Several commenters suggest that a 
new AD is not necessary to correct the unsafe condition. They believe 
AD 80-04-08 adequately addresses this issue. The commenters suggest 
that if any further action regarding this unsafe condition is taken, 
FAA should either revise or suspend the current AD. Two commenters 
suggest that accomplishment of the manufacturer's service bulletin by 
the owners/operators of the affected airplanes will correct the unsafe 
condition.
    What is FAA's response to the concern? We do not concur that AD 80-
04-08 addresses the unsafe condition. Reports indicate electrical 
shorts on Cessna Model 172N airplanes have occurred after compliance 
with AD 80-04-08. We have determined that the electrical shorts 
resulted because the doorpost cover deteriorated over time from heat 
and sunlight, which caused the attachment bolt holes to become 
elongated or broken out and resulted in the fuel line and the switch 
contact to become jammed together. AD 80-04-08 did not cover all of the 
airplane models that have map light switches in the doorpost. In 
addition, AD 80-04-08 only required an initial inspection so no 
requirement exists for detecting damaged doorpost covers that occur 
after the initial inspection. Since we are adding additional 
requirements and additional airplanes, we must supersede the current AD 
because it provides an additional burden over that in AD 80-04-08.
    We concur that accomplishment of the referenced service bulletin 
will correct the unsafe condition. However, we can only require 
compliance through AD action.
    We are not changing the AD based on these comments.

Comment Issue No. 3: The Condition Results From Poor or Lack of 
Maintenance

    What is the commenter's concern? Several commenters suggest that 
the conditions referenced in the proposed AD are a result of incorrect 
maintenance activities. The commenters state that, if damage to the 
doorpost cover is a result of maintenance activities, e.g., left off or 
not properly mounted, an AD would not correct this situation. These 
conditions result from incorrect aircraft maintenance and airframe and 
powerplant (A&P) mechanic functions and not AD requirements. If these 
problems arise, the pilot should report the condition so that 
corrective maintenance can be performed.
    What is FAA's response to the concern? We do not concur. The unsafe 
condition is a result of the doorpost cover deteriorating over time 
because of the material it is made of, exposure to the heat, and use. 
The deterioration of the doorpost cover causes the attachment bolt 
holes to become elongated or broken out, which results in the fuel line 
and the switch contact to become jammed together.
    We are not changing the AD based on these comments.

Comment Issue No. 4: Correct the Applicability

    What is the commenter's concern? Several commenters suggest that 
FAA should clarify whether Model F172N airplanes, serial numbers 
F17201515 through F17201639, should be included in the AD. We infer 
that the commenters believe that they should be included.
    What is FAA's response to the concern? We concur. We inadvertently 
left Model F172N airplanes, serial numbers F17201515 through F17201639, 
out of the proposed AD. These airplane models will be covered in the 
applicability of this AD.
    We are changing the final rule to include these airplane models. 
None of these airplanes are currently on the U.S. Register so this 
would not add any additional burden upon the public.

Comment Issue No. 5: Extend the Comment Period 60 Days

    What is the commenter's concern? Two commenters request the comment 
period be extended to allow the FAA a greater opportunity to hear from 
more people in the aviation community.
    What is FAA's response to the concern? We concur with this comment. 
The comment period was extended on the NPRM from February 12, 2001, to 
April 13, 2001, to give the public an additional 60 days to respond.

Comment Issue No. 6: Change or Eliminate the Repetitive Inspection 
Interval

    What is the commenter's concern? Several commenters suggest that 
the need for repetitive inspections are not necessary because they add 
no safety value. Specifically, one commenter suggests that the doorpost 
cover, switch, insulator, and fuel line should be inspected as part of 
the annual inspection (or when any work is performed in that area) or 
extended to 5 year intervals because the material the doorpost cover is 
made of will not deteriorate in a year's time. Another commenter 
suggests that the affected area is not designed for repeated access and 
could, in fact, contribute to and exacerbate the problem addressed by 
the proposed AD or create new ones. All commenters suggest that if 
required maintenance is done properly, there would be no need for 
repetitive inspections because the switch retaining screws will remain 
installed until they are removed; and, if installed correctly, the 
insulator is designed as such that it will function properly until it 
is removed.
    What is FAA's response to the concern? We do not concur. As 
discussed previously, electrical shorts result because the doorpost 
cover deteriorates over time from heat and sunlight. Our analysis shows 
that 12 months is a reasonable time period for detecting such a 
problem. A longer period would not provide the assurance that the 
condition was detected before a serious problem developed. We have 
determined that, if correctly accessed, new problems will not occur. 
The 12 month repetitive inspection interval should also coincide with 
annual inspections.
    We are not changing the final rule as a result of these comments.

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 determined that these minor corrections:

--Will not change the meaning of the AD; and
--Will not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed.

[[Page 57363]]

Cost Impact

    How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD 
affects 7,750 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 
initial inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Total cost per
           Labor cost                  Parts cost         airplane            Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 workhour  x  $60 per hour =     No parts required               $60  7,750  x  $60 = $465,000.
 $60.                              for the inspection.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has no way of determining the number of repetitive 
inspections each owner/operator will incur over the life of each of the 
affected airplanes, or how many covers (insulators) or fuel lines will 
need to be replaced. If replacement parts are required as a result of 
the inspection, the estimated cost per airplane for the cover 
(insulator) is $6.00. The cost for a replacement fuel line varies from 
$26.00 to $129.00, plus labor, depending on the airplane model.
    What is the difference between the cost impact of this AD and the 
cost impact of AD 80-04-08? The cost impact of this AD is more than 
currently required by AD 80-04-08. The differences between this AD and 
AD 80-04-08 are the additional airplane models that will be affected 
and the repetitive inspections each affected airplane owner/operator 
will incur over the life of the airplane.

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.
    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 andProcedures 
(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, Incorporation by 
reference, 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 AviationRegulations (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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
80-04-08, Amendment 39-3696, and by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2001-23-03  Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-12500; Docket No. 
2000-CE-26-AD; Supersedes AD 80-04-08, Amendment 39-3696.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
following Cessna model airplanes, certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Model                             Serial No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
172N..............................  17267585 through 17270049; 17270051
                                     through 17274009; 17261445,
                                     17261578, and 17270050.
172P..............................  17274010 through 17276654.
172RG.............................  172RG0001 through 172RG1191; and
                                     691.
F172N.............................  F17201515 through F17202039.
F172P.............................  F17202040 through F17202254.
FR172J............................  FR17200531 through 17200590.
FR172K............................  FR17200591 through 17200675.
R172K.............................  R1722000 through R1723454; and 680.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to detect and correct any chafing between the 
map light switch and the bordering fuel line, which could result in 
a fuel leak or an in-flight fire.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the doorpost map  Initially inspect     Do this action
 light switch insulator        within the next 100   following the
 (part number 0511080-1) to    hours time-in-        ACCOMPLISHMENT
 verify it is installed and    service (TIS) after   INSTRUCTIONS
 (if installed) not damaged.   December 27, 2001     section of Cessna
                               (the effective date   Service Bulletin
                               of this AD), or       SEB00-1, dated
                               within the next 12    January 17, 2000.
                               calendar months
                               after December 27,
                               2001 (the effective
                               date of this AD),
                               whichever occurs
                               first. Repetitively
                               inspect thereafter
                               at intervals not to
                               exceed 12 calendar
                               months.

[[Page 57364]]

 
(2) If a switch cover         Before further        Do this action
 (insulator) is not            flight after the      following the
 installed or is damaged in    inspection where      ACCOMPLISHMENT
 any way, install a new        any damage is found   INSTRUCTIONS
 insulator (part number        or the cover is       section of Cessna
 0511080-1).                   found missing.        Service Bulletin
                                                     SEB00-1, dated
                                                     January 17, 2000,
                                                     and the Cessna
                                                     Manufacturer's
                                                     Maintenance Manual.
(3) If the fuel line is       Before further        Do this action
 damaged in any way, install   flight after the      following the
 a new fuel line. The          inspection where      ACCOMPLISHMENT
 replacement fuel line part    any damage is found.  INSTRUCTIONS
 number varies with aircraft                         section of Cessna
 model.                                              Service Bulletin
                                                     SEB00-1, dated
                                                     January 17, 2000,
                                                     and the Cessna
                                                     Manufacturer's
                                                     Maintenance Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: The compliance times specified in Cessna Service 
Bulletin SEB00-1, dated January 17, 2000, are different from those 
required by this AD. The compliance times in this AD take precedence 
over those in the service bulletin.

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? 
    (1) You may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust 
the compliance time if:
    (i) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (ii) The Manager, Wichita 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, Wichita ACO.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance 
with AD 80-04-08, which is superseded by this AD, are not approved 
as alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

    Note 2: 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 Mr. Clyde Erwin, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 
Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 
67209, telephone: (316) 946-4149; facsimile: (316) 946-4407.
    (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 
sections 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) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance 
with Cessna Service Bulletin SEB00-1 and Accomplishment 
Instructions, dated January 17, 2000. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get copies from the Cessna 
Aircraft Company, PO Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277. You can look 
at copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.
    (i) Does this AD action affect any existing AD actions? This 
amendment supersedes AD 80-04-08, Amendment 39-3696.
    (j) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on December 27, 2001.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 5, 2001.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 01-28332 Filed 11-14-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P