Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models T303, 402C, 404, 414A, and 421C Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-CE-06-AD]

Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models T303,

402C, 404, 414A, and 421C Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede AD 93-05-03, which

currently requires repetitively inspecting each fuel inlet float valve

in accordance with certain test procedures on Cessna Aircraft Company

(Cessna) Models T303, 402C, 404, 414A, and 421C airplanes, and

replacing any valve that does not pass this test. The manufacturer has

developed fuel inlet float valves of improved design, and the Federal

Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that the improved valves

should be installed to reduce the number of repetitive tests currently

required by AD 93-05-03. The proposed action would require installing

these fuel inlet float valves of improved design. The actions specified

by the proposed AD are intended to prevent possible loss of engine

power caused by failure of a fuel inlet float valve.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 28, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief

Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-CE-06-AD, Room 1558, 601 E.

12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be inspected at

this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,

holidays excepted.

Service information that applies to the proposed AD may be obtained

from the Cessna Aircraft Company, Customer Services, P.O. Box 1521,

Wichita, Kansas 67201. This information also may be examined at the

Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Charles D. Riddle, Aerospace

Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport

Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4144;

facsimile (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 should 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 that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned

with the substance of this proposal will be filed in 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 No. 94-CE-06-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, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-CE-06-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,

Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

Discussion

On March 4, 1993, the FAA issued AD 93-05-03, Amendment 39-8508 (58

FR 13406, March 11, 1993), in order to require a certain fuel inlet

float valve test on Cessna Models T303, 402C, 404, 414A, and 421C

airplanes, and replacement of any valve that does not pass this test.

An accident involving a Model 402C airplane where the fuel inlet valve

failed in the open position prompted that action.

Since AD 93-05-03 became effective, Cessna has developed fuel inlet

float valves of improved design, and the FAA has determined that

installation of these improved valves serves as a basis for reducing

the number of repetitive tests currently required by AD 93-05-03.

In addition, Cessna has issued Service Bulletin (SB) MEB93-10,

dated December 3, 1993, which specifies procedures for replacing fuel

inlet float valves; and (2) accomplishing an installation test.

After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available

information related to the incidents described above including the

referenced service information, the FAA has determined that the fuel

inlet float valves of improved design should be incorporated on the

referenced airplanes to prevent possible loss of engine power caused by

failure of a fuel inlet float valve.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to

exist or develop in other Cessna Models T303, 402C, 404, 414A, and 421C

airplanes of the same type design, the proposed AD would supersede AD

93-05-03 with a new AD that would require replacing the fuel inlet

float valves with parts of improved design or modifying the existing

part and periodically accomplishing functional tests to assure proper

operation. The proposed actions would be accomplished in accordance

with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS supplement to Cessna SB MEB93-10,

dated December 3, 1993.

The replacement compliance time is presented in calendar time

instead of hours time-in-service (TIS). Operators in commuter service

can put up to 200 hours TIS in one calendar month while a general

aviation operator may not utilize the airplane 200 hours TIS in one

calendar year. The calendar time compliance will allow commuter

operators the option of accomplishing the actions to coincide with

regularly scheduled maintenance.

The FAA estimates that 1,641 airplanes in the U.S. registry would

be affected by the proposed AD, that it would take approximately 22

workhours (15 workhours for replacement and 7 workhours for

installation) per airplane to accomplish the proposed action, and that

the average labor rate is approximately $55 an hour. Parts cost

approximately $3,144 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total

cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be

$7,144,914. This figure is based on the assumption that no affected

airplane owner/operator has accomplished the proposed valve

installation.

Cessna has informed the FAA that enough improved fuel valves have

been sold to equip approximately 1,040 of the affected airplanes.

Assuming that these valves are installed on Cessna Models T303, 402C,

404, 414A, and 421C airplanes, the proposed cost impact upon U.S.

operators would be reduced from $7,144,914 to $2,616,754.

The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct

effects 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, in

accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this

proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant

the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

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 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 has been placed 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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.

106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.

Sec. 39.13 [AMENDED]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing AD 93-05-03, Amendment 39-

8508 (58 FR 13406, March 11, 1993), and by adding a new airworthiness

directive to read as follows:

The Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. 94-CE-06-AD; Supersedes AD

93-05-03, Amendment 39-8508.

Applicability: The following model and serial number airplanes,

certificated in any category:

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Model Serial Nos.

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T303 T30300001 through T30300315.

402C 402C0001 through 402C1020.

404 404-0001 through 404-0859.

414A 414A0001 through 414A1212.

421C 421C0001 through 421C1807.

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Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless

already accomplished.

To prevent possible loss of engine power caused by failure of a

fuel inlet float valve, accomplish the following:

(a) For airplanes equipped with fuel inlet float valve part

numbers (P/N) 9910242-1, 9910242-4, 9910242-5, 9910242-6, 9910242-7,

9910242-8, 9910242-205, 9910242-206, 9910242-207, and 9910242-208,

accomplish the following:

(1) Within the next 200 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the

effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished (compliance

with AD 93-05-03), perform the appropriate valve test in accordance

with paragraph 2. Functional Test Procedure or paragraph 3.

Installation Test Procedure in the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS

supplement to Cessna Service Bulletin (SB) MEB93-10, dated December

3, 1993. Accomplish these tests thereafter at intervals not to

exceed 200 hours TIS until the fuel inlet float valves are replaced

with a P/N 9910242-11 or P/N 9910242-12 valve, and then accomplish

the appropriate valve test at intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS.

(2) Within 12 calendar months after accumulating 1,800 hours TIS

on a fuel inlet float valve or within the next 12 calendar months

after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace

the valve with a P/N 9910242-11 or P/N 9910242-12 fuel inlet float

valve in accordance with paragraph 4. Valve Replacement in the

ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS supplement to Cessna SB MEB93-10, dated

December 3, 1993. Thereafter, accomplish either the functional or

installation test required by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD at

intervals not to exceed 600 hours.

Note 1: If the number of hours TIS accumulated on a fuel inlet

float valve is unknown, airplane hours TIS may be used.

(b) For airplanes equipped with fuel inlet float valve P/N

9910242-9 or P/N 9910242-10, accomplish the following:

(1) Within the next 200 hours TIS after the effective date of this

AD, unless already accomplished (compliance with AD 93-05-03), perform

the appropriate valve test in accordance with paragraph 2. Functional

Test Procedure or paragraph 3. Installation Test Procedure in the

ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS supplement to Cessna SB MEB93-10, dated

December 3, 1993. Accomplish the appropriate valve test thereafter at

intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS until the fuel inlet float valves

are modified as specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this AD, and then

accomplish the appropriate valve test at intervals not to exceed 600

hours TIS.

(2) Within 12 calendar months after the effective date of this

AD, install the K74D retainer kit in accordance with PROCEDURE No.

P74D, which is included with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS

supplement to Cessna SB MEB93-10, dated December 3, 1993.

Thereafter, accomplish the functional and installation tests

required by paragraph (b)(1) of this AD at intervals not to exceed

600 hours.

Note 2: Installation of the K74D retainer kit modifies the P/N

9910242-9 or P/N 9910242-10 fuel inlet float valves to the P/N

9910242-11 or P/N 9910242-12 configuration.

(c) For valves failing any repetitive installation or functional

test required by paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and (b)(2) of

this AD, prior to further flight, accomplish the following (unless

parts are not available and then comply with the requirements of

paragraph (d) of this AD):

(1) Replace the fuel inlet float valve with a P/N 9910242-11 or

P/N 9910242-12 valve in accordance with paragraph 4. Valve

Replacement in the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS supplement to Cessna

SB MEB93-10, dated December 3, 1993.

(2) Accomplish the installation test contained in paragraph 3.

Installation Test Procedure in the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS

supplement to Cessna SB MEB93-10, dated December 3, 1993. Accomplish

the appropriate valve test thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600

hours TIS.

(d) If any fuel valve replacement is necessary and the

replacement parts are not available, accomplish the following

provided the parts have been ordered from the manufacturer and are

installed within 25 hours TIS after availability:

(1) Incorporate the following into the Limitations Section of

the Pilots Operating Handbook (POH) and FAA-approved Airplane Flight

Manual (AFM):

(i) For the Model T303 airplanes: UNUSABLE FUEL: Indicated fuel

quantity below 36 pounds (6 gallons) in each main tank is unusable.

(ii) For the Models 402C, 404, 414A, and 421C airplanes:

UNUSABLE FUEL: Indicated fuel quantity below 90 pounds (15 gallons)

in each main tank is unusable.

(iii) For the Model 404 airplanes: FUEL QUANTITY: Minimum

indicated fuel quantity for takeoff is 228 pounds (38 gallons) in

each main tank.

(iv) For the Models 402C, 414A, and 421C airplanes: FUEL

QUANTITY: Minimum indicated fuel quantity for takeoff is 210 pounds

(35 gallons) in each main tank.

(2) Fabricate placards, as applicable, with the following words

in letters at least 0.10-inch in height and install these placards

within the pilot's clear view on the instrument panel in close

proximity to the fuel quantity gage:

(i) For Models 402C, 404, 414A, and 421C airplanes: ``UNUSABLE

FUEL-INDICATED FUEL QUANTITY BELOW 90 POUNDS (15 GALLONS) IN EACH

MAIN TANK IS UNUSABLE''.

(ii) For Model T303 airplanes: ``UNUSABLE FUEL-INDICATED FUEL

QUANTITY BELOW 36 POUNDS (6 GALLONS) IN EACH MAIN TANK IS

UNUSABLE''.

(3) For the Model 404 airplanes, fabricate four placards with

the following in letters at least 0.10-inch in height: ``157 GAL''.

Install these placards covering the four existing ``172 GAL''

markings on the existing placard around the engine fuel selector

handles.

(4) For the Models 402C, 414A, and 421C airplanes, fabricate

four placards with the following in letters at least 0.10-inch in

height: ``88 GAL''. Install these placards covering the four

existing ``103 GAL'' markings on the existing placard around the

engine fuel selector handles.

(5) For the Model T303 airplanes, fabricate the following

placards in letters at least 0.10-inch in height:

(i) ``423 LBS'' (2 placards). Install these placards covering

the two existing ``459 LBS'' markings on the existing placard around

the engine fuel selector handles.

(ii) ``363 LBS'' (1 placard). Install this placard covering the

existing ``399 LBS'' marking on the existing placard around the

engine fuel selector handles.

(6) For all affected Model airplanes, fabricate a placard with

the following words in letters at least 0.10-inch in height and

install this placard within the pilot's clear view on the instrument

panel: ``ROLLING, TURNING TAKEOFFS ARE PROHIBITED.''

Note 3: The placard requirements may already be accomplished in

accordance with either superseded AD 92-27-20 or AD 93-05-03

(superseded by this action). These placard requirements are

eliminated upon installation of the improved fuel valves as required

by this AD.

Note 4: The repetitive functional or installation test is not

required if parts are not available and the requirements of

paragraph (d) of this AD (including all subparagraphs) are complied

with.

(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with

Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR

21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the

requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the

initial or repetitive compliance times that provides an equivalent

level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Manager, Wichita

ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita,

Kansas 67209. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate

FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to

the Manager, Wichita ACO.

Note 5: Information concerning the existence of approved

alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Wichita ACO.

(g) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of

the document referred to herein upon request to the Cessna Aircraft

Company, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, Kansas 67277; or may examine this

document at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief

Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

(h) This amendment supersedes AD 93-05-03, Amendment 39-8508.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 12, 1994.

Barry D. Clements,

Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 94-23079 Filed 9-16-94; 8:45 am]

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