Discussion
What events have caused this AD?
Cessna notified FAA of a defect in the manufacturing of the horizontal stabilizer attachment reinforcement brackets. Cessna manufactured reinforcement brackets without seam welds on certain Cessna Model 206H and T206H airplanes. AD 2001-09-06, Amendment 39-12211 (66 FR 21278, April 30, 2001), addresses these airplanes. The seam welds help provide the required structural integrity for the horizontal stabilizer attachment bracket.
Since the issuance of AD 2001-09-06, Cessna determined that certain Model P206, TP206, TU206, U206, 207, T207, 210, P210, and T210 series airplanes may have had horizontal stabilizer attachment reinforcement brackets (part number 1232624-1) without seam welds installed as replacement parts. Cessna shipped these brackets from February 27, 1998, through March 17, 2000.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action?
This condition, if not corrected, could resultin structural failure of the horizontal stabilizer with reduced or loss of control of the airplane.
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 P206, TP206, TU206, U206, 207, T207, 210, P210, and T210 series airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on December 17, 2001 (66 FR 64925). The NPRM proposed to require you to visually inspect the right and left horizontal stabilizer attachment reinforcement brackets for the existence of seam welds along the lower inboard and outboard wall/flange. The NPRM also proposed to require you to remove and replace any horizontal stabilizer bracket found without seam welds.
Was the public invited to comment?
The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule or on our determination of the cost to the public.
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 have determined that these minor corrections:
-Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
-Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.
What are the differences between the service information and this AD?
Cessna requires you to inspect and, if necessary, replace the horizontal stabilizer attachment reinforcement brackets, part number 1232624-1, within 20 hours time-in-service (TIS), not to exceed 30 days, of operation. We are requiring that you inspect and, if necessary, replace the horizontal stabilizerattachment reinforcement brackets, part number 1232624-1, within 50 hours TIS of operation after the effective date of this AD.
We do not have justification to require this action within 20 hours TIS. Compliance times such as this are utilized when we have identified an urgent safety of flight situation. We believe that 50 hours TIS will give the owners/operators of the affected airplanes enough time to have the actions accomplished without compromising the safety of the airplanes.
Cost Impact
How many airplanes does this AD impact?
We estimate that this AD affects 144 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 inspection:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
2 workhours x $60 = $120.
Not applicable.
$120.
$120 x 144 = $17,280.
We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary replacements that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need such replacement:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
24 workhours to replace both brackets x $60 = $1,440.
$135 for both the right and left bracket.
$1,440 + $135 = $1,575.
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 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. 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 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows: