Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
The FAA has received a report from the type certificate holder that a condition exists that could cause the Cirrus Airplane Parachute System (CAPS) installed on certain Cirrus Design Corporation (Cirrus) Model SR20 and SR22 airplanes not to activate in the event of an emergency. Ballistic Recovery Systems (BRS), the supplier of the CAPS, discovered the condition during a supplemental type certificate (STC) certification test of the same unit on another airplane.
Investigation revealed that the rocket cone could allow for variance in the internal diameter at the threaded end of the rocket cone. This variance could result in the retaining nut internal to the cone adapter not to be fully secured on the affected parachutes. When the igniter end of the cable housing is unsecured, the cable will not pull the igniter pin free to release the parachute.
This condition is prevalent on a manufacturing lot of 187 systems that BRS developed under a process change. The condition could exist on the other earlier systems that BRS developed.
Section 23.221 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 23.221) requires that single-engine, normal category airplanes demonstrate compliance with either the one-turn spin or the spin-resistant requirements. The airplane, for spin recovery compliance, must recover from a one-turn spin or a three-second spin, whichever takes longer, in not more than one additional turn after the controls have been applied for recovery. The Cirrus SR20/SR22 are not certificated to meet the spin requirements or spin resistant requirements of 14 CFR 23.221. Instead, Cirrus installed an Airplane Parachute System (CAPS) that was FAA-approved as part of the SR20/SR22 type design.
What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?
Failure of the igniter end of the cable housing to release the igniter pin, if not corrected, could result in CAPS not activating in an emergency situation. This would result in occupant injury and/or loss of life and loss of aircraft.
Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?
Cirrus Design has issued Alert Service Bulletin SB A20-95-01, Issued: February 25, 2002, and Alert Service Bulletin A22-95-01, Issued: February 25, 2002. These service bulletins specify modifying the CAPS activation cable assembly in accordance with Ballistic Recovery Systems Inc. Service Bulletin SB 95-01, Issued: February 25, 2002. This service bulletin includes procedures for installing a cable clamp external to the cone adapter.
The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of This AD
What Has FAA Decided?
The FAA has reviewed all available information, including the service information referenced above; and determined that:
--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could develop on other Cirrus Model SR20 and SR22 airplanes of the same type design;--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service information (as specified in this AD) should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.
What Does This AD Require?
This AD requires you to:
--Incorporate temporary operating limitations into the Limitation Section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) for the airplanes with a CAPS that incorporates the process change. The operating limitations will reduce the need to use the CAPS system in a loss of aircraft control emergency situation. This action is accomplished by the pilot prior to further flight after the effective date of the AD; and
--Install a cable clamp external to the cone adapter on the Cirrus Aircraft Parachute System (CAPS) activation cable within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD for those airplanes with a CAPS that incorporates the process change and within 25 hours TIS after theeffective date for all other airplanes. This installation will prevent the cable housing from going into the rocket cone and will allow the rocket to fire correctly.
In preparation of this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft operators to obtain technical information and information on operational and economic impacts. We have included, in the rulemaking docket, a discussion of information that may have influenced this action.
Will I Have the Opportunity To Comment Prior to the Issuance of the Rule?
Because the unsafe condition described in this document could result in failure of the CAPS activation system in an emergency situation, we find that notice and opportunity for public prior comment are impracticable. Therefore, good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
How Do I Comment on This AD?
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, FAA invites your comments on the rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to include the rule's docket number and submit your comments to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all comments received on or before the closing date specified above. We may amend this rule in light of comments received. Factual information that supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking action.
Are There Any Specific Portions of the AD I Should Pay Attention To?
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each FAA contactwith the public that concerns the substantive parts of this AD.
How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?
If you want us to acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments, you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write "Comments to Docket No. 2002-CE-06-AD." We will date stamp and mail the postcard back to you.
Regulatory Impact
Does This AD Impact Various Entities?
These regulations 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, FAA has determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
We have determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is nota significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket (otherwise, an evaluation is not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket.
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 airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: