Discussion
The FAA has received a report of an incorrectly routed aileron control cable in the right wing of a Cessna Model 172R airplane. The cable was routed over the aileron auto pilot actuator pulley and the cable was rubbing on the cable guard.
The FAA initially covered this issue with AD 98-13-41, Amendment 39-10634 (63 FR 34800, June 26, 1998). This AD requires, among other things, inspecting the right wing of certain Cessna Model 172R airplanes for an incorrectly routed, frayed, or damaged aileron control cable, and re-routing any incorrectly routed cable or replacing any frayed or damaged cable. Accomplishment of the inspection required by AD 98-13-41 is required in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin SB98-27-05, dated June 1, 1998.
AD 98-13-41 also requires reporting any incorrectly routed, frayed, or damaged cable to the FAA.
The following serial numbers of the Cessna Model 172R airplanes were inadvertently left out of the Applicability of AD 98-13-41:
17280437; 17280439; 17280454; 17280456; and 17280459.
Cessna has revised Service Bulletin SB98-27-05 to include these serial numbers. Cessna Service Bulletin SB98-27-05 incorporates the following pages:
Pages
Revision Level
Date
1, 2, 9 and 10
Revision 1
August 17, 1998
3 through 8
Original Issue
June 1, 1998
The FAA's Determination
After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available information related to the incidents described above, including the relevant service information, the FAA has determined that:
The inspections and possible correction and/or replacement of the right wing aileron control cable required by AD 98-13-41 should also apply to the 5 Model 172R airplanes previously referenced; and
AD action should be taken to prevent loss of aileron control caused by a damaged or frayed aileron control cable, which could result in loss of directional control of the airplane.
Explanation of the Provisions of the AD
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop in these 5 Cessna Model 172R airplanes that are the same type design to those included in AD 98-13-41, the FAA is issuing an AD. This AD requires inspecting the right wing for an incorrectly routed, frayed, or damaged aileron control cable, and re-routing any incorrectly routed cable or replacing any frayed or damaged cable. The AD also requires reporting any incorrectly routed, frayed, or damaged cable to the FAA. Accomplishment of the inspection is required in accordance with the previously referenced service information. Accomplishment of the correction or replacement is required in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual.
Determination of the Effective Date of the AD
Since a situation exists (possible loss of airplane directional control) that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for public prior comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting immediate flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and opportunity to comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the 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 AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket No. 98-CE-109-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is not a 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, pursuant to 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.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: