Discussion
We received an incident report which indicated that a hydraulic leak and wire chafing, including signs of heat damage, were found within the lower tail cone fairing area on a Cessna Model 680 airplane. The incident occurred while the airplane was on the ground. Wire chafing has also been found on other airplanes. Chafing of the wiring, and inadequate separation of the wiring and hydraulic line, could lead to electrical arcing and a hydraulic leak and could result in a potential source of ignition and consequent fire.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Cessna Alert Service Letter ASL680-24-02, dated October 1, 2007. The service letter describes procedures for inspecting the routing of the aft fairing wire bundle assembly for adequate separation between the wiring and the hydraulic line; inspecting for chafing or damage of the wire bundle assembly and for damage to the hydraulic line; and corrective actions if necessary. The corrective actions include repairing the wiring if any damage to the wire bundle is found, replacing the hydraulic line if any damage is found, and re-routing the wire bundle so there is a minimum of two inches from the hydraulic line. The service letter refers to the Model 680 wiring diagram and maintenance manuals, which contain the procedures for doing the corrective actions.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously, except as discussed under "Differences Between the AD and the Service Information.''
Differences Between the AD and the Service Information
The service information refers only to an "inspection'' for routing and chafing or damage of the wire bundles and hydraulic line. We have determined that the procedures in the service information should be described as a "general visual inspection.'' Note 1 has been included in this AD to define this type of inspection.
The Accomplishment Instructions of the service information describe procedures for completing a maintenance transaction report and submitting a copy to the manufacturer. This AD would not require that action.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action. If final action is later identified, we might consider further rulemaking then.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make this AD effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include "Docket No. FAA-2007-0379; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-331-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov , including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. "Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in "Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(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.
You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of compliance in the AD 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 FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD: