Discussion
What events have caused this AD? The FAA has received reports that the right inboard forward flap bell crank on Cessna Models 208 and 208B airplanes could have missing/incomplete welds. Without complete welds, the flap bell cranks may not have sufficient strength or fatigue endurance to carry critical load with the use of flaps. This could result in cracking or deformation of the flap bell crank and lead to failure of the flap system.
What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? Failure of the flap system, if not prevented, could lead to damage to the flap system and surrounding structure and result in reduced or loss of control of the airplane.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? Cessna issued Caravan Service Bulletin CAB03-11, Revision 1, dated September 24, 2003.
What are the provisions of this service information? The service bulletin includes procedures for inspecting all the flapsystem flap bell cranks for cracks, deformation, and missing/incomplete welds. If cracks, deformation, or missing/incomplete welds are found, this service bulletin specifies either:
--Replacing the subject flap bell crank; or
--Incorporating Temporary Revision 208PHTR02, dated September 23, 2003, to the Other Limitations section of the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH). This is a temporary option and replacing the subject flap bell crank is mandatory within a certain time frame.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD
What has FAA decided? We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other Cessna Models 208 and 208B airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent failure of the right inboard forward flap bell crank due to cracks, deformation, or missing/ incomplete welds.
What does this AD require? This AD requires you to inspect the right inboard forward flap bell crank for cracks, deformation, and missing/incomplete welds. If cracks, deformation, or missing/incomplete welds are found, the AD would require you to immediately replace the flap bell crank or temporarily incorporate certain flap limitations.
In preparation of this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft operators to obtain technical information and information on operational and economic impacts. We did not receive any information through these contacts. If received, we would have included, in the rulemaking docket, a discussion of any information that may have influenced this action.
Are there differences between the service information and this AD? Yes. The service information requires an inspection on all flap bell cranks within the flap system. However, this AD only addresses the right inboard forward flap bell crank.
To date, FAA has only received reports on the right inboard forward flap bell cranks, and we are addressing this issue through a final rule; request for comments (immediately adopted rule) AD action. After issuing this AD, we will evaluate the condition of the entire flap system and determine whether additional action is necessary.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
Comments Invited
Will I have the opportunity to comment prior to the issuance of the rule? This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and was not preceded by notice andan opportunity for public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include "AD Docket No. 2003-CE-41-AD" in the subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us through a nonwritten communication, and that contact relates to a substantive part of this AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light of those comments.
Regulatory Findings
Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that 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.
Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? 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 the 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include "AD Docket No. 2003-CE-41-AD" in your request.
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.
39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):