Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
The FAA received a report that, during a production flight test of one of the affected airplanes, the pilot attempted to apply right rudder but the control would not move. After investigation of this incident, we determined that the self-locking retaining nut on the shaft of the yaw trim cartridge came off and caused the yaw trim cartridge rod to jam when the right rudder was applied.
The yaw trim cartridge and the roll trim cartridge use the same shaft and self-locking retaining nut. The manufacturer has changed the design to include a new self-locking retaining nut with greater locking ability.
There have been no reports of this situation occurring on delivered airplanes in over 96,000 hours time-in-service on the fleet.
What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?
This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of the self- locking retaining nut on the roll and yaw trim cartridges. Such failure could lead to jamming of the corresponding flight control and cause loss of control of the airplane.
Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?
Cirrus Design Corporation has issued Alert Service Bulletin SB A20- 27-06, Issued: September 20, 2002, and Alert Service Bulletin SB A22- 27-03, Issued: September 20, 2002.
These service bulletins include procedures for installing a new self-locking retaining nut on the roll trim and the yaw trim cartridges.
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 the actions in the previously- referenced service bulletin.
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.
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 loss of flight controls, 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 IComment 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 contact with 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 written comments, you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write "Comments to Docket No. 2002-CE-41-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 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, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFRpart 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. FAA amends 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: