Home Documents Images Message Board
(Use your browser's back button to return to the page that you were previously viewing.)
[Federal Register: March 30, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 62)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 17345-17348]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30mr01-5]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2001-CE-14-AD; Amendment 39-12164; AD 2001-06-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R and
172S Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 172R and
172S airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection for proper
engine idle speed and fuel control mixture setting and adjustment, as
necessary. This AD also requires incorporating engine operating
procedures into the pilots operating handbook (POH) and FAA-approved
airplane flight manual (AFM). This AD is the result of reports of rough
engine operation because of an over-rich fuel mixture (improper fuel
flow settings). The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect
and correct such improper fuel flow settings, which could result in
rough engine operation or engine stoppage. This over-rich fuel mixture
also contributes to the engine not restarting during flight when using
published in-flight restart procedures.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on April 20, 2001.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any comments
on this rule on or before May 18, 2001.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to FAA, Central Region, Office
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-CE-14-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
You may examine information related to this AD at FAA, Central
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No.
2001-CE-14-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Paul Pendleton, Aerospace
Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport
Road, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316)
946-4143; facsimile: (316) 946-4407.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
What events have caused this AD? The FAA has received several
reports of improper engine fuel flow settings on Cessna Models 172R and
172S airplanes. These improper settings could prevent the engine from
operating at idle speed when the pilot reduces power (i.e., landing
approach, power off stalls, etc.). An over-rich fuel mixture is a
reason why the engine may not operate at idle speed. This over-rich
fuel mixture also contributes to the engine not restarting during
flight when using published in-flight restart procedures.
The current pilot operating handbook (POH) and FAA-approved
airplane flight manual (AFM) procedures for the Cessna Models 172R and
172S airplanes do not address the pilot bringing the throttle back to
the hard idle stop (throttle full aft). The POH/AFM also does not
address emergency engine restart procedures to enable engine startup if
a rich fuel mixture exists.
What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? This
condition, if not corrected, could result in rough engine operation or
engine stoppage. The over-rich fuel mixture also contributes to the
engine not restarting during flight when using published in-flight
restart procedures.
FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of this AD
What has FAA decided? The FAA has reviewed all available
information and determined that:
--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could
develop on other Cessna Models 172R and 172S airplanes of the same type
design;
--These airplanes should be inspected for proper engine idle speed and
fuel control mixture setting, the engine idle speed or fuel control
mixture setting should be adjusted as necessary, and engine operating
procedures should be incorporated into the POH/AFM; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? Cessna
has issued Service Bulletin SB01-11-02,
[[Page 17346]]
dated March 5, 2001. This service bulletin:
--Includes procedures for inspecting the engine idle speed; and
--Specifies pilot operating procedure changes.
What does this AD require? This AD requires a one-time inspection
for proper engine idle speed and fuel control mixture setting and
adjustment, as necessary. This AD also requires incorporating engine
operating procedures into the POH/AFM.
Procedures for accomplishing the inspection are included in the AD.
We are not utilizing the procedures included in Cessna Service Bulletin
SB01-11-02, dated March 5, 2001.
Why is FAA not requiring the actions specified in the service
bulletin? The inspection procedures in Cessna Service Bulletin SB01-11-
02 agree with the service manual procedures. The procedures we are
including in this AD agree with the Cessna factory production
procedures. After examining these procedures, FAA has determined that:
--The procedures in the service bulletin and service manual procedures
are too restrictive for a pilot to accomplish in the field without
using specialized equipment (portable electric tachometer);
--The pilot should be able to accomplish the inspection for proper
engine idle speed and fuel control mixture setting; and
--The inspection procedures in this AD allow the pilot to both easily
accomplish the inspection and address the safety intent of this AD.
Will I have the opportunity to comment prior to the issuance of the
rule? Because the unsafe condition described in this could result in
rough engine operation or engine stoppage, FAA finds 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, we invite 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 in triplicate 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 that FAA wants me to
address? The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule
that might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may examine 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.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of June 1, 1998.
That memorandum requires federal agencies to communicate more clearly
with the public. We are interested in your comments on whether the
style of this document is clear, and any other suggestions you might
have to improve the clarity of FAA communications that affect you. You
can get more information about the Presidential memorandum and the
plain language initiative at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? If you want us to
acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you must include a self-
addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to
Docket No. 2001-CE-14-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? 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, 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:
2001-06-14 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-12164; Docket No.
2001-CE-14-AD.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD applies to
Models 172R and 172S, all serial numbers, that are certificated in
any category.
(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
any of the above airplanes must comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to detect and correct an over-rich fuel mixture
(improper fuel flow settings), which could result in rough engine
operation or engine stoppage. This over-rich fuel mixture also
contributes to the engine not restarting during flight when using
published in-flight restart procedures.
(d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this
problem, you must accomplish the following actions:
[[Page 17347]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Compliance time Special instructions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Accomplish one of the following Within the next 10 hours time-in- The owner/operator holding at least
inspections for proper engine idle service (TIS) after April 20, 2001 a private pilot certificate as
speed and fuel control mixture (the effective date of this AD), authorized by section 43.7 of the
setting: unless already accomplished. Federal Aviation Regulations (14
(i) Pilot Procedure: Accomplish the CFR 43.7) may accomplish the
inspection with the engine oil inspection specified in paragraph
temperature between 120 and 150 (d)(1)(i) of this AD. Make an entry
degrees Fahrenheit (F). Assure that into the aircraft records showing
the engine idle setting is between compliance with this portion of the
575 and 625 revolutions per minute AD in accordance with section 43.9
(RPM) and the mixture setting will of the Federal Aviation Regulations
produce a minimum 10 RPM rise and a (14 CFR 43.9). You may need to
maximum 50 RPM rise with the accomplish seasonal adjustments of
throttle at the hard ground idle the engine idle speed setting.
stop. Screw the vernier mixture out These seasonal adjustments should
slowly counterclockwise to obtain not be included in your already
the RPM rise. established 12-month scheduled
(ii) Mechanic Procedure: Accomplish adjustments.
the inspection with the engine oil
temperature between 120 and 150
degrees F. Assure that the fuel
mixture setting is between 575 and
625 RPM and the mixture setting
will produce a minimum 10 RPM rise
and a maximum 20 RPM rise with the
throttle at the hard ground idle
stop. Screw the vernier mixture out
slowly counterclockwise. The reason
the limits are different than the
pilot procedure is that the
mechanic needs to establish a more
accurate RPM indicator than the
airplanes engine RPM gage. You will
most likely need to use an electric
tachometer to verify speed changes.
(2) If, during any inspection Accomplish the adjustment (if If you have to adjust the servo more
required by this AD, proper engine required) prior to further flight than twice over a 12-month period,
idle speed and fuel control mixture after the inspection required by obtain the next course of action
setting cannot be met, accomplish paragraph (d)(1) of this AD. from the FAA at the address
the following: Reinspect within 25 hours TIS after referenced in paragraph (f) of this
(i) Adjust the fuel servo. This the fuel servo adjustment. AD. We recommend you use an
adjustment or any replacement must electronic strobe to verify RPM
be accomplished by an appropriately- settings when making any
rated repair station; and adjustment.
(ii) Repeat the inspection specified
in paragraph (d)(1) of this AD.
(3) Add the following information to Within the next 10 hours TIS after The owner/operator holding at least
the end of page 3-20, Section 3 April 20, 2001 (the effective date a private pilot certificate as
Emergency Procedures of the Cessna of this AD), unless already authorized by section 43.7 of the
172R or 172S Pilot's Operating accomplished. Federal Aviation Regulations (14
Handbook (POH) and FAA-approved CFR 43.7) may insert the
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM): information into the POH as
``IDLE POWER ENGINE ROUGHNESS specified in paragraph (d)(3) of
An excessively rich idle fuel flow this AD. You may insert a copy of
may cause low speed engine this AD into the appropriate
roughness during flight. During sections of the POH to comply with
most in-flight low engine speeds this action. Make an entry into the
(power off stalls, approach to aircraft records showing compliance
landing, etc.), the mixture control with portion of the AD in
is normally in the full-rich accordance with section 43.9 of the
position. However, to improve Federal Aviation Regulations (14
engine roughness (caused by an CFR 43.9).
improperly adjusted fuel servo)
during low engine speeds while in
flight, you should rotate the
vernier mixture control (leaning of
fuel mixture). You may also have to
lean the fuel mixture if this low
engine speed results in power loss
and you need to restart the engine
during flight. In all cases, you
should land the airplane at the
nearest airport for repairs if low
speed engine roughness requires you
to adjust the fuel mixture control
to improve engine operation''
(4) Insert the following information Within the next 10 hours TIS after The owner/operator holding at least
into the applicable Cessna Pilot's April 20, 2001 (the effective date a private pilot certificate as
Operating Handbook (POH) and FAA- of this AD), unless already authorized by section 43.7 of the
Operating Handbook (POH) and FAA- accomplished. Federal Aviation Regulations (14
approved Airplane Flight Manual CFR 43.7) may insert the
(AFM): information into the POH as
``NORMAL PROCEDURES (Before Takeoff) specified in paragraph (d)(4) of
item 13. Throttle: 1. Vertify this AD. You may insert a copy of
smooth engine operation at idle this AD into the appropriate
speed of 575 to 625 RPM. 2. 1000 sections of the POH to comply with
RPM or LESS'' this action. Make an entry into the
aircraft records showing compliance
with portion of the AD in
accordance with section 43.9 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 43.9).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 17348]]
(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
(1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent
level of safety; and
(2) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, Wichita ACO.
Note: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph
(a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered,
or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For
airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the
performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/
operator must request approval for an alternative method of
compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request
should include an assessment of the effect of the modification,
alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD;
and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific
actions you propose to address it.
(f) Where can I get information about any already-approved
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Mr. Paul Pendleton,
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801
Airport Road, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209;
telephone: (316) 946-4143; facsimile: (316) 946-4407.
(g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
(h) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment
becomes effective on April 20, 2001.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 23, 2001.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-7831 Filed 3-29-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Home Documents Images Message Board
(Use your browser's back button to return to the page that you were previously viewing.)