[Federal Register: March 13, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 49)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 11220-11223]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13mr02-5]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-CE-06-AD; Amendment 39-12673; AD 2002-05-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cirrus Design Corporation Models SR20
and SR22 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to certain Cirrus Design Corporation (Cirrus) Models SR20 and
SR22 airplanes. This AD requires you to incorporate temporary operating
limitations into the Limitation Section of the airplane flight manual
(AFM) for certain affected airplanes and install a cable clamp external
to the cone adapter on the Cirrus Aircraft Parachute System (CAPS)
activation cable for all affected airplanes. The operating limitations
will reduce the need to use the CAPS system in a loss of aircraft
control emergency situation. The installation will prevent the cable
housing from going into the rocket cone and will allow the rocket to
fire correctly. This AD is the result of a report from the manufacturer
that certain CAPS may not activate in an emergency situation. The
actions specified by this AD are intended to initially limit the chance
of failure of the CAPS activation system in an emergency situation and
eventually eliminate this potential failure. Failure of this system
would result in occupant injury and/or loss of life and loss of
aircraft.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on March 19, 2002.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the regulation as of March
19, 2002.
[[Page 11221]]
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any comments
on this rule on or before April 26, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-06-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also send comments
electronically to the following address: 9-ACE-7-Docket@faa.gov.
Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2002-CE-06-AD''
in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached
electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for
Windows or ASCII text.
You may get the service information referenced in this AD from
Cirrus Design Corporation, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth, MN 55811;
telephone: (218) 727-2737; or electronically at the following address:
www.cirrusdesign.com/sb. You may view this information at FAA, Central
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No.
2002-CE-06-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite
700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory J. Michalik, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Chicago ACO, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL
60018; telephone: (847) 294-7135; facsimile: (847) 294-7834.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
The FAA has received a report from the type certificate holder that
a condition exists that could cause the Cirrus Airplane Parachute
System (CAPS) installed on certain Cirrus Design Corporation (Cirrus)
Model SR20 and SR22 airplanes not to activate in the event of an
emergency. Ballistic Recovery Systems (BRS), the supplier of the CAPS,
discovered the condition during a supplemental type certificate (STC)
certification test of the same unit on another airplane.
Investigation revealed that the rocket cone could allow for
variance in the internal diameter at the threaded end of the rocket
cone. This variance could result in the retaining nut internal to the
cone adapter not to be fully secured on the affected parachutes. When
the igniter end of the cable housing is unsecured, the cable will not
pull the igniter pin free to release the parachute.
This condition is prevalent on a manufacturing lot of 187 systems
that BRS developed under a process change. The condition could exist on
the other earlier systems that BRS developed.
Section 23.221 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 23.221)
requires that single-engine, normal category airplanes demonstrate
compliance with either the one-turn spin or the spin-resistant
requirements. The airplane, for spin recovery compliance, must recover
from a one-turn spin or a three-second spin, whichever takes longer, in
not more than one additional turn after the controls have been applied
for recovery. The Cirrus SR20/SR22 are not certificated to meet the
spin requirements or spin resistant requirements of 14 CFR 23.221.
Instead, Cirrus installed an Airplane Parachute System (CAPS) that was
FAA-approved as part of the SR20/SR22 type design.
What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?
Failure of the igniter end of the cable housing to release the
igniter pin, if not corrected, could result in CAPS not activating in
an emergency situation. This would result in occupant injury and/or
loss of life and loss of aircraft.
Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?
Cirrus Design has issued Alert Service Bulletin SB A20-95-01,
Issued: February 25, 2002, and Alert Service Bulletin A22-95-01,
Issued: February 25, 2002. These service bulletins specify modifying
the CAPS activation cable assembly in accordance with Ballistic
Recovery Systems Inc. Service Bulletin SB 95-01, Issued: February 25,
2002. This service bulletin includes procedures for installing a cable
clamp external to the cone adapter.
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 temporary operating limitations into the Limitation
Section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) for the airplanes with a
CAPS that incorporates the process change. The operating limitations
will reduce the need to use the CAPS system in a loss of aircraft
control emergency situation. This action is accomplished by the pilot
prior to further flight after the effective date of the AD; and
--Install a cable clamp external to the cone adapter on the Cirrus
Aircraft Parachute System (CAPS) activation cable within 10 hours time-
in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD for those
airplanes with a CAPS that incorporates the process change and within
25 hours TIS after the effective date for all other airplanes. This
installation will prevent the cable housing from going into the rocket
cone and will allow the rocket to fire correctly.
In preparation of this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft
operators to obtain technical information and information on
operational and economic impacts. We have included, in the rulemaking
docket, a discussion of 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 failure of the CAPS activation system in an emergency
situation, 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 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, 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
[[Page 11222]]
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 mailed comments,
you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard,
write ``Comments to Docket No. 2002-CE-06-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 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:
2002-05-05 Cirrus Design Corporation: Amendment 39-12673; Docket
No. 2002-CE-06-AD.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD applies to
the following airplane models and serial numbers that are
certificated in any category:
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Model Serial Numbers
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(1) Group 1
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SR20...................................... 1148 through 1178, except
1151
SR22...................................... 0029 through 0160, except
0159
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(2) Group 2
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SR20...................................... 1005 through 1147
SR22...................................... 0002 through 0028
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(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must
comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to initially limit the chance of failure of the
CAPS activation system in an emergency situation and eventually
eliminate this potential failure. Failure of this system would
result in occupant injury and/or loss of life and loss of aircraft.
(d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this
problem, you must perform the following actions, unless already
accomplished:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) For Group 1 airplanes: Prior to further The owner/operator
in order reduce the need to flight after March holding at least a
use the CAPS system in a 19, 2002 (the private pilot
loss of aircraft control effective date of certificate as
emergency situation, this AD) until the authorized by
incorporate the following installation section 43.7 of the
into the Limitation Section required by Federal Aviation
of the airplane flight paragraph (d)(2) of Regulations (14 CFR
manual (AFM): this AD is 43.7) may
``(i) Do not operate the accomplished. incorporate into
airplane in instrument the AFM the
flight rules (IFR) information
conditions, only operate specified in
the airplane in visual paragraphs
flight rules (VFR) (d)(1)(i) and
conditions; and. (d)(1)(ii) of this
(ii) Operate the airplane AD. Make an entry
during daytime hours only, into the aircraft
do not operate at night.. records showing
compliance with
this portion of the
AD in accordance
with section 43.9
of the Federal
Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR
43.9).
(2) For all affected For Group 1 In accordance with
airplanes: in order to airplanes: within Ballistic Recovery
prevent the cable housing the next 10 hours Systems Inc.
from going into the rocket time-in-service Service Bulletin SB
cone and in order to allow (TIS) after March 95-01, Issued:
the rocket to fire 19, 2002 (the February 25, 2002,
correctly, install a cable effective date of as specified in
clamp external to the cone this AD). The AFM Cirrus Alert
adapter on the Cirrus Limitations Service Bulletin
Aircraft Parachute System requirement in SBA 20-95-01,
(CAPS) activation cable. paragraph (d)(1) of Issued: February
this AD is no 25, 2002, and Alert
longer required Service Bulletin
when this A22-95-01, Issued:
installation is February 25, 2002.
accomplished. For
Group 2 airplanes:
within the next 25
hours TIS after
March 19, 2002 (the
effective date of
this AD).
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(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, Chicago 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, Chicago 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
[[Page 11223]]
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 Gregory J. Michalik,
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Chicago ACO, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des
Plaines, IL 60018; telephone: (847) 294-7135; facsimile: (847) 294-
7834.
(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 provided you comply
with the following:
(1) The aircraft is operated in Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
conditions only; and
(2) The aircraft is operated during daytime hours only.
(h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance
with Ballistic Recovery Systems Inc. Service Bulletin SBA 95-01,
Issued: February 25, 2002, as specified in Cirrus Alert Service
Bulletin SBA 20-95-01, Issued: February 25, 2002, and Cirrus Alert
Service Bulletin A22-95-01, Issued: February 25, 2002. The Director
of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get copies from
Cirrus Design Corporation, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth, MN 55811;
telephone: (218) 727-2737; or electronically at the following
address: www.cirrusdesign.com/sb. You may view this information at
FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust,
Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment
becomes effective on March 19, 2002.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 5, 2002.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-5703 Filed 3-12-02; 8:45 am]
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