Cirrus SR22 AD Anti-Ice System

Federal Register: December 14, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 238)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 66040-66042]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14de09-5]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-1162; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-066-AD; 
Amendment 39-16136; AD 2009-26-01]
RIN 2120-AA64

 
Airworthiness Directives; Cirrus Design Corporation Model SR22 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Cirrus Design Corporation Model SR22 airplanes equipped with an anti-
ice system approved for flight into known icing. This AD requires you 
to inspect the compression fittings on the anti-ice fluid distribution 
lines for proper installation and repair any fittings that were not 
properly installed. This AD results from the manufacturer finding some 
anti-ice fluid distribution lines where the compression fittings were 
not properly installed. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
anti-ice fluid distribution lines with improperly installed compression 
fittings, which could result in anti-ice fluid distribution line 
separation. A line separation could result in a total loss of ice 
protection fluid supply to the protected surfaces, which would allow 
ice to build on the airplane and degrade the handling qualities and 
performance.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on December 21, 2009.
    On December 21, 2009, the Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this 
AD.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by January 28, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    To get the service information identified in this AD, contact 
Cirrus Design Corporation, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth, MN 55811-1548; 
telephone: (218) 788-3000; fax: (218) 788-3525; e-mail: 
fieldservice@cirrusaircraft.com; Internet: http://cirrusaircraft.com.
    To view the comments to this AD, go to http://www.regulations.gov. 
The docket number is FAA-2009-1162; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-066-
AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony Flores, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 2300 E. Devon Ave., Room 
107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-7140; fax: (847) 
294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We were notified by Cirrus Design Corporation that, during a 
quality assurance inspection test flight on a Model SR22 airplane, a 
compression fitting separated from an anti-ice fluid distribution line. 
They determined the root cause of this failure was improper crimping of 
the fitting during fabrication. The condition is possible on other SR22 
airplanes since this fabrication procedure had not changed since 
approval of the flight into known icing system.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in anti-ice fluid 
distribution line separation. A line separation could result in a total 
loss of ice protection fluid supply to the protected surfaces, which 
would allow ice to build on the airplane and degrade the handling 
qualities and performance.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Cirrus SR22 Service Bulletin SB 2X-30-08, dated 
November 9, 2009. The service information describes procedures for 
inspecting the anti-ice fluid distribution line compression fittings 
for proper installation. The service information also describes 
procedures for properly installing compression fittings on the anti-ice 
fluid distribution lines.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the information and 
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other products of the same type design. This AD requires 
you to inspect for proper installation of compression fittings on the 
anti-ice fluid distribution lines and repair any fittings that were not 
properly installed.

[[Page 66041]]

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because a 
malfunction of the anti-ice system could result in a total loss of ice 
protection fluid supply to the protected surfaces. This condition would 
allow ice to build on the airplane and degrade the handling qualities 
and performance. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity 
for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that 
good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 
days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, 
or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2009-1162; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-066-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light 
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 concerning 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

    We 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.
    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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket that contains the AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket 
Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) 
is located at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2009-26-01 Cirrus Design Corporation: Amendment 39-16136; Docket No. 
FAA-2009-1162; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-066-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective on December 21, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model SR22 airplanes; serial numbers 
3409, 3411 through 3430, 3432 through 3441, 3443 through 3450, 3455 
through 3465, 3467, 3468, 3470 through 3472, 3485, 3486, 3488, 3489, 
3491 through 3493, 3495 through 3500, 3504, 3505, 3512, 3513, 3517, 
3524, 3525, 3528, and 3546 that are:
    (1) Equipped with an anti-ice system approved for flight into 
known icing; and
    (2) Certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 30: Ice and 
Rain Protection.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD is the result of an anti-ice fluid line separation 
during a quality assurance inspection at the manufacturing plant. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct anti-ice fluid 
distribution lines with improperly installed compression fittings, 
which could result in anti-ice fluid distribution line separation. A 
line separation could result in a total loss of ice protection fluid 
supply to the protected surfaces, which would allow ice to build on 
the airplane and degrade the handling qualities and performance.

Compliance

    (f) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless 
already done:

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                 Actions                                  Compliance                          Procedures
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(1) Fabricate a placard (using at least    Before further flight after December 21,  Not Applicable.
 \1/8\[dash]inch letters) with the          2009 (the effective date of this AD),
 following words and install a placard on   unless the inspection requirement of
 the instrument panel within the pilot's    paragraph (f)(2) has already been done.
 clear view: ``FLIGHT INTO KNOWN OR
 FORECAST ICING PROHIBITED.''

[[Page 66042]]


(2) Inspect and repair as necessary the    (i) Inspect at the next scheduled         Follow Cirrus SR22 Service
 anti[dash]ice fluid line compression       inspection after December 21, 2009 (the   Bulletin SB 2X-30-08,
 fittings. Accomplishment of all of the     effective date of this AD) or within      dated November 9, 2009.
 actions specified in Cirrus SR22 service   the next 100 hours
 bulletin SB 2X-30-08, dated November 9,    time[dash]in[dash]service after
 2009, terminates the placard               December 21, 2009 (the effective date
 requirements specified in paragraph        of this AD), whichever occurs first.
 (f)(1) of this AD.                        (ii) Repair before further flight after
                                            the inspection specified in paragraph
                                            (f)(2) of this AD where any incorrectly
                                            installed compression fittings are
                                            found.
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Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to 
ATTN: Anthony Flores, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 2300 E. Devon Ave., Room 107, Des 
Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-7140; fax: (847) 294-
7834. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the 
AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in 
the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, 
your local FSDO.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (h) You must use Cirrus SR22 Service Bulletin SB 2X-30-08, dated 
November 9, 2009, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the 
AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Cirrus Design Corporation, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth, MN 55811-
1548; telephone: (218) 788-3000; fax: (218) 788-3525; e-mail: 
fieldservice@cirrusaircraft.com; Internet: http://
cirrusaircraft.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the 
Central Region, call (816) 329-3768.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 4, 2009.
William Timberlake,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-29578 Filed 12-11-09; 8:45 am]

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