SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Comments Invited

We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, “FAA-2007-27747; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-030-AD” at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.

We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive concerning this proposed AD.

Discussion

This AD results from two spin accidents involving Cessna Model 152 airplanes where the rudder was found in the over-travel position with the stop plate hooked over the stop bolt heads.

In the first accident, which occurred in Canada, a flight instructor and student pilot were unable to recover after performing a spin maneuver. When the airplane was inspected, the rudder was found jammed.

In the second accident the rudder bumper was found to be installed incorrectly, which resulted in a rudder jam during an attempted spin recovery.

Upon recovery of the airplanes after the accidents, both accident airplanes had their rudder stop plates hooked over the stop bolts. After examining the accident airplanes and other Cessna Models 150 and 152 airplanes, accident investigators determined that, under certain conditions, it is possible to jam the rudder past its normal travel limit. The jam occurs when the stop plate is forced aft of the stop bolt head. The forward edge of the stop plate can then become lodged under the head of the stop bolt causing the rudder to jam in this over-travel position. Recovery from a spin may not be possible with the rudder jammed beyond the normal rudder travel stop limits.

This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of control. ( printed page 18926)

Relevant Service Information

We have reviewed the following Cessna Aircraft Company service information, dated January 22, 2001:

• Service Bulletin SEB01-1;
• Service Kit SK152-25; and
• Service Kit SK152-24.

The service information describes procedures for replacing the rudder stop, rudder stop bumper, and attachment hardware with a new rudder stop modification kit. The service information also describes the procedure for replacing the safety wire with jamnuts.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD would require replacing the rudder stop, rudder stop bumper, and attachment hardware with a new rudder stop modification kit. This proposed AD also requires replacing the safety wire with jamnuts.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 18,670 airplanes in the U.S. registry.

We estimate the following costs to do the proposed modification:

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 have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed regulation:

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

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information on the Internet at http://dms.dot.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) 647-5227) is located at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

The Proposed Amendment

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