Rule2023-04631
Airworthiness Directives; Cirrus Design Corporation Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
March 6, 2023
Effective
March 21, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Cirrus Design Corporation (Cirrus) Model SF50 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of an accident and an incident due to uncommanded activation of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) autopilot mode while in flight. This AD requires booting the avionics in configuration mode, inhibiting the CAPS autopilot, fabricating and installing information placards, revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) for your airplane, and revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing airplane maintenance manual (AMM) or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) and your existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires modifying the wiring to remove the CAPS power timer functionality. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 43 (Monday, March 6, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 43 (Monday, March 6, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13659-13662]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-04631]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 43 / Monday, March 6, 2023 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 13659]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0424; Project Identifier AD-2022-01575-A;
Amendment 39-22368; AD 2023-04-20]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cirrus Design Corporation Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Cirrus Design Corporation (Cirrus) Model SF50 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by reports of an accident and an incident due to uncommanded
activation of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) autopilot
mode while in flight. This AD requires booting the avionics in
configuration mode, inhibiting the CAPS autopilot, fabricating and
installing information placards, revising the existing airplane flight
manual (AFM) for your airplane, and revising the airworthiness
limitations section (ALS) of the existing airplane maintenance manual
(AMM) or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) and your
existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. For
certain airplanes, this AD also requires modifying the wiring to remove
the CAPS power timer functionality. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 21, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 21,
2023.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by April 20, 2023.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-0424; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any
comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Cirrus Design Corporation, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth, MN
55811; phone: (833) 735-0651; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8be2e5ede4cbb7eaabe3f9eeedb6" http: cirrusaircraft.com">cirrusaircraft.com</a>">info@<a href="http://cirrusaircraft.com">cirrusaircraft.com</a></a>; website:
<a href="http://cirrusaircraft.com">cirrusaircraft.com</a>.
<bullet> You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-0424.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Dubusky, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Chicago ACO Branch, FAA, 2300 E Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018;
phone: (847) 294-7543; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c1abaeb2a4b1a9efa5b4a3b4b2aab881a7a0a0efa6aeb7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="99f3f6eafce9f1b7fdecfbeceaf2e0d9fff8f8b7fef6ef">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2023-0424 and Project Identifier
AD-2022-01575-A'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Joe
Dubusky, Aviation Safety Engineer, Chicago ACO Branch, FAA, 2300 E
Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA received a report that a Cirrus Model SF50 airplane was
involved in an accident in which multiple flight control issues
occurred after takeoff, causing the pilot to manually deploy the CAPS
parachute. The FAA has no data showing the pilot received any crew
alert system (CAS) messages indicating a CAPS autopilot malfunction. It
was determined that the uncommanded activation of the CAPS autopilot
mode contributed to the accident. It was also determined that corrosion
in the CAPS power timer circuit (part of the CAPS autopilot control
mode circuit) may have
[[Page 13660]]
provided an erroneous signal to the CAPS control box, inadvertently
activating the CAPS autopilot mode. The FAA received several additional
reports of corrosion on the CAPS power timer circuits on Cirrus Model
SF50 airplanes.
The FAA also received a report of an autopilot auto-throttle
malfunction on a Cirrus Model SF50 airplane that caused the airplane to
pitch up during climb shortly after takeoff and required manual
intervention by the pilot. This event, and the previously mentioned
accident, occurred shortly after takeoff and at an altitude of less
than 1,000 feet above ground level. The inadvertent activation of the
CAPS autopilot mode introduces an uncommanded 30-degree pitch upward at
a g-force of approximately 1.9g, which could cause the airplane to
stall in a critical phase of flight if the autopilot is not
disconnected.
This condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced ability
of the flight crew to maintain safe flight and landing of the airplane.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in
other products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Cirrus SF5X Service Bulletin SB5X-90-14R1, dated
January 20, 2023. This service information specifies procedures for
booting the avionics in configuration mode, inhibiting the CAPS
autopilot, fabricating and installing information placards, and
revising the AFM. For certain airplanes, the service information also
provides procedures for modifying the wiring to remove the CAPS power
timer functionality.
The FAA also reviewed the following temporary changes. These
temporary changes provide revised CAPS procedures including interior
placards, emergency procedures, emergency CAS procedures, and abnormal
CAS procedures for affected AFMs part number (P/N) 31452-001 Revision
A1 and P/N 31452-002 Revision 3.
<bullet> Cirrus Vision SF50 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Temporary
Change TAFM 22-03, dated December 8, 2022, for AFM 31452-001 Revision
A1.
<bullet> Cirrus Vision SF50 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Temporary
Change TAFM 22-04, dated December 8, 2022, for AFM 31452-002 Revision
3.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information already described. This AD also requires revising the
existing AFM for your airplane and revising the ALS of the existing AMM
or ICA and your existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable.
The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate may revise the existing AFM for your airplane and may
revise the ALS of the existing AMM or ICA and your existing approved
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, and must enter
compliance with the applicable paragraphs of this AD into the aircraft
records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v).
The pilot may perform these actions because they only involve revising
the existing AFM and the ALS of the existing AMM or the ICA and the
existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.
These actions could be performed equally well by a pilot or mechanic.
This is an exception to the FAA's standard maintenance regulations.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. The manufacturer
is currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe
condition identified in this AD. Once the modification is developed,
approved, and available, the FAA might consider additional rulemaking.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because of the possibility of uncommanded activation of the CAPS
autopilot mode occurring while in flight without advanced warning. The
inadvertent activation of the CAPS autopilot mode introduces an
uncommanded 30-degree pitch upward at a g-force of approximately 1.9g,
which could cause the airplane to stall in a critical phase of flight
if the autopilot is not disconnected. If not addressed, the unsafe
condition could result in reduced ability of the flight crew to
maintain safe flight and landing of the airplane. The actions of
inhibiting the CAPS autopilot mode and installing CAPS information
placards must be accomplished within 25 hours time-in-service, which is
approximately 2.5 months based on the average flight-hour utilization
rates of these airplanes. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior
public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and
comment.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 365 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 13661]]
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boot avionics in configuration 1 work-hour x $85 Not applicable.... $85 initially and $31,025 initially.
mode, set CAPS activated per hour = $85. at each new
autopilot to inhibited state, software update/
and incorporate Temporary load.
Revisions into AFM.
Fabricate and install 1 work-hour x $85 Not Applicable.... $85............... $31,025.
information placards. per hour = $85.
Modify the wiring to remove CAPS 1.5 work-hours x Not Applicable.... $127.50........... The FAA has no
power timer functionality on $85 per hour = data to determine
serial numbered airplanes 0005-- $127.50. the number of
0272. airplanes that
might need this
modification.
Modify the wiring to remove CAPS .5 work-hour x $85 Not Applicable.... $42.50............ The FAA has no
power timer functionality on per hour = $42.50. data to determine
serial numbered airplanes 0273-- the number of
0409. airplanes that
might need this
modification.
Revise the ALS of the existing 1 work-hour x $85 Not Applicable.... $85............... $31,025.
AMM or ICA. per hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
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.
The FAA is 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
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
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:
2023-04-20 Cirrus Design Corporation: Amendment 39-22368; Docket No.
FAA-2023-0424; Project Identifier AD-2022-01575-A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 21, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
Cirrus Design Corporation (Cirrus) Model SF50 airplanes, all
serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2200, Auto Flight
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of an accident and an incident
due to uncommanded activation of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute
System (CAPS) autopilot mode while in flight. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address this unsafe condition. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in the reduced ability of the flight
crew to maintain safe flight and landing of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For serial numbers 0005 through 0409 inclusive, within 25
hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD: Do
the actions in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD, in
accordance with steps A., B., and C., of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Cirrus SF5X Service Bulletin SB5X-90-14R1, dated
January 20, 2023 (Cirrus SB5X-90-14R1), as applicable to the serial
number of your airplane.
(i) Boot avionics in configuration mode.
(ii) Set CAPS activated autopilot to inhibited state.
(iii) Fabricate and install information placards.
(2) For serial numbers 0005 through 0409 inclusive, within 25
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD: Revise the Emergency
Procedures section of the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) for
your airplane by inserting Cirrus Vision SF50 Airplane Flight Manual
(AFM) Temporary Change TAFM 22-03, dated December 8, 2022, for AFM
31452-001 Revision A1; or Cirrus Vision SF50 Airplane Flight Manual
(AFM) Temporary Change TAFM 22-04, dated December 8, 2022, for AFM
31452-002 Revision 3, as applicable to your airplane.
(3) For all serial numbers, within 25 hours TIS after the
effective date of this AD: Revise the airworthiness limitations
section (ALS) of the existing airplane maintenance manual (AMM) or
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness and your existing approved
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable to your airplane,
by incorporating the language in figure 1 to paragraph (g)(3) of
this AD. This action can be done by placing a copy of this AD in the
ALS of the existing AMM for your airplane.
Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)(3)--Inhibit CAPS Autopilot Mode
[[Page 13662]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR06MR23.011
(4) For serial numbers 0005 through 0409 inclusive, the actions
required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD may be performed by the
owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate
and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance
with the applicable paragraphs of this AD in accordance with 14 CFR
43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as
required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(5) For all serial numbers, the actions required by paragraph
(g)(3) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot)
holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered
into the aircraft records showing compliance with the applicable
paragraphs of this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(6) For serial numbers 0005 through 0409 inclusive on which
Field Modification FRA00019905 has not been done, within 25 hours
TIS after the effective date of this AD: Modify the wiring to remove
the CAPS power timer functionality in accordance with step D. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Cirrus SB5X-90-14R1.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph (g)(1)
of this AD if you performed those actions before the effective date
of this AD using Cirrus SF5X Service Bulletin SB5X-90-14, dated
December 8, 2022.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Chicago ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Joe Dubusky,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Chicago ACO Branch, FAA, 2300 E Devon
Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; phone: (847) 294-7543; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7c16130f190c145218091e090f17053c1a1d1d521b130a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a5cfcad6c0d5cd8bc1d0c7d0d6cedce5c3c4c48bc2cad3">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Cirrus SF5X Service Bulletin SB5X-90-14R1, dated January 20,
2023.
(ii) Cirrus Vision SF50 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Temporary
Change TAFM 22-03, dated December 8, 2022, for AFM 31452-001
Revision A1.
(iii) Cirrus Vision SF50 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Temporary
Change TAFM 22-04, dated December 8, 2022, for AFM 31452-002
Revision 3.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Cirrus Design Corporation, 4515 Taylor Circle, Duluth, MN 55811;
phone: (833) 735-0651; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6a03040c052a560b4a02180f0c57" http: cirrusaircraft.com">cirrusaircraft.com</a>">info@<a href="http://cirrusaircraft.com">cirrusaircraft.com</a></a>; website:
<a href="http://cirrusaircraft.com">cirrusaircraft.com</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e48296ca8d8a97948187908d8b8aa48a859685ca838b92"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d5b3a7fbbcbba6a5b0b6a1bcbabb95bbb4a7b4fbb2baa3">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on March 2, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-04631 Filed 3-2-23; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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