AD 2008-03-02 Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R and 172S Airplanes

Makes named: cessna. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to the following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated in any category:   Models Serial Nos. 172R 17281188 through 17281390. 172S 172S9491 through 172S10489.

To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done: Note: The requirements of this AD take precedence over the actions required in the service information.   Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Inspect the fuel return line assembly (Cessna part number (P/N) 0500118-49 or FAA-approved equivalent P/N) for chafing Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after March 6, 2008 (the effective date of this AD) or within the next 12 months after March 6, 2008 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first Follow Cessna Service Bulletin SB07-28-01, dated June 18, 2007. (2) If chafing is found in the inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, replace the fuel return line assembly (Cessna P/N 0500118-49 or FAA-approved equivalent P/N) Before further flight after the inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD where evidence of chafing was found Follow Cessna Service Bulletin SB07-28-01, dated June 18, 2007. (3) Inspect for a minimum clearance of 0.5 inch between the following parts throughout the entire range of copilot rudder pedal travel and adjust the clearance as necessary: Before further flight after: (A) The inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD if no chafing is found; or (B) The replacement required in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD. Follow paragraph 6 of the Instructions section of Cessna Service Bulletin SB07-28-01, dated June 18, 2007. This AD requires a minimum clearance of 0.5 inch. (i) The fuel return line assembly (Cessna P/N 0500118-49 or FAA-approved equivalent P/N) and the steering tube assembly (Cessna P/N MC0543022-2C); and (ii) The fuel return line assembly (Cessna P/N 0500118-49 or FAA-approved equivalent P/N) and the airplane structure Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (f) The Manager, Wichita 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: Jeff Janusz, Aerospace Engineer, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4148; fax: (316) 946-4107; e-mail: jeff.janusz@faa.gov . 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 (g) You must use Cessna Service Bulletin SB07-28-01, dated June 18, 2007, 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 Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; fax: (316) 942-9006. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or 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 January 22, 2008. John Colomy, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-1460 Filed 1-30-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of chafed fuel return line assemblies caused by the fuel return line assembly rubbing against the right steering tube assembly during full rudder pedal actuation. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct chafing of the fuel return line assembly, which could result in fuel leaking under the cabin floor and fuel vapors entering the cabin. This condition could lead to fire under the floor or in the cabin area.