AD 98-14-07 Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Model 172R Airplanes

Makes named: cessna. Models named: 172R. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 172R airplanes with the following serial numbers, certificated in any category: 17280004 through 17280016, 17280018 through 17280050, 17280052 through 17280058, 17280060 through 17280062, 17280064, 17280066 through 17280082, 17280085 through 17280099, 17280101 through 17280113, 17280115, 17280116, 17280118 through 17280125, 17280128 through 17280131, and 17280138. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, 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 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 (c) 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 the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent reduced structural rigidity at the lower forward doorpost bulkhead, which could result in structural cracking and possible loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Modify the lower forward doorpost of the affected airplanes by installing the specified rivets in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin No. SB97-53-02, dated September 15, 1997. (b) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Rm. 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas, 67209. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Wichita ACO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Wichita ACO. (d) The modification required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin No. SB97-53-02, dated September 15, 1997. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from The Cessna Aircraft Company, P. O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. (e) This amendment becomes effective on August 16, 1998. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 24, 1998. Marvin R. Nuss, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-17414 Filed 6-30-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U