Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 195 / Friday, October 8, 1999 / Proposed Rules 54811

NPRM may be performed by the owner/ § 39.13 [Amended] Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 operator holding at least a private pilot 2. Section 39.13 is amended by and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a certificate as authorized by § 43.7 of the adding a new airworthiness directive location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR (AD) to read as follows: (d) An alternative method of compliance or 43.7), and must be entered into the Partenavia Costruzioni Aeronauticas S.P.A.: adjustment of the compliance time that aircraft records showing compliance Docket No. 99–CE–37–AD. provides an equivalent level of safety may be with the proposed AD in accordance Applicability: Models AP68TP 300 approved by the Manager, Small Airplane with § 43.9 of the Federal Aviation ‘‘Spartacus’’ and AP68TP 600 ‘‘Viator’’ Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas airplanes, all serial numbers equipped with City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). The only cost pneumatic deicing boots, certificated in any forwarded through an appropriate FAA impact of the proposed AD is the time category. Maintenance Inspector, who may add it would take each owner/operator of Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane comments and then send it to the Manager, the affected airplanes to insert the identified in the preceding applicability Small Airplane Directorate. information into the AFM. provision, regardless of whether it has been Note 2: Information concerning the modified, altered, or repaired in the area existence of approved alternative methods of Regulatory Impact subject to the requirements of this AD. For compliance with this AD, if any, may be airplanes that have been modified, altered, or obtained from the Small Airplane The regulations proposed herein repaired so that the performance of the Directorate. would not have substantial direct effects requirements of this AD is affected, the (e) Information related to this AD may be on the States, on the relationship owner/operator must request approval for an examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office between the national government and alternative method of compliance in of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. the States, or on the distribution of The request should include an assessment of power and responsibilities among the Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on the effect of the modification, alteration, or October 4, 1999. various levels of government. Therefore, repair on the unsafe condition addressed by in accordance with Executive Order this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not Michael Gallagher, 12612, it is determined that this been eliminated, the request should include Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft proposal would not have sufficient specific proposed actions to address it. Certification Service. federalism implications to warrant the Compliance: Required as indicated in the [FR Doc. 99–26400 Filed 10–7–99; 8:45 am] body of this AD, unless already BILLING CODE 4910±13±U preparation of a Federalism Assessment. accomplished. For the reasons discussed above, I To assure that flightcrews activate the wing certify that this action (1) is not a and tail pneumatic deicing boots at the first DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under signs of ice accumulation on the airplane, Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a accomplish the following: Federal Aviation Administration (a) Within 10 days after the effective date ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT of this AD: Revise the Limitations Section of 14 CFR Part 39 Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if (AFM) to include the following requirements [Docket No. 99±CE±40±AD] for activation of the ice protection systems. promulgated, will not have a significant RIN 2120±AA64 economic impact, positive or negative, This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM. Airworthiness Directives; British on a substantial number of small entities ‘‘• Except for certain phases of flight under the criteria of the Regulatory where the AFM specifies that deicing boots Aerospace Jetstream Models 3101 and Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft should not be used (e.g., take-off, final 3201 Airplanes regulatory evaluation prepared for this approach, and landing), compliance with the AGENCY: Federal Aviation action has been placed in the Rules following is required. • Administration, DOT. Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by Wing and Tail Leading Edge Pneumatic Deicing Boot System, if installed, must be ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking contacting the Rules Docket at the activated: (NPRM). location provided under the caption —At the first sign of ice formation anywhere ADDRESSES. on the aircraft, or upon annunciation from SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 an ice detector system, whichever occurs first; and (AD) that would apply to all British Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation —The system must either be continued to be Aerospace Jetstream Models 3101 and safety, Safety. operated in the automatic cycling mode, if 3201 airplanes. The proposed AD would available; or the system must be manually require revising the Airplane Flight The Proposed Amendment cycled as needed to minimize the ice Manual (AFM) to include requirements accretions on the airframe. for activation of the airframe pneumatic • Accordingly, pursuant to the The wing and tail leading edge deicing boots. The proposed AD is the authority delegated to me by the pneumatic deicing boot system may be result of reports of in-flight incidents deactivated only after leaving icing Administrator, the Federal Aviation and an accident that occurred in icing Administration proposes to amend part conditions and after the airplane is determined to be clear of ice.’’ conditions where the airframe 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (b) Incorporating the AFM revisions, as pneumatic deicing boots were not (14 CFR part 39) as follows: required by this AD, may be performed by activated. The actions specified by the the owner/operator holding at least a private proposed AD are intended to assure that PART 39ÐAIRWORTHINESS pilot certificate as authorized by § 43.7 of the flightcrews activate the pneumatic wing DIRECTIVES Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and tail deicing boots at the first signs and must be entered into the aircraft records of ice accumulation. This action will showing compliance with this AD in 1. The authority citation for part 39 prevent reduced controllability of the continues to read as follows: accordance with § 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). aircraft due to adverse aerodynamic Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. (c) Special flight permits may be issued in effects of ice adhering to the airplane accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the prior to the first deicing cycle.

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DATES: Comments must be received on Discussion of the autopilot during icing conditions, or before December 1, 1999. On January 9, 1997, an Empresa and for information related to appropriate operating speeds for icing ADDRESSES: Submit comments in Brazileira de Aeronautica, S.A. operations. triplicate to the Federal Aviation (EMBRAER) Model EMB–120RT series No information received, as a result of Administration (FAA), Central Region, airplane was involved in an that request, has caused the FAA to Office of the Regional Counsel, uncommanded roll excursion and reconsider the previous conclusion that Attention: Rules Docket No. 99–CE–40– consequent rapid descent that resulted an unsafe condition may exist. AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, in an accident near Monroe, Michigan. Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments The post-accident investigation Public Meeting may be inspected at this location conducted by the National Subsequent to the collection of those between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) design and operational data, the FAA through Friday, holidays excepted. concluded that the airplane had held an international conference on accumulated a thin, rough layer of ice FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: ‘‘Inflight Operations in Icing Mr. on its lifting surfaces. That John P. Dow, Sr., Aerospace Engineer, Conditions’’, in Washington, DC, on accumulation of ice, in combination February 2–4, 1999. FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 with the slowing of the airplane to an Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri The purpose of the conference was to airspeed inappropriate for the icing discuss the status of the FAA Icing Plan 64106; telephone: (816) 426–6932; conditions in which the airplane was facsimile: (816) 426–2169. and other related efforts. Additionally, flying, resulted in loss of control that the conference provided a forum for SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: was not corrected before the airplane representatives of industry to express impacted the ground. The NTSB also Comments Invited their viewpoints on current information concluded that the flight crew did not related to activation of deicing boots, Interested persons are invited to activate the wing and tail pneumatic minimum airspeeds, autopilot operation participate in the making of the deicing boots. An NTSB in icing conditions, flightcrew proposed rule by submitting such recommendation related to this accident information needs, and flightcrew written data, views, or arguments as requested that the FAA mandate that training. Certain information presented they may desire. Communications pneumatic deicing boots be turned on as at that meeting is discussed in this should identify the Rules Docket soon as the airplane enters icing proposed rule in the following section. number and be submitted in triplicate to conditions. the address specified above. All The FAA has reviewed the icing- Delayed Activation of Pneumatic communications received on or before related incident history of certain Deicing Boots the closing date for comments, specified airplanes, and has determined that icing In accordance with manufacturer above, will be considered before taking incidents may have occurred because instructions and FAA-approved airplane action on the proposed rule. The pneumatic deicing boots were not flight manual (AFM) procedures, the proposals contained in this notice may activated at the first evidence of ice flightcrews of most airplanes equipped be changed in light of the comments accretion. As a result, the handling with pneumatic deicing boots delay the received. qualities or the controllability of the initial activation of the boots until a airplane may have been reduced due to Comments are specifically invited on certain quantity of ice has accumulated the accumulated ice. That factor was the overall regulatory, economic, on the protected surfaces (boots). Some present in the accident discussed 1 1 environmental, and energy aspects of crews routinely wait for ⁄4 to ⁄2 inch of previously and, as such, constitutes an the proposed rule. All comments ice to accumulate, and at least one unsafe condition. submitted will be available, both before airplane type is routinely flown with up 1 and after the closing date for comments, Request for Information to 1 ⁄2 inches of ice on the protected in the Rules Docket for examination by surfaces before the initial activation of On October 1, 1998, the FAA sent the deicing boots. interested persons. A report that letters to certain manufacturers of summarizes each FAA-public contact airplanes certified in accordance with Ice Bridging concerned with the substance of this part 25 of the Federal Aviation In the past, concern about ‘‘ice proposal will be filed in the Rules Regulations (14 CFR part 25). The letters bridging’’ on early pneumatic deicing Docket. requested certain icing system design boot designs resulted in the common Commenters wishing the FAA to information and operational procedures practice of delaying activation of ice acknowledge receipt of their comments applicable to their airplanes concerning protection. Ice bridging of pneumatic submitted in response to this notice flight during icing conditions. The deicing boots occurred when a thin must submit a self-addressed, stamped letters also requested that manufacturers layer of ice is sufficiently plastic to postcard on which the following provide data showing that the aircraft deform to the shape of the inflated statement is made: ‘‘Comments to has safe operating characteristics with deicing boot tube without being Docket No. 99–CE–40–AD.’’ The ice accreted on the protected surfaces fractured and shed during the ensuing postcard will be date stamped and (boots). The manufacturers were asked tube deflation. As the deformed ice returned to the commenter. to provide data using the following hardens and accretes additional ice, the Availability of NPRMs assumptions: The most adverse ice deicing boot becomes ineffective in accumulation possible during operation shedding the ‘‘sheath’’ of ice. However, Any person may obtain a copy of this in the icing envelope specified in part ice accumulation resulting from delayed NPRM by submitting a request to the 25, Appendix C of the Federal Aviation activation may pose an unsafe condition FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regulations (14 CFR part 25), and that due to the resultant adverse Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules recommended procedures for deicing aerodynamic effects on the airplane’s Docket No. 99–CE–40–AD, Room 1558, boot operation were used. Additionally, performance or handling qualities. 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri the manufacturers were asked to In November 1997, the FAA and the 64106. provide information related to operation National Aeronautics and Space

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Administration (NASA) co-sponsored FAA recognizes that not all airplanes accretions is more hazardous than an international workshop on aircraft may be equipped with ‘‘modern’’ delaying boot activation until a specific deicing boot ice bridging. The objective deicing boots (as that term is used in thickness of ice has accumulated. of the workshop was to provide an open this NPRM). The FAA specifically Other Considerations forum for investigating the existence of invites the submission of comments and deicing boot bridging and other other data regarding the effects of this The FAA recognizes that there may be concerns related to activating ice proposed AD on airplanes equipped some phases of flight during which use protection systems at the initial with older pneumatic deicing boots, of the deicing boots may be detection of inflight icing. Sixty-seven including arguments for the retention of inappropriate. For example, a deicing representatives from airframe and existing activation delays for these boot inflation cycle that begins deicing boot manufacturers, various older-style deicing boots. immediately before or during the airlines, the pilot community, NASA, Residual Ice landing flare or the takeoff rotation may the National Transportation Safety cause unexpected loss of lift or other Board, non-US civil aviation authorities, During the February conference, the adverse aerodynamic events. This and the FAA participated. At the attendees agreed that the airplane is at proposed AD explicitly does not workshop no evidence was presented to risk while the airplane is accreting ice, supersede procedures in the AFM that substantiate that aircraft with modern and that the airplane must be prohibit using deicing boots for certain deicing boot designs experience ice adequately protected to ensure that no phases of flight (e.g., during take-off, bridging. The general consensus of the adverse handling and performance final approach, and landing). workshop participants was that ice characteristics develop. An additional The FAA specifically invites the bridging is not a problem for modern concern discussed at the conference was submission of comments and other data the possibility that early activation of pneumatic deicing boot designs due to regarding adverse effects that may occur the ice protection system might degrade the use of higher air supply pressures, during specific phases of flight, the ice shedding effectiveness of the faster boot inflation and deflation including takeoff, final approach, or deicing boots, resulting in increased cycles, and smaller boot chambers. Icing landing. Any recommended speed residual ice, i.e., there would be more wind tunnel and flight testing of these restrictions or other operational ice fragments remaining on the deicing newer design features with automatic procedures that would be necessary in boots than would exist if a more cycling have demonstrated successful order to mitigate any adverse substantial quantity of ice was allowed shedding of ice when activated at the aerodynamic effects of deicing boot to form before the first ice shedding onset of ice accretion, with ice not shed inflation during critical phases of flight cycle. However, the FAA does not on the initial deicing boot cycle concur. No data has been provided that should be fully explained and continuing to increase in thickness and shows that the presence of residual ice documented. being shed during subsequent cycles. following an earlier activation of the The FAA’s Determination During the previously discussed deicing boots is more hazardous than November 1997 international workshop, delaying cycling of the boots until the The FAA is aware that, based on the inability of flightcrews to accurately ice accretes to a larger, specific previous procedures provided to gauge wing and control surfaces ice thickness. In fact, testing in icing flightcrews of many airplanes equipped accretion thickness before activating the conditions has shown that residual ice with deicing boots, a historical deicing boots was recognized. Also, remaining on the boots after the initial precedent has been set that permits increased airplane drag resulting from boot cycle is removed during waiting to activate the deicing ice accretion was recognized as a subsequent cycles. equipment. In light of this information potential contributing cause of As reported during the November and based on reports received, the FAA inadvertent airspeed loss that 1997 international workshop, considers that certain procedures characterized most in-flight icing related manufacturers of a substantial should be included in the Limitations accidents and incidents. Two airframe percentage of the turbopropeller Section of the AFM for all British manufacturers, whose products transport fleet have reported satisfactory Aerospace Jetstream Models 3101 and comprise a substantial percentage of the in-flight icing operations of their 3201 airplanes to require immediate turbopropeller transport fleet, reported products with recommended procedures activation of the ice protection systems that, because of these concerns they to activate operation of the deicing boots when any ice accumulation is detected recommend activating the automatic in the automatic mode at the onset of on the airplane. airframe deicing system at first onset of airframe icing. This proposed action is one of a airframe icing. Those manufacturers Therefore, the FAA considers that the number of proposed AD’s being issued have received no reports of deicing boot activation of pneumatic wing and tail on airplanes that have been determined ice bridging events for these airplanes. deicing boots at the first signs of ice to be subject to the same identified The FAA considers that ice accumulation is warranted. The FAA unsafe conditions. Currently proposed accumulation on protected surfaces due specifically invites the submission of AD’s for other airplanes that are to delayed boot activation constitutes a data to substantiate that operating the equipped with pneumatic deicing boots potential safety concern. However, the deicing boots at the first sign of ice address the following airplanes:

Airplane models Docket No.

Industrie Aeronautiche e Mecchaniche, Model P±180 Airplanes ...... 99±CE±34±AD Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd., BN±2T Series Airplanes ...... 99±CE±35±AD Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Models PC±12 and PC±12/45 Airplanes ...... 99±CE±36±AD Partenavia Costruzioni Aeronauticas, S.p.A., Models AP68TP 300 ``Spartacus'' and AP68TP 600 ``Viator'' Airplanes ...... 99±CE±37±AD Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., MU±2B Series Airplanes ...... 99±CE±38±AD LET, a.s., Model L±420 Airplanes ...... 99±CE±39±AD Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corp., Model Y12 IV airplanes ...... 99±CE±41±AD Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer), Models EMB±110P1 and EMB±110P2 Airplanes ...... 99±CE±42±AD

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Airplane models Docket No.

Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH, 228 Series Airplanes ...... 99±CE±43±AD Bombardier Inc., DHC±6 Series Airplanes ...... 99±CE±44±AD The Cessna Aircraft Company, 208 Series Airplanes ...... 99±CE±45±AD Raytheon Aircraft Company, 90, 99, 100, 200, 300, 1900, and 2000 Series Airplanes ...... 99±CE±46±AD AeroSpace Technologies Of Australia Pty Ltd., Models N22B and N24A ...... 99±CE±47±AD Short Brothers & Harland Ltd., Models SC±7 Series 2 and SC±7 Series 3 Airplanes ...... 99±CE±48±AD The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., PA±31 Series Airplanes ...... 99±CE±49±AD SOCATAÐGroupe AEROSPATIALE, Model TBM 700 Airplanes ...... 99±CE±50±AD Twin Commander Aircraft Corporation, 600 Series Airplanes ...... 99±CE±51±AD Fairchild Aircraft Corporation, SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes ...... 99±CE±52±AD The Cessna Aircraft Company, Models 425 and 441 Airplanes ...... 99±CE±53±AD Cessna Aircraft Company, Models 500, 550, and 560 Airplanes ...... 99±NM±136±AD Sabreliner Corporation, Models 40, 60, 70, and 80 Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±137±AD Gulfstream Aerospace, Model G±159 Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±138±AD McDonnell Douglas, Models DC±3 and DC±4 Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±139±AD Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Model YS±11 and YS±11A Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±140±AD Frakes Aviation, Model G±73 (Mallard) and G±73T Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±141±AD Lockheed, Models L±14 and L±18 Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±142±AD Fairchild Models F27 and FH227 Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±143±AD Aerospatiale Models ATR±42/ATR±72 Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±144±AD Jetstream Model BAe ATP Airplanes ...... 99±NM±145±AD Jetstream Model 4101 Airplanes, British Aerospace Model HS 748 Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±146±AD 99±NM±147±AD Saab Model SF340A/SAAB 340B/SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±148±AD CASA Model C±212/CN±235 Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±149±AD Dornier Model 328±100 Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±150±AD Lockheed Model 1329±23 and 1329±25 (Lockheed Jetstar) Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±151±AD de Havilland Model DHC±7/DHC±8 Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±152±AD Fokker Model F27 Mark 100/200/300/400/500/600/700/050 Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±153±AD Short Brothers Model SD3±30/SD3±60/SD3±SHERPA Series Airplanes ...... 99±NM±154±AD

Explanation of the Provisions of the Regulatory Impact The Proposed Amendment Proposed AD The regulations proposed herein Accordingly, pursuant to the Since an unsafe condition has been would not have substantial direct effects authority delegated to me by the identified that is likely to exist or on the States, on the relationship Administrator, the Federal Aviation develop in other British Aerospace Administration proposes to amend part between the national government and Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations the States, or on the distribution of airplanes of the same type design (14 CFR part 39) as follows: registered in the United States, the FAA power and responsibilities among the is proposing AD action. The proposed various levels of government. Therefore, PART 39ÐAIRWORTHINESS AD would require revising the in accordance with Executive Order DIRECTIVES Limitations Section of the AFM to 12612, it is determined that this proposal would not have sufficient 1. The authority citation for part 39 include requirements for activation of continues to read as follows: pneumatic deicing boots at the first federalism implications to warrant the indication of ice accumulation on the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. airplane. For the reasons discussed above, I § 39.13 [Amended] Cost Impact certify that this action (1) is not a 2. Section 39.13 is amended by ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under adding a new airworthiness directive The FAA estimates that 249 airplanes Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a in the U.S. registry would be affected by (AD) to read as follows: ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT British Aerospace: Docket No. 99–CE–40– the proposed AD, that it would take Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 approximately 1 workhour per airplane AD. FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if Applicability: Jetstream Models 3101 and to accomplish the proposed AFM promulgated, will not have a significant revisions. Accomplishing the proposed 3201 airplanes, all serial numbers equipped economic impact, positive or negative, with pneumatic deicing boots, certificated in AFM revision requirements of this on a substantial number of small entities any category. NPRM may be performed by the owner/ under the criteria of the Regulatory Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane operator holding at least a private pilot identified in the preceding applicability certificate as authorized by § 43.7 of the Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this provision, regardless of whether it has been Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR modified, altered, or repaired in the area 43.7), and must be entered into the action has been placed in the Rules subject to the requirements of this AD. For aircraft records showing compliance Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by airplanes that have been modified, altered, or with the proposed AD in accordance contacting the Rules Docket at the repaired so that the performance of the with § 43.9 of the Federal Aviation location provided under the caption requirements of this AD is affected, the Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). The only cost ADDRESSES. owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in impact of the proposed AD is the time List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. it would take each owner/operator of The request should include an assessment of the affected airplanes to insert the Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation the effect of the modification, alteration, or information into the AFM. safety, Safety. repair on the unsafe condition addressed by

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Communications and tail pneumatic deicing boots at the first BILLING CODE 4910±13±U should identify the Rules Docket signs of ice accumulation on the airplane, number and be submitted in triplicate to accomplish the following: the address specified above. All (a) Within 10 days after the effective date DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION communications received on or before of this AD: Revise the Limitations Section of the closing date for comments, specified Federal Aviation Administration the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual above, will be considered before taking (AFM) to include the following requirements 14 CFR Part 39 action on the proposed rule. The for activation of the ice protection systems. proposals contained in this notice may This may be accomplished by inserting a [Docket No. 99±CE±34±AD] be changed in light of the comments copy of this AD in the AFM. ‘‘• Except for certain phases of flight RIN 2120±AA64 received. where the AFM specifies that deicing boots Comments are specifically invited on should not be used (e.g., take-off, final Airworthiness Directives; Industrie the overall regulatory, economic, approach, and landing), compliance with the Aeronautiche e Meccaniche Model environmental, and energy aspects of following is required. Piaggio P±180 Airplanes the proposed rule. All comments • Wing and Tail Leading Edge Pneumatic submitted will be available, both before AGENCY: Federal Aviation Deicing Boot System, if installed, must be and after the closing date for comments, Administration, DOT. activated: in the Rules Docket for examination by —At the first sign of ice formation ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking interested persons. A report that anywhere on the aircraft, or upon (NPRM). summarizes each FAA-public contact annunciation from an ice detector SUMMARY: This document proposes to concerned with the substance of this system, whichever occurs first; and proposal will be filed in the Rules —The system must either be continued to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to all Industrie Docket. be operated in the automatic cycling Commenters wishing the FAA to mode, if available; or the system must be Aeronautiche e Meccaniche (I.A.M.) manually cycled as needed to minimize Model Piaggio P–180 airplanes. The acknowledge receipt of their comments the ice accretions on the airframe. proposed AD would require revising the submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, stamped • The wing and tail leading edge Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to pneumatic deicing boot system may be include requirements for activation of postcard on which the following deactivated only after leaving icing the airframe pneumatic deicing boots. statement is made: ‘‘Comments to conditions and after the airplane is The proposed AD is the result of reports Docket No. 99–CE–34–AD.’’ The determined to be clear of ice.’’ of in-flight incidents and an accident postcard will be date stamped and (b) Incorporating the AFM revisions, as that occurred in icing conditions where returned to the commenter. required by this AD, may be performed by the airframe pneumatic deicing boots Availability of NPRMs the owner/operator holding at least a private were not activated. The actions pilot certificate as authorized by § 43.7 of the Any person may obtain a copy of this Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), specified by the proposed AD are intended to assure that flightcrews NPRM by submitting a request to the and must be entered into the aircraft records FAA, Central Region, Office of the showing compliance with this AD in activate the pneumatic wing and tail deicing boots at the first signs of ice Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules accordance with § 43.9 of the Federal Docket No. 99–CE–34–AD, Room 1558, Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). accumulation. This action will prevent (c) Special flight permits may be issued in reduced controllability of the aircraft 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the due to adverse aerodynamic effects of 64106. Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 ice adhering to the airplane prior to the Discussion and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a first deicing cycle. location where the requirements of this AD On January 9, 1997, an Empresa DATES: Comments must be received on can be accomplished. Brazileira de Aeronautica, S.A. (d) An alternative method of compliance or or before December 1, 1999. (EMBRAER) Model EMB–120RT series adjustment of the compliance time that ADDRESSES: Submit comments in airplane was involved in an provides an equivalent level of safety may be triplicate to the Federal Aviation uncommanded roll excursion and approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Administration (FAA), Central Region, consequent rapid descent that resulted Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas Office of the Regional Counsel, in an accident near Monroe, Michigan. City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be Attention: Rules Docket No. 99–C–34– The post-accident investigation forwarded through an appropriate FAA AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, conducted by the National Maintenance Inspector, who may add Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) comments and then send it to the Manager, may be inspected at this location Small Airplane Directorate. concluded that the airplane had between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday accumulated a thin, rough layer of ice Note 2: Information concerning the through Friday, holidays excepted. existence of approved alternative methods of on its lifting surfaces. That FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: compliance with this AD, if any, may be Mr. accumulation of ice, in combination obtained from the Small Airplane John P. Dow, Sr., Aerospace Engineer, with the slowing of the airplane to an Directorate. FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 airspeed inappropriate for the icing (e) Information related to this AD may be Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri conditions in which the airplane was examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office 64106; telephone: (816) 426–6932; flying, resulted in loss of control that of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. facsimile: (816) 426–2169. was not corrected before the airplane 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: impacted the ground. The NTSB also

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