2000-02-30: Airframe Pneumatic Deicing Boots

2000-02-30 TWIN COMMANDER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION: Amendment 39-11548; Docket No. 99-CE-51-AD. \n\n\t(a)\tWhat airplanes are affected by this AD?: The following Model 600 series airplanes, all serial numbers, that are: \n\n\t\t(1) equipped with pneumatic deicing boots; and \n\n\t\t(2) certificated in any category. Models 680, 680E, 680F, 680FL, 680FL(P), 680T, 680V, 680W, 681, 690, 685, 690A, 690B, 690C, 690D, 695, 695A, and 695B \n\n\t(b)\tWho must comply with this AD?: Anyone who wishes to operate any of the above airplanes on the U.S. Register. The AD does not apply to your airplane if it is not equipped with pneumatic de-icing boots. \n\n\t(c)\tWhat problem does this AD address?: The information necessary to activate the pneumatic wing and tail deicing boots at the first signs of ice accumulation is critical for flight in icing conditions. If we did not take action to include this information, flight crews could experience reduced controllability of the aircraft due to adverse aerodynamic effects of ice adhering to the airplane prior to the first deicing cycle. \n\n\t(d)\tWhat must I do to address this problem?: To address this problem, you must revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following requirements for activation of the ice protection systems. You must accomplish this action within the next 10 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. You may insert a copy of this AD in the AFM to accomplish this action: \n\n\t"\tExcept for certain phases of flight where the AFM specifies that deicing boots should not be used (e.g., take-off, final approach, and landing), compliance with the following is required. \n\n\t \tWing and Tail Leading Edge Pneumatic Deicing Boot System, if installed, must be activated: \n\n\t\t- At the first sign of ice formation anywhere on the aircraft, or upon annunciation from an ice detector system, whichever occurs first; and \n\n\t\t- The system must either be continued to be operated in the automatic cycling mode, if available; or the system must be manually cycled as needed to minimize the ice accretions on the airframe. \n\n\t \tThe wing and tail leading edge pneumatic deicing boot system may be deactivated only after leaving icing conditions and after the airplane is determined to be clear of ice." \n\n\t(e)\tCan the pilot accomplish the action?: Yes. Anyone who holds at least a private pilot certificate, as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), may incorporate the AFM revisions required by this AD. You must make an entry into the aircraft records that shows compliance with this AD, in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). \n\n\t(f)\tCan I comply with this AD in any other way?: Yes. \n\n\t\t(1)\tYou may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if: \n\n\t\t\t(i)\tYour alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent levelof safety; and \n\n\t\t\t(ii)\tThe Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager. \n\n\t\t(2)\tThis 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 (f)(1) 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific actions you propose to address it. \n\n\t(g)\tWhere can I get information about any already-approved alternative methods of compliance?: Contact the Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4121; facsimile: (816) 329-4091. \n\n\t(h)\tWhat if I need to fly the airplane to another location to comply with this AD?: The FAA can issue a special flight permit under sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where you can accomplish the requirements of this AD. \n\n\t(i)\tWhen does this amendment become effective?: This amendment becomes effective on March 24, 2000.