2003-24-13 CESSNA AIRCRAFT COMPANY:
Amendment 39-13382; Docket No. 2003-CE-28-AD.

Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H Airplanes

SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 172R, 172S, 182S, 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H airplanes that are equipped with a Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot computer system installed on the center instrument control panel near the throttle. This AD requires you to install an update to the operating software of the KAP 140 autopilot computer system, change the unit's part number, and change the software modification identification tag. This AD is the result of reports of inadvertent and undetected engagement of the autopilot system. We are issuing this AD to prevent unintentionally engaging the KAP 140 autopilot computer system, which could cause the pilot to take inappropriate actions.

When Does This AD Become Effective?
   (a)    This AD becomes effective on January 20, 2004.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
   (b)    None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?
   (c)    This AD affects the following airplane models and serial numbers that are:
    (1)    equipped with a KAP 140 autopilot computer system, part number (P/N) 065-00176-2602, P/N 065-00176-5402, or P/N 065-00176-7702; and   
    (2)    certificated in any category;

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Model                                    Serial Nos.
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172R...................................  17280001 through 17281073,
                                          17281075 through 17281127,
                                          and 17281130.

172S...................................  172S8001 through 172S9195,
                                          172S9197, 172S9198, and
                                          172S9200 through 172S9203.

182S...................................  18280001 through 18280944.

182T...................................  18280945 through 18281064,
                                          18281067 through 18281145,
                                          18281147 through 18281163,
                                          18281165 through 18281167,
                                          and 18281172.

T182T..................................  T18208001 through T18208109,
                                          and T18208111 through
                                          T18208177.

206H...................................  20608001 through 20608183,
                                          20608185, 20608187, and
                                          20608188.

T206H..................................  T20608001 through T20608039,
                                          T20608041 through T20608367,
                                          T20608269 through T20608379,
                                          T20608381, T20608382, and
                                          T20608385.
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What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
   (d)    This AD is the result of reports of inadvertent and undetected engagement of the autopilot system. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent unintentionally engaging the KAP 140 autopilot computer system, which could cause the pilot to take inappropriate actions.