[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 5, 1994)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 514-516]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 93-32114]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: January 5, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-CE-47-AD; Amendment 39-8788; AD 94-01-06]

 

Airworthiness Directives: Rockwell International, Collins Air 
Transport Division, Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System II 
Processors

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain Rockwell International, Collins Air Transport 
Division (Collins), Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) 
II processors that are installed on aircraft. This action requires 
replacing the existing TCAS II processor with a new processor that 
incorporates updated computer logic or reprogramming certain processors 
while they are still on board the aircraft. The development of 
candidate enhancements to TCAS II logic that improves its utility and 
increases its overall operational acceptance prompted the proposed 
action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
collisions or near misses caused by incompatibility between the TCAS II 
processors and the current air traffic control system.

EFFECTIVE DATE: February 4, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Service information that is referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Rockwell International/Collins Air Transport Division, 
400 Collins Road, NE; Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52498. Information that 
relates to this AD may be examined at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Roger A. Souter, Aerospace 
Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, 
room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 
946-4134; facsimile (316) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations to include an AD that applies to certain Collins 
TCAS II processors that are installed on aircraft was published in the 
Federal Register on September 9, 1993 (58 FR 47409). The action 
proposed to require (1) removing from service all processors that do 
not have computer logic ``Change 6.04A'' incorporated; and (2) 
mandatory incorporation of ``Change 6.04A'' into the TCAS II computer 
system.
    The affected TCAS II processors are not designed for a specific 
aircraft type. The Collins TCAS II processors are installed on, but not 
limited to the following:

General Aviation Airplanes

Astra Model 1125 airplanes
BAC Model 1-11 airplanes
British Aerospace Model 125-800 airplanes
Beech Models C90A, B200, 300, 350, and 400A airplanes
Canadair Models CL-600, CL-600-2B16, CL-601, CL-601-1A, and CL-601-
3A airplanes
Learjet Models 31, 55, and 60 airplanes
Falcon Models 20, 50, 200, and 900 airplanes
Gulfstream Models G2 and G3 airplanes
British Aerospace Models HS-125-700 airplanes and
Sabreliner Model 60 airplanes

Air Transport Airplanes

Aerospatiale Models ATR-42 and ATR-72 airplanes
Airbus Industries Models A300B2, A-300B, and A-320 airplanes
British Aerospace Models ATP and 146 airplanes
Boeing Models 707, 727, 737, 747, 757, and 767 airplanes
British Aerospace/Aerospatiale Model Concorde SST airplanes
de Havilland DHC-7 and DHC-8 series airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Models DC-8, DC-9, DC-10, MD-80, and MD-11 
airplanes
Ilyushin Model IL-86 airplanes
Lockheed Model L-1011 airplanes
SAAB Models SF340A and SF340B airplanes and
Shorts Models SD3-60-300 airplanes

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received from 31 different owners, operators, 
manufacturers, and organizations.
    All commenters express their concern of the FAA's compliance date 
of December 30, 1993. The following summarizes the compliance times 
that the commenters recommended:
     21 recommended one year or less;
     3 recommended longer than one year; and
     7 recommended an extension without a proposed time.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the Airline Pilots 
Association both recommend an ``aggressive implementation'' of ``Change 
6.04A''. The FAA has re-evaluated the December 30, 1993, compliance 
time and has determined that the compliance time should be changed to 
December 31, 1994. In addition, ``Change 6.04A'' has been upgraded to 
``Change 6.04A Enhanced'', which eliminates unnecessary non-crossing 
resolution advisories (RA's) included in ``Change 6.04A''. Collins has 
assured the FAA that (1) the upgrade to ``Change 6.04A Enhanced'' is 
minor and will be incorporated in the logic change for the TCAS II 
processor upgrades; and (2) this compliance time correlates with their 
schedule for disseminating service information and kits necessary to 
accomplish the incorporation of ``Change 6.04A Enhanced''. The proposed 
AD has been changed to reflect the compliance time change and logic 
change described above.
    One commenter states that the affected aircraft operators should 
operate their TCAS II units in the ``TA Mode Only'' until the new logic 
is incorporated because of possible hidden problems that could exist 
between different logic versions currently installed. The FAA does not 
concur that these TCAS II units should be operated in the ``TA Mode 
Only''. The information provided by an RA may prove to be useful to the 
pilot. The pilot has the option of whether to utilize the RA 
information. The proposed AD is unchanged as a result of this comment.
    A commenter recommends referencing Collins Service Bulletin (SB) 
No. 16, TTR-920-34-16, dated December 9, 1993, as a way of complying 
with the proposed AD. The FAA concurs that this service information is 
a way of complying with the proposed action, and has included a note in 
the final rule that so indicates this.
    Another commenter proposes a change to the proposed AD that would 
allow reprogramming the existing unit on board the aircraft as a method 
of compliance with the proposed action. The FAA concurs that certain 
existing TCAS II part numbers may be reprogrammed with the unit on 
board the aircraft. The proposed AD has been modified to include this 
method on the applicable TCAS II processor part numbers.
    One commenter states that reference to the SAAB 340B airplanes in 
the General Aviation Airplanes list should be deleted. This commenter 
also recommends that reference to the Aerospatiale ATR-42 and ATR-72 
airplanes be moved from the General Aviation Airplanes list to the Air 
Transport Airplanes list. The FAA concurs and has revised the proposed 
AD accordingly.
    One commenter, who supports the implementation of ``Change 6.04A 
Enhanced'', requests that the FAA issue a supplementary notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to propose installing this revised software 
by June 30, 1995. This commenter states that significant differences 
exist between ``Change 6.04A'' and ``Change 6.04A Enhanced''. The FAA 
does not concur. Comments received in response to the proposed AD 
reflect unanimous support for implementing ``Change 6.04A Enhanced''. 
The FAA considers the logic change (which reduces non-crossing RA's) to 
be minor. The intent is to correct the unsafe condition by installing 
modified TCAS II computer units that incorporate updated logic. The FAA 
has determined that the requirement to implement Version 6.04A 
software, including the latest enhancement, will (1) correct the unsafe 
condition; (2) maintain the same intent originally proposed without 
altering the substance of the proposed rule; and (3) impose no 
additional burden on the public than was previously proposed.
    In addition, issuing a supplemental NPRM would necessitate (under 
the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act) reissuing the 
notice, reopening the public comment period, considering any additional 
comments received, and eventually issuing a final rule. The time 
required for these procedures could take as long as four additional 
months. In light of this, and in consideration of the amount of time 
that has already elapsed since issuance of the original NPRM, the FAA 
concludes that soliciting further public comment is not necessary and 
that further delay of the final rule action is not appropriate.
    Several commenters request that the FAA revise the economic impact 
specified in the proposed AD to reflect costs associated with the 
development, testing prior to certification, and certification of the 
modified processor. These costs would be absorbed by suppliers, 
installers, and airline operators. The FAA does not concur that the 
economic impact statement include this information. The 5 workhours 
necessary to accomplish the proposed action was provided to the FAA by 
the TCAS II processor manufacturer based on the best data available to 
date. This number represents the time required to install the revised 
software and test for proper operation after installation. The cost 
analysis in AD rulemaking actions typically does not include costs 
associated with development, testing prior to certification, and 
certification of a modified processor. The proposed action remains 
unchanged as a result of these comments.
    After careful review of all available information including the 
comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
the change in compliance time, the logic reference change, the option 
of reprogramming certain units on board the aircraft, reference to 
Collins SB No. 16, TTR-920-34-16, dated December 9, 1993, and minor 
editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these changes and 
corrections will not change the meaning of the AD nor add any 
additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.
    The FAA estimates that 1,995 TCAS II processors in the U.S. 
registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 5 
workhours per processor (1 workhour for installation and 4 workhours 
for operational testing) to accomplish the required action, and that 
the average labor rate is approximately $55 an hour. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $548,625. These figures are based on the assumption 
that none of the operators of the airplanes equipped with the affected 
TCAS II processors have accomplished the actions specified in this AD.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a 
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial 
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this 
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ``ADDRESSES''.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 
39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new AD:

94-01-06  Rockwell International, Collins Air Transport Division: 
Amendment 39-8788; Docket No. 93-CE-47-AD.

    Applicability: Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System II 
processors that are installed on, but not limited to the following 
airplanes (all serial numbers), certificated in any category:

General Aviation Airplanes

Astra Model 1125 airplanes
BAC Model 1-11 airplanes
British Aerospace Model 125-800 airplanes
Beech Models C90A, B200, 300, 350, and 400A airplanes
Canadair Models CL-600, CL-600-2B16, CL-601, CL-601-1A, and CL-601-
3A airplanes
Learjet Models 31, 55, and 60 airplanes
Falcon Models 20, 50, 200, and 900 airplanes
Gulfstream Models G2 and G3 airplanes
British Aerospace Models HS-125-700 airplanes and
Sabreliner Model 60 airplanes

Air Transport Airplanes

Aerospatiale Models ATR-42 and ATR-72 airplanes
Airbus Industries Models A300B2, A-300B, and A-320 airplanes
British Aerospace Models ATP and 146 airplanes
Boeing Models 707, 727, 737, 747, 757, and 767 airplanes
British Aerospace/Aerospatiale Model Concorde SST airplanes
de Havilland DHC-7 and DHC-8 series airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Models DC-8, DC-9, and DC-10, MD-80, and MD-11 
airplanes
Ilyushin Model IL-86 airplanes
Lockheed Model L-1011 airplanes
SAAB Models SF340A and SF340B airplanes and
Shorts Models SD3-60-300 airplanes.

    Compliance: Prior to December 31, 1994, unless already 
accomplished.
    To prevent collisions or near misses caused by incompatibility 
between the traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) II 
processors and the current air traffic control system, accomplish 
the following:
    (a) Incorporate ``Change 6.04A Enhanced'' by accomplishing 
either (1) or (2) below, as applicable:
    (1) Remove any TCAS II processor with a part number (P/N) suffix 
listed in the ``Existing P/N Suffix'' column of the table below, and 
install a corresponding TCAS II processor with a P/N listed in the 
``New
P/N Suffix'' column of the table below: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 New P/N
                      Existing P/N suffix                         suffix
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-001, -002, -011,..............................................     -020
-012, or -612..................................................         
-102, -111, or -112............................................     -120
-014...........................................................     -320
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 1: Collins SB No. 16, TTR-920-34-16, dated December 9, 
1993, specifies procedures for incorporating the referenced New P/N 
suffixes.

    (2) Change the part number of the TCAS II unit on board the 
aircraft by reprogramming the software with a data loader in order 
to obtain the New P/N Suffix as specified in the following table: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 New P/N
                      Existing P/N suffix                         suffix
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-012...........................................................     -020
-112...........................................................     -120
-014...........................................................     -320
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 2: Units with P/N suffix of -001, -002, -011, -102, -11, 
and -612 cannot be reprogrammed on board the aircraft.
    Note 3: Operators are encouraged to update the Airplane Flight 
Manual (AFM) or AFM Supplement. Collins TTR-920 TCAS II Transmitter 
Receiver Service Information Letter 2-93, titled ``CAS Logic Change 
6.04A'' specifies the information needed for this update.

    (b) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 
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 times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 
Airport Road, Room 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 Aircraft Certification Office (ACO).

    Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Wichita ACO.

    (d) Service information that is referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Rockwell International/Collins Air Transport Division, 
400 Collins Road, NE; Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52498. This information may 
also be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant 
Chief Counsel, room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106.
    (e) This amendment (39-8788) becomes effective on February 4, 
1994.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 29, 1993.
Gerald W. Pierce,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 93-32114 Filed 12-30-93; 8:45 am]
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