[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 223 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63174-63176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-29739]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-257-AD; Amendment 39-11420; AD 99-23-24]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal, Instrument Landing System 
Navigation Receivers, as Installed in, but Not Limited to, Airbus Model 
A300 Series Airplanes and Boeing Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -
200B, -200F, -200C, -300, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain instrument landing system (ILS) navigation 
receivers manufactured by AlliedSignal. This action requires 
replacement of certain resistors in the ILS navigation receiver with 
higher ohm resistors and replacement of the nameplate on the receiver 
with a new nameplate. This amendment is prompted by reports of ILS 
navigation receivers incorrectly indicating signals from the glideslope 
ground station during final approach. The actions specified in this AD 
are intended to ensure the ILS receiver provides the flight crew with 
accurate glideslope data. Inaccurate glideslope data could result in an 
approach off the glideslope, and, consequently, a landing short of the 
runway or a runway overrun.

DATES: Effective December 6, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 6, 1999.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before January 18, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-257-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
AlliedSignal Aerospace, Technical Publications, Dept. 65-70, P.O. Box 
52170, Phoenix, Arizona 85072-2170. This information may be examined at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay G. Yi, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-1013; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received reports indicating 
that, during final approach, instrument landing system (ILS) navigation 
receivers installed on certain Airbus Model A300 series airplanes have 
indicated a valid signal from the glideslope ground station, though the 
ground station was not operating. An absent glideslope signal is 
normally indicated by the glideslope instrument warning flag on the 
radio direction magnetic indicator. In these events, the glideslope 
instrument warning flag moved out of view, indicating to the flight 
crew that a valid signal had been received from the glideslope ground 
station. Investigation revealed that the ILS navigation receiver was 
incorrectly responding to a low-voltage signal from the glideslope 
ground station to the ILS enable input. The manufacturer of the 
receiver has determined that certain resistors within the receiver are 
improperly sized to ensure a correct response to all possible voltage 
signals. This condition, if not corrected, could result in the ILS 
navigation receiver providing inaccurate data to the flight crew by 
falsely indicating a valid signal from the glideslope ground station. 
The glideslope is the vertical flight path that an airplane is to 
follow when making an ILS landing. Inaccurate data from the ILS 
navigation receiver could lead to the airplane making an approach off 
the glideslope, which could result in a landing short of the runway or 
a runway overrun.
    The affected ILS navigation receiver is installed on, but not 
limited to, Airbus Model A300 series airplanes and Boeing Model 747-
100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200F, -200C, -300, 747SR, and 747SP 
series airplanes.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Bendix/King Service Bulletin RIA-
32A-34-47, Revision 1, dated January 1992, which describes procedures 
for replacement of three resistors in the ILS navigation receiver with 
higher ohm resistors. The FAA also has reviewed and approved Bendix/
King Service Bulletin RIA-32A-34-48, dated December 1991, which 
describes procedures for replacement of the nameplate on the receiver 
with a new nameplate (which, among other things, identifies a new part 
number) once Bendix/King Service Bulletin RIA-32A-34-47 is 
accomplished. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service 
bulletins is

[[Page 63175]]

intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is 
being issued to ensure the ILS receiver provides the flight crew with 
accurate glideslope data. Inaccurate glideslope data could result in an 
approach off the glideslope, and, consequently, a landing short of the 
runway or a runway overrun. This AD requires accomplishment of the 
actions specified in the service bulletins described previously, except 
as discussed below.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that this AD requires replacement of certain 
resistors in the ILS navigation receiver with higher ohm resistors and 
replacement of the nameplate on the receiver with a new nameplate 
within 6 months after the effective date of this AD. Bendix/King 
Service Bulletin RIA-32A-34-47 recommends that replacement of the 
resistors with higher ohm resistors should be accomplished, ``during 
the next routine maintenance.'' In developing an appropriate compliance 
time for this action, the FAA considered not only the degree of urgency 
associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, but the 
availability of required parts. The FAA has determined that 6 months 
represents an appropriate interval of time allowable wherein an ample 
number of required parts will be available for modification of the U.S. 
fleet within the compliance period. The FAA also finds that such a 
compliance time will not adversely affect the safety of the affected 
airplanes.
    Operators also should note that, although Bendix/King Service 
Bulletin RIA-32A-34-48 states that the new part numbers are intended 
for Airbus Model A300 series airplanes only, this AD requires new part 
numbers for components installed on any airplane. The FAA has 
determined that accurate recordkeeping for components on which the 
replacement has been accomplished necessitates new part numbers.

Cost Impact

    None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. 
Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this rule 
currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; 
therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. However, 
the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe 
condition is addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes 
are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it would require approximately 2 work hours to 
accomplish the required replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 
per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $55 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be 
$175 per airplane.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently 
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no 
additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public 
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made 
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
Register.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are 
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 
rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may 
desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be 
submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption 
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date 
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light 
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the 
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 99-NM-257-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

99-23-24 AlliedSignal: Amendment 39-11420. Docket 99-NM-257-AD.

    Applicability: RIA-32A instrument landing system (ILS) 
navigation receivers having part numbers (P/N) 2070724-3201 and 
3203; as installed in, but not limited to, Airbus Model A300 series 
airplanes and Boeing Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200F, 
-200C, -300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes; certificated in any 
category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to AlliedSignal RIA-32A ILS navigation 
receivers having P/

[[Page 63176]]

N 2070724-3201 and -3203, as installed on any airplane, regardless 
of whether the airplane 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.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To ensure the ILS receiver provides the flight crew with 
accurate glideslope data, accomplish the following:

Replacement

    (a) For ILS navigation receivers having serial numbers 1 through 
2365 inclusive: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace three resistors in the ILS navigation receiver with higher 
ohm resistors in accordance with Bendix/King Service Bulletin RIA-
32A-34-47, Revision 1, dated January 1992; and replace the nameplate 
on the receiver with a new nameplate in accordance with Bendix/King 
Service Bulletin RIA-32A-34-48, dated December 1991.
    (b) For ILS navigation receivers having serial numbers 2366 and 
subsequent: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the nameplate on the receiver with a new nameplate in 
accordance with Bendix/King Service Bulletin RIA-32A-34-48, dated 
December 1991.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Avionics 
Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Seattle ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) The replacements shall be done in accordance with Bendix/
King Service Bulletin RIA-32A-34-47, Revision 1, dated January 1992; 
and Bendix/King Service Bulletin RIA-32A-34-48, dated December 1991. 
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 AlliedSignal Aerospace, Technical 
Publications, Dept. 65-70, P.O. Box 52170, Phoenix, Arizona 85072-
2170. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on December 6, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 5, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-29739 Filed 11-18-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P