[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 20, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12910-12914]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-6629]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-14-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell Collins, Inc. ADC-85, ADC-85A, 
ADC-850D, and ADC-850F Air Data Computers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); Reopening of 
the comment period.

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to revise an earlier proposed 
airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to certain Rockwell 
Collins, Inc. (Rockwell) ADC-85, ADC-85A, ADC-850C, and ADC-850F air 
data computers that are installed on airplanes. The earlier NPRM would 
have required you to replace any

[[Page 12911]]

affected air data computer (ADC) with one that has a reprogrammed and 
tested central processing unit (CPU) circuit card and circuit card 
assemblies. The earlier NPRM resulted from a flight test that showed 
that these ADCs could display an unwarranted ADC flag in response to 
the airplane's ``Normal/Alternate Air'' static source selection 
capability. Revised service information revealed the need to change the 
applicability of the affected ADC units that are installed on 
airplanes. In addition, evaluation of the public comments on the NPRM 
reveals the need to change the number and models of airplanes that 
could have the affected ADC units installed. Since these actions impose 
an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening 
the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these 
additional actions.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before May 17, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-14-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any 
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also send comments 
electronically to the following address: [email protected]. 
Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2000-CE-76-AD'' 
in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached 
electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for 
Windows or ASCII text.
    You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD 
from Rockwell Collins, Business and Regional Systems, 400 Collins Road 
Northeast,Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52498; telephone: (319) 295-2512; 
facsimile: (319) 295-5064. You may also view this information at the 
Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger A. Souter, FAA, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Rm 100, Wichita, Kansas 
67209; telephone: (316) 946-4134; facsimile: (316) 946-4407; e-mail 
address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

How Do I Comment on This Proposed AD?

    The FAA invites comments on this proposed rule. You may submit 
whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to 
include the rule's docket number and submit your comments to the 
address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all 
comments received on or before the closing date. We may amend this 
proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual information that 
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of this proposed AD action and determining whether we 
need to take additional rulemaking action.

Are There Any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay 
Attention to?

    The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed rule that 
might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we 
receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules 
Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each 
contact we have with the public that concerns the substantive parts of 
this proposed AD.

How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?

    If you want FAA to acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments, 
you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, 
write ``Comments to Docket No. 2000-CE-14-AD.'' We will date stamp and 
mail the postcard back to you.

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?

    The air data computer (ADC), as part of its monitoring process, 
tests for errant sensor behavior such as unreasonable jumps in altitude 
and unreasonably high vertical speed. When the ADC detects an errant 
sensor behavior, the ADC displays a flag for 5.5 seconds plus the time 
it takes for the sensor to settle within the limits for another 5.5-
second period. This results in a minimum ADC flag display of 11 
seconds.
    Testing of certain Rockwell Collins ADCs reveals the ADC could 
display unwarranted flags on aircraft where you can select the 
``Normal/Alternate Air'' static source. When there is a significant 
difference between normal and alternate/revisionary static air sources, 
you can exceed the ADC monitor thresholds and the ADC would display 
flags.
    If the flight crew used the undesirable ADC flag displays to 
deselect the alternate static air source before the initial 11-second 
display period, a valid air source may have been deselected. Confusion 
could result when the previously unflagged normal static air source is 
reselected. This may also result in the ADC displaying a flag for the 
first 11 seconds. The affected ADCs include:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Applicable to serial
               Unit                    Part No.              No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADC-85 (Incorporating Rockwell        622-8051-002  All units.
 Collins Service Bulletin No. 58).    622-8051-003
ADC-85A (Incorporating Rockwell       822-0370-113  All units.
 Collins Service Bulletin No. 58).    822-0370-123
                                      822-0370-139
                                      822-0370-404
                                      822-0370-408
ADC-850D (Incorporating Rockwell      822-0389-133  All up to and
 Collins Service Bulletin No. 58).                   including 3DGW
                                                     (except for 1P6D,
                                                     22RC-22RF, and 23WK-
                                                     3DGP).
ADC-850F.........................     822-1036-406  All Units.
                                      822-1036-418
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Are the Consequences If the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    If these situations were to occur while the flight crew were making 
critical flight decisions, this unwarranted ADC flag could distract the 
crew, and the lack of attention to the critical actions could result in 
an unsafe operating condition.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    Rockwell has issued Service Bulletin No. 62 (ADC-85/85A/850C/850D/
850E/

[[Page 12912]]

850F-34-62), Revision 2, dated March 7, 2000, and Service Bulletin No. 
62 (ADC-85/85A/850C/850F-34-62), dated October 25, 1999. Service 
Bulletin 62, Revision 2, reflects the addition of ADC-850D to the list 
of affected units and the removal of ADC-850C from the list of affected 
units.

What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?

    These service bulletins contain procedures for replacing or 
reprogramming applicable parts or circuit card assemblies on central 
processing unit (CPU) circuit cards in the ADC and testing the modified 
ADC.

Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?

    We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to 
certain Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Rockwell) ADC-85, ADC-85A, ADC-850C, 
and ADC-850F air data computers that are installed on airplanes. This 
proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) on October 2, 2000 (65 FR 58678). The NPRM proposed 
to require you to:

--Remove the ADC from the airplane;
--Replace or reprogram applicable parts or Circuit Card Assemblies on 
the CPU Circuit Card;
--Test the modified ADC; and
--Install the modified ADC in the airplane.

    You would have to accomplish the proposed actions in accordance 
with Rockwell Service Bulletin No. 62 (ADC-85/85A/850C/850F-34-62), 
dated October 25, 1999.

Was the Public Invited To Comment?

    The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making 
of this amendment. The following presents the comments received on the 
proposal and FAA's response to each comment:

Comment Issue No. 1: Remove Dassault Aviation Model F2000 From the 
Applicable Airplane Model List

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    A commenter states that, even though fitted with the subject ADC, 
the Dassault Aviation Model F2000 airplane is not designed with the 
ability to use alternate static sources.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    We concur that the airplane is not designed with the ability to use 
alternate static sources. Therefore, we are removing the Dassault 
Aviation Model F2000 from the applicable airplane model list.

Comment Issue No. 2: Modify the Estimate of the Number of Airplanes 
Affected on the U.S. Registry

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    A commenter states that more aircraft are affected than the 245 
listed in the NPRM. The commenter notes that the ADC is installed in 
additional aircraft and is installed on at least 329 airplanes.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    The number of airplanes affected by this AD could exceed 245. We 
have no way of determining the exact number that have the affected ADCs 
installed. Our best estimate in the NPRM was 245 airplanes. Further 
research indicates that at least 329 airplanes could have the ADC 
installed. Therefore, we will change the cost impact to represent an 
estimate of 329 airplanes instead of 245 airplanes.

Comment Issue No. 3: Modify the List of Applicable Raytheon 
Airplanes

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    A commenter states that the list of affected airplanes is incorrect 
for Raytheon airplane models. The list incorrectly identifies two of 
the Raytheon airplane models as 250 and 350. The commenter states that 
these are marketing designators and not part of FAA's model identity. 
For the ADC-85/ADC-85A units, the commenter states that the correct 
models are Raytheon B200, B300, and 1900D, and that the Model C90A 
airplanes should be added to the list.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    We concur with these comments and are changing this proposed rule 
accordingly.

Comment Issue No. 4: Add a Placard for Temporary Information 
Regarding the Unsafe Condition

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    A commenter states that the pilot should have some kind of 
indication of the problem if the actions specified in the service 
bulletin are not yet incorporated on the airplane (e.g., during the 12 
calendar month time before mandatory compliance). This commenter 
suggests that FAA should require the operators to install a placard 
until the modification is incorporated.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    The FAA does not concur. We evaluated the nature of the unsafe 
condition against the time proposed for compliance when preparing the 
NPRM. Rockwell Collins did issue Operator Bulletin 99-7, dated August 
1999, which provides information on such a placard. Although it is a 
good idea to incorporate the actions of this operator bulletin, we have 
determined that the modification as proposed, including the compliance 
time, addresses the unsafe condition.
    We will include a note in the proposed AD recommending compliance 
with Rockwell Collins Operator Bulletin 99-7, dated August 1999.

Comment Issue No. 5: Recommend the Effective Date of the AD to 
Accommodate Production Aircraft

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    A commenter recommends that FAA establish the effective date of the 
AD to accommodate incorporation of the AD into production aircraft. The 
commenter suggests May 1, 2001, or later, as the effective date of the 
AD.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    The FAA will take this into consideration when establishing the 
effective date.

Comment Issue No. 6: Make Reference to a Later Service Bulletin for 
a More Complete List of Affected Units

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    A commenter states that Rockwell Collins Service Bulletin No. 62 
(ADC-85/85A/850C/850D/850E/850F-34-62), Revision 2, dated March 7, 
2000, contains a more complete list of affected units. The commenter 
recommends the incorporation of this service bulletin into the AD.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    The FAA concurs that Revision 2 of the service bulletin contains a 
more complete list of affected ADC units. Revision 2 reflects the 
removal of ADC-850C from the affected list and adds ADC-850D to the 
affected list. However, Service Bulletin No. 62, dated October 25, 
1999, is acceptable for ADC-85/85A/850F units. Service Bulletin No. 62, 
Revision 2, dated March 7, 2000, is acceptable for ADC-85/85A/850D/850F 
units. We will incorporate this bulletin into the proposed AD and 
change the proposed AD applicability accordingly.

The FAA's Determination

What Has FAA Decided?

    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to the incidents described above, we have 
determined that:

--The unsafe condition exists or could develop on airplanes equipped 
with

[[Page 12913]]

all ADC units identified in the E. Compliance section of Rockwell 
Collins Service Bulletin No. 62, Revision 2, dated March 7, 2000.
--The NPRM should be expanded to include these additional units; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

The Supplemental NPRM

How Will the Changes to the NPRM Impact the Public?

    Proposing that the NPRM apply to certain ADC-850D air data 
computers that are installed on airplanes presents actions that go 
beyond the scope of what was already proposed. Therefore, we are 
issuing a supplemental NPRM and reopening the comment period to allow 
the public additional time to comment on the proposed AD.

What Are the Provisions of the Supplemental NPRM?

    This proposed AD would require you to replace any affected ADC with 
one that has a reprogrammed and tested CPU circuit card and circuit 
card assemblies

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects more than 329 airplanes 
in the U.S. registry.

What Would Be the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD on Owners/Operators 
of the Affected Airplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed removal, 
installation, reprogramming, and testing of the ADC in each airplane:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Total cost
          Labor cost             Parts cost    Total cost      on U.S.
                                              per airplane    operators
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 workhours  x  $60 per hour =         $680         $1040      $342,160
 $360.........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For units that are still under warranty, Rockwell will provide the 
parts and labor at no charge.

Regulatory Impact

Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?

    The regulations proposed herein would not have a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this proposed rule would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.

Would This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
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) if 
promulgated, 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 draft regulatory 
evaluation prepared for this action has been placed 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

Rockwell Collins, Inc.: Docket No. 2000-CE-14-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
following Rockwell Collins air data computers (ADC) that are 
installed in, but not limited to the airplanes that are listed 
below:
    (1) Affected ADCs:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Collins part   Applicable to serial
               Unit                   No. (CPN)              No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADC-85 (Incorporating Rockwell        622-8051-002  All units.
 Collins Service Bulletin No. 58).    622-8051-003
ADC-85A (Incorporating Rockwell       822-0370-113  All units.
 Collins Service Bulletin No. 58).    822-0370-123
                                      822-0370-139
                                      822-0370-404
                                      822-0370-408
ADC-850D (Incorporating Rockwell      822-0389-133  All up to and
 Collins Service Bulletin No. 58).                   including 3DGW
                                                     (except for 1P6D,
                                                     22RC-22RF, and 23WK-
                                                     3DGP).
ADC-850F.........................     822-1036-406  All units.
                                      822-1036-418
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 12914]]

    (2) List of airplanes where the affected ADC could be installed. 
This is not a comprehensive list and airplanes not on this list that 
have the ADC installed through field approval or other methods are 
still affected by this AD:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Unit                            Airplane model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADC-85/ADC-85A.........................  Astra AIA.
                                         Chinese Y7 and Y8.
                                         Czech LET-610.
                                         DC-8.
                                         Falcon 20F.
                                         Piaggio P-180.
                                         Raytheon B200, B300, C90A and
                                          1900D.
                                         Saab 340.
ADC-850D...............................  Lear 60.
ADC-850F...............................  Falcon 20, 50, and 50EX.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any airplane that uses one of the above referenced Rockwell Collins 
air data computers must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent an unwarranted display of the ADC 
flag when switching static air sources. This could cause the flight 
crew to react to this incorrect flight information and possibly 
result in an unsafe operating condition.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Actions                 Compliance           Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Perform the following,
 unless already accomplished:.
    (i) Remove any affected
     ADC from the airplanes
    (ii) As applicable,
     replace or reprogram
     parts or circuit card
     assemblies on central
     processing unit (CPU)
     circuit cards
    (iii) Test the ADC
    (iv) Install the modified   Within the next    In accordance with
     ADC in the airplanes        12 calendar        Rockwell Collins
                                 months after the   Service Bulletin No.
                                 effective date     62 (ADC-85/85A/850C/
                                 of this AD.        850D/850E/850F-34-
                                                    62), Revision 2,
                                                    dated March 7, 2000,
                                                    or Service Bulletin
                                                    No. 62, dated
                                                    October 25, 1999, as
                                                    applicable, the
                                                    applicable Collins
                                                    Computer Component
                                                    Maintenance Manual,
                                                    and Collins Avionics
                                                    Standard Shop
                                                    Practices
                                                    Instruction Manual.
(2) Do not install on any       As of the          In accordance with
 airplane one of the affected    effective date     Rockwell Collins
 ADCs unless the modification    of this AD.        Service Bulletin No.
 and test required by                               62 (ADC-85/85A/850C/
 paragraphs (d)(ii) and                             850D/850E/850F-34-
 (d)(iii) of this AD are                            62), Revision 2,
 accomplished.                                      dated March 7, 2000,
                                                    or Service Bulletin
                                                    No. 62, dated
                                                    October 25, 1999, as
                                                    applicable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: Rockwell Collins Operator Bulletin 99-7, dated August 
1999, contains information about an operational placard to install 
until accomplishment of the actions of this AD. While not necessary 
to address the unsafe condition in this AD, FAA highly recommends 
that you incorporate this placard.

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
approves your alternative. Send your request through an FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Wichita ACO.

    Note 2: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, 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 (e) 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.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Roger A. Souter, FAA, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 
100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4134; facsimile: 
(316) 946-4407, e-mail: [email protected].
    (g) What 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.
    (h) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? 
You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from 
Rockwell Collins, Business and Regional Systems, 400 Collins Road 
Northeast, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52498. You may view these documents at 
FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, 
Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 12, 2002.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-6629 Filed 3-19-02; 8:45 am]
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