[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 94 (Wednesday, May 15, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34637-34639]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-12069]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-406-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F 
Airplanes Equipped With Collins LRA-900 Radio Altimeters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to McDonnell Douglas Model MD-
11 series airplanes equipped with certain Collins LRA-900 radio 
altimeters. That AD currently requires a revision to the Airplane 
Flight Manual to prohibit autopilot coupled autoland operations in 
certain conditions; or, for certain airplanes, replacement of certain 
Collins LRA-900 radio altimeters with Collins LRA-700 radio altimeters. 
This action would require a one-time inspection to determine whether a 
Collins LRA-900 radio altimeter receiver/transmitter with a certain 
part number is installed. This action would also require modification 
of such a radio altimeter. This proposal is prompted by reports 
indicating that a fault in Collins LRA-900 radio altimeters having a 
certain part number could result in an incorrect and unbounded output 
of radio altitude to other airplanes. The actions specified by the 
proposed AD are intended to prevent an undetected anomalous radio 
altitude signal that is passed along to the flare control law of the 
flight control computer, which could cause the airplane to flare too 
high or too low during landing, and consequently result in a hard 
landing.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 1, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-406-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-406-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, Long Beach Division, 
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data 
and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). This information may 
be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5350; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-406-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

[[Page 34638]]

ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-406-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056.

Discussion

    On November 25, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-24-51, amendment 39-
10929 (63 FR 66422, December 2, 1998), applicable to McDonnell Douglas 
Model MD-11 series airplanes equipped with Collins LRA-900 radio 
altimeters having certain part numbers. The AD requires a revision to 
the Airplane Flight Manual to prohibit autopilot coupled autoland 
operations in certain conditions; or, for certain airplanes, 
replacement of Collins LRA-900 radio altimeters having certain part 
numbers with Collins LRA-700 radio altimeters. That action was prompted 
by a report that a fault in those radio altimeters could result in an 
incorrect and unbounded output of radio altitude to other airplane 
systems. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent an 
undetected anomalous radio altitude signal that is passed along to the 
flare control law of the flight control computer, which could cause the 
airplane to flare too high or too low during landing, and consequently 
result in a hard landing.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous AD

    When AD 98-24-51 was issued, it was considered to be interim action 
until final action was identified, at which time the FAA might consider 
further rulemaking. Since the issuance of that AD, Rockwell Avionics/ 
Collins, the manufacturer of the LRA-900 radio altimeter transmitter/
receiver, has developed a modification that will enable the radio 
altimeter to process negative altitude correctly. As discussed below, 
the manufacturer has issued a service bulletin which describes that 
modification.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The existing AD, AD 98-24-51, is applicable to Model MD-11 series 
airplanes, equipped with Collins LRA-900 radio altimeters, having part 
number 822-0334-002, 822-0334-020, or 822-0334-220.'' However, Collins 
LRA-900 radio altimeters having part number 822-0334-002 or 822-0334-
020 have not been approved for installation on Model MD-11 or ``11F 
airplanes. Therefore, the proposed AD is applicable only to those MD-11 
or ``11F airplanes which are equipped with Collins LRA-900 radio 
altimeters having part number 822-0334-220.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin MD11-34-091, dated August 19, 1999, which describes procedures 
for determining whether or not Collins LRA-900 radio altimeter 
receiver/transmitters having part number 822-0334-220 are installed, 
modifying such receiver/transmitters by installing software which 
handles negative altitude correctly, and re-identifying the receiver/
transmitter as having part number 822-0334-221.
    The service bulletin refers to Rockwell Avionics/ Collins Service 
Bulletin LRA-900-34-D, Revision 1, dated May 26, 1999, as an additional 
source of service information.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would supersede AD 98-24-51 to require a one-time 
inspection to determine whether a Collins LRA-900 radio altimeter 
receiver/transmitter having part number 822-0334-220 is installed. If 
it is, the proposed AD would require that the radio altimeter receiver/
transmitter be modified by installing software which handles negative 
altitude correctly, and re-identifying the receiver/transmitter as 
having part number 822-0334-221. The actions would be required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described 
previously.

Explanation of Change to Applicability

    The FAA has revised the applicability of the existing AD to 
identify model designations as published in the most recent type 
certificate data sheet for the affected models. The existing AD 
specifies the applicability as McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series 
airplanes equipped with certain Collins LRA-900 radio altimeters. The 
proposed AD specifies the applicability as McDonnell Douglas Model MD-
11 and -11F airplanes equipped with certain Rockwell Collins LRA-900 
radio altimeters.''

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 195 Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 64 
airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 98-24-51 take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $3,840, or $60 per airplane.
    The new actions that are proposed in this AD action would also take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $3,840, or $60 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost 
impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the 
time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the 
AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as 
the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    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 proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to 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:

[[Page 34639]]

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 removing amendment 39-10929 (63 FR 
66422, December 2, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2000-NM-406-AD. Supersedes AD 98-24-51, 
Amendment 39-10929.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes equipped with 
certain Rockwell Collins LRA-900 radio altimeters; certificated in 
any category.

    Note 1: This 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 (d) 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 prevent an undetected anomalous radio altitude signal that is 
passed along to the flare control law of the flight control 
computer, which could cause the airplane to flare too high or too 
low during landing, and consequently result in a hard landing, 
accomplish the following:

Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD 98-24-51

    (a) Within 24 hours after December 7, 1998 (the effective date 
of AD 98-24-51, amendment 39-10929): accomplish either paragraph 
(a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD:
    (1) Revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane 
Flight Manual to include the following statement:

    ``Autopilot coupled autoland operations below 100 feet above 
ground level (AGL) are prohibited.''

    (2) For airplanes on which the LRA-700 radio altimeter 
installation has been approved in accordance with Type Certificate 
or Supplemental Type Certificate procedures: Replace both Collins 
LRA-900 radio altimeters having part number (P/N) 822-0334-220, with 
Collins LRA-700 radio altimeters having P/N 622-4542-221.

New Requirements of This AD

    (b) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Perform 
a visual inspection to determine the P/N of the radio altimeter 
receiver/transmitters, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin MD11-34-091, dated August 19, 1999.
    (1) If the airplane is equipped with Collins LRA-900 radio 
altimeter receiver/transmitters having P/N 822-0334-220: Prior to 
further flight, modify the radio altimeter receiver/transmitter in 
accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-091, 
dated August 19, 1999.
    (2) If the airplane is not equipped with Collins LRA-900 radio 
altimeter receiver/transmitters having P/N 822-0334-220: No further 
action required.

    Note 2: Upon completion of the actions required by paragraph (b) 
of this AD, the revised limitations in the AFM, as required by 
paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, may be removed.


    Note 3: McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-091, dated 
August 19, 1999, refers to Rockwell Avionics/Collins Service 
Bulletin LRA-900-34-D, Revision 1, dated May 26, 1999, as an 
additional source of service information.

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane a Collins LRA-900 radio altimeter having P/N 822-
0334-220.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

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


    Note 5: Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously 
in accordance with AD 98-24-51, amendment 39-10929, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

Special Flight Permits

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8, 2002.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-12069 Filed 5-14-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P