[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 34 (Thursday, February 20, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8161-8162]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-4056]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NE-32-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; NARCO Avionics Inc. AT150 Transponders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to adopt a 
new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain serial 
numbers (SN's) of NARCO Avionics Inc. AT150 transponders. This proposal 
would require modification to the transponder by adding a resistor and 
transistor to the circuit board. This proposal is prompted by reports 
of AT150 transponders not recognizing and responding properly to Mode S 
interrogations from Mode S ground stations and Traffic Alert and 
Collision Avoidance System (TCAS-II) airborne equipment. The actions 
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent loss of aircraft 
airspace separation and the possibility of mid-air collision.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 21, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NE-32-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at 
this location, by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via 
the Internet using the following address: ``[email protected]''. 
Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the 
subject line.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from NARCO Avionics Inc., 270 Commerce Drive, Fort Washington, 
PA 19034; telephone (215) 643-2905; fax (215) 643-2007. This 
information may be examined, by appointment, at the FAA, New England 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Balram Rambrich, Aerospace Engineer, 
New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, 10 Fifth Street, 3rd floor, Valley Stream, NY 11581-1200; 
telephone (516) 256-7507; fax (516) 256-2716.

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 should 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.
    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 2002-NE-32-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRM's

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NE-32-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    On March 20, 2002, the FAA was made aware of twelve AT150 
transponders that failed to recognize and respond to Mode S 
interrogations from Mode S ground stations and TCAS-II airborne 
equipment during random testing performed by FAA Flight Standards 
safety inspectors. Subsequently, the manufacturer determined that 
``Chassis Level A'' AT150 transponders have a design error, which 
causes the P4 pulse not to be presented, causing the transponders to 
shut down. This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of 
aircraft airspace separation, and the possibility of mid-air collision. 
This proposal is only applicable to NARCO Avionics Inc. AT150 
transponders with ``Chassis Level A'', serial numbers 10000 through 
12598 inclusive.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of NARCO 
Avionics Inc. service bulletin (SB) AT150 No. 6, dated January 31, 
2003, that describes procedures for modification of the affected 
transponders, by adding a resistor and transistor to the circuit board 
to allow proper operation and changing them to ``Chassis Level B''. The 
SB also describes procedures for transponder testing after the 
modification is complete.

FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Proposed Actions

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other NARCO Avionics Inc. AT150 transponders of the 
same type design, the proposed AD would require:
    [sbull] For transponders not modified in accordance with NARCO 
Avionics Inc. service bulletin (SB) AT150 No. 1, dated July 29, 1977, 
modification of ``Chassis Level A'' transponders, serial numbers 10000 
through 12598 inclusive, by adding a resistor and transistor to the 
circuit board, changing transponder to ``Chassis Level B'', and 
transponder testing after the modification; AND
    [sbull] For transponders modified in accordance with NARCO Avionics 
Inc. SB AT150 No. 1, dated July 29, 1977, changing transponder to 
``Chassis Level B'', and transponder testing.
    The actions would be required to be done in accordance with the 
service bulletin described previously.

Economic Analysis

    The FAA estimates that 2,598 NARCO Avionics Inc. ``Chassis Level 
A'' AT150 transponders could be affected by this proposal if all were 
installed in aircraft of U.S. registry. Approximately one work hour per 
transponder will be needed to perform the proposed actions,

[[Page 8162]]

at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would 
cost approximately $12 per transponder. Based on these figures, the 
total estimated cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators could be 
$187,056.

Regulatory Analysis

    This proposed rule does not have federalism implications, as 
defined in Executive Order 13132, because it 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. 
Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to 
publication of this proposed rule.
    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:

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:

    NARCO Avionics Inc. AT150 Transponders: Docket No. 2002-NE-32-
AD.
    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to NARCO Avionics Inc. AT150 transponders with ``Chassis Level A'', 
serial numbers (SN's) 10000 through 12598 inclusive. These 
transponders might be installed on, but not limited to the following 
aircraft:

Cessna Aircraft Company

172, 182, R182, T182, 206, P206, U206, TP206, 210, T210, P210, 310, 
E310, T310, and 421 series airplanes.

Twin Commander Aircraft Company

500, 520, 560, 680, 681, 685, 690, 695, and 720 series airplanes.

The New Piper Aircraft Corporation

PA-31, PA-32, and PA-34 series airplanes.

Raytheon Aircraft Company

E33, F33, G33, 35, J35, K35, L35, M35, P35, S35, V35, 36, A26, B36, 
D55, E55, 56, A56, 58, 58A, 95, B95, D95, and E95 series airplanes.

Mooney Aircraft Corporation

M20 series airplanes.

McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company

Model 500N rotorcraft.


    Note 1: This AD applies to each transponder 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 transponders 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

    Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already 
done.
    To prevent loss of aircraft airspace separation, and the 
possibility of mid-air collision, do the following:

Transponders Not Modified In Accordance With Service Bulletin AT150 No. 
1

    (a) For AT150 transponders with a SN listed in this AD that are not 
modified in accordance with service bulletin (SB) AT150 No. 1, dated 
July 29, 1977, within six months after the effective date of this AD, 
do the following:
    (1) Install resistor part number (P/N) 755610028 and transistor P/N 
312180102; and
    (2 ) Change transponder to ``Chassis Level B''; and
    (3) Test transponders in accordance with the Corrective Action, 
Testing the Modification, and Return to Service paragraphs of SB AT150 
No. 6, dated January 31, 2003.

Transponders Modified In Accordance With Service Bulletin AT150 No. 1

    (b) For AT150 transponders with a SN listed in this AD, that are 
modified in accordance with SB AT150 No. 1, dated July 29, 1977, do the 
following:
    (1) Within six months after the effective date of this AD, change 
transponder to ``Chassis Level B''; and
    (2) Test transponders in accordance with the Testing the 
Modification paragraph of SB AT150 No. 6, dated January 31, 2003; and
    (3) Perform a bench test to the transponder before returning it to 
service. Information on bench testing can be found in AT150 Manual P/N 
03606-0600.

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, New York Aircraft Certification Office. 
Operators must submit their request through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it 
to the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the New York Aircraft Certification 
Office.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be done.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 12, 2003.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-4056 Filed 2-19-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U