[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 237 (Monday, December 12, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73355-73358]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-23771]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21787; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-34-AD; 
Amendment 39-14401; AD 2005-25-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Shadin ADC-2000 Air Data Computers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Shadin ADC-2000 air data computers (ADC) installed on airplanes. This 
AD requires you to replace affected ADC-2000 units with a modified 
unit. This AD results from reports that certain ADC-2000 units display 
incorrect altitude information on the Electronic Flight Information 
System (EFIS) to the pilot. We are issuing this AD to prevent ADC-2000 
units, part numbers (P/Ns) 962830A-1-S-8, 962830A-2-S-8, and 962830A-3-
S-8, configurations B, C, and D, from displaying incorrect altitude 
information. This could cause the flight crew to react to this 
incorrect flight information and possibly result in an unsafe operating 
condition.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on January 23, 2006.
    As of January 23, 2006, the Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulation.

ADDRESSES: To get the service information identified in this AD, 
contact Shadin, 6831 Oxford Street, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55426-
4412; telephone: (800) 388-2849 or (952) 927-6500; facsimile: (952) 
924-1111; e-mail: http://www.shadin.com.
    To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001 or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA-2005-21787; Directorate 
Identifier 2005-CE-34-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Kuen, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 2300 East Devon 
Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-
7125; facsimile: (847) 294-7834; e-mail address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? We received reports that the 
pressure altitude output of certain Shadin ADC-2000 air data computers 
(ADC) drift outside Technical Standard Order (TSO) tolerance.
    Shadin ADC-2000 units, part numbers (P/Ns) 962830A-1-S-8, 962830A-
2-S-8, and 962830A-3-S-8, configurations B, C, and D (labeled with TSO-
C106 and TSO-C44a), provide altitude information that is displayed on 
the Electronic Flight Information System (EFIS) to the pilot. The ADC/
EFIS combination is used to display primary altitude information to the 
pilot.
    The maximum altitude error allowed by TSO-C106 and TSO-C44a is 25 
feet at ground level. Shadin ADC-2000 units, P/Ns 962830A-1-S-8, 
962830A-2-S-8, and 962830A-3-S-8, configurations B, C, and D have shown 
errors from 100 to 8,000 feet from the correct altitude.
    The errors are caused by the ADC-2000 altitude measurement system. 
A pressure transducer in the ADC measures the altitude from the 
airplane static pressure system. The pressure transducer converts 
static pressure to an electrical signal.
    We determined that the electrical output from the pressure 
transducer in the affected ADCs changes over time resulting in the 
display of misleading altitude information to the pilot.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If this 
situation occurs while the flight crew is making critical flight 
decisions, the display of incorrect altitude information could cause 
the flight crew to react to this incorrect flight information and 
possibly result in an unsafe operating condition.
    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 Shadin ADC-2000 air data 
computers (ADC) installed on airplanes. This proposal was published in 
the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on 
August 17, 2005 (70 FR 48333). The NPRM proposed to require you to 
replace affected ADC-2000 units with a modified unit.

Comments

    Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the 
opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following 
presents the comments received on the proposal and FAA's response to 
each comment:

[[Page 73356]]

Comment Issue No. 1: AD Should Apply to Only Airplanes Operating Under 
IFR

    What is the commenter's concern? The commenter is concerned that 14 
CFR 43.7 does not allow part 135 operators to do the preflight check 
required in paragraph (e)(1) of the proposed AD. This would require a 
maintenance mechanic to be hired to do the preflight check before each 
flight.
    The commenter requests that airplanes flown under part 135 VFR 
operations be excluded from complying with the AD by changing the 
Compliance column from ``before each flight'' to ``before each IFR 
flight.''
    What is FAA's response to the concern? We do not agree with the 
commenter. Under 14 CFR 43.7, paragraph (e), part 135 operators are 
allowed to return an airplane to service.
    To avoid confusion, which could result in unnecessarily grounding 
some of the affected airplanes, we are removing the reference to 14 CFR 
43.7 from the Procedures column in paragraph (e)(1) of the proposed AD.

Comment Issue No. 2: Remove All Affected ADCs Until Upgraded

    What is the commenter's concern? The commenter states that the ADC 
provides input into the Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS).
    To prevent the possibility of incorrect ADC data being input into 
the TAWS, the commenter wants FAA to require removal of all affected 
ADCs until they are upgraded.
    What is FAA's response to the concern? We do not agree with the 
commenter. The Shadin ADC altitude error has occurred over a long 
period of time. We do not have justification to require removing the 
affected ADCs before further flight.
    We use compliance times such as this when we have identified an 
urgent safety of flight situation. We believe that 25 hours TIS will 
give the owners or operators of the affected airplanes enough time to 
have the actions required by this AD done without compromising the 
safety of the airplanes.
    The altimetry system checks provided as an interim solution to the 
actions required in paragraph (e)(2) is a normal aircraft preflight 
check.
    We are not changing the final rule AD action based on this comment.

Conclusion

    What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully 
reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for the 
changes discussed above and minor editorial corrections. We have 
determined that these changes and minor corrections:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Docket Information

    Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD 
docket that contains information relating to this subject in person at 
the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-
647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of 
Transportation NASSIF Building at the street address stated in 
ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 
2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, 
July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This regulation now 
includes material that relates to altered products, special flight 
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material 
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is 
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD 
actions.

Costs of Compliance

    How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD 
affects 457 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the 
affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the 
modification:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Total cost per
           Labor cost                      Parts cost                airplane      Total cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work hours X $65 per hour =    Not applicable...............              $130   $130 X 457 = $59,410.
 $130.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Shadin will reimburse the owner/operators for labor to remove and 
replace the ADC and shipping costs to Shadin Repair Facility to the 
extent specified in the service bulletin.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action? 
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106 describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this AD.

Regulatory Findings

    Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that this 
AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. 
This AD will 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.
    Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For 
the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    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. 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD (and 
other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) and placed 
it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a 
request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket 
No. FAA-2005-21787;

[[Page 73357]]

Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-34-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under 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

0
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]

0
2. FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2005-25-08 SHADIN: Amendment 39-14401; Docket No. FAA-2005-21787; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-34-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on January 23, 2006.

What Other ADs Are Affected By This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected By This AD?

    (c) This AD affects Shadin ADC-2000 air data computers (ADC), 
part numbers (P/N) 962830A-1-S-8, 962830A-2-S-8, 962830A-3-S-8, 
configurations B, C, and D, that are installed in, but not limited 
to, the following aircraft (all serial numbers), and are 
certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Manufacturer                             Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alliance Aircraft Group, LLC..............  H-250
B-N Group Ltd.............................  BN2A
Bombardier Inc............................  DHC-3, DHC-6
Cessna Aircraft Company...................  172, 180, 180E, 185, 206,
                                             206E, 206F, 206G 208, 210L,
                                             310
deHavilland Inc...........................  DHC-2
The New Piper Aircraft, Inc...............  PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-31-
                                             350, PA-32-300, PA-32-301,
                                             PA-32R-300, PA-34-200T
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of reports that certain ADC-2000 units 
display incorrect altitude information on the Electronic Flight 
Information System (EFIS) to the pilot. The actions specified in 
this AD are to prevent ADC-2000 units, P/Ns 962830A-1-S-8, 962830A-
2-S-8, and 962830A-3-S-8, configurations B, C, and D, from 
displaying incorrect altitude information. This could cause the 
flight crew to react to this incorrect flight information and 
possibly result in an unsafe operating condition.

What Must I do to Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) To ensure the air data    Within the next 25    Follow the Interim
 computer (ADC) and the        hours time-in-        Procedures
 Electronic Flight             service (TIS) after   contained in Shadin
 Information System (EFIS)     January 23, 2006      Service Bulletin
 altimetry accuracy, do the    (the effective date   SB28-05-002, Rev C,
 normal preflight check. If    of this AD) and       dated June 29,
 the altitudes, altimeter,     thereafter before     2005. The owner/
 and elevation differ by       each flight until     operator holding at
 more than 75 feet, do not     the ADC is upgraded   least a private
 fly the airplane in           as specified in       pilot certificate
 Instrument Meterological      paragraph (e)(2) of   may do the check
 Conditions (IMC)/Instrument   this AD.              specified in
 Flight Rules (IFR).                                 paragraph (e)(1) of
                                                     this AD. Make an
                                                     entry into the
                                                     aircraft records
                                                     showing compliance
                                                     with this portion
                                                     of the AD following
                                                     section 43.9 of the
                                                     Federal Aviation
                                                     Regulations (14 CFR
                                                     43.9).
(2) Return all Shadin ADC-    Within the next 15    Follow Shadin
 2000s, part numbers 962830A-  months after          Service Bulletin
 1-S-8, 962830A-2-S-8,         January 23, 2006      SB28-05-002, Rev C,
 962830A-3-S-8,                (the effective date   dated June 29,
 Configurations B, C, and D,   of this AD).          2005.
 to the Shadin Repair
 Facility for upgrade.
 Contact the Shadin
 Technical Support
 department for a Return
 Merchandise Authorization
 (RMA) number. Until the ADC-
 2000 is modified, returned,
 and reinstalled, only fly
 the airplane if equipment
 requirements for that
 airplane are still met.
(3) Do not install any        As of January 23,     Not applicable.
 Shadin ADC-2000, part         2006 (the effective
 number 962830A-1-S-8,         date of this AD).
 962830A-2-S-8, or 962830A-3-
 S-8, Configurations B, C,
 and D, unless it has been
 upgraded as specified in
 paragraph (e)(2) of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (f) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to 
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments 
and will send your request to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already 
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Jeffrey Kuen, 
Aerospace Engineer, Chicago ACO, FAA, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 
107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-7125; 
facsimile: (847) 294-7834; e-mail address: [email protected].

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material By Reference?

    (g) You must do the actions required by this AD following the 
instructions in Shadin Service Bulletin SB28-05-002, Rev C, dated 
June 29, 2005. The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get a copy of this 
service information, contact Shadin, 6831 Oxford Street, St. Louis 
Park, Minnesota 55426-4412; telephone: (800) 388-2849 or (952) 927-
6500; facsimile: (952) 924-1111; e-mail: http://www.shadin.com. To 
review copies of this service information, go to the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at NARA, go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html or call (202) 741-6030. To view the AD docket, 
go to the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW.,

[[Page 73358]]

Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA-2005-21787; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-34-AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 30, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-23771 Filed 12-9-05; 8:45 am]
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