[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 161 (Monday, August 21, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48461-48463]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-13447]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-24101; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-103-AD;
Amendment 39-14718; AD 2006-16-18]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sandel Avionics Incorporated Model
ST3400 Terrain Awareness Warning System/Radio Magnetic Indicator (TAWS/
RMI) Units Approved Under Technical Standard Order(s) C113, C151a, or
C151b; Installed on Various Small and Transport Category Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD). The
new AD is for Sandel Avionics Incorporated Model ST3400 TAWS/RMI units
as described above. This AD requires installing a warning placard on
the TAWS/RMI and revising the Limitations section of the airplane
flight manual (AFM). This AD also requires installing upgraded software
in the TAWS/RMI. This AD results from a report that an in-flight
bearing error occurred in a Model ST3400 TAWS/RMI configured to receive
bearing information from a very high frequency omnidirectional range
(VOR) receiver interface via a composite video signal, due to a
combination of input signal fault and software error. We are issuing
this AD to prevent a bearing error, which could lead to an airplane
departing from its scheduled flight path, which could result in a
reduction in separation from, and a possible collision with, other
aircraft or terrain.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 25, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of September 25,
2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Sandel Avionics Incorporated (Sandel), 2401 Dogwood Way,
Vista, California 92081, for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ha A. Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California
90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5335; fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif
Building at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to Sandel Avionics
Incorporated Model ST3400 terrain awareness warning system/radio
magnetic indicator (TAWS/RMI) units approved under Technical Standard
Order(s) C113, C151a, or C151b; installed on various small and
transport category airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on March 8, 2006 (71 FR 11549). That NPRM proposed to require
installing a warning placard on the TAWS/RMI, installing upgraded
software in the TAWS/RMI, revising the Limitations section of the
airplane flight manual (AFM), and removing the placard and AFM revision
after installing the software.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
[[Page 48462]]
Support for the NPRM
One commenter, Boeing, expresses support for the NPRM.
Request for Clarification of Effect on Very High Frequency
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Receiver
One commenter, Cessna, requests that we clarify the unsafe
condition. Cessna states that we are not specific regarding the effect
of system decoding on the automatic direction finder (ADF) signal.
Cessna asserts that greater focus is needed on VOR bearing error.
Cessna has provided a suggested revision for the summary of the NPRM
and requests that we include an explanation of the effect of the ADF on
the unsafe condition.
We partially agree. The unsafe condition described in the AD
affects only TAWS/RMI installations incorporating the RMI feature that
are configured to receive bearing information from a VOR receiver
interface via a composite video signal; there is no effect when the VOR
receiver and the TAWS/RMI interface via ARINC 429. Further, this
condition does not affect the TAWS/RMI bearing display when bearing
information is being supplied from any ADF receiver. No technical
change to the AD is needed in this regard; however, we have determined
that the summary of the AD could more clearly specify the relationship
of the required AFM revision to the required software upgrade.
Therefore, we have clarified the summary of this AD to specify that the
unsafe condition only occurs on TAWS/RMI units configured to interface
with a VOR receiver via a composite video signal.
Request for Correction of Airplane Listings
One commenter, Aviation Data Research, requests corrections to
Table 1 of the NPRM. The commenter asserts that several of the airplane
manufacturers and models are incorrectly specified and expresses
concern that, although this information is clearly designated as
advisory rather than regulatory, the inaccuracies might allow a legal
defense against compliance with the AD.
We partially agree. The described TAWS/RMI is subject to the
requirements of this AD. Table 1 of the AD refers to airplanes equipped
with the TAWS/RMI and, rather than being advisory, is part of the
applicability of the AD. As indicated by the phrase, ``but not limited
to,'' the TAWS/RMI is subject to this AD whether installed on any
airplane by any manufacturer during production or by any entity
subsequent to production. However, we agree that an AD should provide
accurate information. Therefore, we have revised Table 1 of the AD to
identify model designations as published in the most recent type
certificate data sheet for the affected models.
Clarification of Summary
The summary of the NPRM states, in part, that one proposed
requirement of the AD is ``removing the placard and AFM revision after
installing the software.'' However, the AD does not require these
actions. To prevent confusion, we have revised the summary of the AD by
deleting the clause quoted above.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously.
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD will affect about 300 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
required actions will take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the AD for U.S. operators is $19,500, or $65 per
airplane.
Authority for This Rulemaking
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
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
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.
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 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
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 FAA amends 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2006-16-18 Sandel Avionics Incorporated: Amendment 39-14718. Docket
No. FAA-2006-24101; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-103-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective September 25, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Sandel Avionics Incorporated (Sandel)
Model ST3400 terrain awareness warning system/radio magnetic
indicator (TAWS/RMI) units approved under Technical Standard
Order(s) C113, C151a, or C151b; as identified in Sandel ST3400
[[Page 48463]]
Service Bulletin SB3400-01, Revision B, dated September 15, 2004; as
installed on various small and transport category airplanes,
certificated in any category, including, but not limited, to the
airplane models listed in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1.--Manufacturers/Airplane Models
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Manufacturer Airplane model(s)
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Airbus....................... A300.
Avions Marcel Dassault-- Falcon 10.
Breguet Aviation (AMD/BA).
Boeing....................... 727, 737, 747.
Bombardier (LearJet)......... 24, 35, 36, 55.
British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3101.
(Operations) Limited.
Cessna....................... 208, 208B, 421C; 501, 525, 550, 560, 650,
S550.
Embraer...................... EMB-120.
Dassault-Aviation............ Mystere-Falcon 50, Mystere-Falcon 200.
Gulfstream................... G-I, G-1159A (G-III).
Israel Aircraft Industries 1124, 1125 Westwind Astra.
(IAI).
McDonnell Douglas............ DC-10.
Piper........................ PA-31T2.
Raytheon..................... 58; 1900D, 400; A36; BAe.125 Series 800A;
HS.125 Series 600A/700A; Hawker 800-XP;
200, 300, 350, A200, B100, B200, B300,
C90, C90A, C90B, E90, F90, MU-300-10.
Sabreliner................... 60 (NA-265-60).
Twin Commander............... 500-A, 695A.
Viking Air Limited........... DHC-6.
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Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report that an in-flight bearing
error occurred in a Model ST3400 TAWS/RMI unit configured to receive
bearing information from a very high frequency omnidirectional range
(VOR) receiver interface via a composite video signal, due to a
combination of input signal fault and software error. We are issuing
this AD to prevent a bearing error, which could lead to an airplane
departing from its scheduled flight path, which could result in a
reduction in separation from, and a possible collision with, other
aircraft or terrain.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Installing Placard
(f) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD: Install
a placard on the TAWS/RMI which states, ``NOT FOR PRIMARY VOR
NAVIGATION,'' in accordance with Sandel ST3400 Service Bulletin
SB3400-01, Revision B, dated September 15, 2004.
Revising Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
(g) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise
the Limitations section of the applicable AFM to include the
following statement: ``Use of ST3400 TAWS/RMI for primary VOR
navigation is prohibited unless the indicator has 3.07 or A3.06
software or later.'' This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD
into the AFM.
Updating Software
(h) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, in
accordance with Sandel ST3400 Service Bulletin SB3400-01, Revision
B, dated September 15, 2004: Field-load the TAWS/RMI with updated
software having revision 3.07 (for units having serial numbers (S/
Ns) under 2000) or revision A3.06 (for units having S/Ns 2000 and
subsequent). The placard and AFM limitations revision installed as
required by paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD may be removed after
the software upgrade required by paragraph (h) of this AD has been
accomplished.
Parts Installation
(i) As of 90 days after the effective date of this AD, no person
may install, on any airplane, an ST3400 TAWS/RMI unit, unless it has
been modified in accordance with Sandel ST3400 Service Bulletin
SB3400-01, Revision B, dated September 15, 2004.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use Sandel ST3400 Service Bulletin SB3400-01,
Revision B, dated September 15, 2004 (only the first page of the
document shows the date of the document), to perform the actions
that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1
CFR part 51. Contact Sandel Avionics Incorporated (Sandel), 2401
Dogwood Way, Vista, California, 92081, for a copy of this service
information. You may review copies at the Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW.,
Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 3, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-13447 Filed 8-18-06; 8:45 am]
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