[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 80 (Thursday, April 26, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20780-20782]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-7993]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27680; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-026-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; AEROTECHNIC Vertriebs-u. Service GmbH 
Honeywell CAS67A ACAS II Systems Appliances

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    It was detected by the STC holder that in earlier installations 
of the ACASII system there were no isolation diodes installed in the 
Heading and Attitude Valid lines. The absence of an isolation diode 
in the valid lines can prevent the valid flag to come up even if a 
gyro fault exists. The problem has only been detected for Heading 
Valid lines but could equally affect the Altitude Valid lines.
    With installation of the ACASII, the heading and attitude valid 
lines have to be connected to the TPU67A. On valid state, the 
signals are +28VDC. On invalid, the signals are open. This condition 
of direct connection (without an isolation diode installed) of the 
valid lines to the TPU67A, if not corrected, could cause the TPU67A 
to feed current into the open stated valid lines. This prevents the 
flag to appear even if the gyro is invalid, providing the flight 
crew with erroneous navigation information.

    The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address 
the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 29, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Streamlined Issuance of AD

    The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance 
of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt 
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce 
safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD 
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure 
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our 
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct 
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.
    This proposed AD references the MCAI and related service 
information that we considered in forming the engineering basis to 
correct the unsafe condition. The proposed AD contains text copied from 
the MCAI and for this reason might not follow our plain language 
principles.

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-
27680; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-026-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD No. 2007-0059 dated March 5, 2007 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products.
    The MCAI states:

    It was detected by the STC holder that in earlier installations 
of the ACASII system there were no isolation diodes installed in the 
Heading and Attitude Valid lines. The absence of an isolation diode 
in the valid lines can prevent the valid flag to come up even if a 
gyro fault exists. The problem has only been detected for Heading 
Valid lines but could equally affect the Attitude Valid lines.
    With installation of the ACASII, the heading and attitude valid 
lines have to be connected to the TPU67A. On valid state, the 
signals are +28VDC. On invalid, the signals are open. This condition 
of direct connection (without an isolation diode installed) of the 
valid lines to the TPU67A, if not corrected, could cause the TPU67A 
to feed current into the open stated valid lines. This prevents the 
flag to appear even if the gyro is invalid, providing the flight 
crew with erroneous navigation information.
    For the reasons stated above, this Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
requires the installation of isolation diodes into the signal lines 
to the TPU67A to prevent reverse feed of the valid lines.
    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Aerotechnic Vertiebs -u. Service GmbH has issued Service Bulletin 
No. DO228-119780-0104, Revision 2, dated December 21, 2006. The actions 
described in this service information are intended to correct the 
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

[[Page 20781]]

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA is not aware of any airplanes on the U.S. Registry that 
have the affected equipment installed. All airplanes with this 
equipment included in the applicability of this rule currently are 
operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they 
are not directly affected by this AD action at this time. However, the 
FAA considers this rule necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition 
is addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes are 
imported and placed on the U.S. Registry.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Registry, accomplishment of the required action would take 
approximately 8 work-hours at an average labor rate of $80 per work-
hour. Required parts would cost about $50 per product. Where the 
service information lists required parts costs that are covered under 
warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. 
As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some 
parties may incur costs higher than estimated here.
    Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD would be 
$690 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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify 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. 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

AEROTECHNIC Vertriebs-u. Service GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2007-27680; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-026-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by May 29, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Honeywell CAS67A ACAS II systems that are 
installed on, but not limited to, DORNIER LUFTFAHRT GmbH Models 
Dornier 228-100, Dornier 228-101, Dornier 228-200, Dornier 228-201, 
and Dornier 228-212 airplanes that:
    (1) Had Supplemental Type Certificate No. SA1310 installed prior 
to January 31, 2005; and
    (2) Are certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 34: 
Navigation.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    It was detected by the STC holder that in earlier installations 
of the ACAS II system there were no isolation diodes installed in 
the Heading and Attitude Valid lines. The absence of an isolation 
diode in the valid lines can prevent the valid flag to come up even 
if a gyro fault exists. The problem has only been detected for 
Heading Valid lines but could equally affect the Attitude Valid 
lines.
    With installation of the ACAS II, the heading and attitude valid 
lines have to be connected to the TPU67A. On valid state, the 
signals are +28VDC. On invalid, the signals are open. This condition 
of direct connection (without an isolation diode installed) of the 
valid lines to the TPU67A, if not corrected, could cause the TPU67A 
to feed current into the open stated valid lines. This prevents the 
flag to appear even if the gyro is invalid, providing the flight 
crew with erroneous navigation information.
    For the reasons stated above, this Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
requires the installation of isolation diodes into the signal lines 
to the TPU67A to prevent reverse feed of the valid lines.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, within 100 flight hours time-in-service 
(TIS) after the effective date of this AD, modify the Honeywell 
CAS67A ACAS II System Installation following Aerotechnic Service 
Bulletin No. DO228-119780-0104, Revision 2, dated December 21, 2006.

[[Page 20782]]

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Staff, FAA, ATTN: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090, has 
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on 
any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office 
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 
2007-0059, dated March 5, 2007; and Service Bulletin No. DO228-
119780-0104 Revision 2, dated December 21, 2006, for related 
information.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 20, 2007.
Charles L. Smalley,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-7993 Filed 4-25-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P