[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 219 (Wednesday, November 15, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52827-52830]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-24066]



[[Page 52827]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0659; Product Identifier 2017-CE-014-AD; Amendment 
39-19094; AD 2017-22-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell Collins, Inc. Traffic 
Surveillance System Processing Unit

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Rockwell Collins, Inc. TSS-4100 Traffic Surveillance System Processing 
Units that incorporate TSSA-4100 Field Loadable Software (FLS) Rockwell 
Collins part numbers 810-0052-002/-003/-010/-011/-012/-100/-101 and are 
installed on airplanes. This AD was prompted by five instances of air 
traffic control observing coasting (extrapolated stale data) of 
automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data (position/velocity 
data). This AD requires installing the TSSA-4100 FLS upgrades on the 
TSS-4100 units. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 20, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 20, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Rockwell Collins, Inc., Collins Aviation Services, 400 Collins 
Road NE., M/S 164-100, Cedar Rapids, IA 52498-0001; telephone: 888-265-
5467 (U.S.) or 319-265-5467; fax: 319-295-4941 (outside U.S.); email: 
[email protected]; Internet: https://portal.rockwellcollins.com/web/publications-and-training. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 
901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. It is 
also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0659.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0659; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office 
(phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Rau, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, 
Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: 316-946-4149; fax: 316-946-4107; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Rockwell Collins, 
Inc. TSS-4100 Traffic Surveillance System Processing Units that 
incorporate TSSA-4100 Field Loadable Software (FLS) Rockwell Collins 
part numbers 810-0052-002/-003/-010/-011/-012/-100/-101 and are 
installed on airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
July 3, 2017 (82 FR 30802). The NPRM was prompted by five instances of 
air traffic control observing coasting (extrapolated stale data) 
automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data (ADS-B position/
velocity data) on a related Rockwell Collins, Inc. platform that shares 
a common architecture with the TSS-4100 Traffic Surveillance System 
Processing Units. An investigation of the events determined that the 
ADS-B position and the Mode S/traffic alert and collision avoidance 
system (TCAS) altitude of the TSS-4100 are affected. This condition, if 
not corrected, could result in misleading position and/or altitude 
being reported by the airplane. Misleading altitude data can adversely 
affect TCAS and possibly lead to mid-air collision due to an incorrect 
initial resolution advisory (RA) and/or an incorrect RA modification. 
The extrapolation of the data occurs with no warning to the crew. The 
NPRM proposed to require updating the TSSA-4100 FLS on the TSS-4100 
Traffic Surveillance System Processing Unit. We are issuing this AD to 
correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request Reduced Compliance Time

    The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) requested we reduce the 
compliance time for the AD actions. The ALPA requested this change 
because of the high number of reports the FAA received and because the 
equipment is installed on a variety of airframe types that may operate 
in heavily trafficked airspace.
    We disagree with this comment. We considered the variety of 
airframe types and operations when we determined the compliance time 
for the proposed AD. We proposed within 12 months or 750 hours time-in-
service (TIS), whichever occurs first, and we expect that airframes 
with the heaviest usage will require compliance in less than 4 months 
after the effective date of the AD. Reducing the compliance time would 
create an additional burden not supported by the risk assessments.
    We have not changed this AD based on this comment.

Request a Delayed Effective Date

    Bombardier, Inc. requested we delay the effective date of this AD 
until January 1, 2020, when the requirements of 14 CFR 91.225 take 
effect. In November 2017, Bombardier, Inc. plans to release service 
information for CRJ airplane models that will change the affected TSSA-
4100 FLS part numbers to different part numbers that are not included 
the applicability of the AD. Because of the heavy usage of the CRJ 
airplanes and the 750 hours TIS of the AD, most CRJ airplanes will 
require compliance with the AD by the end of 2017. Also, Bombardier, 
Inc. states that air traffic controllers cannot use ADS-B data as a 
primary source until 2020; as such, the mid-air collision risk does not 
seem clear to them.
    We disagree with this comment. Based on the stated usage, a delay 
of the effective date until January 1, 2020, could result in airplanes 
accumulating an additional 5,000 hours TIS beyond the 750 hours TIS 
compliance proposed in the NPRM. The risk assessment does not support 
that significant of an increase in the compliance time for this AD. The 
stale or coasting Mode S altitude data interferes with proper TCAS 
operation, potentially resulting in an incorrect RA or RA modification. 
ADS-B operation is not required for that unsafe condition to exist. As 
of August

[[Page 52828]]

1, 2017, ADS-B is the primary source of data by air traffic controllers 
for separation at all FAA enroute air traffic control facilities and at 
over 60 percent of U.S. terminal air traffic control facilities. ADS-B 
is also widely used by general aviation airplanes for traffic 
awareness. You may provide substantiating data to adjust the compliance 
time of this AD and request an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    We have not changed this AD based on this comment.

Request To Allow Subsequent FLS Part Numbers for Compliance

    Delta Air Lines, Inc. requested we change the language in this AD 
to allow the use of subsequent FLS part numbers for compliance with 
this AD. They request, for example, we add the words, ``or subsequent'' 
or ``any subsequent FLS part number that complies with the intent of 
this AD'' to allow the use of future part numbers that may comply with 
the AD actions.
    We disagree with this comment. RCPN 810-0052-013 or 810-0052-102 
are the only part numbers currently available that comply with this AD. 
We cannot use language ``or subsequent'' or similar language because we 
cannot approve documents or materials that do not currently exist. The 
AD only applies to the FLS part numbers listed in the Applicability, 
paragraph (c) of this AD, so future software upgrades not listed in 
paragraph (c) of this AD are not affected by this AD. Operators may 
request an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) to use future FLS 
part numbers if they become available using the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.
    We have not changed this AD based on this comment.

Request To Allow Credit for Work Done With Other Instructions

    Bombardier, Inc. requested that we allow AD credit for operators 
who have already completed the replacement of the affected part numbers 
using parts found in aircraft illustrated parts catalogs (AIPCs) not 
identified in the Applicability, paragraph (c) of this AD. Certain 
AIPCs already allow operators to replace some of the affected TSSA-4100 
FLS part numbers with part numbers not identified in the Applicability, 
paragraph (c) of this AD.
    We disagree with this comment. We recognize that other instructions 
for upgrade of the TSSA-4100 exist. However, the actions of this AD 
must be completed using the service information cited in the AD and 
incorporated by reference into the AD. Operators may request an AMOC, 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19, to use service information 
other than those referenced in this AD. If, as of the effective date of 
this AD, the affected TSSA-4100 FLS part numbers identified in the 
Applicability, paragraph (c) of this AD, are not installed on the 
airplane, the AD does not apply to that airplane. Therefore, if before 
the effective date of this AD, operators replaced the affected TSSA-
4100 FLS part numbers with part numbers not identified in the 
Applicability, paragraph (c) of this AD, using the AIPC, they do not 
require credit for compliance with this AD because this AD does not 
apply to those airplanes.
    We have not changed this AD based on this comment.

Request Changes to the List of Possible Affected Airplanes

    Delta Air Lines, Inc. and Bombardier, Inc. requested we add 
Bombardier, Inc. Models CS 100 (BD-500-1A10) and CS300 (BD-500-1A11) 
airplanes and remove Bombardier, Inc. Models Global 5000 (BD-700-1A11) 
and Challenger 605 (CL-600-2B16) from the Applicability, paragraph (c) 
of this AD. The C series include the TSSA-4100 system; however, the 
Global 5000 and the Challenger 605 do not have the affected part 
numbers installed.
    We agree with this comment. The list of possible affected airplanes 
is intended to include airplanes known to have the TSS-4100 installed. 
The Bombardier C series airplanes were inadvertently omitted, and we 
added them to the Applicability, paragraph (c) of this AD. The Global 
5000 without the Global Vision Flight Deck and the Challenger 605 did 
not include the installation of the TSS-4100, and we removed them from 
the Applicability, paragraph (c) of this AD. However, this AD applies 
specifically to TSS-4100 units, RCPN 822-2132-001, that incorporate 
TSSA-4100 FLS RCPN 810-0052-002/-003/-010/-011/-012/-100/-101 installed 
on airplanes. If the TSS-4100 unit with the affected part numbers is 
installed, for example, through an avionics upgrade, on an airplane not 
listed in paragraph (c) of this AD, the AD would apply to that 
airplane.

Request Clarification of the Unsafe Condition

    Bombardier, Inc. requested we change the language in the Unsafe 
Condition, paragraph (e) of this AD, to more accurately describe the 
instances of coasting errors. The five observed coasting errors were 
not observed on the TSS-4100 units but on different units with similar 
software.
    We agree with this comment. We did include more descriptive 
language in the preamble of the NPRM and this final rule. We added 
similar language to the Unsafe Condition in paragraph (e) of this AD to 
clarify the specific units where coasting error were observed.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule with the changes described previously and minor 
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     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.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Rockwell Collins Service Information Letter, TSSA-4100-
SIL-10-1, Revision No. 9, dated March 31, 2017; and Rockwell Collins 
Service Information Letter, TSSA-4100-SIL-10-1, Revision No. 10, dated 
July 10, 2017. The service letters both describe procedures for 
determining the part number of the affected FLS and the installation 
procedure for updating the FLS; however, Revision No. 10 contains minor 
editorial changes not included Revision No. 9. This service information 
is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to 
it through their normal course of business or by the means identified 
in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 1,000 products installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 52829]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
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Upgrade the FLS to RCPN 810-0052-    1 work-hour x $85 per hour             $700            $785        $785,000
 013 or 810-0052-102.                 = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered by the manufacturer, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected individuals. We do not control manufacturer coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our 
cost estimate.

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes and domestic 
business jet transport airplanes to the Director of the Policy and 
Innovation Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2017-22-14 Rockwell Collins, Inc.: Amendment 39-19094; Docket No. 
FAA-2017-0659; Product Identifier 2017-CE-014-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 20, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    Rockwell Collins, Inc. TSSA-4100 Field Loadable Software (FLS) 
Rockwell Collins part numbers (RCPNs) 810-0052-002, -003, -010, -
011, -012, -100, or -101 found on TSS-4100 Traffic Surveillance 
System Processing Units, (RCPN) 822-2132-001 installed on airplanes.
    (1) The FLS RCPNs 810-0052-002, -003, -010, -011, -012, -100, or 
-101 found on TSS-4100 Traffic Surveillance System Processing Units 
are known to be installed on but not limited to the airplanes listed 
in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (14) of this AD and are certificated 
in any category.

(i) Bombardier Challenger 300 (BD-100-1A10)
(ii) Bombardier Challenger 350 (BD-100-1A10)
(iii) Bombardier Challenger 650 (CL-600-2B16)
(iv) Bombardier CRJ-700 (CL-600-2C10)
(v) Bombardier CRJ-900 (CL-600-2D24)
(vi) Bombardier CRJ-1000 (CL-600-2E25)
(vii) Bombardier CS100 (BD-500-1A10)
(viii) Bombardier CS300 (BD-500-1A11)
(ix) Bombardier Global 5000 equipped with Global Vision Flight Deck 
(BD-700-1A11)
(x) Bombardier Global 6000 (BD-700-1A10)
(xi) Cessna Citation CJ4 (525C)
(xii) Embraer Legacy (EMB-550)
(xiii) Embraer Legacy 450 (EMB-545)
(xiv) Gulfstream G280

    (2) Earlier revision levels of the Rockwell Collins, Inc. 
service information and service information issued by airplane 
manufacturers before the effective date of this AD may have 
specified the installation of FLS with different FAA-approved part 
numbers than the part numbers listed in paragraph (c) of this AD. 
If, before December 20, 2017 (the effective date of this AD), a part 
number that is different than the TSSA-4100 RCPNs listed in 
paragraph (c) of this AD is installed on the airplane, this AD does 
not apply to that airplane.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by five instances of air traffic control 
observing coasting (extrapolated stale data) automatic dependent 
surveillance-broadcast data (ADS-B position/velocity data) on a 
related Rockwell Collins, Inc. platform that shares a common 
architecture with the TSS-4100 Traffic Surveillance System 
Processing Units. We are issuing this AD to prevent erroneous 
extrapolation of position/velocity and altitude data that could 
result in misleading position and/or altitude being reported by the 
airplane and possibly lead to mid-air collision.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Upgrade of FLS

    Within the next 12 months after December 20, 2017 (the effective 
date of this AD) or within the next 750 hours time-in-service after 
December 20, 2017 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs 
first, upgrade the TSSA-4100 FLS to RCPN 810-0052-013 or 810-0052-
102, as applicable, following Rockwell Collins Service Information 
Letter, TSSA-4100-SIL-10-1, Revision No. 9, dated

[[Page 52830]]

March 31, 2017; or Rockwell Collins Service Information Letter TSSA-
4100-SIL-10-1, Revision No. 10, dated July 10, 2017.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

 (i) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Paul Rau, Aerospace 
Engineer, Wichita ACO, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, 
Kansas 67209; phone: 316-946-4149; fax: 316-946-4107; email: 
[email protected].

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Rockwell Collins Service Information Letter, TSSA-4100-SIL-
10-1, Revision No. 9, dated March 31, 2017.
    (ii) Rockwell Collins Service Information Letter, TSSA-4100-SIL-
10-1, Revision No. 10, dated July 10, 2017.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Collins Aviation Services, 400 Collins Road 
NE., M/S 164-100, Cedar Rapids, IA 52498-0001; telephone: 888-265-
5467 (U.S.) or 319-265-5467; fax: 319-295-4941 (outside U.S.); 
email: [email protected]; Internet: https://portal.rockwellcollins.com/web/publications-and-training.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Policy and 
Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2017-0659.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 26, 2017.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-24066 Filed 11-14-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P