[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 56 (Friday, March 22, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10735-10738]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-05458]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-1081; Product Identifier 2018-NE-39-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Trig Avionics Limited Transponders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Trig Avionics Limited TT31, Avidyne Corporation AXP340, and 
BendixKing/Honeywell International KT74 Mode S transponders. This 
proposed AD was prompted by the discovery that the retaining cam that 
engages in the mounting tray may not withstand g-forces experienced 
during an emergency landing. This proposed AD would require a one-time 
inspection of the transponder installation to determine if this is a 
conventional aft-facing installation, and depending on the findings, 
removal of the affected transponder for modification. We are proposing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 6, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12 140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Trig 
Avionics Limited, Heriot Watt Research Park, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 
4AP, United Kingdom; phone: +44 131 449 8810; fax: +44 131 449 8811; 
email: avionics.com">support@trig-avionics.com; internet: https://trig-avionics.com. 
You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-
238-7759.

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-2018-
1081; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), 
the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Min Zhang, Aerospace Engineer, Boston 
ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
781-238-7161; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about

[[Page 10736]]

this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the 
ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-1081; Product 
Identifier 2018-NE-39-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because 
of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this NPRM.

Discussion

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2018-0247, dated November 13, 2018 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these 
products. The MCAI states:

    While testing a new model of transponder, it was detected that 
the retaining cam was not meeting the approved design criteria for 
crash safety shock in the aft direction (20g sustained). This was 
due to an uncontrolled deviation in the manufacturing process of the 
retaining cam by the part manufacturer. The retaining cam is a small 
nylon part that engages in the mounting tray when the transponder is 
installed into the aircraft. Additional tests using affected 
retaining cam showed that the transponders meet RTCA/DO-106G Section 
7.0 operational shocks and crash safety impulse tests, as well as 
RTCA/DO-160G Section 7.0 crash safety sustained tests for all 
directions, except the aft direction. As a consequence, units which 
have been installed with a control panel orientation that is not 
opposite to the direction of flight may not withstand g-forces 
experienced during an emergency landing.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
detachment of the transponder, possibly resulting in damage to fuel 
systems or emergency evacuation equipment, and/or injury to aircraft 
occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Trig Avionics 
published the applicable SB to provide instructions to inspect the 
installation and the transponder, and how to arrange for 
modification.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection of the transponder installation to determine whether 
this is a conventional installation, as defined in this [EASA] AD, 
and, depending on findings, removal from service of the affected 
transponder for modification.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-1081.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Trig Avionics Ltd. Service Bulletin (SB) SUP/TT31/027, 
Issue 1.0, dated October 1, 2018; Trig Avionics Ltd. SB SUP/AXP340/002, 
Issue 1.0, dated October 1, 2018; and Trig Avionics Ltd. SB SUP/KT74/
005, Issue 1.0, dated October 1, 2018. Trig Avionics Ltd. SB SUP/TT31/
027, Issue 1.0, dated October 1, 2018, describes procedures for 
determining the direction of the Trig Avionics Limited TT31 Mode S 
transponder installation and removal of these affected transponders for 
replacement or repair. Trig Avionics Ltd. SB SUP/AXP340/002, Issue 1.0, 
dated October 1, 2018, describes procedures for determining the 
direction of the Avidyne Corporation AXP340 Mode S transponder 
installation and removal of these affected transponders for replacement 
or repair. Trig Avionics Ltd. SB SUP/KT74/005, Issue 1.0, dated October 
1, 2018, describes procedures for determining the direction of the 
BendixKing/Honeywell International KT74 Mode S transponder installation 
and removal of these affected transponders for replacement or repair. 
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.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by EASA, and is approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement 
with the European Community, EASA has notified us of the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced 
above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition 
described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of 
the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the 
transponder installation to determine if this is a conventional aft-
facing installation, and depending on the findings, removal of the 
affected transponder for modification.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 2,390 transponders 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect the transponder installation..  0.5 work-hours x $85 per              $0          $42.50        $101,575
                                         hour = $42.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that 
would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We 
have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
repairs:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the transponder.......................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85          $2,872          $2,957
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a

[[Page 10737]]

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 engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

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),
    (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.

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

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):

Trig Avionics Limited: Docket No. FAA-2018-1081; Product Identifier 
2018-NE-39-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 6, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to:
    (1) Trig Avionics Limited TT31 Mode S transponders, part number 
(P/N) 00220-00-01 and P/N 00225-00-01, with a serial number (S/N) 
from 05767 to S/N 09715 inclusive, and Modification (Mod) Level 6 or 
below, installed.
    (2) Avidyne Corporation AXP340 Mode S transponders, P/N 200-
00247-0000, also marked with Trig Avionics P/N 01155-00-01, with a 
S/N from 00801 to S/N 01377 inclusive, and Mod Level 0, installed.
    (3) BendixKing/Honeywell International KT74 Mode S transponders, 
P/N 89000007-002001, also marked with Trig Avionics P/N 01157-00-01, 
with a S/N from 01143 to S/N 02955 inclusive, and Mod Level 0, 
installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3452, ATC 
transponder system.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the discovery that the retaining cam 
that engages in the mounting tray may not withstand g-forces 
experienced during an emergency landing. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent the transponder from detaching from the avionics rack. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in damage to the 
fuel system or emergency evacuation equipment, or injury to aircraft 
occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
the transponder installation to determine if the transponder is 
installed in a conventional aft-facing avionics rack.
    (2) If the transponder is not installed in a conventional aft-
facing avionics rack, remove the transponder before further flight.
    (3) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 4-8, to 
determine if the part is eligible for repair and re-installation, 
for the appropriate transponder, per Trig Avionics Limited Service 
Bulletin (SB) SUP/TT31/027, Issue 1.0, dated October 1, 2018; Trig 
Avionics Limited SB SUP/AXP340/002, Issue 1.0, dated October 1, 
2018; or Trig Avionics Limited SB SUP/KT74/005, Issue 1.0, dated 
October 1, 2018.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install an affected 
transponder on any aircraft, unless the transponder is installed in 
a conventional aft-facing avionics rack as defined in this AD.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    No reporting requirement contained within the SB referenced in 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD is required by this AD.

(j) Definition

    For the purposes of this AD, a conventional aft-facing avionics 
rack is defined as an installation with the control panel oriented 
in opposition to the direction of flight (aft facing).

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston 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 Branch, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (l)(1) 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Min Zhang, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7161; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2018-0247, 
dated November 13, 2018, for more information. You may examine the 
EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2018-1081.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Trig 
Avionics Limited, Heriot Watt Research Park, Riccarton, Edinburgh 
EH14 4AP, United Kingdom;

[[Page 10738]]

phone: +44 131 449 8810; fax: +44 131 449 8811; email: avionics.com">support@trig-avionics.com; internet: https://trig-avionics.com. You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7759.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 18, 2019.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-05458 Filed 3-21-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P