[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 141 (Tuesday, July 23, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35285-35287]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-15630]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 141 / Tuesday, July 23, 2019 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 35285]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-1081; Product Identifier 2018-NE-39-AD; Amendment 
39-19676; AD 2019-13-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Trig Avionics Limited Transponders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Trig Avionics Limited TT31, Avidyne Corporation AXP340, and 
BendixKing/Honeywell International KT74 Mode S transponders. 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. This AD requires one-time inspection of the 
transponder installation and, depending on the findings, removal of the 
affected transponder for modification. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 27, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 27, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
1081.

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 final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
(MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for Docket Operations is 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: 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: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Trig Avionics 
Limited TT31, Avidyne Corporation AXP340, and BendixKing/Honeywell 
International KT74 Mode S transponders. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on March 22, 2019 (84 FR 10735). The NPRM 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. The NPRM proposed to require one-time inspection of the 
transponder installation to determine if it is a conventional aft-
facing installation, and depending on the findings, removal of the 
affected transponder for modification. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.
    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.

Comments

    The FAA 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 To Clarify Compliance

    An individual commenter commented that paragraph (g)(1) of the NPRM 
does not state clearly that no further action is required if the 
transponder is installed in a conventional rear facing installation.
    The FAA agrees. The FAA added a new paragraph (g)(2) to this AD to 
indicate that no further action is required if the transponder is 
installed

[[Page 35286]]

in a conventional aft-facing avionics rack. Because of this change, 
paragraph (g)(2) in the NPRM becomes paragraph (g)(3) and paragraph 
(g)(3) in the NPRM becomes paragraph (g)(4) in this AD.

Support for the AD

    An individual commenter supported the AD because it is cost-
effective and the manufacturer may cover some of the costs under 
warranty.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule with the change described previously 
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor 
changes:
     [Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in 
the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    The FAA has 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

    The FAA reviewed 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; and Trig Avionics 
Limited SB SUP/KT74/005, Issue 1.0, dated October 1, 2018.
    Trig Avionics Limited 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 
Limited 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 Limited 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 2,390 transponders installed 
on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this 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                 $0           $42.50         $101,575
                                       per hour = $42.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs 
that are required based on the results of the inspection. The FAA has 
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 =             $2,872           $2,957
                                                $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, the FAA has 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.
    The FAA is 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

    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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities

[[Page 35287]]

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):

2019-13-03 Trig Avionics Limited: Amendment 39-19676; Docket No. 
FAA-2018-1081; Product Identifier 2018-NE-39-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 27, 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. The FAA is 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 installed in a conventional aft-facing 
avionics rack, no further action is required.
    (3) If the transponder is not installed in a conventional aft-
facing avionics rack, remove the transponder before further flight.
    (4) 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 SBs referenced in 
paragraph (g)(4) of this AD is required by this AD.

(j) Definition

    For the purpose 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 (EASA) 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.

(m) 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) Trig Avionics Limited Service Bulletin (SB) SUP/TT31/027, 
Issue 1.0, dated October 1, 2018.
    (ii) Trig Avionics Limited SB SUP/AXP340/002, Issue 1.0, dated 
October 1, 2018.
    (iii) Trig Avionics Limited SB SUP/KT74/005, Issue 1.0, dated 
October 1, 2018.
    (3) For Trig Avionics Limited service information identified in 
this AD, 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 
01803. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 781-238-7759.
    (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: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 16, 2019.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-15630 Filed 7-22-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P