[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 17, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27398-27401]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-08082]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 17, 2024 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 27398]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1990; Project Identifier AD-2023-00734-A]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Various Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
that applied to various airplanes modified with a certain configuration 
of the Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System installed per Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) No. SA01866WI. This action revises the NPRM by 
removing airplane models from and adding airplane models to the 
applicability. The FAA is proposing this airworthiness directive to 
address the unsafe condition on these products. Since this action would 
expand the applicability for the required action as proposed in the 
NPRM, the agency is requesting comments on this SNPRM.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by June 3, 2024.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1990; 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 SNPRM, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Withers, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1801 S Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 
946-4190; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2023-1990; 
Project Identifier AD-2023-00734-A'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting 
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may again revise this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this proposed AD.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this SNPRM contain 
commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as 
private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or 
responsive to this SNPRM, it is important that you clearly designate 
the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission 
containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked 
submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed 
in the public docket of this SNPRM. Submissions containing CBI should 
be sent to Christopher Withers, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1801 S 
Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209. Any commentary that the FAA receives 
which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the 
public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that 
would apply to various airplanes modified with a certain configuration 
of the Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System installed per STC No. SA01866WI. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 10, 2023 (88 FR 
69891). The NPRM was prompted by a report of an un-commanded automatic 
pitch trim runaway when the autopilot was first engaged. In the NPRM, 
the FAA proposed to require updating the applicable Garmin GFC 500 
Autopilot System software for your airplane and prohibit installing 
earlier versions of that software.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Based on the comments the FAA received on the NPRM, the FAA is 
proposing revising the applicability by removing and adding airplane 
models, revising paragraph (e) of the proposed AD to clarify that 
certain hardware failures affected the primary pitch servo, and adding 
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of the proposed AD.

Comments

    The FAA received comments from several individuals and the National 
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), who supported the NPRM without 
change.
    The FAA also received three comments from Garmin. The following 
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to 
each comment.

Request To Correct Language in Paragraph (e) of the Proposed AD

    Garmin stated that paragraph (e) of the proposed AD incorrectly 
states that hardware faults can occur in the pitch trim servo. Garmin 
explained that hardware faults occur in the pitch servo,

[[Page 27399]]

not the pitch trim servo. Garmin requested a correction to state that 
hardware faults occur in the pitch servo.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter. The FAA has corrected paragraph 
(e) of the proposed AD to change the wording from ``pitch trim servo'' 
to ``primary pitch servo.''

Request To Reference Service Information

    Garmin also stated that paragraph (g) of the proposed AD should 
reference Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin (SB) 22123, Rev A, 
dated January 3, 2023, or later revision, because it would help 
operators find the easiest path to compliance.
    The FAA partially agrees. The FAA agrees that referencing the SB 
will help operators find a path to compliance but disagrees that 
operators should be required to use the SB to update the software. The 
SB requires performing multiple actions, whereas the specified action 
in this proposed AD is to only update the software version. The FAA has 
added Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this proposed AD to inform operators 
that the software update can be done using Garmin Mandatory STC Service 
Bulletin 22123, Rev A, dated January 3, 2023.

Request To Add Additional Airplane Models

    Garmin further stated that the proposed AD would affect more 
airplane models than what are included in paragraph (c) of the proposed 
AD. The FAA infers that Garmin requested the applicability of the NPRM 
be revised to include additional airplane models.
    The FAA agrees and has updated paragraph (c) of this proposed AD to 
include additional affected airplane models.

Additional Change Made to the Applicability

    Since the NPRM published, the FAA determined the need to remove 
Commander Aircraft Corporation Model 112 airplanes and Textron Aviation 
Inc. Model 177 airplanes from paragraph (c), Applicability, of this 
proposed AD. Paragraph (c) of the proposed AD specifies that the 
affected airplanes are those having a Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System 
that includes an optional GSA 28 pitch trim servo installed per STC No. 
SA01866WI using Master Drawing List (MDL) 005-01264-00, Revisions 1 
through 76. The software change to eliminate the unsafe condition 
identified in this proposed AD was included in MDL revision 77 so 
airplanes incorporating this STC using MDL revision 77 and higher do 
not have the software that exhibits the unsafe condition. When 
installing STC No. SA01866WI, operators of Model 112 airplanes are 
using MDL revision 78 and operators of Model 177 airplanes are using 
MDL revision 83, therefore they should not be included in the 
applicability.
    The FAA also determind the need to remove Textron Aviation Inc. 
Model 182 airplanes from paragraph (c) of this proposed AD. Although 
Model 182 airplanes are using MDL revision 61, they are not affected by 
the identified unsafe condition because the mechanical characteristics 
prohibit the installation of a pitch trim servo.
    The FAA further determined the need to remove Mooney International 
Corporation Model M20 airplanes and Textron Aviation Inc. Model 172, 
206, and 210 airplanes from paragraph (c) of this proposed AD. These 
airplane models are not listed in the FAA Approved Model List (AML), 
amended September 8, 2023, for STC No. SA01866WI.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD after determining the unsafe condition 
described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of 
the same type design. Certain changes described above expand the scope 
of the NPRM. As a result, it is necessary to reopen the comment period 
to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on this 
SNPRM.

Proposed AD Requirements in This SNPRM

    This proposed AD would require updating the applicable Garmin GFC 
500 Autopilot System software for your airplane and would prohibit 
installing earlier versions of that software.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 5,900 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update autopilot software...........  1 work-hour x $85 per                $0              $85         $501,500
                                       hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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.

[[Page 27400]]

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:

Various Airplanes: Docket No. FAA-2023-1990; Project Identifier AD-
2023-00734-A.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by June 3, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all airplane models specified in Table 1 to 
paragraph (c) of this AD, certificated in any category, having a 
Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System that includes an optional GSA 28 
pitch trim servo installed per Supplemental Type Certificate No. 
SA01866WI using Master Drawing List 005-01264-00, Revisions 1 
through 76.

          Table 1 to Paragraph (c)--Applicable Airplane Models
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Type certificate holder                   Airplane model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commander Aircraft             112B, 112TC, 112TCA, 114, 114A, 114B, and
 Corporation.                   114TC.
DAHER AEROSPACE..............  TB 20 and TB 21.
Mooney International           M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, M20G, M20J, M20K,
 Corporation.                   M20M, M20R, and M20S.
Piper Aircraft, Inc..........  PA-24, PA-24-250, and PA-24-260.
Piper Aircraft, Inc..........  PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-151, PA-28-
                                160, PA-28-161, PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-
                                28-201T, PA-28-235, PA-28-236, PA-28R-
                                180, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-201, PA-28R-
                                201T, PA-28RT-201, and PA-28RT-201T.
Piper Aircraft, Inc..........  PA-30 and PA-39.
Piper Aircraft, Inc..........  PA-32-260, PA-32-300, PA-32-301, PA-32-
                                301FT, PA-32-301T, PA-32-301XTC, PA-32R-
                                300, PA-32RT-300, PA-32RT-300T, PA-32R-
                                301 (HP), PA-32R-301 (SP), and PA-32R-
                                301T.
Textron Aviation Inc (type     19A, B19, M19A, A23A, A23-19, A23-24,
 certificate previously held    B23, C23, A24, A24R, B24R, and C24R.
 by Beech Aircraft
 Corporation, Raytheon
 Aircraft Company, Hawker
 Beechcraft Corporation, and
 Beechcraft Corporation).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     C35, D35, E35, F35, and G35.
 certificate previously held
 by Beech Aircraft
 Corporation, Raytheon
 Aircraft Company, Hawker
 Beechcraft Corporation, and
 Beechcraft Corporation).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     35-33, 35-A33, 35-B33, 35-C33, 35-C33A,
 certificate previously held    36, A36, A36TC, B36TC, E33, E33A, E33C,
 by Beech Aircraft              F33, F33A, F33C, G33, H35, J35, K35,
 Corporation, Raytheon          M35, N35, P35, S35, V35, V35A, and V35B.
 Aircraft Company, Hawker
 Beechcraft Corporation, and
 Beechcraft Corporation).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     172D, 172E, 172F, 172G, 172H, 172I, 172K,
 certificate previously held    172L, 172M, 172N, 172P, 172Q, 172R, and
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).   172S.
Textron Aviation Inc (type     F172E, F172F, F172G, F172H, F172K, F172L,
 certificate previously held    F172M, F172N, F172P.
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     172RG, P172D, and R172K.
 certificate previously held
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     FR172K.
 certificate previously held
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     177B.
 certificate previously held
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     177RG.
 certificate previously held
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     F177RG.
 certificate previously held
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     182E, 182F, 182G, 182H, 182J, 182K, 182L,
 certificate previously held    182M, 182N, 182P, 182Q, 182R, 182S,
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).   182T, F182P, F182Q, FR182, R182, T182,
                                T182T, and TR182.
Textron Aviation Inc (type     206H, P206C, P206D, P206E, T206H, TP206C,
 certificate previously held    TP206D, TP206E, TU206C, TU206D, TU206E,
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).   TU206F, TU206G, U206C, U206D, U206E,
                                U206F, and U206G.
Textron Aviation Inc (type     210D, 210E, 210F, 210G, 210H, 210J, 210K,
 certificate previously held    210L, 210M, 210N, T210F, T210G, T210H,
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).   T210J, T210K, T210L, T210M, and T210N.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2210, Autopilot 
System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an un-commanded automatic 
pitch trim runaway when the autopilot was first engaged. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address autopilot software that does not properly 
handle certain hardware failures of the primary pitch servo. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in un-commanded 
automatic pitch trim runaway and loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Action

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, update the 
Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System software applicable to your airplane 
to a version that is not 8.01 or earlier for the G5, not version 
9.01 or earlier for the G3X Touch, and not version 2.59 or earlier 
for the GI 275.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g):  The software update can be done using 
Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin 22123, Rev A, dated

[[Page 27401]]

January 3, 2023. This AD also allows the installation of versions 
other than those listed in Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin 
22123, Rev A, dated January 3, 2023, provided those versions are not 
listed in paragraph (g) of this AD.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, do not install Garmin GFC 
500 Autopilot System Software that is version 8.01 or earlier for 
the G5, version 9.01 or earlier for the G3X Touch, or version 2.59 
or earlier for the GI 275, on any airplane.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Central Certification 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 Central Certification Branch, send it 
to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to [email protected].
    (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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Christopher 
Withers, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1801 S Airport Road, 
Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-4190; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference, contact Garmin International, Attention: 
Garmin Aviation Support, 1200 E. 151st Street, Olathe, KS 66062; 
phone: (866) 739-5687; website: support.garmin.com/en-US/aviation/.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on April 9, 2024.
James D. Foltz,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-08082 Filed 4-16-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P