[Federal Register: March 13, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 50)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 13498-13500]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13mr08-20]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-0290; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-250-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sandel Avionics Incorporated Model
ST3400 Terrain Awareness Warning System/Radio Magnetic Indicator (TAWS/
RMI) Units Approved Under Technical Standard Order(s) C113, C151a, or
C151b; Installed on Various Small and Transport Category Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to revise an existing airworthiness directive
(AD) that applies to Sandel Avionics Incorporated Model ST3400 TAWS/RMI
units as described above. The existing AD currently requires installing
a warning placard on the TAWS/RMI and revising the Limitations section
of the airplane flight manual (AFM). The existing AD also requires
installing upgraded software in the TAWS/RMI. This proposed AD would
allow installing later revisions of the software described in the
existing AD. This proposed AD results from a report that an in-flight
bearing error occurred in a Model ST3400 TAWS/RMI configured to receive
bearing information from a very high frequency omnidirectional range
(VOR) receiver interface via a composite video signal, due to a
combination of input signal fault and software error. We are proposing
this AD to prevent a bearing error, which
[[Page 13499]]
could lead to an airplane departing from its scheduled flight path,
which could result in a reduction in separation from, and a possible
collision with, other aircraft or terrain.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 28, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Sandel
Avionics Incorporated (Sandel), 2401 Dogwood Way, Vista, California
92081.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.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 800-647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ha A. Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California
90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5335; fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to the address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0290;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-250-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://
www.regulations.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
On August 3, 2006, we issued AD 2006-16-18, amendment 39-14718 (71
FR 48461, August 21, 2006), for Sandel Avionics Incorporated Model
ST3400 terrain awareness warning system/radio magnetic indicator (TAWS/
RMI) units approved under Technical Standard Order(s) C113, C151a, or
C151b; installed on various small and transport category airplanes.
That AD requires installing a warning placard on the TAWS/RMI and
revising the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM).
That AD also requires installing upgraded software in the TAWS/RMI.
That AD resulted from a report that an in-flight bearing error occurred
in a Model ST3400 TAWS/RMI configured to receive bearing information
from a very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) receiver
interface via a composite video signal, due to a combination of input
signal fault and software error. We issued that AD to prevent a bearing
error, which could lead to an airplane departing from its scheduled
flight path, which could result in a reduction in separation from, and
a possible collision with, other aircraft or terrain.
Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2006-16-18, we have determined that later
revisions of the software described in Sandel ST3400 Service Bulletin
SB3400-01, Revision B, dated September 15, 2004, which is specified as
the appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the
requirements of the existing AD, are acceptable for installation in the
TAWS/RMI without needing our further approval.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products
of this same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD,
which would revise AD 2006-16-18 to permit installing later revisions
of the software described in the existing service information, and
would retain the requirements of the existing AD.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD describes the installation of later revisions of
software than those specified in AD 2006-16-18; however, this change
imposes no new costs on operators. Costs are repeated here for operator
convenience only.
This proposed AD would affect about 300 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed actions would take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $24,000, or $80
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 have 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 that the 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 place it in the AD docket. See the
ADDRESSES section for a
[[Page 13500]]
location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
removing amendment 39-14718 (71 FR 48461, August 21, 2006) and adding
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2006-16-18 R1 Sandel Avionics Incorporated: Docket No. FAA-2007-
0290; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-250-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by April 28,
2008.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD revises AD 2006-16-18.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Sandel Avionics Incorporated (Sandel)
Model ST3400 terrain awareness warning system/radio magnetic
indicator (TAWS/RMI) units approved under Technical Standard
Order(s) C113, C151a, or C151b; as identified in Sandel ST3400
Service Bulletin SB3400-01, Revision B, dated September 15, 2004; as
installed on various small and transport category airplanes,
certificated in any category, including, but not limited, to the
airplane models listed in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1.--Manufacturers/Airplane Models
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Manufacturer Airplane model(s)
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Airbus................................. A300
Avions Marcel Dassault--Breguet Falcon 10.
Aviation (AMD/BA).
Boeing................................. 727, 737, 747.
Bombardier (LearJet)................... 24, 35, 36, 55.
British Aerospace (Operations) Limited. Jetstream Series 3101.
Cessna................................. 208, 208B, 421C; 501, 525, 550,
560, 650, S550.
Embraer................................ EMB-120.
Dassault-Aviation...................... Mystere-Falcon 50, Mystere-
Falcon 200.
Gulfstream............................. G-I, G-1159A (G-III).
Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI)....... 1124, 1125 Westwind Astra.
McDonnell Douglas...................... DC-10.
Piper.................................. PA-31T2.
Raytheon............................... 58; 1900D, 400; A36; BAe.125
Series 800A; HS.125 Series
600A/700A; Hawker 800-XP; 200,
300, 350; A200, B100, B200,
B300, C90, C90A, C90B, E90,
F90; MU-300-10.
Sabreliner............................. 60 (NA-265-60).
Twin Commander......................... 500-A, 695A.
Viking Air Limited..................... DHC-6.
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Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report that an in-flight bearing
error occurred in a Model ST3400 TAWS/RMI unit configured to receive
bearing information from a very high frequency omnidirectional range
(VOR) receiver interface via a composite video signal, due to a
combination of input signal fault and software error. We are issuing
this AD to prevent a bearing error, which could lead to an airplane
departing from its scheduled flight path, which could result in a
reduction in separation from, and a possible collision with, other
aircraft or terrain.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Installing Placard
(f) Within 14 days after September 25, 2006 (the effective date
of AD 2006-16-18): Install a placard on the TAWS/RMI which states,
``NOT FOR PRIMARY VOR NAVIGATION,'' in accordance with Sandel ST3400
Service Bulletin SB3400-01, Revision B, dated September 15, 2004.
Revising Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
(g) Within 14 days after September 25, 2006: Revise the
Limitations section of the applicable AFM to include the following
statement: ``Use of ST3400 TAWS/RMI for primary VOR navigation is
prohibited unless the indicator has 3.07 or A3.06 software or
later.'' This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the
AFM.
Updating Software
(h) Within 90 days after September 25, 2006, in accordance with
Sandel ST3400 Service Bulletin SB3400-01, Revision B, dated
September 15, 2004: Field-load the TAWS/RMI with updated software
having revision 3.07 (for units having serial numbers (S/Ns) under
2000) or revision A3.06 (for units having S/Ns 2000 and subsequent).
Revisions of software later than revision 3.07 or A3.06, as
applicable, are considered acceptable for compliance with the
requirements of this paragraph. The placard and AFM limitations
revision installed as required by paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD
may be removed after the software upgrade required by paragraph (h)
of this AD has been accomplished.
Parts Installation
(i) As of 90 days after September 25, 2006, no person may
install, on any airplane, a Model ST3400 TAWS/RMI unit, unless it
has been modified in accordance with Sandel ST3400 Service Bulletin
SB3400-01, Revision B, dated September 15, 2004.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 3, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-5001 Filed 3-12-08; 8:45 am]
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