[Federal Register: November 5, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 214)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 67297-67299]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05no02-1]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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[[Page 67297]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2000-CE-13-AD; Amendment 39-12939; AD 2002-22-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell Collins, Inc. FMC-4200, FMC-
5000, and FMC-6000 Flight Management Computers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to certain Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Rockwell Collins) FMC-4200,
FMC-5000, and FMC-6000 flight management computers (FMC) that are
installed on airplanes. This AD requires you to remove the affected FMC
unit and replace it with a new FMC unit or an FMC unit that has been
modified to correct a problem with the flight management system (FMS)
accepting new information when an existing procedure or flight plan is
changed. This AD is the result of a report that an aircraft proceeded
beyond the published altitude constraint on an arrival procedure. The
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the FMC from
retaining and displaying original altitude constraints when an edit or
a replacement is made to a procedure or flight plan that shares a
waypoint with another procedure or an airway, and there is an altitude
constraint on the shared waypoint. Such a condition could cause the
pilot to fly the airplane out of the range of the correct altitude
constraint. This condition could result in air traffic control or the
pilot making flight decisions that put the airplane in unsafe flight
conditions.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on December 20, 2002.
ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD
from Rockwell Collins, Business and Regional Systems, 400 Collins Road
Northeast, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52498; telephone: (319) 295-2512;
facsimile: (319) 295-5064. You may view this information at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-13-AD, 901 Locust, Room
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger A. Souter, FAA, Wichita Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Rm 100, Wichita, Kansas
67209; telephone: (316) 946-4134; facsimile: (316) 946-4407. E-mail
address: Roger.Souter@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
What events have caused this AD? The FAA received a report of an
incident that occurred during a flight arriving in Toronto, Ontario. A
change in the flight management computer (FMC) had been made to the
original flight plan changing the altitude constraint to 8,000 feet-
11,000 feet. However, the flight management system (FMS) retained the
altitude constraint of the original flight plan of 10,000 feet-14,000
feet. The pilot was unaware of this situation occurring, which resulted
in the descent of the airplane beyond the published altitude constraint
on the arrival procedure.
When the FMC is operating correctly and a change is made, the FMS
allows the pilot to delete information associated with a procedure or
flight plan by deleting the procedure or by replacing the procedure.
Rockwell Collins FMC-4200, FMC-5000, and FMC-6000 flight management
computers could be installed on, but not limited to, the following
aircraft:
[sbull] Raytheon Model Beechjet 400A and Model 400T (T-1A)
airplanes;
[sbull] Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 Regional Jet Series 100
airplanes; and
[sbull] Bombardier Model CL-600-2B16 (variant CL-604) airplanes.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? As described
above, such erroneous altitude constraints retained by the FMS could
cause the pilot to fly the airplane out of the range of the correct
altitude constraint. This condition could result in air traffic control
or the pilot making flight decisions that put the airplane in unsafe
flight conditions.
Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to
amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to
include an AD that would apply to Rockwell Collins FMC-4200, FMC-5000,
and FMC-6000 flight management computers (FMC) that are installed on
airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on July 10, 2002 (67 FR 45678).
The NPRM proposed to require you to remove the affected FMC unit and
replace it with a new FMC unit or an FMC unit that has been modified to
correct a problem with the flight management system (FMS) accepting new
information when an existing procedure or flight plan is changed.
Was the public invited to comment? The FAA encouraged interested
persons to participate in the making of this amendment. The following
presents the comments received on the proposal and FAA's response to
each comment:
Comment Issue No. 1: List Affected FMC Units by Part Numbers in
Addition to Model Number
What is the commenter's concern? Two commenters state that there
are numerous part numbers associated with each FMC model number that
are not affected by the proposed AD. The commenters state that only
seven part numbers are actually affected by the proposed AD as
specified in Rockwell Collins Operator Bulletin 99-11, dated September
1999. The way the proposed AD is currently written, an owner/operator
of an aircraft with any of the specified model FMCs installed would be
subject to the proposed AD. Therefore, adding specific affected part
numbers in the AD will significantly reduce the burden on owners/
operators of aircraft equipped with the specified FMC model.
What is FAA's response to the concern? We concur with the
commenters and will clearly identify the seven affected FMC part
numbers in the AD.
[[Page 67298]]
Comment Issue No. 2: Remove the Manufacturer's Service Bulletins From
the Procedures Requirements of the Proposed AD and List Acceptable
Replacement FMC Part Numbers
What is the commenter's concern? The corrective action required is
to modify the affected FMC unit. Only a Rockwell Collins Service Center
is authorized to modify (rework) the affected FMC units. The
modification includes changing the FMC part number when the unit is
reworked. Therefore, it is irrelevant whether an owner/operator has a
reworked unit or a newly manufactured unit installed provided the part
number is correct.
What is FAA's response to the concern? We concur with the
commenters and will include a list of acceptable replacement part
numbers in the proposed AD. We will not reference the individual
service bulletins in the AD.
Comment Issue No. 3: Add a Note in the AD Alerting Owners/Operators
That Certain FMC Part Numbers Affect Other Installed Avionics Units
What is the commenter's concern? The commenter states that all of
the FMC corrective actions involve a change in the FMC part number.
Before a part number has been certified for installation on the
particular aircraft, through either the Type Certification or
Supplemental Type Certification process, you should also determine
whether additional avionics units need to be upgraded at the same time
to be compatible with the selected FMC part number. The commenter
suggests that a note to this effect be included in the AD.
What is FAA's response to the concern? We concur with the commenter
and will include a note in the AD to address this concern.
FAA's Determination
What is FAA's final determination on this issue? After careful
review of all available information related to the subject presented
above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for the additions
discussed previously and minor editorial corrections. We have
determined that these additions and minor corrections:
[sbull] Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for
correcting the unsafe condition; and
[sbull] Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Cost Impact
How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that 700
affected Rockwell Collins FMC-4200, FMC-5000, and FMC-6000 flight
management computers could be installed on airplanes in the U.S.
registry. Some airplanes have more than one unit installed.
What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the
affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the
modification:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost
Labor cost Parts cost per FMC unit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 workhours per FMC unit X $60 per $500 per FMC unit... $740
hour = $240..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compliance Time of This AD
What would be the compliance time of this AD? The compliance time
of this AD is ``within the next 24 calendar months after the effective
date of this AD, unless already accomplished.''
Why is the compliance time presented in calendar time instead of
hours time-in-service (TIS)? The compliance of this AD is presented in
calendar time instead of hours TIS because the condition exists
regardless of airplane operation. The FMS retention of invalid altitude
constraint information could occur regardless of the number of times
and hours the airplane was operated. For these reasons, FAA has
determined that a compliance based on calendar time should be utilized
in this AD in order to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in
a reasonable time period on all airplanes that have an affected
Rockwell FMC-4200, FMC-5000, or FMC-6000 flight management computer
installed.
Regulatory Impact
Does this AD impact various entities? The regulations adopted
herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not
have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
Does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For
the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); 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. A copy
of the final evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:
2002-22-13 Rockwell Collins, Inc.: Amendment 39-12939; Docket No.
2000-CE-13-AD.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects
Rockwell Collins flight management computers (FMC) specified in
paragraph (a)(1) that are installed on, but not limited to, the
aircraft specified in paragraph (a)(2).
(1) Rockwell Collins flight management computers: The following
presents the affected FMC models and part numbers:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Affected FMC
Affected FMC model No. Collins part No.
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FMC-4200.............................................. 822-0783-002
FMC-4200.............................................. 822-0783-006
FMC-4200.............................................. 822-0783-010
FMC-5000.............................................. 822-0891-001
FMC-6000.............................................. 822-0868-004
FMC-6000.............................................. 822-0868-010
FMC-6000.............................................. 822-0868-021
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Affected airplanes: The following presents a list of
aircraft (certificated in any
[[Page 67299]]
category) that the affected Rockwell Collins FMC units are installed
on (other airplanes could have the installation):
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type certificate holder Affected airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raytheon............................ Model Beechjet 400A and Model 400T
(T-1A).
Bombardier.......................... Model CL-600-2B19 Regional Jet
Series 100 and Model CL-600-2B16
(variant CL-604).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
an aircraft equipped with one of the affected FMCs must comply with
this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to prevent the FMC from retaining original
information when an edit is made to a procedure or flight plan. Such
a condition could cause the pilot to fly the airplane out of the
range of the correct altitude constraint. This condition could
result in air traffic control or the pilot making flight decisions
that put the airplane in unsafe flight conditions.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
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Actions Compliance
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(1) Remove the affected FMC unit Within the next 24 calendar
specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this months after December 20, 2002
AD and install a modified or new FMC (the effective date of this
unit (as specified in paragraph (e) of AD), unless already
this AD) in accordance with the accomplished.
applicable maintenance manual.
(2) Do not install, on any aircraft, an As of December 20, 2002 (the
affected FMC unit specified in effective date of this AD).
paragraph (a)(1) of this AD that has
not been modified to the replacement
part number specified in paragraph (e)
of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1: When selecting a replacement FMC part number, determine
if the part number has been certified for installation on the
particular aircraft through either the Type Certification or
Supplemental Type Certification process. Also, determine whether
additional avionics units must be upgraded at the same time to be
compatible with the selected replacement FMC part number.
(e) What are the acceptable replacement FMC part numbers?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acceptable replacement FMC part
FMC affected part No. No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
822-0783-002.......................... 822-0783-011 or 822-0783-013
822-0783-006.......................... 822-0783-011 or 822-0783-013
822-0783-010.......................... 822-0783-011 or 822-0783-013
822-0891-001.......................... 822-0891-005 or 822-0891-008
822-0868-004.......................... 822-0868-029, 822-0868-030, 822-
0868-031, or 822-0868-032
822-0868-010.......................... 822-0868-029, 822-0868-030, 822-
0868-031, or 822-0868-032
822-0868-021.......................... 822-0868-029, 822-0868-030, 822-
0868-031, or 822-0868-032
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(f) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
(1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent
level of safety; and
(2) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, Wichita ACO.
Note 2: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph
(a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered,
or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For
airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the
performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/
operator must request approval for an alternative method of
compliance in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD. The request
should include an assessment of the effect of the modification,
alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD;
and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific
actions you propose to address it.
(g) Where can I get information about any already-approved
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Roger A. Souter, FAA,
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Rm
100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4134; facsimile:
(316) 946-4407. E-mail address: Roger.Souter@faa.gov.
(h) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
(i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment
becomes effective on December 20, 2002.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 28, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-28052 Filed 11-4-02; 8:45 am]
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