[Federal Register: December 12, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 237)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 73355-73358]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12de05-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-21787; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-34-AD;
Amendment 39-14401; AD 2005-25-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Shadin ADC-2000 Air Data Computers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Shadin ADC-2000 air data computers (ADC) installed on airplanes. This
AD requires you to replace affected ADC-2000 units with a modified
unit. This AD results from reports that certain ADC-2000 units display
incorrect altitude information on the Electronic Flight Information
System (EFIS) to the pilot. We are issuing this AD to prevent ADC-2000
units, part numbers (P/Ns) 962830A-1-S-8, 962830A-2-S-8, and 962830A-3-
S-8, configurations B, C, and D, from displaying incorrect altitude
information. This could cause the flight crew to react to this
incorrect flight information and possibly result in an unsafe operating
condition.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on January 23, 2006.
As of January 23, 2006, the Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed
in the regulation.
ADDRESSES: To get the service information identified in this AD,
contact Shadin, 6831 Oxford Street, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55426-
4412; telephone: (800) 388-2849 or (952) 927-6500; facsimile: (952)
924-1111; e-mail: http://www.shadin.com.
To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001 or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
The docket number is FAA-2005-21787; Directorate
Identifier 2005-CE-34-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Kuen, Aerospace Engineer,
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 2300 East Devon
Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-
7125; facsimile: (847) 294-7834; e-mail address: jeffrey.kuen@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
What events have caused this AD? We received reports that the
pressure altitude output of certain Shadin ADC-2000 air data computers
(ADC) drift outside Technical Standard Order (TSO) tolerance.
Shadin ADC-2000 units, part numbers (P/Ns) 962830A-1-S-8, 962830A-
2-S-8, and 962830A-3-S-8, configurations B, C, and D (labeled with TSO-
C106 and TSO-C44a), provide altitude information that is displayed on
the Electronic Flight Information System (EFIS) to the pilot. The ADC/
EFIS combination is used to display primary altitude information to the
pilot.
The maximum altitude error allowed by TSO-C106 and TSO-C44a is 25
feet at ground level. Shadin ADC-2000 units, P/Ns 962830A-1-S-8,
962830A-2-S-8, and 962830A-3-S-8, configurations B, C, and D have shown
errors from 100 to 8,000 feet from the correct altitude.
The errors are caused by the ADC-2000 altitude measurement system.
A pressure transducer in the ADC measures the altitude from the
airplane static pressure system. The pressure transducer converts
static pressure to an electrical signal.
We determined that the electrical output from the pressure
transducer in the affected ADCs changes over time resulting in the
display of misleading altitude information to the pilot.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If this
situation occurs while the flight crew is making critical flight
decisions, the display of incorrect altitude information could cause
the flight crew to react to this incorrect flight information and
possibly result in an unsafe operating condition.
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 certain Shadin ADC-2000 air data
computers (ADC) installed on airplanes. This proposal was published in
the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on
August 17, 2005 (70 FR 48333). The NPRM proposed to require you to
replace affected ADC-2000 units with a modified unit.
Comments
Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following
presents the comments received on the proposal and FAA's response to
each comment:
[[Page 73356]]
Comment Issue No. 1: AD Should Apply to Only Airplanes Operating Under
IFR
What is the commenter's concern? The commenter is concerned that 14
CFR 43.7 does not allow part 135 operators to do the preflight check
required in paragraph (e)(1) of the proposed AD. This would require a
maintenance mechanic to be hired to do the preflight check before each
flight.
The commenter requests that airplanes flown under part 135 VFR
operations be excluded from complying with the AD by changing the
Compliance column from ``before each flight'' to ``before each IFR
flight.''
What is FAA's response to the concern? We do not agree with the
commenter. Under 14 CFR 43.7, paragraph (e), part 135 operators are
allowed to return an airplane to service.
To avoid confusion, which could result in unnecessarily grounding
some of the affected airplanes, we are removing the reference to 14 CFR
43.7 from the Procedures column in paragraph (e)(1) of the proposed AD.
Comment Issue No. 2: Remove All Affected ADCs Until Upgraded
What is the commenter's concern? The commenter states that the ADC
provides input into the Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS).
To prevent the possibility of incorrect ADC data being input into
the TAWS, the commenter wants FAA to require removal of all affected
ADCs until they are upgraded.
What is FAA's response to the concern? We do not agree with the
commenter. The Shadin ADC altitude error has occurred over a long
period of time. We do not have justification to require removing the
affected ADCs before further flight.
We use compliance times such as this when we have identified an
urgent safety of flight situation. We believe that 25 hours TIS will
give the owners or operators of the affected airplanes enough time to
have the actions required by this AD done without compromising the
safety of the airplanes.
The altimetry system checks provided as an interim solution to the
actions required in paragraph (e)(2) is a normal aircraft preflight
check.
We are not changing the final rule AD action based on this comment.
Conclusion
What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully
reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for the
changes discussed above and minor editorial corrections. We have
determined that these changes and minor corrections:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Docket Information
Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD
docket that contains information relating to this subject in person at
the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-
647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of
Transportation NASSIF Building at the street address stated in
ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10,
2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997,
July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This regulation now
includes material that relates to altered products, special flight
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD
actions.
Costs of Compliance
How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD
affects 457 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the
affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the
modification:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
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2 work hours X $65 per hour = Not applicable............... $130 $130 X 457 = $59,410.
$130.
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Shadin will reimburse the owner/operators for labor to remove and
replace the ADC and shipping costs to Shadin Repair Facility to the
extent specified in the service bulletin.
Authority for This Rulemaking
What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action?
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 AD.
Regulatory Findings
Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that 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.
Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For
the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
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 summary of the costs to comply with this AD (and
other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) and placed
it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a
request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket
No. FAA-2005-21787;
[[Page 73357]]
Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-34-AD'' in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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
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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:
2005-25-08 SHADIN: Amendment 39-14401; Docket No. FAA-2005-21787;
Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-34-AD.
When Does This AD Become Effective?
(a) This AD becomes effective on January 23, 2006.
What Other ADs Are Affected By This Action?
(b) None.
What Airplanes Are Affected By This AD?
(c) This AD affects Shadin ADC-2000 air data computers (ADC),
part numbers (P/N) 962830A-1-S-8, 962830A-2-S-8, 962830A-3-S-8,
configurations B, C, and D, that are installed in, but not limited
to, the following aircraft (all serial numbers), and are
certificated in any category:
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Manufacturer Model
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Alliance Aircraft Group, LLC.............. H-250
B-N Group Ltd............................. BN2A
Bombardier Inc............................ DHC-3, DHC-6
Cessna Aircraft Company................... 172, 180, 180E, 185, 206,
206E, 206F, 206G 208, 210L,
310
deHavilland Inc........................... DHC-2
The New Piper Aircraft, Inc............... PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-31-
350, PA-32-300, PA-32-301,
PA-32R-300, PA-34-200T
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What is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of reports that certain ADC-2000 units
display incorrect altitude information on the Electronic Flight
Information System (EFIS) to the pilot. The actions specified in
this AD are to prevent ADC-2000 units, P/Ns 962830A-1-S-8, 962830A-
2-S-8, and 962830A-3-S-8, configurations B, C, and D, from
displaying incorrect altitude information. This could cause the
flight crew to react to this incorrect flight information and
possibly result in an unsafe operating condition.
What Must I do to Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) To ensure the air data Within the next 25 Follow the Interim
computer (ADC) and the hours time-in- Procedures
Electronic Flight service (TIS) after contained in Shadin
Information System (EFIS) January 23, 2006 Service Bulletin
altimetry accuracy, do the (the effective date SB28-05-002, Rev C,
normal preflight check. If of this AD) and dated June 29,
the altitudes, altimeter, thereafter before 2005. The owner/
and elevation differ by each flight until operator holding at
more than 75 feet, do not the ADC is upgraded least a private
fly the airplane in as specified in pilot certificate
Instrument Meterological paragraph (e)(2) of may do the check
Conditions (IMC)/Instrument this AD. specified in
Flight Rules (IFR). paragraph (e)(1) of
this AD. Make an
entry into the
aircraft records
showing compliance
with this portion
of the AD following
section 43.9 of the
Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR
43.9).
(2) Return all Shadin ADC- Within the next 15 Follow Shadin
2000s, part numbers 962830A- months after Service Bulletin
1-S-8, 962830A-2-S-8, January 23, 2006 SB28-05-002, Rev C,
962830A-3-S-8, (the effective date dated June 29,
Configurations B, C, and D, of this AD). 2005.
to the Shadin Repair
Facility for upgrade.
Contact the Shadin
Technical Support
department for a Return
Merchandise Authorization
(RMA) number. Until the ADC-
2000 is modified, returned,
and reinstalled, only fly
the airplane if equipment
requirements for that
airplane are still met.
(3) Do not install any As of January 23, Not applicable.
Shadin ADC-2000, part 2006 (the effective
number 962830A-1-S-8, date of this AD).
962830A-2-S-8, or 962830A-3-
S-8, Configurations B, C,
and D, unless it has been
upgraded as specified in
paragraph (e)(2) of this AD.
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May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?
(f) You may request a different method of compliance or a
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments
and will send your request to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Jeffrey Kuen,
Aerospace Engineer, Chicago ACO, FAA, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room
107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-7125;
facsimile: (847) 294-7834; e-mail address: jeffrey.kuen@faa.gov.
Does This AD Incorporate Any Material By Reference?
(g) You must do the actions required by this AD following the
instructions in Shadin Service Bulletin SB28-05-002, Rev C, dated
June 29, 2005. The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get a copy of this
service information, contact Shadin, 6831 Oxford Street, St. Louis
Park, Minnesota 55426-4412; telephone: (800) 388-2849 or (952) 927-
6500; facsimile: (952) 924-1111; e-mail: http://www.shadin.com. To
review copies of this service information, go to the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
or call (202) 741-6030. To view the AD docket,
go to the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW.,
[[Page 73358]]
Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on the
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA-2005-21787;
Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-34-AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 30, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-23771 Filed 12-9-05; 8:45 am]
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