[Federal Register: November 14, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 221)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 67429-67433]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14no08-37]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1210; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-047-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Avidyne Corporation Primary Flight
Displays (Part Numbers 700-00006-000, -001, -002, -003, and -100)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-06-
28 R1, which applies to certain Avidyne Corporation (Avidyne) Primary
Flight Displays (PFDs) (part numbers (P/Ns) 700-00006-000, -001, -002,
-003, and -100) that are installed on airplanes. AD 2008-06-28 R1
currently requires you to do a check of the maintenance records and
inspection of the PFD (if necessary) to determine if an affected serial
number PFD is installed and incorporate (if necessary) operational
limitations. Since we issued AD 2008-06-28 R1, Avidyne developed a
factory service procedure that will correct the problems on these
Avidyne PFDs and also factory serviced certain serial number PFDs.
Consequently, this proposed AD would retain the actions from AD 2008-
06-28 R1 until the affected PFD is factory serviced; add the actions of
a label or marking check, an air data system performance verification
test, and (if necessary) replacement of the PFD and factory servicing
of the failed PFD; and reduce the serial number applicability from that
of AD 2008-06-28 R1. We are proposing this AD to prevent certain
conditions from existing when PFDs display incorrect attitude,
altitude, and airspeed information. This could result in airspeed/
altitude mismanagement or spatial disorientation of the pilot with
consequent loss of airplane control, inadequate traffic separation, or
controlled flight into terrain.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 13,
2009.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this
proposed AD:
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 proposed AD, contact
Avidyne Corporation, 55 Old Bedford Road, Lincoln, MA 01773; telephone:
(781) 402-7400; fax: (781) 402-7599.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Solomon Hecht, Aerospace Engineer,
ANE-150, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 12 New England Executive
Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803, phone: (781) 238-7159, fax:
(781) 238-7170.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, ``FAA-
2008-1210; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-047-AD'' at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may
amend the proposed AD in light 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 concerning this proposed AD.
Discussion
Several field reports of PFDs displaying incorrect altitude and
airspeed information caused us to issue AD 2008-06-28, Amendment 39-
15440 (73 FR 15862, March 26, 2008). AD 2008-06-28 required the
following on Avidyne PFDs (P/Ns 700-00006-000, -001, -002, -003, and -
100) that are installed on airplanes:
Checking of the maintenance records and inspection of the
PFD (if necessary) to determine if an affected serial number PFD is
installed; and
If an affected serial number PFD is installed,
incorporating information that limits operation when certain conditions
for the PFD or backup instruments exist.
An incorrect serial number (SN) listed in AD 2008-06-28 caused us
to issue AD 2008-06-28 R1, Amendment 39-15468 (73 FR 19963, April 14,
2008). AD 2008-06-28 R1 corrects the incorrect SN and retains the
actions of AD-2008-06-28.
Since we issued AD 2008-06-28 R1, Avidyne has prepared a factory
service procedure that will correct the possible incorrect altitude and
airspeed information displayed on these Avidyne PFDs and received
approval for a corresponding alternative method of compliance (AMOC) to
modify certain serial number PFDs at the factory, eliminating the
unsafe condition in these units.
This proposed AD retains the actions from AD 2008-06-28 R1 until
the factory servicing is done. This proposed AD would require you to
inspect for a label marked ``Deviation 08-19A'' on the exterior of the
PFD near the TSO label or a ``MOD 52'' marking; if the label or mark is
not present, do the PFD air data system performance verification test;
if the PFD passes the test, remove the operational limitations
requirement; or if the PFD does not pass the test, remove the PFD, have
the PFD factory serviced, install a PFD that has passed the air data
system verification test or has been factory serviced (PFD bears a
label marked ``Deviation 08-19A'' on the exterior of the PFD near the
TSO label; or a ``MOD 52'' marking); and
[[Page 67430]]
remove the operational limitations requirement. This proposed AD also
reduces the serial number applicability from that of AD 2008-06-28 R1
due to Avidyne modifying PFDs at the factory.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in airspeed/altitude
mismanagement or spatial disorientation of the pilot with consequent
loss of airplane control, inadequate traffic separation, or controlled
flight into terrain.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Avidyne Service Bulletin No. 601-00006-096,
Revision 1, dated July 14, 2008.
The service information describes procedures for:
Identifying possible Avidyne PFDs by serial number;
Identifying PFDs that have already been serviced;
Doing Avidyne PFD air data system performance verification
test procedures; and
Having any Avidyne PFD that has not passed the air data
system verification test or has not been factory serviced (PFD does not
bears a label marked ``Deviation 08-19A'' on the exterior of the PFD
near the TSO label; or a ``MOD 52'' marking) serviced.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD
would supersede AD 2008-06-28 R1 with a new AD that would retain the
actions from AD 2008-06-28 R1 until the affected PFD is factory
serviced; add the actions of a label or marking check, an air data
system performance verification test, and (if necessary) replacement of
the PFD and factory servicing of the failed PFD; and reduce the serial
number applicability from that of AD 2008-06-28 R1. This proposed AD
would require you to use the service information described previously
to perform these actions.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The proposed AD includes terminating action for the requirement of
AD 2008-06-28 R1 to incorporate information that limits operation when
certain conditions for the PFD or backup instruments exist. The
requirements of this proposed AD, if adopted as a final rule, would
take precedence over the provisions in the service information.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 384 airplanes in the
U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to do the proposed serial number
determination:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $80 per hour = $80............. Not applicable................. $80 $30,720
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary test and
replacement that would be required based on the results of the proposed
test. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may
need this test and replacement:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane
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4 work-hours x $80 per hour = Not applicable...... $320
$320.
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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 placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information 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 Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527)
is located at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator,
[[Page 67431]]
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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2008-06-28 R1, Amendment 39-15468 (73 FR 19963, April 14, 2008),
and adding the following new AD:
Avidyne Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2008-1210; Directorate
Identifier 2008-CE-047-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by January 13, 2009.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2008-06-28 R1, Amendment 39-15440.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Avidyne Corporation (Avidyne) Primary
Flight Displays (PFDs) (part numbers (P/Ns) 700-00006-000, 700-
00006-001, 700-00006-002, 700-00006-003, and 700-00006-100 with any
serial number listed in Avidyne Service Bulletin No. 601-00006-096,
Revision 1, dated July 14, 2008) that are installed on, but not
limited to the airplanes below that are certificated in any
category. Paragraph (d) of this AD gives procedures to determine if
an affected serial number is installed.
(1) Adam Aircraft Model A500;
(2) Cessna Aircraft Company Model 441 (STEC Alliant Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) No. SA09547AC-D incorporated);
(3) Cessna Aircraft Company Models LC42-550FG and LC41-550FG
(Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing and The Lancair Company previously
held the type certificate for these airplanes);
(4) Cirrus Design Corporation Models SR20 and SR22;
(5) Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Model DA 40;
(6) Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model E90 (STEC Alliant STC
No. SA09545AC-D incorporated);
(7) Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model 200 series (STEC Alliant
STC No. SA09543AC-D incorporated); and
(8) Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-28-161, PA-28-181, PA-28R-
201, PA-32R-301 (HP), PA-32R-301T, PA-32-301FT, PA-32-301XTC, PA-34-
220T, PA-44-180, PA-46-350P, PA-46R-350T, and PA-46-500TP.
(d) If you have one of the affected part number PFDs installed
on your airplane, you must be able to positively show that it is not
one of the affected serial numbers or comply with paragraph (f), all
subparagraphs, as applicable in this AD. You must follow the actions
in the paragraphs below to determine what actions of paragraph (f)
apply. Under 14 CFR 43.7, the owner/operator holding at least a
private pilot certificate is allowed to do the check in paragraph
(d)(1) of this AD. All other actions must be done by a certificated
mechanic, unless noted differently.
(1) Do a logbook check of aircraft records (previously referred
to in AD 2008-06-28 R1 as ``maintenance records'') to determine if
any PFD (P/Ns 700-00006-000, 700-00006-001, 700-00006-002, 700-
00006-003, or 700-00006-100) with any affected serial number listed
in Avidyne Service Bulletin No. 601-00006-096, Revision 1, dated
July 14, 2008, is installed.
(i) If, as a result of the logbook check, you positively
identify that the PFD installed does not have a serial number
affected by this AD, then only paragraph (f)(5) of this AD applies
to you.
(ii) If, as a result of the logbook check, you cannot positively
identify the serial number of the PFD, do the visual inspection
required in paragraph (d)(2) of this AD.
(iii) If, as a result of the logbook check, you find any PFD
installed with an affected serial number, do the actions required by
paragraph (f) of this AD, including all subparagraphs as applicable.
(2) If, as a result of the above logbook check, you cannot
positively identify the serial number of the PFD, visually inspect
any PFD (P/Ns 700-00006-000, 700-00006-001, 700-00006-002, 700-
00006-003, or 700-00006-100) for any affected serial number listed
in Avidyne Service Bulletin No. 601-00006-096, Revision 1, dated
July 14, 2008.
(i) If, as a result of this visual inspection, you positively
identify that the PFD installed does not have a serial number
affected by this AD, then only paragraph (f)(5) of this AD applies
to you.
(ii) If, as a result of this visual inspection, you identify
that the PDF installed does have a serial number affected by this
AD, do the actions required in paragraph (f) of this AD, including
all subparagraphs as applicable.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from several field reports of Avidyne PFDs
displaying incorrect altitude and airspeed information and Avidyne
preparing a factory service procedure that will correct the possible
incorrect altitude and airspeed information displayed. We are
issuing this AD to prevent certain conditions from existing when
PFDs display incorrect attitude, altitude, and airspeed information.
This could result in airspeed/altitude mismanagement or spatial
disorientation of the pilot with consequent loss of airplane
control, inadequate traffic separation, or controlled flight into
terrain.
Compliance
(f) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless
already done:
[[Page 67432]]
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Incorporate the Prior to further Under 14 CFR 43.7,
operational limitations flight after the the owner/operator
below by doing whichever of effective date of holding at least a
the following applies: this AD. private pilot
(i) For airplanes with an certificate is
airplane flight manual allowed to insert
(AFM), pilot's operating the information
handbook (POH), or airplane into the AFM, POH,
flight manual supplement AFMS, or
(AFMS), incorporate the maintenance records
language in the Appendix of as required in
this AD into the paragraph (f)(1)(i)
Limitations section of the or (f)(1)(ii)(A) of
AFM, POH, or AFMS. this AD and
(ii) For airplanes without fabricate the
an AFM, POH, or AFMS, do placard required in
the following:. paragraph
(A) Incorporate the language (f)(1)(ii)(B) of
in the Appendix of this AD this AD. Make an
into your aircraft entry into the
maintenance records; and. aircraft records
(B) Fabricate a placard showing compliance
(using at least 1/8-inch with these portions
letters) with the following of the AD in
words and install the accordance with 14
placard on the instrument CFR 43.9.
panel within the pilot's
clear view: ``THIS AD AND
SUPERSEDED AD 2008-06-28 R1
CONTAIN LIMITATIONS
REGARDING AVIDYNE PRIMARY
FLIGHT DISPLAYS (PFD) AND
REQUIRED INCORPORATION OF
THESE LIMITATIONS INTO THE
AIRCRAFT RECORDS. YOU MUST
FOLLOW THESE LIMITATIONS.''.
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(2) Inspect for a label Within the next 15 Follow Avidyne
marked ``Deviation 08-19A'' days after the Service Bulletin
on the exterior of the PFD effective date of No. 601-00006-096,
near the TSO label or a this AD. Revision 1, dated
``MOD 52'' marking. July 14, 2008.
(i) If the label marked
``Deviation 08-19A'' or
``MOD 52'' marking is
present, then the factory
servicing required by
paragraph (f)(4) of this AD
is incorporated. Remove the
limitations required by
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD
and AD 2008-06-28 R1.
Except for the actions of
paragraph (f)(5) of this
AD, no further action is
required by this AD..
(ii) If the label or mark is
not present, do the PFD air
data system performance
verification test in
Section 3.3 of the
referenced service
bulletin..
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(3) If the PFD passes the Within the next 15 Follow Avidyne
test required in paragraph days after the Service Bulletin
(f)(2)(ii) of this AD, effective date of No. 601-00006-096,
remove the limitations this AD. Revision 1, dated
required by paragraph July 14, 2008.
(f)(1) of this AD and AD
2008-06-28 R1. Except for
the actions of paragraph
(f)(5) of this AD, no
further action is required
by this AD.
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(4) If the PFD does not pass Within the next 15 Follow Avidyne
the test required in hours TIS after the Service Bulletin
paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of effective date of No. 601-00006-096,
this AD, do the following: this AD. Revision 1, dated
(i) Remove the PFD, have the July 14, 2008.
PFD factory serviced, and
install a PFD that has
passed the air data system
verification test or has
been factory serviced (PFD
bears a label marked
``Deviation 08-19A'' on the
exterior of the PFD near
the TSO label or a ``MOD
52'' marking);.
(ii) Remove the limitations
required by paragraph
(f)(1) of this AD and AD
2008-06-28 R1; and.
(iii) Except for the actions
of paragraph (f)(5) of this
AD, no further action is
required by this AD..
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[[Page 67433]]
(5) Do not install any PFD As of the effective Not applicable.
(P/Ns 700-00006-000, 700- date of this AD.
00006-001, 700-00006-002,
700-00006-003, or 700-00006-
100) with any affected
serial number listed in
Avidyne Service Bulletin
No. 601-00006-096, Revision
1, dated July 14, 2008,
unless it has passed the
air data system
verification test or has
been factory serviced (PFD
bears a label marked
``Deviation 08-19A'' on the
exterior of the PFD near
the TSO label or a ``MOD
52'' marking).
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Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Solomon
Hecht, Aerospace Engineer, ANE-150, Boston Aircraft Certification
Office, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts
01803, phone: (781) 238-7159, fax: (781) 238-7170. 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.
(h) AMOCs approved for AD 2008-06-28 R1 are approved for this
AD.
Related Information
(i) To get copies of the service information referenced in this
AD, contact Avidyne Corporation, 55 Old Bedford Road, Lincoln, MA
01773; telephone: (781) 402-7400; fax: (781) 402-7599. To view the
AD docket, go to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, or on the Internet at
http://www.regulations.gov.
Appendix to Docket No. FAA-2008-1210 Limitations Regarding Avidyne
Primary Flight Displays (PFDs)
Before conducting flight operations, pilots must review and be
familiar with the Crosscheck Monitor section of the Avidyne Primary
Flight Display Pilot's Guide and all limitations contained in the
aircraft operating handbook.
As a normal practice, all pilots should be vigilant in
conducting proper preflight and in-flight checks of instrument
accuracy, including:
Preflight check of the accuracy of both the primary and
backup altimeter against known airfield elevation and against each
other.
Verification of airspeed indications consistent with
prevailing conditions at startup, during taxi, and prior to takeoff.
``Airspeed alive'' check and reasonable indications
during takeoff roll.
Maintenance of current altimeter setting in both
primary and backup altimeters.
Cross-check of primary and backup altimeters at each
change of altimeter setting and prior to entering instrument
meteorological conditions (IMC).
Cross-check of primary and backup altimeters and
validation against other available data, such as glideslope
intercept altitude, prior to conducting any instrument approach.
Periodic cross-checks of primary and backup airspeed
indicators, preferably in combination with altimeter cross-checks.
For flight operations under instrument flight rules (IFR) or in
conditions in which visual reference to the horizon cannot be
reliably maintained (that is IMC, night operations, flight
operations over water, in haze or smoke) and the pilot has reasons
to suspect that any source (PFD or back-up instruments) of attitude,
airspeed, or altitude is not functioning properly, flight under IFR
or in these conditions must not be initiated (when condition is
determined on the ground) and further flight under IFR or in these
conditions is prohibited until equipment is serviced and functioning
properly.
Operation of aircraft not equipped with operating backup (or
standby) attitude, altimeter, and airspeed indicators that are
located where they are readily visible to the pilot is prohibited.
Pilots must frequently scan and crosscheck flight instruments to
make sure the information depicted on the PFD correlates and agrees
with the information depicted on the backup instruments.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 7, 2008.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-27082 Filed 11-13-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P