[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 181 (Wednesday, September 18, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57253-57257]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-22396]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0707; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-158-AD;
Amendment 39-17582; AD 2013-18-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell ASCa Inc. Emergency Locator
Transmitters Installed on Various Transport Category Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Honeywell ASCa Inc. emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) installed on
various transport category airplanes. This AD requires various one-time
general visual inspections of the ELT transmitter units (TUs), and
corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a fire on a
parked and unoccupied airplane; preliminary information indicated
combustion in the area of the ELT TU. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct discrepancies of the battery wiring installation inside the
TU, which could result in an electrical short and possible ignition
source.
DATES: This AD becomes effective October 3, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 3,
2013.
We must receive comments on this AD by November 4, 2013.
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
[[Page 57254]]
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, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For Honeywell service information identified in this AD, contact
Honeywell ASCa Inc., Customer and Product Support, Customer Support
Operations, 3333 Unity Drive, Mississauga, ON, Canada L5L 3S6;
telephone: 800-601-3099 (toll-free U.S.A./Canada); telephone: 602-365-
3099 (international) email: [email protected]; Internet:
www.myaerospace.com. For Boeing service information that is specified
but not incorporated by reference in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-
65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax
206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review
copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other information. The street address for the
Docket Operations 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: Assata Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer,
Avionics and Services Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury,
NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7301; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2013-25, dated August 15, 2013 (referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an
unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
Following an event where a fire broke out on a parked and
unoccupied aeroplane, the United Kingdom Air Accidents Investigation
Branch (AAIB) carried out an investigation to determine the cause of
the fire. Although the investigation is still ongoing, preliminary
information indicated that there was combustion in the area of the
ELT TU. Subsequent to the fire event, inspection of in-service ELT
TUs revealed battery wiring installation discrepancies inside the TU
that may result in an electrical short. The AAIB noted that in case
of an electrical short, the ELT battery could provide the energy for
an ignition.
This [Canadian] AD is issued as a precautionary measure to
address the possibility of a fire due to wiring installation
discrepancies of either the ELT TU or the ELT Battery. Depending on
the outcome of the AAIB investigation, Transport Canada may revise
this [Canadian] AD or mandate additional corrective actions.
This AD requires one-time general visual inspections of the ELT
TUs, and applicable corrective actions. Inspections include general
visual inspections for deformation (including bulges and gaps) in the
battery cover, damage (including cuts, breaks, cracks, and splits) to
the black protective cover of the battery, damage (including cuts,
breaks, and splits) to the battery wires and insulation, damage to the
TU battery connection wires (including flattening and exposed wires and
insulation), and discrepancies (i.e., the gasket shows signs of
deformation or indentation, or any blue pull-tab is trapped between the
cover and the TU) of the battery cover gasket. Corrective actions
include returning the battery/TU to Honeywell, and doing the ``return
to service'' actions (including marking/identifying the battery and TU;
repeating the cover inspection one time; and installing the new or
serviceable TU). You may obtain further information by examining the
MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Honeywell ASCa Inc. has issued Alert Service Bulletin 1152682-23-
A22, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2013. The actions described in this
service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition
identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Explanation of Compliance Time
We acknowledge that a compliance time of 120 days is unusually long
for an immediately adopted rule. In this case, however, we have
determined that it is necessary to provide sufficient time for
operators to adequately prepare to meet the requirements of this AD.
Based on the large number of affected ELTs, we consider this compliance
time necessary to avoid unnecessarily disrupting flight schedules.
Although the Canadian AD mandates a 150-day compliance time, we have
determined that the 120-day compliance time required by this AD will
adequately address the identified unsafe condition. Therefore, a
compliance time of 120 days has been specified in order to provide
operators with sufficient time to accomplish the requirements of this
AD.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because
discrepancies of the battery wiring installation inside the TU could
result in an electrical short and possible ignition source. Therefore,
we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before
issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making
this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0707; Directorate
Identifier 2013-NM-158-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may
[[Page 57255]]
amend this 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 AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 3,832 ELTs installed on transport
category airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to
comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspections......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $325,720
hour = $85.
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for additional required actions, as the time required to
accomplish those actions is specific to the 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 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.
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);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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 (AD):
2013-18-09 Honeywell ASCa Inc.: Amendment 39-17582. Docket No. FAA-
2013-0707; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-158-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective October 3, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Honeywell ASCs Inc. emergency locator
transmitters (ELTs) Model RESCU 406AF and 406AFN with transmitter
unit (TU) part numbers (P/Ns) 1152682-1, -2, and -3, installed on
transport category airplanes, certificated in any category, but not
limited to the airplanes identified in table 1 to paragraph (c) of
this AD.
Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of This AD--Affected Airplane Models
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Manufacturer Airplane model
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(1) The Boeing Company............ (i) 717-200 airplanes.
(ii) 727, 727C, 727-100, 727 -100C,
727-200, and 727-200F series
airplanes.
(iii) 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -
400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -800,
-900, and -900ER series airplanes.
(iv) 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -
200B, -200C, -200F, -300, -400, -
400D, and -400F series airplanes;
and 747SR, 747SP, 747-8F, and 747-8
series airplanes.
(v) 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -
300 series airplanes.
(vi) 767-200, -300, -300F, and -
400ER series airplanes.
(vii) 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER,
and 777F series airplanes.
(viii) 787-8 airplanes.
(ix) MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes.
(x) DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-
82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87
(MD-87) airplanes.
(xi) MD-88 airplanes.
(xii) MD-90-30 airplanes.
[[Page 57256]]
(2) Lockheed Martin Corporation/ 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, 382G, and
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics 382J airplanes.
Company.
(3) Airbus........................ (i) A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-
203, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203
airplanes.
(ii) A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620,
and B4-622 airplanes.
(iii) A300 B4-605R and B4-622R
airplanes.
(iv) A300 F4-605R and F4-622R
airplanes.
(v) A300 C4-605R Variant F
airplanes.
(vi) A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -
304, -322, -324, and -325
airplanes.
(vii) A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -
231, -232, and -233 airplanes.
(viii) A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -
212, -213, -231, and -232
airplanes.
(ix) A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
(x) A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and
243 airplanes.
(xi) A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -
322, -323, -341, -342, and -343
airplanes.
(xii) A340-211, -212, and -213
airplanes.
(xiii) A340-311, -312, and -313
airplanes.
(xiv) A340-541 airplanes.
(xv) A340-642 airplanes.
(xvi) A380-800 series airplanes.
(4) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport (i) ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500
R[eacute]gional. airplanes.
(ii) ATR72-101, -201, -102, -202, -
211, -212, and -212A airplanes.
(5) Dassault Aviation............. FALCON 7X airplanes.
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(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 23,
Communications.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a fire on a parked and unoccupied
airplane; preliminary information indicated combustion in the area
of the ELT TU. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
discrepancies of the battery wiring installation inside the TU,
which could result in an electrical short and possible ignition
source.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Inspection
For any ELT TU with any serial number identified in paragraph
1.A., ``Effectivity,'' including the serial numbers identified in
the Note in paragraph 1.A., of Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin
1152682-23-A22, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2013: Within 120 days
after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) Remove the TU from the airplane.
(2) Do one-time general visual inspections of the ELT TU, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Honeywell Alert
Service Bulletin 1152682-23-A22, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2013.
(h) TU/Battery Pack Return
During any inspection required by this AD, if any discrepancy is
found that is unacceptable or exceeds limits as specified in
Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin 1152682-23-A22, Revision 1, dated
August 8, 2013: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1)
or (h)(2) of this AD, return the TU or battery pack, as applicable,
to Honeywell ASCa Inc., Customer and Product Support, Customer
Support Operations, 3333 Unity Drive, Mississauga, ON, Canada L5L
3S6; telephone: 800-601-3099 (toll-free U.S.A./Canada); telephone:
602-365-3099 (international) email: [email protected];
Internet: www.myaerospace.com.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Within 10 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.
(i) Post-inspection Actions
Before further flight after accomplishing the actions required
by paragraph (g) of this AD: Perform all applicable return to
service actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin 1152682-23-A22, Revision 1,
dated August 8, 2013. Install a TU that is identified in paragraph
3.F.(2) or 3.F.(3) of Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin 1152682-23-
A22, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2013.
(j) Parts Installation Limitations
After installation or replacement of the TU as required by this
AD or as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD, no person may
install an ELT TU battery unless it is installed using a method
approved by either the Manager, New York ACO, FAA; or TCCA (or its
delegated agent).
(k) Acceptable Prior Actions for Certain Airplanes
(1) For The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes identified in
AD 2013-15-07, Amendment 39-17523 (78 FR 45054, July 26, 2013):
Accomplishment of the applicable requirements of AD 2013-15-07
before the effective date of this AD is acceptable for compliance
with the requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the applicable actions
required by paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using
Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin 1152682-23-A22, dated August 1,
2013, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, if the applicable actions
specified in the service information identified in paragraphs
(k)(3)(i) through (k)(3)(vi) of this AD were performed before the
effective date of this AD using the applicable service information
identified in paragraphs (k)(3)(i) through (k)(3)(vi) of this AD.
This service information is not incorporated by reference in this
AD.
(i) For The Boeing Company Model 717-200 airplanes: Boeing Multi
Operator Message MOM-MOM-13-0597-01B, dated July 28, 2013.
(ii) For The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -
900, and -900ER series airplanes: Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-
MOM-13-0593-01B, dated July 28, 2013.
(iii) For The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F
series airplanes: Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-13-0594-01B,
dated July 28, 2013.
(iv) For The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes: Boeing Multi
Operator Message MOM-MOM-13-0595-01B, dated July 28, 2013.
(v) For The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes: Boeing Multi
Operator Message MOM-MOM-13-0596-01B, dated July 28, 2013.
(vi) For The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes: Boeing Multi
Operator Message MOM-MOM-13-0570-01B, dated July 19, 2013; or Boeing
Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-13-0590-01B, dated July 26, 2013.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
[[Page 57257]]
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New
York ACO, ANE-170, 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 ACO, send it to ATTN: Program
Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-
7300; fax 516-794-5531. 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. The AMOC approval letter must
specifically reference this AD.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2013-25, dated August 15,
2013, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
(2) For Boeing service information that is specified but not
incorporated by reference in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC
2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1;
fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(3) Honeywell service information specified but not incorporated
by reference in this AD may be obtained at the addresses identified
in paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin 1152682-23-A22, Revision 1,
dated August 8, 2013.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Honeywell service information identified in this AD,
contact Honeywell ASCa Inc., Customer and Product Support, Customer
Support Operations, 3333 Unity Drive, Mississauga, ON, Canada L5L
3S6; telephone: 800-601-3099 (toll-free U.S.A./Canada); telephone:
602-365-3099 (international) email: [email protected];
Internet: www.myaerospace.com.
(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425-227-1221.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 6, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-22396 Filed 9-17-13; 8:45 am]
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