[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 3, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30155-30156]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-14612]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-142-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell IC-600 Integrated Avionics
Computers, as Installed in, but not Limited to, Learjet Model 45 and
EMBRAER Model EMB-145 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Honeywell IC-600
integrated avionics computers. This proposal would require modification
of the integrated avionics computers. This proposal is prompted by a
report of integrated avionics computer failures, which caused a
``random reset'' condition of the electronic flight instrument system.
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent such
``random reset'' conditions, which could affect the pilot's ability to
control the airplane.
DATES: Comments must be received by July 20, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-142-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Honeywell Inc., Business and Commuter Aviation Systems,
Box 29000, Phoenix, Arizona 85038. This information may be examined at
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
California.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: J. Kirk Baker, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5345;
fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 98-NM-142-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 98-NM-142-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The FAA has received a report indicating that, during several test
flights of a Cessna Model XL series airplane, the screen of the
electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) turned blank. Investigation
has revealed that the Honeywell IC-600 integrated avionics computer
failed, which resulted in a ``random reset'' condition of the EFIS.
During such a ``random reset'' condition, the following events may
occur: the primary flight displays may turn blank, or display a red
``X,'' and take 10 to 15 seconds to reboot; the flight director mode
may drop; the EFIS may reset to its default state; and the autopilot
and/or the yaw damper, if engaged, may disconnect. This ``random
reset'' condition of the EFIS, if not
[[Page 30156]]
corrected, could affect the pilot's ability to control the airplane.
The affected computers are Honeywell IC-600 integrated avionics
computers, which may be installed in, but not limited to, Learjet Model
45 and EMBRAER Model EMB-145 series airplanes.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved Honeywell Service Bulletin
7017000-22-43, dated March 24, 1998, which describes procedures for
modification of the integrated avionics computers. This modification
involves replacing programmable array logic devices U6, U32, and U33
with new modified parts; adding two resistors; replacing resistor R7
with a new value; adding two capacitors; and adding bus wires.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin is
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the
proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in
the service bulletin described previously.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 38 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 20 airplanes of U.S. registry
would be affected by this proposed AD. It would take approximately 2
work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed modification at an
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be
supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $2,400, or $120 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of
this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in
the future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct
effects 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, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this 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) if promulgated, 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 draft
regulatory 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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Honeywell. Docket 98-NM-142-AD.
Applicability: Honeywell IC-600 integrated avionics computers
having part numbers 7017000-82201, -82202, -82203, -82204, -82351, -
82352, -82401, -82402, -82403, -83351, -83352, -83401, -83402, and -
83403, as installed in, but not limited to, Learjet Model 45 and
EMBRAER Model EMB-145 series airplanes.
Note 1: This AD applies to Honeywell IC-600 integrated avionics
computers having part numbers 7017000-82201, -82202, -82203, -82204,
-82351, -82352, -82401, -82402, -82403, -83351, -83352, -83401, -
83402, and -83403, as installed in any airplane, regardless of
whether the airplane 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 (c) 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 the unsafe condition
has not been eliminated, the request should include specific
proposed actions to address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent a ``random reset'' condition of the electronic flight
instrument system, which could affect the pilot's ability to control
the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
the IC-600 integrated avionics computer, in accordance with
Honeywell Service Bulletin 7017000-22-43, dated March 24, 1998.
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
a Honeywell IC-600 integrated avionics computer having part number
7017000-82201, -82202, -82203, -82204, -82351, -82352, -82401, -
82402, -82403, -83351, -83352, -83401, -83402, or -83403 on any
airplane, unless it has been modified in accordance with Honeywell
Service Bulletin 7017000-22-43, dated March 24, 1998.
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Los Angeles ACO.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 27, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-14612 Filed 6-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U