[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 223 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63174-63176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-29739]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-257-AD; Amendment 39-11420; AD 99-23-24]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal, Instrument Landing System
Navigation Receivers, as Installed in, but Not Limited to, Airbus Model
A300 Series Airplanes and Boeing Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -
200B, -200F, -200C, -300, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain instrument landing system (ILS) navigation
receivers manufactured by AlliedSignal. This action requires
replacement of certain resistors in the ILS navigation receiver with
higher ohm resistors and replacement of the nameplate on the receiver
with a new nameplate. This amendment is prompted by reports of ILS
navigation receivers incorrectly indicating signals from the glideslope
ground station during final approach. The actions specified in this AD
are intended to ensure the ILS receiver provides the flight crew with
accurate glideslope data. Inaccurate glideslope data could result in an
approach off the glideslope, and, consequently, a landing short of the
runway or a runway overrun.
DATES: Effective December 6, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 6, 1999.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before January 18, 2000.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-257-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
AlliedSignal Aerospace, Technical Publications, Dept. 65-70, P.O. Box
52170, Phoenix, Arizona 85072-2170. This information may be examined at
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay G. Yi, Aerospace Engineer, Systems
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-1013; fax (425) 227-1181.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received reports indicating
that, during final approach, instrument landing system (ILS) navigation
receivers installed on certain Airbus Model A300 series airplanes have
indicated a valid signal from the glideslope ground station, though the
ground station was not operating. An absent glideslope signal is
normally indicated by the glideslope instrument warning flag on the
radio direction magnetic indicator. In these events, the glideslope
instrument warning flag moved out of view, indicating to the flight
crew that a valid signal had been received from the glideslope ground
station. Investigation revealed that the ILS navigation receiver was
incorrectly responding to a low-voltage signal from the glideslope
ground station to the ILS enable input. The manufacturer of the
receiver has determined that certain resistors within the receiver are
improperly sized to ensure a correct response to all possible voltage
signals. This condition, if not corrected, could result in the ILS
navigation receiver providing inaccurate data to the flight crew by
falsely indicating a valid signal from the glideslope ground station.
The glideslope is the vertical flight path that an airplane is to
follow when making an ILS landing. Inaccurate data from the ILS
navigation receiver could lead to the airplane making an approach off
the glideslope, which could result in a landing short of the runway or
a runway overrun.
The affected ILS navigation receiver is installed on, but not
limited to, Airbus Model A300 series airplanes and Boeing Model 747-
100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200F, -200C, -300, 747SR, and 747SP
series airplanes.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved Bendix/King Service Bulletin RIA-
32A-34-47, Revision 1, dated January 1992, which describes procedures
for replacement of three resistors in the ILS navigation receiver with
higher ohm resistors. The FAA also has reviewed and approved Bendix/
King Service Bulletin RIA-32A-34-48, dated December 1991, which
describes procedures for replacement of the nameplate on the receiver
with a new nameplate (which, among other things, identifies a new part
number) once Bendix/King Service Bulletin RIA-32A-34-47 is
accomplished. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service
bulletins is
[[Page 63175]]
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.
Explanation of Requirements of the Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is
being issued to ensure the ILS receiver provides the flight crew with
accurate glideslope data. Inaccurate glideslope data could result in an
approach off the glideslope, and, consequently, a landing short of the
runway or a runway overrun. This AD requires accomplishment of the
actions specified in the service bulletins described previously, except
as discussed below.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Bulletin
Operators should note that this AD requires replacement of certain
resistors in the ILS navigation receiver with higher ohm resistors and
replacement of the nameplate on the receiver with a new nameplate
within 6 months after the effective date of this AD. Bendix/King
Service Bulletin RIA-32A-34-47 recommends that replacement of the
resistors with higher ohm resistors should be accomplished, ``during
the next routine maintenance.'' In developing an appropriate compliance
time for this action, the FAA considered not only the degree of urgency
associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, but the
availability of required parts. The FAA has determined that 6 months
represents an appropriate interval of time allowable wherein an ample
number of required parts will be available for modification of the U.S.
fleet within the compliance period. The FAA also finds that such a
compliance time will not adversely affect the safety of the affected
airplanes.
Operators also should note that, although Bendix/King Service
Bulletin RIA-32A-34-48 states that the new part numbers are intended
for Airbus Model A300 series airplanes only, this AD requires new part
numbers for components installed on any airplane. The FAA has
determined that accurate recordkeeping for components on which the
replacement has been accomplished necessitates new part numbers.
Cost Impact
None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S.
Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this rule
currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry;
therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. However,
the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe
condition is addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes
are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S.
Register in the future, it would require approximately 2 work hours to
accomplish the required replacement, at an average labor rate of $60
per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $55 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be
$175 per airplane.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no
additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal
Register.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this
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 under the caption
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional
rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the 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 that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 99-NM-257-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will 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 final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to 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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
99-23-24 AlliedSignal: Amendment 39-11420. Docket 99-NM-257-AD.
Applicability: RIA-32A instrument landing system (ILS)
navigation receivers having part numbers (P/N) 2070724-3201 and
3203; as installed in, but not limited to, Airbus Model A300 series
airplanes and Boeing Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200F,
-200C, -300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes; certificated in any
category.
Note 1: This AD applies to AlliedSignal RIA-32A ILS navigation
receivers having P/
[[Page 63176]]
N 2070724-3201 and -3203, as installed on 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 ensure the ILS receiver provides the flight crew with
accurate glideslope data, accomplish the following:
Replacement
(a) For ILS navigation receivers having serial numbers 1 through
2365 inclusive: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace three resistors in the ILS navigation receiver with higher
ohm resistors in accordance with Bendix/King Service Bulletin RIA-
32A-34-47, Revision 1, dated January 1992; and replace the nameplate
on the receiver with a new nameplate in accordance with Bendix/King
Service Bulletin RIA-32A-34-48, dated December 1991.
(b) For ILS navigation receivers having serial numbers 2366 and
subsequent: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace the nameplate on the receiver with a new nameplate in
accordance with Bendix/King Service Bulletin RIA-32A-34-48, dated
December 1991.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Avionics
Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager,
Seattle ACO.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Seattle ACO.
Special Flight Permits
(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.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) The replacements shall be done in accordance with Bendix/
King Service Bulletin RIA-32A-34-47, Revision 1, dated January 1992;
and Bendix/King Service Bulletin RIA-32A-34-48, dated December 1991.
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. Copies may be obtained from AlliedSignal Aerospace, Technical
Publications, Dept. 65-70, P.O. Box 52170, Phoenix, Arizona 85072-
2170. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on December 6, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 5, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-29739 Filed 11-18-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
