Airworthiness Directives; Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Model EA500 Airplanes, 61345-61348 [2010-24611]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 192 / Tuesday, October 5, 2010 / Rules and Regulations DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0691; Directorate Identifier 2010–CE–027–AD; Amendment 39–16459; AD 2010–20–24] RIN 2120–AA64 Eric Kinney, Aerospace Engineer, Ft. Worth Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone: (817) 222–5459; fax: (817) 222–5960; e-mail: eric.kinney@faa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Airworthiness Directives; Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Model EA500 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD requires incorporating changes to the electronic flight information system and the airplane flight manuals. This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded changes to the communications radio frequency, altitude preselect, and/or transponder codes. We are issuing this AD to correct faulty integration of hardware and software, which could result in unannunciated, uncommanded changes in communications radio frequency, transponder codes, and altitude preselect settings. These uncommanded changes could result in loss of communication with air traffic control due to improper communications frequency, autopilot level off at the incorrect altitude, or air traffic control loss of proper tracking of the aircraft. DATES: This AD is effective November 9, 2010. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of November 9, 2010. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Eclipse Aerospace Incorporated, 2503 Clark Carr Loop, SE., Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106; telephone: (505) 724–1200; https://www.eclipseaerospace.net. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 816–329–4148. emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// 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 AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:00 Oct 04, 2010 Jkt 223001 evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 9, 2010 (75 FR 39472). That NPRM proposed to require incorporating changes to the electronic flight information system and the airplane flight manual. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal and the FAA’s response to each comment. Request To Withdraw the NPRM and Issue a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) Chris Jackman, Eclipse Aerospace Incorporated, proposed the withdrawal of the NPRM and requested the FAA to issue an SAIB instead. The commenter reasoned that the majority of the affected airplanes have already incorporated the corrective action, and the owners/operators only need to send confirmation of their taking corrective action. The commenter also states that an SAIB would be the most effective means for operators to become aware of the unsafe condition and means to communicate compliance with the service information. The FAA disagrees with the comment. The Airworthiness Directives Manual, FAA–IR–M–8040.1C, dated May 17, 2010, prohibits the FAA from accepting assurance from a design approval holder that all products are in compliance as a reason not to issue an AD action. Consequently, we are making no change to the final rule AD action. PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 61345 Request To Correct the Applicability Section Chris Jackman requested a correction to the Applicability section, paragraph (c)(2) of the proposed AD action. He explained that the applicability in the NPRM is incorrect and should read as follows: SNs 000039 through 000104, 000113 through 000115, 000120, and 000123 through 000124, that incorporate Avionics Upgrade to AVIO NG Configuration for ETT Configured Aircraft per any revision level of Eclipse SB 500–99–002. The FAA agrees with the commenter’s correction. This error was corrected in the NPRM; correction, published in the Federal Register on August 2, 2010 (75 FR 45075). The final rule AD action incorporates that correction. Request To Add a Reference to Eclipse Aviation Recommended Service Bulletin SB 500–99–005, REV B, dated January 22, 2010 Chris Jackman commented that Eclipse Aviation Recommended Service Bulletin SB 500–99–005, REV B, dated January 22, 2010, also includes procedures for compliance with this AD and requested adding a reference to that service bulletin in addition to Eclipse Aviation Recommended Service Bulletin SB 500–99–005, REV A, dated February 16, 2009. The FAA agrees with the commenter. We are adding a reference to Eclipse Aviation Recommended Service Bulletin SB 500–99–005, REV B, dated January 22, 2010, to the final rule AD action. Request To Change the Contact Information for Eclipse Aerospace Incorporated Chris Jackman stated the contact for service information has changed. The current name is Eclipse Aerospace Incorporated instead of Eclipse Aviation Corporation. The FAA agrees with the commenter. We changed the contact information in the final rule AD action. Request To Withdraw the Proposed AD Gerard Wasselle stated that he and at least six other owners/pilots who have vast experience in the Eclipse Model EA500 airplane, all agree that the unsafe condition presented in the proposed AD occurs only in the AVIO NG version 1.1. We infer that the commenter would like to have the proposed AD withdrawn. We disagree with the commenter. The root cause investigation by Eclipse Aerospace Incorporated discovered that this problem can and has occurred in Innovative Solution & Support E:\FR\FM\05OCR1.SGM 05OCR1 61346 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 192 / Tuesday, October 5, 2010 / Rules and Regulations equipment with software versions 1.0 through 1.2. This AD is not applicable to Avidyne AVIO-equipped Model EA500 airplanes. We are not changing the final rule AD action as a result of this comment. Request To Withdraw the Proposed AD Because of Cost Gerard Wasselle stated the corrective action is cost prohibitive for owners of an older version of AVIO to upgrade to AVIO NG since it is more than the value of the airplane. We infer that the commenter would like to see the proposed AD withdrawn. The FAA disagrees with the commenter. This AD action does not apply to Avidyne AVIO-equipped Model EA500 airplanes. We are not changing the final rule AD action as a result of this comment. We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: • 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. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 168 airplanes of U.S. registry. Owners/operators will comply with this AD action by doing either of the following update options. We have no way of knowing the number of airplanes that would receive each of these upgrades. We estimate the following costs to do the electronic flight instrument system 1.3 software update: Total cost per airplane Labor cost Parts cost 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ............................................................... $600 to $1,500 .................................................. $770 to $1,670. We estimate the following costs to do the avionics upgrade to AVIO NG + 1.5 configuration: Labor cost Parts cost 198 work-hours × $85 per hour = $16,830 ..................................................................................................................... Authority for This Rulemaking emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with RULES 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 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:00 Oct 04, 2010 Jkt 223001 $233,120 Total cost per airplane $249,950 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 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. § 39.13 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. (c) This AD applies to Model EA500 airplanes with the following serial numbers (SNs) that are certificated in any category: (1) SNs 000105 through 000112, 000116 through 000119, 000121 through 000122, and 000125 through 000260; (2) SNs 000039 through 000104, 000113 through 000115, 000120, and 000123 through 000124, that incorporate Avionics Upgrade to AVIO NG Configuration for ETT Configured Aircraft per any revision level of Eclipse SB 500–99–002; and (3) SNs 000001 through 000038, that incorporate Performance Enhancement & Drag Reduction Modification per any revision level of Eclipse SB 500–99–001 and Avionics Upgrade to AVIO NG Configuration for ETT Configured Aircraft per any revision level of Eclipse SB 500–99–002. 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ 2010–20–24 Eclipse Aerospace, Inc.: Amendment 39–16459; Docket No. FAA–2010–0691; Directorate Identifier 2010–CE–027–AD. Effective Date (a) This AD is effective November 9, 2010. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability E:\FR\FM\05OCR1.SGM 05OCR1 61347 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 192 / Tuesday, October 5, 2010 / Rules and Regulations Subject (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 23: Communications. Unsafe Condition (e) This AD results from reports of uncommanded changes to the communications radio frequency, altitude preselect, and/or transponder codes. We are issuing this AD to correct faulty integration of hardware and software, which could result in unannunciated, uncommanded changes in communications radio frequency, transponder codes, and altitude preselect settings. These uncommanded changes could result in loss of communication with air traffic control due to improper communications frequency, autopilot level off at the incorrect altitude, or air traffic control loss of proper tracking of the aircraft. Compliance (f) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done: TABLE 1—ACTIONS, COMPLIANCE, AND PROCEDURES Actions (software updates and AFM revisions) Compliance Procedures (1) Incorporate one of the following set of software upgrades and AFM revisions: (i) Electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) 1.3 software update and one of the following airplane flight manual revisions: (A) Temporary Revision (TR) 010, Airplane Flight Manual part number (P/N) 06–122204 Before 3– 45, Revision 01 and TR 009, Quick Reference Handbook P/N 06–122205, Revision 01; or (B) TR 010A, Airplane Flight Manual P/N 06– 122204 Before 3–51, Revision 02 and TR 009A, Quick Reference Handbook P/N 06–122205, Revision 02; or (C) Airplane Flight Manual P/N 06–122204 Revision 3, dated February 3, 2010, and Quick Reference Handbook P/N 06–122205, Revision 03. (ii) Avionics upgrade to AVIO NG + 1.5 Configuration and one of the following airplane flight manual revisions: (A) Aircraft Flight Manual, P/N 06–122204, Revision 2, dated November 7, 2008, or (B) AVIO NG + 1.5 configuration and Aircraft Flight Manual, P/N 06–122204, Revision 3, dated February 10, 2010. (2) Send the completed service bulletin compliance record required by paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD or paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD to the address identified in paragraph (g) of this AD. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information collection requirements contained in this regulation under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. Incorporate within the next 6 months after November 9, 2010 (the effective date of this AD). Follow, as appropriate, Eclipse Aviation Required Service Bulletin SB 500-31–015, REV D, dated January 14, 2009; or Eclipse Aviation Recommended Service Bulletin SB 500– 99–005, REV A, dated February 16, 2009; or Eclipse Aviation Recommended Service Bulletin SB 500– 99–005, REV B, dated January 22, 2010. Within 30 days after you incorporate the revisions required by paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD or paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD or within 30 days after November 9, 2010 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later. Not Applicable. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office (ACO), 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: Eric Kinney, Fort Worth ACO, Aerospace Engineer, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone: (817) 222–5459; fax: (817) 222–5960. 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. Related Information (h) For more information about this AD, contact Eric Kinney, Aerospace Engineer, Fort Worth ACO, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; phone: (817) 222– 5459; fax: (817) 222–5960; e-mail: eric.kinney@faa.gov. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use the service information contained in Table 2 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information contained in Table 2 of this AD under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. TABLE 2—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with RULES Document Revision (i) Eclipse Aviation Required Service Bulletin SB 500-31–015 ................................................... (ii) Eclipse Aviation Recommended Service Bulletin SB 500–99–005 ........................................ (iii) Eclipse Aviation Recommended Service Bulletin SB 500–99–005 ....................................... REV D ......................... REV B ......................... REV A ......................... (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Eclipse Aerospace Incorporated, 2503 Clark Carr Loop, SE., Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106; telephone: VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:25 Oct 04, 2010 Jkt 223001 (505) 724–1200; https:// www.eclipseaerospace.net. (3) You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Date January 14, 2009. January 22, 2010. February 16, 2009. Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 816–329–4148. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by E:\FR\FM\05OCR1.SGM 05OCR1 61348 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 192 / Tuesday, October 5, 2010 / Rules and Regulations reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202–741– 6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/ federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 24, 2010. Patrick R. Mullen, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010–24611 Filed 10–4–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0276; Directorate Identifier 2009–NM–144–AD; Amendment 39–16452; AD 2010–20–17] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model CL–600–2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: Discussion We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: Three cases of in-flight loss of cabin pressurization have been reported, resulting from failure of a bulkhead check valve in combination with failure of an air supply duct. In addition to mandating inspection, rework and/or replacement of the air supply ducts, Airworthiness Directive (AD) CF– 2003–05 (subsequently revised to CF–2003– 05R1) [which corresponds to FAA AD 2004– 22–08] mandated the incorporation of a 4000 flight-hour repetitive inspection task for bulkhead check valves, Part Numbers (P/N) 92E20–3 and 92E20–4, into the approved maintenance schedule. However, this repetitive inspection task has since been superseded by a 3000 flight-hour periodic discard task for these bulkhead check valves. This directive mandates revision of the approved maintenance schedule to incorporate the discard task for bulkhead check valves, P/N 92E20–3 and 92E20–4, and supersedes the instructions in Corrective Actions, Part A, of AD CF–2003–05R1, dated 7 February 2006. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:00 Oct 04, 2010 Jkt 223001 We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective November 9, 2010. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 9, 2010. On December 2, 2004 (69 FR 62807, October 28, 2004), the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed in this AD. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Alfano, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE–171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228–7340; fax (516) 794–5531. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 5, 2010 (75 FR 17086). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Three cases of in-flight loss of cabin pressurization have been reported, resulting from failure of a bulkhead check valve in combination with failure of an air supply duct. In addition to mandating inspection, rework and/or replacement of the air supply ducts, Airworthiness Directive (AD) CF– 2003–05 (subsequently revised to CF–2003– 05R1) [which corresponds to FAA AD 2004– 22–08] mandated the incorporation of a 4000 flight-hour repetitive inspection task for bulkhead check valves, Part Numbers (P/N) 92E20–3 and 92E20–4, into the approved maintenance schedule. However, this repetitive inspection task has since been superseded by a 3000 flight-hour periodic discard task for these bulkhead check valves. This directive mandates revision of the approved maintenance schedule to incorporate the discard task for bulkhead check valves, P/N 92E20–3 and 92E20–4, and supersedes the instructions in Corrective Actions, Part A, of AD CF–2003–05R1, dated 7 February 2006. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the comments received. Request to Provide Credit for Actions Accomplished Per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin Air Wisconsin requests that credit be provided for actions accomplished in accordance with a previous issue of a service bulletin. Air Wisconsin states that paragraph (g)(3) of the NPRM specifies that actions accomplished in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R–21–053, dated November 8, 2001, are considered acceptable for compliance; however, paragraph (i) of the NPRM states that Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R–21–053, Revision ‘A,’ dated January 28, 2003, needs to be accomplished. Air Wisconsin states that the NPRM should provide credit for actions accomplished in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R–21–053, dated November 8, 2001; and Revision ‘A,’ dated January 28, 2003. Air Wisconsin states that Revision ‘A’ did not affect airplanes on which actions were accomplished in accordance with the original issue of that service bulletin. Air Wisconsin states that its affected airplanes were modified in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R–21–053, dated November 8, 2001. We agree that credit should be given for actions done in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R–21–053, dated November 8, 2001, and note that this AD does provide credit. In the ‘‘Restatement of Requirements of AD 2004–22–08, Amendment 39–13836’’ section of this AD, we refer to the latest revision of the service bulletin, Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R–21–053, Revision ‘A,’ dated January 28, 2003, for accomplishing the actions specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD. In paragraph (g)(3) of this AD, we provide credit for actions done before December 2, 2004 (the effective date of AD 2004– 22–08) in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R–21–053, dated November 8, 2001, with the corresponding actions in paragraphs specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD. We have not changed the AD in regard to this issue. Request To Clarify the Requirements of Paragraph (j) of the NPRM Comair, Inc. (Comair) notes that paragraph (j) of the NPRM proposes to revise the Airworthiness Limitations E:\FR\FM\05OCR1.SGM 05OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 192 (Tuesday, October 5, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61345-61348]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-24611]



[[Page 61345]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0691; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-027-AD; 
Amendment 39-16459; AD 2010-20-24]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Model EA500 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD requires incorporating changes to the 
electronic flight information system and the airplane flight manuals. 
This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded changes to the 
communications radio frequency, altitude preselect, and/or transponder 
codes. We are issuing this AD to correct faulty integration of hardware 
and software, which could result in unannunciated, uncommanded changes 
in communications radio frequency, transponder codes, and altitude 
preselect settings. These uncommanded changes could result in loss of 
communication with air traffic control due to improper communications 
frequency, autopilot level off at the incorrect altitude, or air 
traffic control loss of proper tracking of the aircraft.

DATES: This AD is effective November 9, 2010.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of November 9, 
2010.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Eclipse Aerospace Incorporated, 2503 Clark Carr Loop, SE., Albuquerque, 
New Mexico 87106; telephone: (505) 724-1200; https://www.eclipseaerospace.net. You may review copies of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 816-329-4148.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://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 AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Kinney, Aerospace Engineer, Ft. 
Worth Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort 
Worth, Texas 76137; telephone: (817) 222-5459; fax: (817) 222-5960; e-
mail: eric.kinney@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to 
the specified products. That NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
July 9, 2010 (75 FR 39472). That NPRM proposed to require incorporating 
changes to the electronic flight information system and the airplane 
flight manual.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Withdraw the NPRM and Issue a Special Airworthiness 
Information Bulletin (SAIB)

    Chris Jackman, Eclipse Aerospace Incorporated, proposed the 
withdrawal of the NPRM and requested the FAA to issue an SAIB instead.
    The commenter reasoned that the majority of the affected airplanes 
have already incorporated the corrective action, and the owners/
operators only need to send confirmation of their taking corrective 
action. The commenter also states that an SAIB would be the most 
effective means for operators to become aware of the unsafe condition 
and means to communicate compliance with the service information.
    The FAA disagrees with the comment. The Airworthiness Directives 
Manual, FAA-IR-M-8040.1C, dated May 17, 2010, prohibits the FAA from 
accepting assurance from a design approval holder that all products are 
in compliance as a reason not to issue an AD action. Consequently, we 
are making no change to the final rule AD action.

Request To Correct the Applicability Section

    Chris Jackman requested a correction to the Applicability section, 
paragraph (c)(2) of the proposed AD action. He explained that the 
applicability in the NPRM is incorrect and should read as follows:

    SNs 000039 through 000104, 000113 through 000115, 000120, and 
000123 through 000124, that incorporate Avionics Upgrade to AVIO NG 
Configuration for ETT Configured Aircraft per any revision level of 
Eclipse SB 500-99-002.

    The FAA agrees with the commenter's correction. This error was 
corrected in the NPRM; correction, published in the Federal Register on 
August 2, 2010 (75 FR 45075). The final rule AD action incorporates 
that correction.

Request To Add a Reference to Eclipse Aviation Recommended Service 
Bulletin SB 500-99-005, REV B, dated January 22, 2010

    Chris Jackman commented that Eclipse Aviation Recommended Service 
Bulletin SB 500-99-005, REV B, dated January 22, 2010, also includes 
procedures for compliance with this AD and requested adding a reference 
to that service bulletin in addition to Eclipse Aviation Recommended 
Service Bulletin SB 500-99-005, REV A, dated February 16, 2009.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter. We are adding a reference to 
Eclipse Aviation Recommended Service Bulletin SB 500-99-005, REV B, 
dated January 22, 2010, to the final rule AD action.

Request To Change the Contact Information for Eclipse Aerospace 
Incorporated

    Chris Jackman stated the contact for service information has 
changed. The current name is Eclipse Aerospace Incorporated instead of 
Eclipse Aviation Corporation.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter. We changed the contact 
information in the final rule AD action.

Request To Withdraw the Proposed AD

    Gerard Wasselle stated that he and at least six other owners/pilots 
who have vast experience in the Eclipse Model EA500 airplane, all agree 
that the unsafe condition presented in the proposed AD occurs only in 
the AVIO NG version 1.1. We infer that the commenter would like to have 
the proposed AD withdrawn.
    We disagree with the commenter. The root cause investigation by 
Eclipse Aerospace Incorporated discovered that this problem can and has 
occurred in Innovative Solution & Support

[[Page 61346]]

equipment with software versions 1.0 through 1.2. This AD is not 
applicable to Avidyne AVIO-equipped Model EA500 airplanes. We are not 
changing the final rule AD action as a result of this comment.

Request To Withdraw the Proposed AD Because of Cost

    Gerard Wasselle stated the corrective action is cost prohibitive 
for owners of an older version of AVIO to upgrade to AVIO NG since it 
is more than the value of the airplane. We infer that the commenter 
would like to see the proposed AD withdrawn.
    The FAA disagrees with the commenter. This AD action does not apply 
to Avidyne AVIO-equipped Model EA500 airplanes. We are not changing the 
final rule AD action as a result of this comment.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     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.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 168 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    Owners/operators will comply with this AD action by doing either of 
the following update options. We have no way of knowing the number of 
airplanes that would receive each of these upgrades.
    We estimate the following costs to do the electronic flight 
instrument system 1.3 software update:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Total cost per
          Labor cost                Parts cost            airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $85 per hour =   $600 to $1,500...  $770 to $1,670.
 $170.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     We estimate the following costs to do the avionics upgrade to AVIO 
NG + 1.5 configuration:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Total cost
                  Labor cost                     Parts cost      per
                                                               airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
198 work-hours x $85 per hour = $16,830.......     $233,120     $249,950
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    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 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.

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 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):

2010-20-24 Eclipse Aerospace, Inc.: Amendment 39-16459; Docket No. 
FAA-2010-0691; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-027-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD is effective November 9, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model EA500 airplanes with the following 
serial numbers (SNs) that are certificated in any category:
    (1) SNs 000105 through 000112, 000116 through 000119, 000121 
through 000122, and 000125 through 000260;
    (2) SNs 000039 through 000104, 000113 through 000115, 000120, 
and 000123 through 000124, that incorporate Avionics Upgrade to AVIO 
NG Configuration for ETT Configured Aircraft per any revision level 
of Eclipse SB 500-99-002; and
    (3) SNs 000001 through 000038, that incorporate Performance 
Enhancement & Drag Reduction Modification per any revision level of 
Eclipse SB 500-99-001 and Avionics Upgrade to AVIO NG Configuration 
for ETT Configured Aircraft per any revision level of Eclipse SB 
500-99-002.

[[Page 61347]]

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 23: 
Communications.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from reports of uncommanded changes to the 
communications radio frequency, altitude preselect, and/or 
transponder codes. We are issuing this AD to correct faulty 
integration of hardware and software, which could result in 
unannunciated, uncommanded changes in communications radio 
frequency, transponder codes, and altitude preselect settings. These 
uncommanded changes could result in loss of communication with air 
traffic control due to improper communications frequency, autopilot 
level off at the incorrect altitude, or air traffic control loss of 
proper tracking of the aircraft.

Compliance

    (f) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless 
already done:

                                                      Table 1--Actions, Compliance, and Procedures
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Actions (software updates and AFM revisions)                           Compliance                                    Procedures
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Incorporate one of the following set of software upgrades  Incorporate within the next 6 months after    Follow, as appropriate, Eclipse Aviation
 and AFM revisions:                                             November 9, 2010 (the effective date of       Required Service Bulletin SB 500[dash]31-
(i) Electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) 1.3 software     this AD).                                     015, REV D, dated January 14, 2009; or
 update and one of the following airplane flight manual                                                       Eclipse Aviation Recommended Service
 revisions:                                                                                                   Bulletin SB 500-99-005, REV A, dated
(A) Temporary Revision (TR) 010, Airplane Flight Manual part                                                  February 16, 2009; or Eclipse Aviation
 number (P/N) 06-122204 Before 3-45, Revision 01 and TR 009,                                                  Recommended Service Bulletin SB 500-99-
 Quick Reference Handbook P/N 06-122205, Revision 01; or                                                      005, REV B, dated January 22, 2010.
(B) TR 010A, Airplane Flight Manual P/N 06-122204 Before 3-
 51, Revision 02 and TR 009A, Quick Reference Handbook P/N 06-
 122205, Revision 02; or
(C) Airplane Flight Manual P/N 06-122204 Revision 3, dated
 February 3, 2010, and Quick Reference Handbook P/N 06-
 122205, Revision 03.
(ii) Avionics upgrade to AVIO NG + 1.5 Configuration and one
 of the following airplane flight manual revisions:
(A) Aircraft Flight Manual, P/N 06-122204, Revision 2, dated
 November 7, 2008, or
(B) AVIO NG + 1.5 configuration and Aircraft Flight Manual, P/
 N 06-122204, Revision 3, dated February 10, 2010.
(2) Send the completed service bulletin compliance record      Within 30 days after you incorporate the      Not Applicable.
 required by paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD or paragraph        revisions required by paragraph (f)(1)(i)
 (f)(1)(ii) of this AD to the address identified in paragraph   of this AD or paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this
 (g) of this AD. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB)      AD or within 30 days after November 9, 2010
 approved the information collection requirements contained     (the effective date of this AD), whichever
 in this regulation under the provisions of the Paperwork       occurs later.
 Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and assigned
 OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office (ACO), 
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: Eric Kinney, Fort Worth ACO, Aerospace Engineer, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone: (817) 222-5459; fax: 
(817) 222-5960. 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.

Related Information

    (h) For more information about this AD, contact Eric Kinney, 
Aerospace Engineer, Fort Worth ACO, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort 
Worth, Texas 76137; phone: (817) 222-5459; fax: (817) 222-5960; e-
mail: eric.kinney@faa.gov.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use the service information contained in Table 2 of 
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information contained in 
Table 2 of this AD under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

                                   Table 2--Material Incorporated By Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Document                              Revision                                Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) Eclipse Aviation Required         REV D...............................  January 14, 2009.
 Service Bulletin SB 500[dash]31-015.
(ii) Eclipse Aviation Recommended     REV B...............................  January 22, 2010.
 Service Bulletin SB 500-99-005.
(iii) Eclipse Aviation Recommended    REV A...............................  February 16, 2009.
 Service Bulletin SB 500-99-005.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Eclipse Aerospace Incorporated, 2503 Clark Carr Loop, SE., 
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106; telephone: (505) 724-1200; https://www.eclipseaerospace.net.
    (3) You may review copies of the referenced service information 
at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call 816-329-4148.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by

[[Page 61348]]

reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an 
NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 24, 2010.
Patrick R. Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-24611 Filed 10-4-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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