Proposed Technical Standard Order (TSO)-C126b, 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT) and Notice of Intent To Withdraw TSO Authorizations (TSOA) for TSO-C91a, Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Equipment, and TSO-C126/C126a, 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT), 41473-41475 [2012-17115]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 135 / Friday, July 13, 2012 / Notices 41473 of Veterans Business Development, 409 3rd Street SW., Washington, DC 20416. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.sba.gov/vets. DEPARTMENT OF STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION [Public Notice 7953] Federal Aviation Administration Dated: July 5, 2012. Dan Jones, SBA Committee Management Officer. Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: ‘‘Lion Attacking a Horse’’ [FR Doc. 2012–17109 Filed 7–12–12; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 7954] Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: ‘‘Projects 98: Slavs and Tartars’’ Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, and Delegation of Authority No. 236–3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003), I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ‘‘Projects 98: Slavs and Tartars,’’ imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at The Museum of Modern Art in New York, New York from on or about August 8, 2012, until on or about December 11, 2012, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, including a list of the exhibit objects, contact Ona M. Hahs, Attorney-Adviser, Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: 202–632–6473). The mailing address is U.S. Department of State, SA– 5, L/PD, Fifth Floor (Suite 5H03), Washington, DC 20522–0505. SUMMARY: srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, and Delegation of Authority No. 236–3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003), I hereby determine that the object entitled ‘‘Lion Attacking a Horse,’’ to be imported by The J. Paul Getty Museum from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, is of cultural significance. The object is imported pursuant to a loan agreement with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit object at The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California from on or about August 10, 2012 to on or about February 4, 2013; and possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined; is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register. SUMMARY: BILLING CODE P For further information, including a listing of the exhibit object, contact Ona M. Hahs, Attorney-Adviser, Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: 202–632–6473). The mailing address is U.S. Department of State, SA– 5, L/PD, Fifth Floor (Suite 5H03), Washington, DC 20522–0505. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dated: June 29, 2012. J. Adam Ereli, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. 2012–17179 Filed 7–12–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–05–P Dated: June 29, 2012. J. Adam Ereli, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. 2012–17170 Filed 7–12–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–05–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:08 Jul 12, 2012 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00124 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Proposed Technical Standard Order (TSO)–C126b, 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT) and Notice of Intent To Withdraw TSO Authorizations (TSOA) for TSO–C91a, Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Equipment, and TSO–C126/C126a, 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of availability and request for public comment. AGENCY: This notice announces the availability of proposed TSO–C126b and the FAA’s intent to withdraw TSO authorizations (TSOA) issued for the manufacture of automatic fixed (AF) and automatic portable (AP) ELTs under TSO–C91a, TSO–C126, and TSO–C126a which incorporate hook and loop fasteners in their design. This proposed action would affect ELT manufacturers. The FAA is not proposing requiring actions on previously installed ELTs. The FAA is taking this action based on its determination that hook and loop fasteners are not an acceptable means of compliance to meet the mounting and retention requirements of current TSOs for ELTs. The FAA is requesting comment on proposed TSO–C126b and the FAA’s proposal to withdraw certain other ELT TSOAs. DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 11, 2012. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Charisse Green, AIR–130, Federal Aviation Administration, 470 L’Enfant Plaza, Suite 4102, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone (202) 385–5637, fax (202) 385–4651, email to: Charisse.Green@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Comments Invited You are invited to comment on proposed TSO–C126b and the proposed withdrawal of TSOAs for the manufacture of automatic fixed (AF) and automatic portable (AP) ELTs under TSO–C91a, TSO–C126, and TSO–C126a which incorporate hook and loop fasteners in their design by submitting written data, views, or arguments to the address specified in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. If you propose alternate actions, please provide detailed information on your alternative and indicate whether the information you provide is proprietary. Comments received may be examined, both before and after the closing date at Federal E:\FR\FM\13JYN1.SGM 13JYN1 41474 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 135 / Friday, July 13, 2012 / Notices Aviation Administration, 470 L’Enfant Plaza, Suite 4102, Washington, DC 20024., weekdays except Federal holidays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The Director, Aircraft Certification Service, will consider all comments received on or before the closing date. srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Background In several recent aircraft accidents, ELTs mounted with hook and loop fasteners, commonly referred to as Velcro®, have detached from their aircraft mounting tray. The separation of the ELT from its mounting tray has caused the antenna connection to sever, rendering the ELT ineffective and severely impacting the performance of the TSO’d ELT. Section 347 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112–95) requires the FAA to determine if the ELT mounting requirements and retention tests specified by TSO–C91a and TSO–C126 are adequate to assess retention capabilities in ELT designs. Based on that determination, the Act requires the Administrator to make any necessary revisions to the requirements and retention tests to ensure that ELTs are properly retained in the event of an aircraft accident. Evaluation of ELT Mounting Requirements and Retention Tests The FAA evaluated the mounting requirements and retention tests specified in TSO–C91a, TSO–C126 and TSO–C126a. These TSOs specifically address ELT mounting and require the mounting design to meet certain specifications; however, they do not require or preclude any specific type of retention mechanism. Based upon its evaluation, the FAA has determined that the standards contained in these TSOs do not adequately address the use of hook and loop fasteners. While these types of fasteners can meet the TSO requirements for retention forces in laboratory conditions, accident investigations have found these fasteners are not reliable in service. Recent accident data reveals hook and loop fasteners have failed to retain the ELT in its mount. The following three documents describe specific accidents in which an ELT failed to remain its mount after an accident: (1) NTSB Aircraft Accident Report AAR–11–03: The antenna cable was severed from the ELT when the ELT slipped out of the hook and loop fastener which retained the ELT to the installed mount. The ELT functioned properly during post accident testing by the manufacturer and NTSB. As a result of its investigation the NTSB made VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:08 Jul 12, 2012 Jkt 226001 safety recommendation A–10–170 to the FAA which stated: ‘‘Determine if the emergency locator transmitter mounting requirements and retention tests specified by TSO–C91a and TSO–C126a are adequate to assess retention capabilities in ELT designs. Based on the results of this determination, revise, as necessary, TSO requirements to ensure proper retention of ELTs during airplane accidents.’’ (2) NTSB Factual Report—Aviation NTSB ID WPR10FA273: The antenna cable was severed from the ELT when the ELT slipped out of the hook and loop fastener which retained the ELT to the installed mount. The ELT functioned but without the antenna the transmissions were not strong enough to be received by the search and rescue satellites. (3) Transportation Safety Board of Canada Aviation Safety Advisory A11W0151–D1–A2, Loose Attachment of Kannad 406 AF-Compact (ER) ELT. This advisory highlights an October 2011 Cessna 208B accident where inadequate installation of the hook and loop fastener resulted in the ELT sliding out of its mount, disconnecting from the antenna cable, and failing to perform its intended function. Both government and industry guidance material discourages the use of hook and loop fasteners and notes potential difficulties with their use in ELT mounting. Advisory material discouraging the use of hook and loop fasteners includes the following: (1) Advisory Circular AC 91–44A, Operational and Maintenance Practices for Emergency Locator Transmitters and Receivers, paragraph 6.a., states that attachment of ELTs solely by means of Velcro® strips and other flexible materials is not considered satisfactory since the ‘‘g’’ switches may fail to operate or the equipment may come out of its mounting resulting in damage to the ELT and possible damage to the antenna or antenna coaxial cable. (2) RTCA DO–DO–182, Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Equipment Installation and Performance, section 1.2 a., states that ELTs secured with Velcro® strips are an improper installation. (3) NASA Technical Memorandum81960, Evaluation of EmergencyLocator-Transmitter Performance in Real and Simulated Crash Tests, states: ‘‘Typical mounts can vary from sturdy mounts, to mounts using Velcro®, plastic ties, and mounts on non-airframe structure in the airplanes. This diversity in mounting techniques include improper and/or inadequate mounting of many ELT’s and is likely to be one PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 source of problems of nonfunctioning and/or false activations of some units.’’ FAA Concerns After completing its evaluation of the use of hook and loop fasteners for ELT retention the agency identified the following concerns: (1) Hook and loop fasteners fail to retain the ELT when insufficient tension is applied when closing the fastener. There is no repeatable method for installation and no method to evaluate the tension of the hook and loop fastener. The allowance for pilots to secure ELTs to the aircraft when changing ELT batteries further increases the potential for inconsistent and unsatisfactory installations. (2) Hook and loop fasteners closed with proper tension may stretch or loosen over time due to wear, fluids, vibration, and use leading to insufficient tension to retain the ELT. (3) Hook and loop fasteners closed with proper tension do not provide stated retention capability due to debris which can contaminate the hooks and loops of the fastener. (4) Hook and loop fasteners closed with proper tension degrade due to environmental factors such as repeated heating and cooling cycles, temperature extremes, and contamination resulting from location in equipment areas. Safety Awareness Information Bulletin (SAIB) HQ–12–32, Hook and Loop Style Fasteners as a Mounting Mechanism for Emergency Locator Transmitters, was issued May 23, 2012 to bring immediate attention to this issue. It outlines actions ELT manufacturers can take to improve their installation and maintenance instructions to mitigate the concerns with hook and loop ELT retention. Determination The FAA has determined that hook and loop fasteners are not an acceptable means of compliance to meet the mounting and retention requirements of the current ELT TSOs. Proposed Actions Based on its evaluation, the FAA proposes to: (1) Issue TSO–C126b which would preclude the use of hook and loop fasteners as a means of securing an ELT in its mounting tray. (2) Withdraw TSO authorizations issued for the manufacture of ELTs under TSO–C91a, TSO–C126 and TSO– C126a, which incorporate hook and loop fasteners into their design unless the design is revised to replace the hook and loop fastener with an alternative E:\FR\FM\13JYN1.SGM 13JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 135 / Friday, July 13, 2012 / Notices acceptable to the FAA before June 30, 2014. (3) Withdraw TSO authorizations issued for the manufacture of ELTs under TSO–C91a, TSO–C126, and TSO– C126a, which incorporate hook and loop fasteners into their design unless the installation and maintenance instructions for the article are revised to include the following information by June 30, 2013: a. Detailed instructions for properly securing the ELT during installation and reinstallation, as well as a method to determine the appropriate tension of the hook and loop style fasteners. Revised instructions will provide improved guidance on the proper installation of ELTs for owners and operators in the interim period before an enhanced mounting design is available, and for owners and operators who choose not to install the enhanced mounting design when it is available. b. Detailed instructions for inspecting the hook and loop style fasteners for wear, contamination, environmental degradation, and other effects to ensure they meet the standards of the applicable TSO. c. A replacement interval for the hook and loop style fasteners. (4) Encourage owners and operators to install the manufacturer’s proposed updated mounting designs in accordance with the revised maintenance and installation instructions. How To Obtain Copies You can view or download TSOs C91a, C126, C126a by logging onto https://rgl.faa.gov and select Technical Standard Order, and the proposed TSO– C126b may be found at https:// www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/tso/. For a paper copy of the documents, contact the person listed in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Issued in Washington, DC, on July 10, 2012. Susan J. M. Cabler, Assistant Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–17115 Filed 7–12–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. MCF 21048] El Expreso Group, LLC—Asset Acquisition—CUSA EE, LLC D/B/A El Expreso AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:08 Jul 12, 2012 Jkt 226001 ACTION: Notice of Finance Application. On June 12, 2012, noncarrier El Expreso Group, LLC (El Expreso Group or Applicant) filed an application for approval under 49 U.S.C. 14303 to acquire control of the assets of CUSA EE, LLC d/b/a El Expreso (CUSA EE) (MC–463171), an interstate motor passenger carrier subsidiary of noncarrier Coach America Holdings, Inc. (Coach America).1 On June 13, 2012, Michael Yusim, an individual, filed a letter in opposition to the proposed transaction, asserting that the public interest would not be served by allowing the transaction to proceed without certain Department of Labor proceedings first being completed. A copy of this notice will be served on Mr. Yusim. Persons wishing to oppose the application must follow the rules set forth at 49 CFR 1182.5 and 1182.8. DATES: Comments must be filed by August 27, 2012. Applicant may file a reply to any comments by September 11, 2012. ADDRESSES: Send an original and 10 copies of any comments referring to Docket No. MCF 21048 to: Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423–0001. In addition, send one copy of comments to Applicant’s representative: Andrew K. Light, Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C., 10 W. Market Street, Suite 1500, Indianapolis, IN 46204, and Mark Vasquez, 10501 N. Central Expressway, Suite 307, Dallas, TX 75231. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marc Lerner, (202) 245–0390. Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) for the hearing impaired: 1–800–877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: CUSA EE (along with a number of other Coach America subsidiaries) is currently involved in a proceeding instituted under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, having filed on January 3, 2012, a voluntary petition for relief with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, and on January 13, 2012, a motion to sell substantially all of its assets and effectively to liquidate. According to Applicant, the proposed transaction would be completed pursuant to 11 U.S.C. 105(a), 363 and 365 and Fed. R. Bankr. P. 2002, 6004, 6006, and 9014, and the bankruptcy court’s order entered on May 25, 2012, authorizing and approving (1) the sale of substantially all of the assets of debtor CUSA EE, LLC free and clear of liens, SUMMARY: 1 El Expreso Group’s application identified Tornado Bus Company, Inc. (Tornado), an affiliate, as a second acquiring entity. However, by letter dated June 21, 2012, Applicant’s representative clarified that Applicant is the sole acquiring entity. PO 00000 Frm 00126 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 41475 claims, and encumbrances, and (2) the assumption and assignment of certain executory contracts and unexpired leases. Applicant and Tornado, a motor passenger carrier, are owned and controlled by Jan Vazquez, an individual. In addition to interstate common carrier operating authority (MC–276747), Tornado also holds intrastate authority in Texas. Tornado’s primary business is providing scheduled passenger transportation throughout the United States and between the United States and Mexico. As indicated, Michael Yusim has filed a letter in opposition to the application by El Expreso Group to acquire control of the assets of CUSA EE. The basis for his opposition relates to two cases alleging that his employer, an entity named Midnight Sun Tours, Inc. (Midnight Sun), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Coach America bus companies in bankruptcy, discriminated against drivers for having accurately reported their hours of service. According to Mr. Yusim, the two cases are pending before the Secretary of Labor (Secretary), but have been stayed by the bankruptcy court. Mr. Yusim requests that the Board disallow the sale of any subsidiaries of Coach America until the Secretary is allowed to hear and decide the two cases. Because we have received a timely comment in opposition to the application, we will not grant tentative authority under 49 CFR 1182.4(b). See 49 CFR 1182.6(a). Instead, we will institute a proceeding to address this matter, as well as to determine the merits of the application pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 14303. Comments and responses are to be submitted as ordered below. See 49 CFR 1182.5 and 1182.6. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at ‘‘www.stb.dot.gov’’. This decision will not significantly affect either the quality of the human environment or the conservation of energy resources. It is ordered: 1. Comments must be filed by August 27, 2012. Applicant may file a reply to any comments by September 11, 2012. 2. This notice will be effective on its date of service. 3. A copy of this notice will be served on: (1) The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590; (2) the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20530; (3) the U.S. Department of Transportation, E:\FR\FM\13JYN1.SGM 13JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 135 (Friday, July 13, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41473-41475]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-17115]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Proposed Technical Standard Order (TSO)-C126b, 406 MHz Emergency 
Locator Transmitters (ELT) and Notice of Intent To Withdraw TSO 
Authorizations (TSOA) for TSO-C91a, Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) 
Equipment, and TSO-C126/C126a, 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters 
(ELT)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of availability and request for public comment.

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

SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of proposed TSO-C126b 
and the FAA's intent to withdraw TSO authorizations (TSOA) issued for 
the manufacture of automatic fixed (AF) and automatic portable (AP) 
ELTs under TSO-C91a, TSO-C126, and TSO-C126a which incorporate hook and 
loop fasteners in their design. This proposed action would affect ELT 
manufacturers. The FAA is not proposing requiring actions on previously 
installed ELTs. The FAA is taking this action based on its 
determination that hook and loop fasteners are not an acceptable means 
of compliance to meet the mounting and retention requirements of 
current TSOs for ELTs. The FAA is requesting comment on proposed TSO-
C126b and the FAA's proposal to withdraw certain other ELT TSOAs.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 11, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Charisse Green, AIR-130, Federal 
Aviation Administration, 470 L'Enfant Plaza, Suite 4102, Washington, DC 
20024. Telephone (202) 385-5637, fax (202) 385-4651, email to: 
Charisse.Green@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    You are invited to comment on proposed TSO-C126b and the proposed 
withdrawal of TSOAs for the manufacture of automatic fixed (AF) and 
automatic portable (AP) ELTs under TSO-C91a, TSO-C126, and TSO-C126a 
which incorporate hook and loop fasteners in their design by submitting 
written data, views, or arguments to the address specified in FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. If you propose alternate actions, please 
provide detailed information on your alternative and indicate whether 
the information you provide is proprietary. Comments received may be 
examined, both before and after the closing date at Federal

[[Page 41474]]

Aviation Administration, 470 L'Enfant Plaza, Suite 4102, Washington, DC 
20024., weekdays except Federal holidays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 
p.m. The Director, Aircraft Certification Service, will consider all 
comments received on or before the closing date.

Background

    In several recent aircraft accidents, ELTs mounted with hook and 
loop fasteners, commonly referred to as Velcro[supreg], have detached 
from their aircraft mounting tray. The separation of the ELT from its 
mounting tray has caused the antenna connection to sever, rendering the 
ELT ineffective and severely impacting the performance of the TSO'd 
ELT.
    Section 347 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Pub. 
L. 112-95) requires the FAA to determine if the ELT mounting 
requirements and retention tests specified by TSO-C91a and TSO-C126 are 
adequate to assess retention capabilities in ELT designs. Based on that 
determination, the Act requires the Administrator to make any necessary 
revisions to the requirements and retention tests to ensure that ELTs 
are properly retained in the event of an aircraft accident.

Evaluation of ELT Mounting Requirements and Retention Tests

    The FAA evaluated the mounting requirements and retention tests 
specified in TSO-C91a, TSO-C126 and TSO-C126a. These TSOs specifically 
address ELT mounting and require the mounting design to meet certain 
specifications; however, they do not require or preclude any specific 
type of retention mechanism. Based upon its evaluation, the FAA has 
determined that the standards contained in these TSOs do not adequately 
address the use of hook and loop fasteners. While these types of 
fasteners can meet the TSO requirements for retention forces in 
laboratory conditions, accident investigations have found these 
fasteners are not reliable in service.
    Recent accident data reveals hook and loop fasteners have failed to 
retain the ELT in its mount. The following three documents describe 
specific accidents in which an ELT failed to remain its mount after an 
accident:
    (1) NTSB Aircraft Accident Report AAR-11-03: The antenna cable was 
severed from the ELT when the ELT slipped out of the hook and loop 
fastener which retained the ELT to the installed mount. The ELT 
functioned properly during post accident testing by the manufacturer 
and NTSB. As a result of its investigation the NTSB made safety 
recommendation A-10-170 to the FAA which stated: ``Determine if the 
emergency locator transmitter mounting requirements and retention tests 
specified by TSO-C91a and TSO-C126a are adequate to assess retention 
capabilities in ELT designs. Based on the results of this 
determination, revise, as necessary, TSO requirements to ensure proper 
retention of ELTs during airplane accidents.''
    (2) NTSB Factual Report--Aviation NTSB ID WPR10FA273: The antenna 
cable was severed from the ELT when the ELT slipped out of the hook and 
loop fastener which retained the ELT to the installed mount. The ELT 
functioned but without the antenna the transmissions were not strong 
enough to be received by the search and rescue satellites.
    (3) Transportation Safety Board of Canada Aviation Safety Advisory 
A11W0151-D1-A2, Loose Attachment of Kannad 406 AF-Compact (ER) ELT. 
This advisory highlights an October 2011 Cessna 208B accident where 
inadequate installation of the hook and loop fastener resulted in the 
ELT sliding out of its mount, disconnecting from the antenna cable, and 
failing to perform its intended function.
    Both government and industry guidance material discourages the use 
of hook and loop fasteners and notes potential difficulties with their 
use in ELT mounting. Advisory material discouraging the use of hook and 
loop fasteners includes the following:
    (1) Advisory Circular AC 91-44A, Operational and Maintenance 
Practices for Emergency Locator Transmitters and Receivers, paragraph 
6.a., states that attachment of ELTs solely by means of Velcro[supreg] 
strips and other flexible materials is not considered satisfactory 
since the ``g'' switches may fail to operate or the equipment may come 
out of its mounting resulting in damage to the ELT and possible damage 
to the antenna or antenna coaxial cable.
    (2) RTCA DO-DO-182, Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Equipment 
Installation and Performance, section 1.2 a., states that ELTs secured 
with Velcro[supreg] strips are an improper installation.
    (3) NASA Technical Memorandum-81960, Evaluation of Emergency- 
Locator-Transmitter Performance in Real and Simulated Crash Tests, 
states: ``Typical mounts can vary from sturdy mounts, to mounts using 
Velcro[supreg], plastic ties, and mounts on non-airframe structure in 
the airplanes. This diversity in mounting techniques include improper 
and/or inadequate mounting of many ELT's and is likely to be one source 
of problems of nonfunctioning and/or false activations of some units.''

FAA Concerns

    After completing its evaluation of the use of hook and loop 
fasteners for ELT retention the agency identified the following 
concerns:
    (1) Hook and loop fasteners fail to retain the ELT when 
insufficient tension is applied when closing the fastener. There is no 
repeatable method for installation and no method to evaluate the 
tension of the hook and loop fastener. The allowance for pilots to 
secure ELTs to the aircraft when changing ELT batteries further 
increases the potential for inconsistent and unsatisfactory 
installations.
    (2) Hook and loop fasteners closed with proper tension may stretch 
or loosen over time due to wear, fluids, vibration, and use leading to 
insufficient tension to retain the ELT.
    (3) Hook and loop fasteners closed with proper tension do not 
provide stated retention capability due to debris which can contaminate 
the hooks and loops of the fastener.
    (4) Hook and loop fasteners closed with proper tension degrade due 
to environmental factors such as repeated heating and cooling cycles, 
temperature extremes, and contamination resulting from location in 
equipment areas.
    Safety Awareness Information Bulletin (SAIB) HQ-12-32, Hook and 
Loop Style Fasteners as a Mounting Mechanism for Emergency Locator 
Transmitters, was issued May 23, 2012 to bring immediate attention to 
this issue. It outlines actions ELT manufacturers can take to improve 
their installation and maintenance instructions to mitigate the 
concerns with hook and loop ELT retention.

Determination

    The FAA has determined that hook and loop fasteners are not an 
acceptable means of compliance to meet the mounting and retention 
requirements of the current ELT TSOs.

Proposed Actions

    Based on its evaluation, the FAA proposes to:
    (1) Issue TSO-C126b which would preclude the use of hook and loop 
fasteners as a means of securing an ELT in its mounting tray.
    (2) Withdraw TSO authorizations issued for the manufacture of ELTs 
under TSO-C91a, TSO-C126 and TSO-C126a, which incorporate hook and loop 
fasteners into their design unless the design is revised to replace the 
hook and loop fastener with an alternative

[[Page 41475]]

acceptable to the FAA before June 30, 2014.
    (3) Withdraw TSO authorizations issued for the manufacture of ELTs 
under TSO-C91a, TSO-C126, and TSO-C126a, which incorporate hook and 
loop fasteners into their design unless the installation and 
maintenance instructions for the article are revised to include the 
following information by June 30, 2013:
    a. Detailed instructions for properly securing the ELT during 
installation and reinstallation, as well as a method to determine the 
appropriate tension of the hook and loop style fasteners. Revised 
instructions will provide improved guidance on the proper installation 
of ELTs for owners and operators in the interim period before an 
enhanced mounting design is available, and for owners and operators who 
choose not to install the enhanced mounting design when it is 
available.
    b. Detailed instructions for inspecting the hook and loop style 
fasteners for wear, contamination, environmental degradation, and other 
effects to ensure they meet the standards of the applicable TSO.
    c. A replacement interval for the hook and loop style fasteners.
    (4) Encourage owners and operators to install the manufacturer's 
proposed updated mounting designs in accordance with the revised 
maintenance and installation instructions.

How To Obtain Copies

    You can view or download TSOs C91a, C126, C126a by logging onto 
https://rgl.faa.gov and select Technical Standard Order, and the 
proposed TSO-C126b may be found at https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/tso/. For a paper copy of the documents, contact the person listed 
in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on July 10, 2012.
Susan J. M. Cabler,
Assistant Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-17115 Filed 7-12-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.