Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell Collins, Inc. Transponders, 69318-69320 [2013-27640]

Download as PDF 69318 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 223 / Tuesday, November 19, 2013 / Proposed Rules exceeding 14,000 flight CSN or before further flight after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (f) Prohibition Statement 14 CFR Part 39 After the effective date of this AD, do not install an HP compressor stages 1 to 6 rotor disk assembly into an engine, or an engine with an HP compressor stage 1 to 6 rotor disk assembly onto an aircraft, if the HP compressor stages 1 to 6 rotor disk assembly has ever been operated with nuts, P/N AS44862 or P/N AS64367, and has more CSN than specified in the applicable portion of the compliance section of this AD. (g) Definition For the purpose of this AD, flight cycles is defined as the total flight CSN on the HP compressor stages 1 to 6 rotor disc assembly, without any pro-rated calculations applied for different flight missions. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19, to make your request. (i) Related Information TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (1) For more information about this AD, contact Robert Morlath, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238 7154; fax: 781–238 7199; email: robert.c.morlath@faa.gov. (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2012–0230, dated October 30, 2012. You may examine this MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov/ #!documentDetail;D=FAA-2012-1202-0003. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11, Dahlewitz, 15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany; phone: 49 0 33–7086–1200; fax: 49 0 33–7086–1212. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 8, 2013. Colleen M. D’Alessandro, Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–27633 Filed 11–18–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:34 Nov 18, 2013 Jkt 232001 Federal Aviation Administration [Docket No. FAA–2013–0966; Directorate Identifier 2013–CE–040–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell Collins, Inc. Transponders Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rockwell Collins TPR–720 and TPR– 900 Mode select (S) transponders that are installed on airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by the identification that the TPR–720 and TPR–900 Mode S transponders respond intermittently to Mode S interrogations from both ground-based and traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS-) equipped airplanes. This proposed AD would require testing and calibration of the alignment of the transponders. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 3, 2014. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Rockwell Collins, Inc., Collins Aviation Services, 350 Collins Road NE., M/S 153–250, Cedar Rapids, IA 52498–0001; telephone: 888–265–5467 (U.S.) or 319– 265–5467; fax: 319–295–4941 (outside U.S.); email: techmanuals@ rockwellcollins.com; Internet: https:// www.rockwellcollins.com/Services_ and_Support/Publications.aspx. You may review this 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. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger A. Souter, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: 316–946–4134; facsimile: 316–946–4107; email address: roger.souter@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2013–0966; Directorate Identifier 2013– CE–040–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion FAA surveillance and testing of Mode S transponders, associated with an upcoming change to the National Airspace System (NAS) ground-based system software, exposed a deficiency in the capability of the Rockwell Collins TPR–720 and TPR–900 series transponders to properly respond to Mode S interrogations from both ground-based radars and TCASequipped airplanes. FAA and Rockwell Collins, Inc. investigated the deficiency with the transponders and determined that age and lack of depot-level maintenance may cause a shift in the sync phase reversal tolerance causing intermittent replies to the Mode S and TCAS II interrogations. The transponder receiver E:\FR\FM\19NOP1.SGM 19NOP1 69319 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 223 / Tuesday, November 19, 2013 / Proposed Rules 101000, Revision No. 1, dated October 24, 2013. The service letter describes procedures for testing the transponders for proper alignment. misalignment requires calibration to correct the problem. This unsafe condition, if not corrected, could result in possible misalignment issues with the transponders that could lead to increased pilot and air traffic controller workload as well as reduced separation of airplanes. FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Relevant Service Information Rockwell Collins, Inc. issued Service Information Letter 13–1, 523–0821603– Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require testing and calibration of the alignment of the TPR–720 and TPR–900 Mode S transponders. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 4,000 products that are installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Cost per product Action Labor cost Parts cost Test and calibration of the transponders .... 4 × $85 per hour = $340 ........... Not applicable ..................... 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. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:34 Nov 18, 2013 Jkt 232001 (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. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Rockwell Collins, Inc.: Docket No. FAA– 2013–0966; Directorate Identifier 2013– CE–040–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by January 3, 2014. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability (1) This AD applies to the following Rockwell Collins, Inc. Mode S transponders that are installed on but not limited to the airplanes listed in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and (c)(2)(ii) of this AD: (i) TPR–720: CPN 622–7878–001, 622– 7878–020, 622–7878–120, 622–7878–200, 622–7878–201, 622–7878–301, 622–7878– 440, 622–7878–460, 622–7878–480, 622– 7878–901; and PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 $340 Cost on U.S. operators $1,360,000 (ii) TPR–900: CPN 822–0336–001, 822– 0336–020, 822–0336–220, 822–0336–440, 822–0336–460, 822–0336–480, 822–0336– 902. (2) The products listed in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii) of this AD may be installed on but not limited to the following airplanes, certificated in any category: (i) Airbus Models A319, A320, A330, A340; and (ii) Boeing Models B777, B747, MD–80, and DC–9. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the identification that the TPR–720 and TPR–900 Mode S transponders respond intermittently to Mode S interrogations from both groundbased and traffic collision avoidance system equipped airplanes. We are issuing this AD to correct possible misalignment issues with the transponders that could result in increased pilot and air traffic controller workload as well as reduced separation of airplanes. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, unless already done. (g) Test and Calibration Within the next 2 years after the effective date of this AD and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed every 4 years, send the TPR–720 and TPR–900 Mode S transponders to a certified repair facility for test and calibration to assure proper alignment following Rockwell Collins, Inc. Service Information Letter 13–1, 523– 0821603–101000, Revision No. 1, dated October 24, 2013. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if E:\FR\FM\19NOP1.SGM 19NOP1 69320 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 223 / Tuesday, November 19, 2013 / Proposed Rules requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (i) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Roger A. Souter, FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: 316–946–4134; facsimile: 316–946–4107; email address: roger.souter@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Rockwell Collins, Inc., Collins Aviation Services, 350 Collins Road NE., M/S 153–250, Cedar Rapids, IA 52498– 0001; telephone: 888–265–5467 (U.S.) or 319–265–5467; fax: 319–295–4941 (outside U.S.); email: techmanuals@ rockwellcollins.com; Internet: https:// www.rockwellcollins.com/Services_and_ Support/Publications.aspx. You may review this 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. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 11, 2013. Earl Lawrence, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–27640 Filed 11–18–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as main landing gear axle failure caused by initial fatigue cracking and small pre-damage by corrosion. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 3, 2014. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH, Dornier 228 Customer Support, P.O. Box 1253, 82231 Wessling, Germany; telephone: +49–(0)8153–30–2280; fax: +49– (0)8153–30–3030. 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. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Examining the AD Docket Federal Aviation Administration You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA– 2013–0962; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4123; fax: (816) 329–4090; email: karl.schletzbaum@ faa.gov. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0962; Directorate Identifier 2013–CE–028–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; DORNIER LUFTFAHRT GmbH Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all DORNIER LUFTFAHRT GmbH Model 228–212 airplanes. This proposed 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 SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:34 Nov 18, 2013 Jkt 232001 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2013–0962; Directorate Identifier 2013–CE–028–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA– 2013–0962, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD No.: 2013–0209, dated September 10, 2013 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: An event of a main landing gear (MLG) axle break during touchdown has been reported. The results of the subsequent technical investigation indicated that improper restoration of corrosion protection was the likely cause of the initial fatigue cracking. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the main landing gear axle, possibly resulting in a runway excursion with consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants. To address this potential unsafe condition, RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH issued Service Bulletin (SB) SB–228–300, Rev. 1. For the reason described above, this AD requires a one-time inspection of the MLG axle and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA– 2013–0962. Relevant Service Information RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH has issued Dornier 228 Service Bulletin No. SB–228–300, Revision 1, dated April 25, 2013. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. E:\FR\FM\19NOP1.SGM 19NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 223 (Tuesday, November 19, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69318-69320]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-27640]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0966; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-040-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell Collins, Inc. Transponders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Rockwell Collins TPR-720 and TPR-900 Mode select (S) 
transponders that are installed on airplanes. This proposed AD was 
prompted by the identification that the TPR-720 and TPR-900 Mode S 
transponders respond intermittently to Mode S interrogations from both 
ground-based and traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS-) equipped 
airplanes. This proposed AD would require testing and calibration of 
the alignment of the transponders. We are proposing this AD to correct 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 3, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Collins Aviation Services, 350 Collins Road 
NE., M/S 153-250, Cedar Rapids, IA 52498-0001; telephone: 888-265-5467 
(U.S.) or 319-265-5467; fax: 319-295-4941 (outside U.S.); email: 
techmanuals@rockwellcollins.com; Internet: https://www.rockwellcollins.com/Services_and_Support/Publications.aspx. You 
may review this 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 proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger A. Souter, FAA, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 
67209; telephone: 316-946-4134; facsimile: 316-946-4107; email address: 
roger.souter@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0966; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-040-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    FAA surveillance and testing of Mode S transponders, associated 
with an upcoming change to the National Airspace System (NAS) ground-
based system software, exposed a deficiency in the capability of the 
Rockwell Collins TPR-720 and TPR-900 series transponders to properly 
respond to Mode S interrogations from both ground-based radars and 
TCAS-equipped airplanes.
    FAA and Rockwell Collins, Inc. investigated the deficiency with the 
transponders and determined that age and lack of depot-level 
maintenance may cause a shift in the sync phase reversal tolerance 
causing intermittent replies to the Mode S and TCAS II interrogations. 
The transponder receiver

[[Page 69319]]

misalignment requires calibration to correct the problem.
    This unsafe condition, if not corrected, could result in possible 
misalignment issues with the transponders that could lead to increased 
pilot and air traffic controller workload as well as reduced separation 
of airplanes.

Relevant Service Information

    Rockwell Collins, Inc. issued Service Information Letter 13-1, 523-
0821603-101000, Revision No. 1, dated October 24, 2013. The service 
letter describes procedures for testing the transponders for proper 
alignment.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require testing and calibration of the 
alignment of the TPR-720 and TPR-900 Mode S transponders.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 4,000 products that are 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per      Cost on  U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost            Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test and calibration of the         4 x $85 per hour =     Not applicable......            $340       $1,360,000
 transponders.                       $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds
    necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the 
scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that 
is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking 
action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):

Rockwell Collins, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2013-0966; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-CE-040-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 3, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to the following Rockwell Collins, Inc. Mode 
S transponders that are installed on but not limited to the 
airplanes listed in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and (c)(2)(ii) of this AD:
    (i) TPR-720: CPN 622-7878-001, 622-7878-020, 622-7878-120, 622-
7878-200, 622-7878-201, 622-7878-301, 622-7878-440, 622-7878-460, 
622-7878-480, 622-7878-901; and
    (ii) TPR-900: CPN 822-0336-001, 822-0336-020, 822-0336-220, 822-
0336-440, 822-0336-460, 822-0336-480, 822-0336-902.
    (2) The products listed in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii) 
of this AD may be installed on but not limited to the following 
airplanes, certificated in any category:
    (i) Airbus Models A319, A320, A330, A340; and
    (ii) Boeing Models B777, B747, MD-80, and DC-9.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the identification that the TPR-720 and 
TPR-900 Mode S transponders respond intermittently to Mode S 
interrogations from both ground-based and traffic collision 
avoidance system equipped airplanes. We are issuing this AD to 
correct possible misalignment issues with the transponders that 
could result in increased pilot and air traffic controller workload 
as well as reduced separation of airplanes.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, unless already done.

(g) Test and Calibration

    Within the next 2 years after the effective date of this AD and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed every 4 years, 
send the TPR-720 and TPR-900 Mode S transponders to a certified 
repair facility for test and calibration to assure proper alignment 
following Rockwell Collins, Inc. Service Information Letter 13-1, 
523-0821603-101000, Revision No. 1, dated October 24, 2013.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if

[[Page 69320]]

requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance 
with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or 
local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Roger A. Souter, 
FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 
67209; telephone: 316-946-4134; facsimile: 316-946-4107; email 
address: roger.souter@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Collins Aviation Services, 350 Collins Road 
NE., M/S 153-250, Cedar Rapids, IA 52498-0001; telephone: 888-265-
5467 (U.S.) or 319-265-5467; fax: 319-295-4941 (outside U.S.); 
email: techmanuals@rockwellcollins.com; Internet: https://www.rockwellcollins.com/Services_and_Support/Publications.aspx. 
You may review this 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 11, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-27640 Filed 11-18-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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