Airworthiness Directives; United Instruments, Inc. Series Altimeters, 12395-12397 [2017-03488]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 41 / Friday, March 3, 2017 / Rules and Regulations inspect the SB2310 angular contact bearing for free rotation, purged grease with metal particles, a nick or a dent, and any cut, tear, or distortion on the bearing seal. If the bearing does not rotate freely; the bearing sounds rough or chatters; there is any purged grease with metal particles; a nick or dent; or if there is a cut, tear, or distortion in the bearing seal, before further flight, replace the TRPCS assembly. (2) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless already done within the last 10 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS, on the TR side of the TRPCS bearing, remove the plug from the end of the TRPCS, insert the borescope into the TRPCS, and determine whether the white Teflon seal and snap ring are installed. If the white Teflon seal or snap ring is missing, or if there is a rip, tear, or heat damage on the seal or if there is no gap in the snap ring, before further flight replace the TRPCS assembly. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this Emergency AD. Send your proposal to: Blaine Williams, Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238–7161; email blaine.williams@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (g) Additional Information Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 92–64–011, Basic Issue, dated January 10, 2017, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this final rule. For service information identified in this final rule, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800–Winged–S or 203– 416–4299; email: wcs_cust_service_eng.grsik@lmco.com. You may review this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (h) Subject mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 23, 2017. Lance T. Gant, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Mar 02, 2017 Jkt 241001 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–9345; Directorate Identifier 2016–CE–028–AD; Amendment 39–18801; AD 2017–04–06] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; United Instruments, Inc. Series Altimeters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain United Instruments, Inc. 5934 series altimeters that were manufactured between January 2015 and February 2016 and installed in airplanes and helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of certain altimeters displaying higher than actual altitude due to a slow diaphragm leak, which would affect the accuracy of the altimeters. This AD requires replacing the affected altimeters. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: This AD is effective April 7, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 7, 2017. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact United Instruments, Inc., 3625 Comotara Avenue, Wichita, KS 67226; telephone (316) 636–9203; fax: (316) 636–9243; email: customerservice@unitedinst.com; Internet: www.unitedinst.com or https:// www.unitedinst.com/Products/ SpecificationsSheets/d132811.aspx. You may view 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. It is also available on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 9345. DATES: Examining the AD Docket Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720 Tail Rotor Control System. [FR Doc. 2017–04115 Filed 3–2–17; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 9345; 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 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 12395 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: Les Lyne, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946– 4190; fax: (316) 946–4107; email: leslie.lyne@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain United Instruments, Inc. 5934 series altimeters that were manufactured between January 2015 and February 2016 and installed in airplanes and helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 7, 2016 (81 FR 78083). The NPRM was prompted by a report that certain 5934 series altimeters that were manufactured between January 2015 and February 2016 may display higher than actual altitude. These altimeters are susceptible to developing a slow diaphragm leak, which would affect the accuracy of the altimeters. It has been determined that insufficient removal of chemical substance on the diaphragm assembly during the production process of the altimeter caused the misleading display of altitude data. The NPRM proposed to require replacing the affected altimeters. We are issuing this AD to prevent display of misleading altitude data, which could result in inadvertent flight into terrain. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 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. E:\FR\FM\03MRR1.SGM 03MRR1 12396 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 41 / Friday, March 3, 2017 / Rules and Regulations Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed United Instruments, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 13, dated March 25, 2016. The service bulletin describes procedures for replacing the nonconforming altimeters. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 1,351 altimeters as installed in airplanes and helicopters of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Replace altimeter .................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ......................................... According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. 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. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Mar 02, 2017 Jkt 241001 Parts cost (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 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ 2017–04–06 United Instruments, Inc.: Amendment 39–18801; Docket No. FAA–2016–9345; Directorate Identifier 2016–CE–028–AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is effective April 7, 2017. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to United Instruments, Inc. 5934 series altimeters that were manufactured between January 2015 and February 2016 and installed in airplanes and helicopters. (1) The specific affected serial number altimeters can be found in United Instruments, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 13, dated March 25, 2016. Paragraph (j)(3) of this AD contains addresses for obtaining the service bulletin. (2) Altimeters that have been corrected by United Instruments, Inc. following Service Bulletin No. 13, dated March 25, 2016, are not affected by this AD and no further action is necessary. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 $1,600 Cost per product $1,685 Cost on U.S. operators $2,276,435 (3) Altimeters that have been corrected by United Instruments, Inc. can be identified by a yellow dot, approximately 1⁄4 inch (6 mm) in diameter, located approximately 1 inch (25 mm) to the left side of the nameplate. The corrected altimeters will also have a letter ‘‘M,’’ approximately 1⁄8 inch (3mm) high, metal stamped on the nameplate after the name ‘‘ALTIMETER.’’ (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 44, Cabin Systems. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of certain altimeters displaying higher than actual altitude due to a slow diaphragm leak. We are issuing this AD to prevent display of misleading altitude data, which could result in inadvertent flight into terrain. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Replacement Within the next 12 months after April 7, 2017 (the effective date of this AD), replace any affected altimeter with a serviceable part following United Instruments, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 13, dated March 25, 2016. (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 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) 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 For more information about this AD, contact Les Lyne, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946– 4190; fax: (316) 946–4107; email: leslie.lyne@ faa.gov. E:\FR\FM\03MRR1.SGM 03MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 41 / Friday, March 3, 2017 / Rules and Regulations (j) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) United Instruments, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 13, dated March 25, 2016. (ii) Reserved. (3) For United Instruments, Inc. service information identified in this AD, contact United Instruments, Inc., 3625 Comotara Avenue, Wichita, KS 67226; telephone (316) 636–9203; fax: (316) 636–9243; email: customerservice@unitedinst.com; Internet: www.unitedinst.com or https:// www.unitedinst.com/Products/ SpecificationsSheets/d132811.aspx. (4) You may view this service information at 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. It is also available on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–9345. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 6, 2017. Kelly A. Broadway, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–03488 Filed 3–2–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–4225; Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–139–AD; Amendment 39–18817; AD 2017–05–07] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for The Boeing Company Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes equipped with Rolls-Royce Model Trent 800 engines. This AD was prompted by reports of damage to the upper bifurcation forward fire seal and seal deflector, and localized damage to the insulation mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Mar 02, 2017 Jkt 241001 blanket installed just aft of the fire seal. This AD requires installing serviceable thrust reverser (T/R) halves on the left and right engines. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective April 7, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 7, 2017. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone: 562–797–1717; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also available on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 4225. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 4225; 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 Docket 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: Kevin Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6501; fax: 425–917–6590; email: kevin.nguyen@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to The Boeing Company Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes equipped with Rolls-Royce Model Trent 800 engines. The NPRM published in PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 12397 the Federal Register on March 17, 2016 (81 FR 14402). The NPRM was prompted by reports of damage to the upper bifurcation forward fire seal and seal deflector, and localized damage to the insulation blanket installed just aft of the fire seal. The NPRM proposed to require installing serviceable left and right T/R halves on the left and right engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent a breach in the engine firewall due to a failed upper bifurcation forward fire seal. A breach could delay or prevent the fire detection and suppression system from functioning properly, and could result in an increased risk of a fire, prolonged burning, and breach of the fire zone; and could allow fire to reach unprotected areas of the engine, the strut, and wing after engine shutdown. Also, fan air bypassing the fire seal could cause localized damage to the T/R insulation blanket installed just aft of the fire seal, which could allow limited thermal degradation of the T/R inner wall. This could aggravate existing damage and cause the T/R’s inner wall to fail. Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued In the Other Relevant Rulemaking section of the NPRM we mentioned additional proposed rulemaking related to the T/Rs for Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes equipped with RollsRoyce Model RB211–Trent 800 engines. That action was subsequently issued as a supplemental NPRM (SNPRM), Docket Number FAA–2011–0027, Directorate Identifier 2010–NM–127–AD, which was published in the Federal Register on September 25, 2015 (80 FR 57744). The final rule for that SNPRM has been issued and was published in the Federal Register on June 17, 2016 (81 FR 39547), as AD 2016–11–16, Amendment 39– 18543. Since the NPRM was issued, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued EASA AD 2016–0084, dated April 28, 2016, for Rolls-Royce RB211-Trent 800 engines; and the Engine Certification Office (ECO), Engine and Propeller Directorate, FAA, issued a corresponding NPRM, Docket No. FAA–2016–6692, Directorate Identifier 2016–NE–13–AD, which was published in the Federal Register on July 15, 2016 (81 FR 46000). In the EASA AD and FAA ECO NPRM, damage (cracking, missing materials, and hole/ openings) to the engine upper bifurcation fairing panel creates a breach of the engine fire wall, which may decrease the effectiveness of the engine fire detection and suppression systems due to excess fan air entering the engine compartment fire zone. The unsafe condition and resulting effects E:\FR\FM\03MRR1.SGM 03MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 41 (Friday, March 3, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12395-12397]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03488]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9345; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-028-AD; 
Amendment 39-18801; AD 2017-04-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; United Instruments, Inc. Series 
Altimeters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
United Instruments, Inc. 5934 series altimeters that were manufactured 
between January 2015 and February 2016 and installed in airplanes and 
helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of certain altimeters 
displaying higher than actual altitude due to a slow diaphragm leak, 
which would affect the accuracy of the altimeters. This AD requires 
replacing the affected altimeters. We are issuing this AD to correct 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 7, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 7, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact United Instruments, Inc., 3625 Comotara Avenue, Wichita, KS 
67226; telephone (316) 636-9203; fax: (316) 636-9243; email: 
customerservice@unitedinst.com; Internet: www.unitedinst.com or https://www.unitedinst.com/Products/SpecificationsSheets/d132811.aspx. You may 
view 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. 
It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9345.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9345; 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: Les Lyne, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, 
Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4190; fax: (316) 946-4107; 
email: leslie.lyne@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain United Instruments, 
Inc. 5934 series altimeters that were manufactured between January 2015 
and February 2016 and installed in airplanes and helicopters. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on November 7, 2016 (81 FR 78083). 
The NPRM was prompted by a report that certain 5934 series altimeters 
that were manufactured between January 2015 and February 2016 may 
display higher than actual altitude. These altimeters are susceptible 
to developing a slow diaphragm leak, which would affect the accuracy of 
the altimeters. It has been determined that insufficient removal of 
chemical substance on the diaphragm assembly during the production 
process of the altimeter caused the misleading display of altitude 
data. The NPRM proposed to require replacing the affected altimeters. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent display of misleading altitude data, 
which could result in inadvertent flight into terrain.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
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.

[[Page 12396]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed United Instruments, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 13, dated 
March 25, 2016. The service bulletin describes procedures for replacing 
the nonconforming altimeters. This service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 1,351 altimeters as installed in 
airplanes and helicopters of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace altimeter..................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour           $1,600          $1,685      $2,276,435
                                      = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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

    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):

2017-04-06 United Instruments, Inc.: Amendment 39-18801; Docket No. 
FAA-2016-9345; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-028-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 7, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to United Instruments, Inc. 5934 series 
altimeters that were manufactured between January 2015 and February 
2016 and installed in airplanes and helicopters.
    (1) The specific affected serial number altimeters can be found 
in United Instruments, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 13, dated March 25, 
2016. Paragraph (j)(3) of this AD contains addresses for obtaining 
the service bulletin.
    (2) Altimeters that have been corrected by United Instruments, 
Inc. following Service Bulletin No. 13, dated March 25, 2016, are 
not affected by this AD and no further action is necessary.
    (3) Altimeters that have been corrected by United Instruments, 
Inc. can be identified by a yellow dot, approximately \1/4\ inch (6 
mm) in diameter, located approximately 1 inch (25 mm) to the left 
side of the nameplate. The corrected altimeters will also have a 
letter ``M,'' approximately \1/8\ inch (3mm) high, metal stamped on 
the nameplate after the name ``ALTIMETER.''

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 44, Cabin Systems.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of certain altimeters displaying 
higher than actual altitude due to a slow diaphragm leak. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent display of misleading altitude data, 
which could result in inadvertent flight into terrain.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Replacement

    Within the next 12 months after April 7, 2017 (the effective 
date of this AD), replace any affected altimeter with a serviceable 
part following United Instruments, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 13, 
dated March 25, 2016.

(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 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) 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

    For more information about this AD, contact Les Lyne, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, 
Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4190; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: 
leslie.lyne@faa.gov.

[[Page 12397]]

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) United Instruments, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 13, dated 
March 25, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For United Instruments, Inc. service information identified 
in this AD, contact United Instruments, Inc., 3625 Comotara Avenue, 
Wichita, KS 67226; telephone (316) 636-9203; fax: (316) 636-9243; 
email: customerservice@unitedinst.com; Internet: www.unitedinst.com 
or https://www.unitedinst.com/Products/SpecificationsSheets/d132811.aspx.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2016-9345.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 6, 2017.
Kelly A. Broadway,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-03488 Filed 3-2-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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