Airworthiness Directives; Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH LCR-100 Attitude and Heading Reference System Units, 25742-25744 [2017-11132]

Download as PDF 25742 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 82, No. 106 Monday, June 5, 2017 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0522; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–068–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH LCR–100 Attitude and Heading Reference System Units Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH LCR– 100 Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) units installed on various aircraft. This proposed AD would require removing certain LCR– 100 AHRS units from service. This proposed AD is prompted by test results showing loss of or invalid data. The proposed actions are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 4, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with PROPOSALS DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:57 Jun 02, 2017 Jkt 241001 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–2017– 0522; or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH, Customer Service—Commercial Avionics, Loerracher Str. 18, 79115 Freiburg, Germany; telephone +49 (761) 4901– 142; fax +49 (761) 4901–773; email ahrs.support@ng-litef.de. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nick Rediess, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238–7159; email nicholas.rediess@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion We propose to adopt a new AD for Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH LCR– 100 AHRS units with a part number 145130–2000, 145130–2001, 145130– 7000, 145130–7001, or 145130–7100. These units are installed on various airplanes and helicopters and are often used to supply attitude and heading data to Primary Flight Displays (PFDs), autopilots, and other avionics. These units may be installed as part of a typecertificated design, an FAA supplemental type certificate, or a field approval. Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH discovered the erroneous behavior of an AHRS unit during laboratory testing. The erroneous behavior occurs when the unit’s continuous built-in test detects a failure and then does not correctly reset. When this occurs, the analog outputs of attitude and heading data freeze and the transmission of digital outputs of attitude and heading stops. The effect of the errors depends on how the AHRS unit outputs are used in a particular installation. For instance, if the AHRS unit analog outputs are used by a PFD without any automatic comparison with another source of data, the PFD will display misleading information, which could lead to loss of control of the aircraft. Other installations using the analog outputs might include an automatic comparison feature that detects and provides an alert if the attitude and heading data is frozen. A similar situation would occur in installations that use the digital outputs since the erroneous behavior would be detected. This proposed AD would only be applicable to installations of the AHRS units using analog outputs for the display of primary flight information or for input to an autopilot without automatic output comparison since these installations do not provide any warning indication of the erroneous behavior. E:\FR\FM\05JNP1.SGM 05JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 106 / Monday, June 5, 2017 / Proposed Rules EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015– 0093, dated May 27, 2015, to correct an unsafe condition for certain partnumbered Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH LCR–100 AHRS units. EASA states these units are known to be installed on, but not limited to, Pilatus PC–12, Learjet 31A, Cessna 560XL, RUAG (Dornier) 228 series, and PZL Mielec M28 (Sky Truck) airplanes; and Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., 412EP, Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407, and Sikorsky S–76C helicopters. EASA advises that laboratory tests of the AHRS units discovered that when the built-in test detects failures and resets the system, the units are not executing the system reset properly. According to EASA, this results in a freeze of analog attitude and heading output data without detection or warning to the pilot. EASA states that installations vary, but if there is no automatic comparison of analog output to detect unit failure, this condition, if not corrected, could lead to undetected attitude and heading errors, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aircraft. This proposed AD would also affect AD 2010–26–09 (75 FR 81424, December 28, 2010), which applies to Sikorsky Model S–76A, B, and C helicopters with an AHRS unit P/N 145130–7100 installed. Since this proposed AD would require the removal of P/N 145130–7100, compliance with this AD would make AD 2010–26–09 no longer valid for those Sikorsky helicopters. nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with PROPOSALS FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design. Related Service Information We reviewed Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH Service Bulletin No. 145130–0017–845, Revision D, dated April 1, 2015 (SB 145130–0017–845). SB 145130–0017–845 specifies returning the applicable part numbered AHRS units to certain repair stations for modification. The modified AHRS units, which have new part numbers, have an additional watchdog circuit in the electronic board that eliminates frozen analog outputs and digital output interruptions. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require removing certain part-numbered LCR– VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:57 Jun 02, 2017 Jkt 241001 100 AHRS units that use analog outputs for primary flight information display or autopilot functions without automatic output comparison from service. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing those LCR–100 AHRS units on any aircraft. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD This proposed AD would only apply to certain part-numbered AHRS units that use analog outputs for primary flight information display or autopilot functions without automatic output comparison. The EASA AD applies to all of these part-numbered units regardless of the type of installation. The EASA AD requires inserting a temporary revision into the flight manual for analog without automatic output comparison installations until the AHRS unit is replaced with a modified unit. This proposed AD would not require temporarily revising the flight manual. The EASA AD requires replacing the AHRS units with particular part-numbered modified units, while this proposed AD would require removing the AHRS units from service instead. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 50 aircraft of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour, and typical installations consist of two AHRS units. Replacing two AHRS units would take about 4 work-hours and $62,630 for required parts, for a total cost of $62,970 per aircraft and $3,148,500 for the U.S. fleet. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 25743 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, 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 to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; 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. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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): ■ Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH LCR–100 Attitude and Heading Reference System: Docket No. FAA–2017–0522; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–068–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to airplanes and helicopters, certificated in any category, with a Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH LCR–100 Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) unit part number (P/N) 145130–2000, 145130–2001, 145130–7000, 145130–7001, or 145130–7100 installed using analog outputs for primary flight information display or E:\FR\FM\05JNP1.SGM 05JNP1 25744 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 106 / Monday, June 5, 2017 / Proposed Rules autopilot functions without automatic output comparison. Aircraft known to have the subject AHRS units installed include but are not limited to the following: (1) Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH Model 228– 100, 228–101, 228–200, 228–201, 228–202, and 228–212 airplanes; (2) Learjet Inc. Model 31A airplanes; (3) Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC12, PC– 12/45, and PC–12/47 airplanes; (4) Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Sp. z o.o. Model PZL M28 05 airplanes; (5) Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company) Model 560XL airplanes; (6) Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 407 helicopters; (7) Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Model 412 and 412EP helicopters; and (8) Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S– 76A, S–76–B, and S–76C helicopters. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as the AHRS unit’s analog outputs of attitude and heading data freezing without detection or warning. This condition could result in misleading attitude and heading information, anomalous autopilot behavior, and loss of control of the aircraft. (c) Affected ADs This AD affects AD 2010–26–09, Amendment 39–16548 (75 FR 81424, December 28, 2010). Accomplishing a certain requirement of this AD terminates the requirements of AD 2010–26–09. (d) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by August 4, 2017. certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (h) Additional Information (1) Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH Service Bulletin No. 145130–0017–845, Revision D, dated April 1, 2015, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH, Customer Service—Commercial Avionics, Loerracher Str. 18, 79115 Freiburg, Germany; telephone +49 (761) 4901–142; fax +49 (761) 4901–773; email ahrs.support@nglitef.de. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015–0093, dated May 27, 2015. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3420, Attitude and Directional Data System. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 19, 2017. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–11132 Filed 6–2–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Examining the AD Docket DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (f) Required Actions (1) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove the AHRS unit from service. (2) Removal from service of P/N 145130– 7100 terminates the requirements of AD 2010–26–09 (75 FR 81424, December 28, 2010). (3) Do not install an AHRS unit P/N 145130–2000, 145130–2001, 145130–7000, 145130–7001, or 145130–7100 on any aircraft. nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with PROPOSALS (e) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. [Docket No. FAA–2017–0526; Directorate Identifier 2017–NM–026–AD] (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Nick Rediess, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238–7159; email nicholas.rediess@ 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:57 Jun 02, 2017 Jkt 241001 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 NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740; 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–2017– 0526. ADDRESSES: Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the upper aft skin at the rear spar of the wings. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of the upper aft skin of the wings, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 20, 2017. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– 0526; 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: Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5313; fax: 562–627–5210; email: payman.soltani@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 E:\FR\FM\05JNP1.SGM 05JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 106 (Monday, June 5, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25742-25744]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11132]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 106 / Monday, June 5, 2017 / Proposed 
Rules

[[Page 25742]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0522; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-068-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH LCR-100 
Attitude and Heading Reference System Units

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH LCR-100 Attitude and Heading Reference 
System (AHRS) units installed on various aircraft. This proposed AD 
would require removing certain LCR-100 AHRS units from service. This 
proposed AD is prompted by test results showing loss of or invalid 
data. The proposed actions are intended to prevent an unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 4, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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-2017-
0522; or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office 
(telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact 
Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH, Customer Service--Commercial Avionics, 
Loerracher Str. 18, 79115 Freiburg, Germany; telephone +49 (761) 4901-
142; fax +49 (761) 4901-773; email ahrs.support@ng-litef.de. You may 
review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, 
Fort Worth, TX 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nick Rediess, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; 
telephone (781) 238-7159; email nicholas.rediess@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    We propose to adopt a new AD for Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH LCR-
100 AHRS units with a part number 145130-2000, 145130-2001, 145130-
7000, 145130-7001, or 145130-7100. These units are installed on various 
airplanes and helicopters and are often used to supply attitude and 
heading data to Primary Flight Displays (PFDs), autopilots, and other 
avionics. These units may be installed as part of a type-certificated 
design, an FAA supplemental type certificate, or a field approval. 
Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH discovered the erroneous behavior of an 
AHRS unit during laboratory testing. The erroneous behavior occurs when 
the unit's continuous built-in test detects a failure and then does not 
correctly reset. When this occurs, the analog outputs of attitude and 
heading data freeze and the transmission of digital outputs of attitude 
and heading stops. The effect of the errors depends on how the AHRS 
unit outputs are used in a particular installation. For instance, if 
the AHRS unit analog outputs are used by a PFD without any automatic 
comparison with another source of data, the PFD will display misleading 
information, which could lead to loss of control of the aircraft. Other 
installations using the analog outputs might include an automatic 
comparison feature that detects and provides an alert if the attitude 
and heading data is frozen. A similar situation would occur in 
installations that use the digital outputs since the erroneous behavior 
would be detected. This proposed AD would only be applicable to 
installations of the AHRS units using analog outputs for the display of 
primary flight information or for input to an autopilot without 
automatic output comparison since these installations do not provide 
any warning indication of the erroneous behavior.

[[Page 25743]]

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015-0093, dated May 27, 2015, 
to correct an unsafe condition for certain part-numbered Northrop 
Grumman LITEF GmbH LCR-100 AHRS units. EASA states these units are 
known to be installed on, but not limited to, Pilatus PC-12, Learjet 
31A, Cessna 560XL, RUAG (Dornier) 228 series, and PZL Mielec M28 (Sky 
Truck) airplanes; and Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., 412EP, Bell 
Helicopter Textron Canada 407, and Sikorsky S-76C helicopters. EASA 
advises that laboratory tests of the AHRS units discovered that when 
the built-in test detects failures and resets the system, the units are 
not executing the system reset properly. According to EASA, this 
results in a freeze of analog attitude and heading output data without 
detection or warning to the pilot. EASA states that installations vary, 
but if there is no automatic comparison of analog output to detect unit 
failure, this condition, if not corrected, could lead to undetected 
attitude and heading errors, possibly resulting in loss of control of 
the aircraft.
    This proposed AD would also affect AD 2010-26-09 (75 FR 81424, 
December 28, 2010), which applies to Sikorsky Model S-76A, B, and C 
helicopters with an AHRS unit P/N 145130-7100 installed. Since this 
proposed AD would require the removal of P/N 145130-7100, compliance 
with this AD would make AD 2010-26-09 no longer valid for those 
Sikorsky helicopters.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant 
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH Service Bulletin No. 
145130-0017-845, Revision D, dated April 1, 2015 (SB 145130-0017-845). 
SB 145130-0017-845 specifies returning the applicable part numbered 
AHRS units to certain repair stations for modification. The modified 
AHRS units, which have new part numbers, have an additional watchdog 
circuit in the electronic board that eliminates frozen analog outputs 
and digital output interruptions.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require removing certain part-numbered LCR-
100 AHRS units that use analog outputs for primary flight information 
display or autopilot functions without automatic output comparison from 
service. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing those LCR-100 
AHRS units on any aircraft.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    This proposed AD would only apply to certain part-numbered AHRS 
units that use analog outputs for primary flight information display or 
autopilot functions without automatic output comparison. The EASA AD 
applies to all of these part-numbered units regardless of the type of 
installation. The EASA AD requires inserting a temporary revision into 
the flight manual for analog without automatic output comparison 
installations until the AHRS unit is replaced with a modified unit. 
This proposed AD would not require temporarily revising the flight 
manual. The EASA AD requires replacing the AHRS units with particular 
part-numbered modified units, while this proposed AD would require 
removing the AHRS units from service instead.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 50 aircraft of U.S. 
Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in 
order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per 
work-hour, and typical installations consist of two AHRS units. 
Replacing two AHRS units would take about 4 work-hours and $62,630 for 
required parts, for a total cost of $62,970 per aircraft and $3,148,500 
for the U.S. fleet.

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, 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 to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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):

Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH LCR-100 Attitude and Heading Reference 
System: Docket No. FAA-2017-0522; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-
068-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to airplanes and helicopters, certificated in 
any category, with a Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH LCR-100 Attitude 
and Heading Reference System (AHRS) unit part number (P/N) 145130-
2000, 145130-2001, 145130-7000, 145130-7001, or 145130-7100 
installed using analog outputs for primary flight information 
display or

[[Page 25744]]

autopilot functions without automatic output comparison. Aircraft 
known to have the subject AHRS units installed include but are not 
limited to the following:
    (1) Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH Model 228-100, 228-101, 228-200, 228-
201, 228-202, and 228-212 airplanes;
    (2) Learjet Inc. Model 31A airplanes;
    (3) Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 
airplanes;
    (4) Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Sp. z o.o. Model PZL M28 05 
airplanes;
    (5) Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate previously held by 
Cessna Aircraft Company) Model 560XL airplanes;
    (6) Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 407 
helicopters;
    (7) Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Model 412 and 412EP 
helicopters; and
    (8) Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76A, S-76-B, and S-76C 
helicopters.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as the AHRS unit's analog 
outputs of attitude and heading data freezing without detection or 
warning. This condition could result in misleading attitude and 
heading information, anomalous autopilot behavior, and loss of 
control of the aircraft.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2010-26-09, Amendment 39-16548 (75 FR 81424, 
December 28, 2010). Accomplishing a certain requirement of this AD 
terminates the requirements of AD 2010-26-09.

(d) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 4, 2017.

(e) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(f) Required Actions

    (1) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove the AHRS unit 
from service.
    (2) Removal from service of P/N 145130-7100 terminates the 
requirements of AD 2010-26-09 (75 FR 81424, December 28, 2010).
    (3) Do not install an AHRS unit P/N 145130-2000, 145130-2001, 
145130-7000, 145130-7001, or 145130-7100 on any aircraft.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Nick Rediess, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, 
Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7159; email 
nicholas.rediess@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.

(h) Additional Information

    (1) Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH Service Bulletin No. 145130-
0017-845, Revision D, dated April 1, 2015, which is not incorporated 
by reference, contains additional information about the subject of 
this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH, Customer Service--Commercial Avionics, 
Loerracher Str. 18, 79115 Freiburg, Germany; telephone +49 (761) 
4901-142; fax +49 (761) 4901-773; email ahrs.support@ng-litef.de. 
You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0093, dated May 27, 2015. You may 
view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in 
the AD Docket.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3420, Attitude and 
Directional Data System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 19, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-11132 Filed 6-2-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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