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