Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell Collins, Inc. Flight Management Systems, 62736-62738 [2018-26253]
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62736
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 83, No. 234
Thursday, December 6, 2018
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–2018–0977; Product
Identifier 2018–CE–041–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell
Collins, Inc. Flight Management
Systems
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Rockwell
Collins) flight management systems
(FMS) installed on airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports
of the flight management computer
(FMC) software issuing incorrect turn
commands when the altitude climb field
is edited or the temperature
compensation is activated on the FMS
control display unit. This proposed AD
would require disabling the automatic
temperature compensation feature of the
FMS through the configuration
strapping units (CSU) and revising the
airplane flight manual (AFM)
Limitations section. We are proposing
this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by January 22, 2019.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSAL
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:35 Dec 04, 2018
Jkt 247001
• 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 Rockwell Collins,
Inc., Collins Aviation Services, 400
Collins Road NE, M/S 164–100, Cedar
Rapids, IA 52498–0001; telephone: 888–
265–5467 (U.S.) or 319–265–5467; fax:
319–295–4941 (outside U.S.); email:
techmanuals@rockwellcollins.com;
internet: https://www.rockwellcollins.
com/Services_and_Support/
Publications.aspx. You may review
copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Policy and
Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, Missouri 64106. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0977; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this NPRM, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations
(phone: 800–647–5527) is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
Avi
Acharya, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801
Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita,
Kansas 67209; phone: 316–946–4192;
fax: 316–946–4107; email:
avishek.acharya@faa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal. Send your comments to
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2018–0977; Product Identifier 2018–CE–
041–AD’’ at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this NPRM
because of those comments.
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this NPRM.
Discussion
During flight inspection on a
Bombardier Model CRJ–200 airplane,
Nav Canada, which is Canada’s civil air
navigation service provider, observed
the FMS map displaying an incorrect
turn for the Fort St. John airport
instrument landing system runway 29
missed approach while using
temperature compensation. Nav Canada
assumed this was only an issue with the
map display and reported the incident
to Rockwell Collins.
Rockwell Collins subsequently
determined that an error in the design
of the Pro Line 4 and Pro Line 21 FMC
software causes changes to the
procedure-defined turn direction when
the procedure has been significantly
modified. The FMS will change the
planned database turn direction to an
incorrect turn direction when the
altitude climb field is edited, and the
flight crew may not notice the change
during climb. The FMS will also change
the planned database turn direction to
an incorrect turn direction if the
temperature compensation is activated,
which may go unnoticed by the flight
crew with the increased workload
involved with a missed approach
procedure. Editing the altitude or using
temperature compensation does not
change the flight segment. However, due
to the design error, the software thinks
the flight segment has changed. The
change of the planned turn direction
can occur for either left or right turns.
The FMS commanding incorrect turn
direction may result in a collision or
controlled flight into terrain.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Rockwell Collins
Service Information Letter, CSU–XX00–
18–1, dated June 27, 2018. The service
letter contains procedures for disabling
the automatic temperature
compensation option in Pro Line 4 and
Pro Line 21 FMC systems. We also
reviewed Rockwell Collins Service
Information Letter FMC–XX00–18–1,
dated June 27, 2018. The service letter
provides instructions for revising the
E:\FR\FM\06DEP1.SGM
06DEP1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 234 / Thursday, December 6, 2018 / Proposed Rules
Limitations section of the AFM by
adding prohibitions on editing altitudes
for specific Pro Line 4 and Pro Line 21
Flight Management Systems. 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.
FAA’s Determination
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all the relevant information
62737
and determined the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop in other products of these same
type designs.
temperature compensation feature and
the editing of altitudes.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
disabling the automatic temperature
compensation feature on the FMS
through the CSUs. This proposed AD
would also require revising the
Limitations section of the AFM by
adding limitations on the use of the
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 2,855 products installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this proposed AD:
Costs of Compliance
ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost on U.S.
operators
Labor cost
Parts cost
CSU strapping change ...................
2 work-hours × $85 per hour =
$170.
.5 work-hour × $85 per hour =
$42.50.
Not applicable ................................
$170
$485,350
Not applicable ................................
42.50
121,337.50
Revision to the AFM Limitations
section.
Authority for This Rulemaking
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSAL
Cost per
product
Action
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.
This AD is issued in accordance with
authority delegated by the Executive
Director, Aircraft Certification Service,
as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.
In accordance with that order, issuance
of ADs is normally a function of the
Compliance and Airworthiness
Division, but during this transition
period, the Executive Director has
delegated the authority to issue ADs
applicable to small airplanes, domestic
business jet transport airplanes, and
associated appliances to the Director of
the Policy and Innovation Division.
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
the DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would not have a
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:35 Dec 04, 2018
Jkt 247001
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Rockwell Collins, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–
2018–0977; Product Identifier 2018–CE–
041–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 22,
2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rockwell Collins, Inc.
(‘‘Rockwell Collins’’) Pro Line 4 and Pro Line
21 Flight Management Systems installed on
airplanes, certificated in any category, that
has a flight management computer (FMC)
with a Rockwell Collins part number (RCPN)
listed in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and with
a configuration strapping unit (CSU) listed in
paragraph (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) FMC–3000 RCPN 822–0883–031, –036,
–038, –040, –041, –053, –054, –056, –057,
–058, –059, –060, –081, –082, –083, –084;
FMC–4200 RCPN 822–0783–022, –025, –028,
–032, –036, –039, -040; FMC–5000 RCPN
822–0891–021, -027, -028, -034, -040; or
FMC–6000 RCPN 822–0868–074, –075, –082,
–083, –084, –085, –087, –089, –090, –109,
–17, –111, –112, –113, –114, –116, –117,
–122, –123, –127, –130, –132, –133, –134,
–139.
(2) CSU–3100 RCPN 822–1363–002, CSU–
4000 RCPN 822–0049–002, or CSU–4100
RCPN 822–1364–002.
Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: To
determine the CSU and FMC unit RCPN,
refer to the aircraft manufacturer or
applicable STC holder maintenance
instructions for accessing them.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America
Code 3460, Flight Management Computing
Hardware System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of the
FMC software issuing incorrect turn
E:\FR\FM\06DEP1.SGM
06DEP1
62738
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 234 / Thursday, December 6, 2018 / Proposed Rules
commands when the altitude climb field is
edited or when the temperature
compensation is activated. We are issuing
this AD to prevent the FMC from issuing an
incorrect turn direction command. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in a collision or controlled flight into
terrain.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
November 26, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy
Director, Policy and Innovation Division,
AIR–601.
[FR Doc. 2018–26253 Filed 12–4–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
(g) Disable the Temperature Compensation
Within the next 12 months after the
effective date of this AD, disable the
automatic temperature compensation feature
on the CSU by following steps (2) through (6)
of the Instructions in Rockwell Collins
Service Information Letter CSU–XX00–18–1,
dated June 27, 2018.
(h) Revise the Airplane Flight Manual
Limitations
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Wichita ACO Branch,
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 (j)(1) of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
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(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Avi Acharya, Aerospace Engineer,
Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport
Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209;
phone: 316–946–4192; fax: 316–946–4107;
email: avishek.acharya@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Rockwell Collins, Inc.,
Collins Aviation Services, 400 Collins Road
NE, M/S 164–100, Cedar Rapids, IA 52498–
0001; telephone: 888–265–5467 (U.S.) or
319–265–5467; fax: 319–295–4941 (outside
U.S.); email: techmanuals@
rockwellcollins.com; internet: https://
www.rockwellcollins.com/Services_and_
Support/Publications.aspx. You may 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.
18:35 Dec 04, 2018
Jkt 247001
[Docket No. FAA–2018–1003; Product
Identifier 2018–NM–133–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
Within the next 12 months after the
effective date of this AD, revise the airplane
flight manual by adding the information from
step 2 of the Aircraft Flight Manual
Recommendation in Rockwell Collins
Service Information Letter FMC–XX00–18–1,
dated June 27, 2018, into the Limitations
section of the AFM.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14 CFR Part 39
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus SAS Model A330–201, –202, and
–203, and Model A330–301, –302, and
–303 airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of damaged drain
pipes located above the lower aft pylon
fairing (LAPF), caused by a contact
between the drain pipe and the two ushape ribs of the LAPF. This proposed
AD would require a special detailed
inspection for damage and corrective
actions, 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 January 22, 2019.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Airbus SAS,
Airworthiness Office—EAL, Rond-Point
Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac
Cedex, France; phone: +33 5 61 93 36
96; fax: +33 5 61 93 45 80; email:
airworthiness.A330–A340@airbus.com;
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
internet: https://www.airbus.com. You
may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
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–2018–
1003; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this NPRM, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations
(phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206–231–3229.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal. Send your comments to
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2018–1003; Product Identifier 2018–
NM–133–AD’’ at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this NPRM
because of those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this NPRM.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2018–0198,
dated September 6, 2018 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus SAS Model A330–
201, –202, and –203, and Model A330–
301, –302, and –303 airplanes. The
MCAI states:
Some cases of damaged drain pipes, Part
Number F7173000700000, located above the
E:\FR\FM\06DEP1.SGM
06DEP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 234 (Thursday, December 6, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62736-62738]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-26253]
========================================================================
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. 83, No. 234 / Thursday, December 6, 2018 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 62736]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0977; Product Identifier 2018-CE-041-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell Collins, Inc. Flight
Management Systems
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Rockwell Collins) flight management
systems (FMS) installed on airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by
reports of the flight management computer (FMC) software issuing
incorrect turn commands when the altitude climb field is edited or the
temperature compensation is activated on the FMS control display unit.
This proposed AD would require disabling the automatic temperature
compensation feature of the FMS through the configuration strapping
units (CSU) and revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) Limitations
section. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 22,
2019.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Rockwell
Collins, Inc., Collins Aviation Services, 400 Collins Road NE, M/S 164-
100, Cedar Rapids, IA 52498-0001; telephone: 888-265-5467 (U.S.) or
319-265-5467; fax: 319-295-4941 (outside U.S.); email:
[email protected]; internet: https://www.rockwellcollins.com/Services_and_Support/Publications.aspx. You may
review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Policy
and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816)
329-4148.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0977; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Avi Acharya, Aerospace Engineer,
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room
100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: 316-946-4192; fax: 316-946-4107;
email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0977;
Product Identifier 2018-CE-041-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because
of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this NPRM.
Discussion
During flight inspection on a Bombardier Model CRJ-200 airplane,
Nav Canada, which is Canada's civil air navigation service provider,
observed the FMS map displaying an incorrect turn for the Fort St. John
airport instrument landing system runway 29 missed approach while using
temperature compensation. Nav Canada assumed this was only an issue
with the map display and reported the incident to Rockwell Collins.
Rockwell Collins subsequently determined that an error in the
design of the Pro Line 4 and Pro Line 21 FMC software causes changes to
the procedure-defined turn direction when the procedure has been
significantly modified. The FMS will change the planned database turn
direction to an incorrect turn direction when the altitude climb field
is edited, and the flight crew may not notice the change during climb.
The FMS will also change the planned database turn direction to an
incorrect turn direction if the temperature compensation is activated,
which may go unnoticed by the flight crew with the increased workload
involved with a missed approach procedure. Editing the altitude or
using temperature compensation does not change the flight segment.
However, due to the design error, the software thinks the flight
segment has changed. The change of the planned turn direction can occur
for either left or right turns.
The FMS commanding incorrect turn direction may result in a
collision or controlled flight into terrain.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Rockwell Collins Service Information Letter, CSU-XX00-
18-1, dated June 27, 2018. The service letter contains procedures for
disabling the automatic temperature compensation option in Pro Line 4
and Pro Line 21 FMC systems. We also reviewed Rockwell Collins Service
Information Letter FMC-XX00-18-1, dated June 27, 2018. The service
letter provides instructions for revising the
[[Page 62737]]
Limitations section of the AFM by adding prohibitions on editing
altitudes for specific Pro Line 4 and Pro Line 21 Flight Management
Systems. 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.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type
designs.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require disabling the automatic temperature
compensation feature on the FMS through the CSUs. This proposed AD
would also require revising the Limitations section of the AFM by
adding limitations on the use of the temperature compensation feature
and the editing of altitudes.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 2,855 products installed
on airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CSU strapping change.............. 2 work-hours x $85 Not applicable....... $170 $485,350
per hour = $170.
Revision to the AFM Limitations .5 work-hour x $85 Not applicable....... 42.50 121,337.50
section. per hour = $42.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, domestic business
jet transport airplanes, and associated appliances to the Director of
the Policy and Innovation Division.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Rockwell Collins, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2018-0977; Product Identifier
2018-CE-041-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 22, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Rockwell Collins, Inc. (``Rockwell Collins'')
Pro Line 4 and Pro Line 21 Flight Management Systems installed on
airplanes, certificated in any category, that has a flight
management computer (FMC) with a Rockwell Collins part number (RCPN)
listed in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and with a configuration
strapping unit (CSU) listed in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) FMC-3000 RCPN 822-0883-031, -036, -038, -040, -041, -053, -
054, -056, -057, -058, -059, -060, -081, -082, -083, -084; FMC-4200
RCPN 822-0783-022, -025, -028, -032, -036, -039, -040; FMC-5000 RCPN
822-0891-021, -027, -028, -034, -040; or FMC-6000 RCPN 822-0868-074,
-075, -082, -083, -084, -085, -087, -089, -090, -109, -17, -111, -
112, -113, -114, -116, -117, -122, -123, -127, -130, -132, -133, -
134, -139.
(2) CSU-3100 RCPN 822-1363-002, CSU-4000 RCPN 822-0049-002, or
CSU-4100 RCPN 822-1364-002.
Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: To determine the CSU and FMC
unit RCPN, refer to the aircraft manufacturer or applicable STC
holder maintenance instructions for accessing them.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 3460, Flight Management Computing Hardware
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of the FMC software issuing
incorrect turn
[[Page 62738]]
commands when the altitude climb field is edited or when the
temperature compensation is activated. We are issuing this AD to
prevent the FMC from issuing an incorrect turn direction command.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a collision
or controlled flight into terrain.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Disable the Temperature Compensation
Within the next 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
disable the automatic temperature compensation feature on the CSU by
following steps (2) through (6) of the Instructions in Rockwell
Collins Service Information Letter CSU-XX00-18-1, dated June 27,
2018.
(h) Revise the Airplane Flight Manual Limitations
Within the next 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
revise the airplane flight manual by adding the information from
step 2 of the Aircraft Flight Manual Recommendation in Rockwell
Collins Service Information Letter FMC-XX00-18-1, dated June 27,
2018, into the Limitations section of the AFM.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Wichita ACO Branch, 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 (j)(1) of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Avi Acharya,
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room
100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: 316-946-4192; fax: 316-946-4107;
email: [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Collins Aviation Services, 400 Collins Road
NE, M/S 164-100, Cedar Rapids, IA 52498-0001; telephone: 888-265-
5467 (U.S.) or 319-265-5467; fax: 319-295-4941 (outside U.S.);
email: [email protected]; internet: https://www.rockwellcollins.com/Services_and_Support/Publications.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.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 26, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation
Division, AIR-601.
[FR Doc. 2018-26253 Filed 12-4-18; 8:45 am]
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