Airworthiness Directives; Thales AVS France SAS Global Positioning System/Satellite Based Augmentation System Receivers, 5584-5587 [2020-01706]

Download as PDF 5584 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 85, No. 21 Friday, January 31, 2020 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–2019–0760; Product Identifier 2019–NE–18–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Thales AVS France SAS Global Positioning System/Satellite Based Augmentation System Receivers Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Thales AVS France SAS (Thales) Global Positioning System/Satellite Based Augmentation System (GPS/ SBAS) receivers installed on airplanes and helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that Thales GPS/ SBAS receivers provided, under certain conditions, erroneous outputs on aircraft positions. This proposed AD would require the installation of a software update to the aircraft navigation database and insertion of a change to the applicable airplane flight manual (AFM). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 16, 2020. 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 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:23 Jan 30, 2020 Jkt 250001 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800– Winged–S or 203–416–4299; email: wcs_cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com; Thales AVS France SAS, 75–77 Avenue Marcel Dassault, 33700 Me´rignac— France, Tel: +33 (0)5 24 44 77 40, www.thalesgroup.com; or ATR–GIE Avions de Transport Re´gional, 1, Alle´e Pierre Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; email continued.airworthiness@atraircraft.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238– 7759. 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–2019– 0760; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kirk Gustafson, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7190; fax: 781–238–7199; email: kirk.gustafson@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites 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–2019–0760; Product Identifier 2019–NE–18–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 this NPRM. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD. Confidential Business Information Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Kirk Gustafson, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Discussion The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD No. 2019–0004, dated January 11, 2019, corrected on January 17, 2019 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to address an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states, in pertinent part: It has been determined that, in SBAS areas, in specific conditions of the GPS satellite constellation in line of sight to the aircraft, the Thales Topstar 200 LPV GPS/SBAS E:\FR\FM\31JAP1.SGM 31JAP1 5585 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 21 / Friday, January 31, 2020 / Proposed Rules receiver may provide an erroneous position on its outputs, which may not be detected by the integrity check. Depending on the aircraft installation, this error may not be noticed by the flight crew. This condition, if not corrected, could possibly compromise the safety margins when the receiver is used for Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance (LPV) and/or RNP–AR (Required Navigation Performance—Authorization Required) operations. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires removal from the navigation database of LPV procedures and all RNP–AR procedures in SBAS areas, listed in the SIL. To ensure a reset of all the GPS computations which may contribute to the erroneous GPS position output, this AD also requires, for certain ATR aeroplanes (see Note 1 of this [EASA] AD), amendment of the applicable AFM. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2019– 0760. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Task 31–61–00– 800–802, ‘‘2. FMS Database Update for Multifunction Display (MFD)’’ of the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, AMM SA S76D–AMM–000, 31–61–00, dated November 30, 2017. This Task provides instructions for updating the MFD on affected Sikorsky aircraft. The FAA also reviewed ATR72 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Job Instruction Cards, Doc. No. 45–11– 00 LDG 10030–004, dated June 1, 2018, and ATR42–400/500 Series AMM Job Instruction Cards, Doc. No. 45–11–00 LDG 10030–004, dated July 1, 2018. These service documents provide instructions on updating the navigation databases installed on affected ATR airplanes. The FAA also reviewed Thales Service Information Letter (SIL) Doc. No. THAV/SIL–1308, Issue 7, dated September 28, 2018. The SIL describes procedures to upload navigational database using Thales PMAT software on affected ATR airplanes. 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 This product has been approved by EASA and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the European Community, EASA has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD because the Agency evaluated all the relevant information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require installation of a software update to the aircraft navigation database and insertion of a change to the applicable AFM. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 45 Thales GPS/SBAS receivers installed on, but not limited to, GIE Avions de Transport Re´gional model ATR42 airplanes and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation model S–76D helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Update navigation database for GPS/SBAS receiver. Update AFM .................................................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ................. $0 $85 $3,825 3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 ............. 0 255 11,475 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. The FAA is 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:23 Jan 30, 2020 Jkt 250001 Parts cost Cost on U.S. operators Labor cost Authority for This Rulemaking jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS Cost per product Action 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 engines, propellers, and associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division. Regulatory Findings The FAA 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: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) 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. E:\FR\FM\31JAP1.SGM 31JAP1 5586 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Thales AVS France SAS: Docket No. FAA– 2019–0760; Product Identifier 2019–NE– 18–AD. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments by March 16, 2020. (b) Affected ADs None. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (c) Applicability airplanes and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation model S–76D helicopters, respectively. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3457, Global Positioning System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports that Thales GPS/SBAS receivers provided, under certain conditions, erroneous outputs on aircraft positions. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent erroneous aircraft position outputs from the Thales GPS/SBAS receivers. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in controlled flight into terrain and loss of the aircraft. This AD applies to Thales AVS France SAS (Thales) Global Positioning System/Satellite Based Augmentation System (GPS/SBAS) receivers, Topstar 200 LPV, part numbers (P/ Ns) C17149JA02 and C17149HA01. These GPS/SBAS receivers are installed on, but not limited to, ATR–GIE Avions de Transport Re´gional (‘‘ATR’’) model ATR42 and ATR72 (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (3) For operators of Sikorsky S–76D helicopters, within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, update the aircraft’s navigation database using the instructions in TASK 31–61–00–800–802, ‘‘2. FMS Database Update for Multifunction Display (MFD)’’ of the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, AMM SA S76D–AMM–000, 31–61–00, dated November 30, 2017. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:23 Jan 30, 2020 Jkt 250001 (g) Required Actions (1) For operators of affected ATR model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes: (1) The Manager, Boston 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 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (i) Update the aircraft’s navigation database within 30 days after the effective date of this AD using the software upload instructions, as applicable, in the following: (A) ATR72 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Job Instruction Cards, Doc. No. 45– 11–00 LDG 10030–004, dated June 1, 2018. (B) ATR42–400/500 Series AMM Job Instruction Cards, Doc. No. 45–11–00 LDG 10030–004, dated July 1, 2018. (C) Thales Service Information Letter (SIL) Doc. No. THAV/SIL–1308, Issue 7, dated September 28, 2018. (ii) [Reserved] (2) For operators of affected ATR model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes: (i) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, amend Section 1.2 ‘‘Each Flight Checks’’ of the pre-flight section in the applicable airplane flight manual by inserting the change shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD. (ii) Before each flight, power cycle the Thales GPS/SBAS receiver unit. Boston ACO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. E:\FR\FM\31JAP1.SGM 31JAP1 EP31JA20.000</GPH> § 39.13 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 21 / Friday, January 31, 2020 / Proposed Rules Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 21 / Friday, January 31, 2020 / Proposed Rules (i) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kirk Gustafson, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803; phone: 781– 238–7190; fax: 781–238–7199; email: kirk.gustafson@faa.gov. (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2019–0004, dated January 11, 2019 (corrected on January 17, 2019), for more information. You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2019–0760. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800-Winged-S or 203–416–4299; email: wcs_cust_service_eng.gr-sik@ lmco.com; Thales AVS France SAS, 75–77 Avenue Marcel Dassault, 33700 Me´rignac— France, Tel: +33 (0)5 24 44 77 40, www.thalesgroup.com; or ATR–GIE Avions de Transport Re´gional, 1, Alle´e Pierre Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; email continued.airworthiness@atraircraft.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 27, 2020. Robert J. Ganley, Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–01706 Filed 1–30–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 16 CFR Parts 1219, 1220 [Docket No. CPSC–2010–0075] Review of the Safety Standards for Full-Size Baby Cribs and Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs Consumer Product Safety Commission. ACTION: Section 610 review and request for comments. AGENCY: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission or CPSC) is conducting a review of the safety standards for full-size baby cribs and non-full-size baby cribs under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). That section requires the CPSC to review, within 10 years after their issuance, mandatory standards that have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The CPSC seeks comment to determine jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:23 Jan 30, 2020 Jkt 250001 whether, consistent with the CPSC’s statutory obligations, these standards should be maintained without change or modified to minimize significant impact of the rule on a substantial number of small entities. DATES: Written comments should be submitted by March 31, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. CPSC–2010– 0075, by any of the following methods: Electronic Submissions: Submit electronic comments to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. CPSC does not accept comments submitted by electronic mail (email), except through www.regulations.gov. CPSC encourages you to submit electronic comments by using the Federal eRulemaking Portal, as described above. Mail/hand delivery/courier Submissions: Submit comments by mail/hand delivery/courier to: Division of the Secretariat, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Room 820, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814; telephone (301) 504–7923. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this notice. All comments received may be posted without change, including any personal identifiers, contact information, or other personal information provided, to: https://www.regulations.gov. Do not submit electronically confidential business information, trade secret information, or other sensitive or protected information that you do not want to be available to the public. If you wish to submit such information, please submit it according to the instructions for written submissions. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to: https:// www.regulations.gov, and insert the docket number CPSC–2010–0075, into the ‘‘Search’’ box, and follow the prompts. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Proper, Directorate for Economic Analysis, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814; telephone: (301) 504–7628; email: sproper@cpsc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act On December 28, 2010, the CPSC issued the Safety Standards for Full-Size Baby Cribs (16 CFR part 1219) and NonFull-Size Baby Cribs (16 CFR part 1220) under section 104(c) of the Consumer PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 5587 Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), Public Law 110–314) (75 FR 81766). Section 104(c) of the CPSIA stated that the crib standards would apply to certain persons (such as those owning or operating child care facilities and places of public accommodation), in addition to persons usually subject to consumer product safety rules.1 In the initial rule, the Commission determined that both crib standards would have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities, including manufacturers, importers, small retailers, and child care centers (75 FR 81782–86). On August 12, 2011, in Public Law 112–28, Congress amended section 104 and specifically addressed potential revisions of the crib standards, stating that any revision after their initial promulgation ‘‘shall apply only to a person that manufactures or imports cribs,’’ unless the Commission determines that application to any others covered by the initial crib standards is ‘‘necessary to protect against an unreasonable risk to health or safety.’’ If the Commission applies a revised crib standard to additional persons, the statute requires the Commission to provide at least 12 months for those persons to come into compliance. The Commission has not expanded the applicability of the crib standards to any additional persons in subsequent revisions to the standards.2 B. The Crib Standards The full-size baby crib standard currently incorporates ASTM F1169–19, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Full-Size Baby Cribs, approved on March 15, 2019, as the mandatory CPSC standard. ASTM F1169–19 specifies performance requirements and test procedures to determine the structural integrity of fullsize cribs. It also contains design requirements addressing entanglement on crib corner post extensions, and 1 Under section 104(c) of the CPSIA, the initial crib standards applied to any person that (A) Manufactures, distributes in commerce, or contracts to sell cribs; (B) Based on the person’s occupation, holds itself out as having knowledge of skill peculiar to cribs, including child care facilities and family child care homes; (C) Is in the business of contracting to sell or resell, lease, sublet, or otherwise place cribs in the stream of commerce; or (D) Owns or operates a place of accommodation affecting commerce. 2 The full-size crib standard was revised on July 31, 2012 (77 FR 45242), December 9, 2013 (78 FR 73692), and July 23, 2019 (84 FR 35293); the nonfull-size crib standard was revised on June 6, 2018 (83 FR 26206) and October 23, 2019 (84 FR 56684). E:\FR\FM\31JAP1.SGM 31JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 21 (Friday, January 31, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5584-5587]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-01706]


========================================================================
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. 85, No. 21 / Friday, January 31, 2020 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 5584]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0760; Product Identifier 2019-NE-18-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Thales AVS France SAS Global 
Positioning System/Satellite Based Augmentation System Receivers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Thales AVS France SAS (Thales) Global Positioning System/
Satellite Based Augmentation System (GPS/SBAS) receivers installed on 
airplanes and helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports 
that Thales GPS/SBAS receivers provided, under certain conditions, 
erroneous outputs on aircraft positions. This proposed AD would require 
the installation of a software update to the aircraft navigation 
database and insertion of a change to the applicable airplane flight 
manual (AFM). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 16, 
2020.

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: Sikorsky 
Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, 
Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email: 
[email protected]; Thales AVS France SAS, 75-77 
Avenue Marcel Dassault, 33700 M[eacute]rignac--France, Tel: +33 (0)5 24 
44 77 40, www.thalesgroup.com; or ATR-GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional, 1, All[eacute]e Pierre Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, 
France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; 
email aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com. You may view this 
service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

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-2019-
0760; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), 
the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kirk Gustafson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7190; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites 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-2019-0760; 
Product Identifier 2019-NE-18-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive 
verbal contact received about this proposed AD.

Confidential Business Information

    Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial 
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by 
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), 
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to 
this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is 
customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and 
that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you 
clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page 
of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat 
such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will 
not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing 
CBI should be sent to Kirk Gustafson, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO 
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. Any 
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated 
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Discussion

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD No. 2019-0004, dated January 11, 2019, corrected on 
January 17, 2019 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to address 
an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states, in 
pertinent part:

    It has been determined that, in SBAS areas, in specific 
conditions of the GPS satellite constellation in line of sight to 
the aircraft, the Thales Topstar 200 LPV GPS/SBAS

[[Page 5585]]

receiver may provide an erroneous position on its outputs, which may 
not be detected by the integrity check. Depending on the aircraft 
installation, this error may not be noticed by the flight crew.
    This condition, if not corrected, could possibly compromise the 
safety margins when the receiver is used for Localizer Performance 
with Vertical guidance (LPV) and/or RNP-AR (Required Navigation 
Performance--Authorization Required) operations.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires removal 
from the navigation database of LPV procedures and all RNP-AR 
procedures in SBAS areas, listed in the SIL. To ensure a reset of 
all the GPS computations which may contribute to the erroneous GPS 
position output, this AD also requires, for certain ATR aeroplanes 
(see Note 1 of this [EASA] AD), amendment of the applicable AFM.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0760.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Task 31-61-00-800-802, ``2. FMS Database Update 
for Multifunction Display (MFD)'' of the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 
AMM SA S76D-AMM-000, 31-61-00, dated November 30, 2017. This Task 
provides instructions for updating the MFD on affected Sikorsky 
aircraft.
    The FAA also reviewed ATR72 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Job 
Instruction Cards, Doc. No. 45-11-00 LDG 10030-004, dated June 1, 2018, 
and ATR42-400/500 Series AMM Job Instruction Cards, Doc. No. 45-11-00 
LDG 10030-004, dated July 1, 2018. These service documents provide 
instructions on updating the navigation databases installed on affected 
ATR airplanes.
    The FAA also reviewed Thales Service Information Letter (SIL) Doc. 
No. THAV/SIL-1308, Issue 7, dated September 28, 2018. The SIL describes 
procedures to upload navigational database using Thales PMAT software 
on affected ATR airplanes.
    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

    This product has been approved by EASA and is approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement 
with the European Community, EASA has notified the FAA of the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced 
above. The FAA is proposing this AD because the Agency evaluated all 
the relevant information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other 
products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require installation of a software update to 
the aircraft navigation database and insertion of a change to the 
applicable AFM.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 45 Thales GPS/SBAS 
receivers installed on, but not limited to, GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional model ATR42 airplanes and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
model S-76D helicopters of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update navigation database for GPS/     1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85          $3,825
 SBAS receiver.                          hour = $85.
Update AFM............................  3 work-hours x $85 per                 0             255          11,475
                                         hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    The FAA is 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 engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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.

[[Page 5586]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Thales AVS France SAS: Docket No. FAA-2019-0760; Product Identifier 
2019-NE-18-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by March 16, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Thales AVS France SAS (Thales) Global 
Positioning System/Satellite Based Augmentation System (GPS/SBAS) 
receivers, Topstar 200 LPV, part numbers (P/Ns) C17149JA02 and 
C17149HA01. These GPS/SBAS receivers are installed on, but not 
limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional (``ATR'') 
model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
model S-76D helicopters, respectively.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3457, Global 
Positioning System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that Thales GPS/SBAS receivers 
provided, under certain conditions, erroneous outputs on aircraft 
positions. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent erroneous aircraft 
position outputs from the Thales GPS/SBAS receivers. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in controlled flight into 
terrain and loss of the aircraft.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For operators of affected ATR model ATR42 and ATR72 
airplanes:
    (i) Update the aircraft's navigation database within 30 days 
after the effective date of this AD using the software upload 
instructions, as applicable, in the following:
    (A) ATR72 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Job Instruction 
Cards, Doc. No. 45-11-00 LDG 10030-004, dated June 1, 2018.
    (B) ATR42-400/500 Series AMM Job Instruction Cards, Doc. No. 45-
11-00 LDG 10030-004, dated July 1, 2018.
    (C) Thales Service Information Letter (SIL) Doc. No. THAV/SIL-
1308, Issue 7, dated September 28, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) For operators of affected ATR model ATR42 and ATR72 
airplanes:
    (i) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, amend 
Section 1.2 ``Each Flight Checks'' of the pre-flight section in the 
applicable airplane flight manual by inserting the change shown in 
Figure 1 and Figure 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (ii) Before each flight, power cycle the Thales GPS/SBAS 
receiver unit.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP31JA20.000

    (3) For operators of Sikorsky S-76D helicopters, within 30 days 
after the effective date of this AD, update the aircraft's 
navigation database using the instructions in TASK 31-61-00-800-802, 
``2. FMS Database Update for Multifunction Display (MFD)'' of the 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, AMM SA S76D-AMM-000, 31-61-00, dated 
November 30, 2017.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston 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 Boston ACO Branch, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

[[Page 5587]]

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kirk Gustafson, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA, 01803; phone: 781-238-7190; fax: 781-238-7199; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 
2019-0004, dated January 11, 2019 (corrected on January 17, 2019), 
for more information. You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket 
on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating it in Docket No. FAA-2019-0760.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 
Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-
416-4299; email: [email protected]; Thales AVS 
France SAS, 75-77 Avenue Marcel Dassault, 33700 M[eacute]rignac--
France, Tel: +33 (0)5 24 44 77 40, www.thalesgroup.com; or ATR-GIE 
Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional, 1, All[eacute]e Pierre Nadot, 
31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax 
+33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; email aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com. You may view this referenced service information at 
the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District 
Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 27, 2020.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-01706 Filed 1-30-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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