Airworthiness Directives; Various Airplanes, 69891-69893 [2023-22352]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 194 / Tuesday, October 10, 2023 / Proposed Rules prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section, of all members. * * * * * Erin Morris, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2023–22335 Filed 10–6–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2023–1990; Project Identifier AD–2023–00734–A] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Various Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various airplanes modified with a certain configuration of the Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System installed per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. SA01866WI. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an uncommanded automatic pitch trim runaway when the autopilot was first engaged. This proposed AD would require updating the applicable Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System software for your airplane and would prohibit installing earlier versions of that software. 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 November 24, 2023. 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 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. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:41 Oct 06, 2023 Jkt 262001 for and locating Docket No. FAA–2023– 1990; 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, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Withers, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1801 S Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946– 4190; email: christopher.d.withers@ 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 ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2023–1990; Project Identifier AD– 2023–00734–A’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposal 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 regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. 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 Christopher Withers, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1801 S Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209. Any PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 69891 commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background The FAA received a report of an incident involving a Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate previously held by Beech Aircraft Corporation, Raytheon Aircraft Company, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, and Beechcraft Corporation) Model F33A Bonanza airplane having an un-commanded automatic pitch trim runaway when the autopilot was first engaged. The airplane was equipped with a Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System that included an optional GSA 28 pitch trim servo. The affected Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System includes G5, G3X Touch, or GI 275 software and was installed per STC No. SA01866WI using Master Drawing List 005–01264–00, Revisions 1 through 76. The affected autopilot system software does not properly handle certain hardware failures of the pitch trim servo. This could result in an automatic un-commanded pitch trim runaway, and loss of control of the airplane. An investigation by Garmin International and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined this condition could exist on various Textron Aviation, Inc., Piper Aircraft, Inc., Commander Aircraft Corporation, Mooney International Corporation, and DAHER AEROSPACE airplane models equipped with a Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System that includes an optional GSA 28 pitch trim servo. FAA’s Determination The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would require updating the applicable Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System software for your airplane and would prohibit installing earlier versions of that software. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 5,900 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: E:\FR\FM\10OCP1.SGM 10OCP1 69892 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 194 / Tuesday, October 10, 2023 / Proposed Rules ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Update autopilot software ............................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ................. $0 $85 $501,500 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. 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Regulatory Findings The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not The Proposed Amendment List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. 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: ■ Various Airplanes: Docket No. FAA–2023– 1990; Project Identifier AD–2023–00734– A. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by November 24, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all airplane models specified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD, certificated in any category, having a Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System that includes an optional GSA 28 pitch trim servo installed per Supplemental Type Certificate No. SA01866WI using Master Drawing List 005–01264–00, Revisions 1 through 76. TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (c)—APPLICABLE AIRPLANE MODELS Type certificate holder Airplane model Commander Aircraft Corporation ............................................................. DAHER AEROSPACE .............................................................................. Mooney International Corporation ............................................................ Piper Aircraft, Inc ...................................................................................... Piper Aircraft, Inc ...................................................................................... ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 Piper Aircraft, Inc ...................................................................................... Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate previously held by Beech Aircraft Corporation, Raytheon Aircraft Company, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, and Beechcraft Corporation). Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate previously held by Beech Aircraft Corporation, Raytheon Aircraft Company, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, and Beechcraft Corporation). Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate previously held by Beech Aircraft Corporation, Raytheon Aircraft Company, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, and Beechcraft Corporation). Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company). Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company). Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company). Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company). VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:41 Oct 06, 2023 Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 112 and 114. TB 20 and TB 21. M20. PA–24. PA–28–150, PA–28–151, PA–28–160, PA–28–161, PA–28–235, PA– 28R–180, PA–28R–200, PA–28R–201, PA–28R–201T, PA–28RT– 201, and PA–28RT–201T. PA–32–260, PA–32–300, PA–32–301, PA–32–301FT, PA–32–301T, PA–32–301XTC, PA–32R–300, PA–32RT–300, PA–32RT–300T, PA–32R–301 (HP), PA–32R–301 (SP), and PA–32R–301T. B19, B23, and B24R. C35, D35, E35, F35, and G35. F33A, H35, J35, K35, M35, N35, P35, S35, V35, 36, A36, and B36TC. 172. 172RG. 177. 182, 182G, and 182R. Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\10OCP1.SGM 10OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 194 / Tuesday, October 10, 2023 / Proposed Rules 69893 TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (c)—APPLICABLE AIRPLANE MODELS—Continued Type certificate holder Airplane model Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company). Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company). 210. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference None. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2210, Autopilot System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of an un-commanded automatic pitch trim runaway when the autopilot was first engaged. The FAA is issuing this AD to address autopilot software that does not properly handle certain hardware failures of the pitch trim servo. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncommanded automatic pitch trim runaway and loss of control of the airplane. Issued on October 3, 2023. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–22352 Filed 10–6–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration (f) Compliance 14 CFR Part 71 Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. [Docket No. FAA–2023–1614; Airspace Docket No. 23–ASW–14] (g) Required Action RIN 2120–AA66 Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, update the Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System software applicable to your airplane to a version that is not 8.01 or earlier for the G5, not version 9.01 or earlier for the G3X Touch, and not version 2.59 or earlier for the GI 275. (h) Installation Prohibition As of the effective date of this AD, do not install Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System Software that is version 8.01 or earlier for the G5, version 9.01 or earlier for the G3X Touch, or version 2.59 or earlier for the GI 275, on any airplane. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 206. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Central Certification 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 Central Certification Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to wichita-cos@ faa.gov. (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 For more information about this AD, contact Christopher Withers, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1801 S Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946–4190; email: christopher.d.withers@faa.gov. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:41 Oct 06, 2023 Jkt 262001 Establishment of Class E Airspace; Lajitas, TX Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Lajitas, TX. The FAA is proposing this action to support new instrument procedures at this airport. DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 24, 2023. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA–2023–1614 and Airspace Docket No. 23–ASW–14 using any of the following methods: * Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov and follow the online instruction for sending your comments electronically. * Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12–140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590–0001. * Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. * Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493–2251. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for accessing the docket or go to Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FAA Order JO 7400.11H, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ publications/. You may also contact the Rules and Regulations Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raul Garza Jr., Federal Aviation Administration, Operations Support Group, Central Service Center, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5874. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for This Rulemaking The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it would establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Lajitas International Airport, Lajitas, TX, to support instrument flight rule (IFR) operations at this airport. Comments Invited The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, E:\FR\FM\10OCP1.SGM 10OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 194 (Tuesday, October 10, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69891-69893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-22352]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1990; Project Identifier AD-2023-00734-A]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Various Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for various airplanes modified with a certain configuration of the 
Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System installed per Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) No. SA01866WI. This proposed AD was prompted by a 
report of an un-commanded automatic pitch trim runaway when the 
autopilot was first engaged. This proposed AD would require updating 
the applicable Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System software for your 
airplane and would prohibit installing earlier versions of that 
software. 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 November 
24, 2023.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-1990; 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, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Withers, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1801 S Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 
946-4190; 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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2023-1990; Project Identifier 
AD-2023-00734-A'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal 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 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

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 
Christopher Withers, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1801 S Airport 
Road, Wichita, KS 67209. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA received a report of an incident involving a Textron 
Aviation Inc. (type certificate previously held by Beech Aircraft 
Corporation, Raytheon Aircraft Company, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, 
and Beechcraft Corporation) Model F33A Bonanza airplane having an un-
commanded automatic pitch trim runaway when the autopilot was first 
engaged. The airplane was equipped with a Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot 
System that included an optional GSA 28 pitch trim servo. The affected 
Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System includes G5, G3X Touch, or GI 275 
software and was installed per STC No. SA01866WI using Master Drawing 
List 005-01264-00, Revisions 1 through 76.
    The affected autopilot system software does not properly handle 
certain hardware failures of the pitch trim servo. This could result in 
an automatic un-commanded pitch trim runaway, and loss of control of 
the airplane.
    An investigation by Garmin International and the National 
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined this condition could 
exist on various Textron Aviation, Inc., Piper Aircraft, Inc., 
Commander Aircraft Corporation, Mooney International Corporation, and 
DAHER AEROSPACE airplane models equipped with a Garmin GFC 500 
Autopilot System that includes an optional GSA 28 pitch trim servo.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require updating the applicable Garmin GFC 
500 Autopilot System software for your airplane and would prohibit 
installing earlier versions of that software.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 5,900 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

[[Page 69892]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update autopilot software...........  1 work-hour x $85 per                $0              $85         $501,500
                                       hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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:

Various Airplanes: Docket No. FAA-2023-1990; Project Identifier AD-
2023-00734-A.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by November 24, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all airplane models specified in Table 1 to 
paragraph (c) of this AD, certificated in any category, having a 
Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System that includes an optional GSA 28 
pitch trim servo installed per Supplemental Type Certificate No. 
SA01866WI using Master Drawing List 005-01264-00, Revisions 1 
through 76.

          Table 1 to Paragraph (c)--Applicable Airplane Models
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Type certificate holder                   Airplane model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commander Aircraft Corporation.........  112 and 114.
DAHER AEROSPACE........................  TB 20 and TB 21.
Mooney International Corporation.......  M20.
Piper Aircraft, Inc....................  PA-24.
Piper Aircraft, Inc....................  PA-28-150, PA-28-151, PA-28-
                                          160, PA-28-161, PA-28-235, PA-
                                          28R-180, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-
                                          201, PA-28R-201T, PA-28RT-201,
                                          and PA-28RT-201T.
Piper Aircraft, Inc....................  PA-32-260, PA-32-300, PA-32-
                                          301, PA-32-301FT, PA-32-301T,
                                          PA-32-301XTC, PA-32R-300, PA-
                                          32RT-300, PA-32RT-300T, PA-32R-
                                          301 (HP), PA-32R-301 (SP), and
                                          PA-32R-301T.
Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate  B19, B23, and B24R.
 previously held by Beech Aircraft
 Corporation, Raytheon Aircraft
 Company, Hawker Beechcraft
 Corporation, and Beechcraft
 Corporation).
Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate  C35, D35, E35, F35, and G35.
 previously held by Beech Aircraft
 Corporation, Raytheon Aircraft
 Company, Hawker Beechcraft
 Corporation, and Beechcraft
 Corporation).
Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate  F33A, H35, J35, K35, M35, N35,
 previously held by Beech Aircraft        P35, S35, V35, 36, A36, and
 Corporation, Raytheon Aircraft           B36TC.
 Company, Hawker Beechcraft
 Corporation, and Beechcraft
 Corporation).
Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate  172.
 previously held by Cessna Aircraft
 Company).
Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate  172RG.
 previously held by Cessna Aircraft
 Company).
Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate  177.
 previously held by Cessna Aircraft
 Company).
Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate  182, 182G, and 182R.
 previously held by Cessna Aircraft
 Company).

[[Page 69893]]

 
Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate  206.
 previously held by Cessna Aircraft
 Company).
Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate  210.
 previously held by Cessna Aircraft
 Company).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2210, Autopilot 
System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an un-commanded automatic 
pitch trim runaway when the autopilot was first engaged. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address autopilot software that does not properly 
handle certain hardware failures of the pitch trim servo. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in un-commanded automatic 
pitch trim runaway and loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Action

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, update the 
Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System software applicable to your airplane 
to a version that is not 8.01 or earlier for the G5, not version 
9.01 or earlier for the G3X Touch, and not version 2.59 or earlier 
for the GI 275.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, do not install Garmin GFC 
500 Autopilot System Software that is version 8.01 or earlier for 
the G5, version 9.01 or earlier for the G3X Touch, or version 2.59 
or earlier for the GI 275, on any airplane.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Central Certification 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 Central Certification Branch, send it 
to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this 
AD. Information may be emailed to [email protected].
    (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

    For more information about this AD, contact Christopher Withers, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1801 S Airport Road, Wichita, KS 
67209; phone: (316) 946-4190; email: [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on October 3, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-22352 Filed 10-6-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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