Airworthiness Directives; Various Airplanes, 27398-27401 [2024-08082]

Download as PDF 27398 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 89, No. 75 Wednesday, April 17, 2024 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–2023–1990; Project Identifier AD–2023–00734–A] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Various Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM). AGENCY: The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that applied to various airplanes modified with a certain configuration of the Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System installed per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. SA01866WI. This action revises the NPRM by removing airplane models from and adding airplane models to the applicability. The FAA is proposing this airworthiness directive to address the unsafe condition on these products. Since this action would expand the applicability for the required action as proposed in the NPRM, the agency is requesting comments on this SNPRM. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by June 3, 2024. 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. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:09 Apr 16, 2024 Jkt 262001 AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 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 SNPRM, 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 the ADDRESSES section. 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 again revise 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 proposed AD. 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 SNPRM 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 SNPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 SNPRM. 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 issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to various airplanes modified with a certain configuration of the Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System installed per STC No. SA01866WI. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 10, 2023 (88 FR 69891). The NPRM was prompted by a report of an un-commanded automatic pitch trim runaway when the autopilot was first engaged. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require updating the applicable Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System software for your airplane and prohibit installing earlier versions of that software. Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued Based on the comments the FAA received on the NPRM, the FAA is proposing revising the applicability by removing and adding airplane models, revising paragraph (e) of the proposed AD to clarify that certain hardware failures affected the primary pitch servo, and adding Note 1 to paragraph (g) of the proposed AD. Comments The FAA received comments from several individuals and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), who supported the NPRM without change. The FAA also received three comments from Garmin. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Request To Correct Language in Paragraph (e) of the Proposed AD Garmin stated that paragraph (e) of the proposed AD incorrectly states that hardware faults can occur in the pitch trim servo. Garmin explained that hardware faults occur in the pitch servo, E:\FR\FM\17APP1.SGM 17APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 17, 2024 / Proposed Rules not the pitch trim servo. Garmin requested a correction to state that hardware faults occur in the pitch servo. The FAA agrees with the commenter. The FAA has corrected paragraph (e) of the proposed AD to change the wording from ‘‘pitch trim servo’’ to ‘‘primary pitch servo.’’ the applicability of the NPRM be revised to include additional airplane models. The FAA agrees and has updated paragraph (c) of this proposed AD to include additional affected airplane models. Request To Reference Service Information Since the NPRM published, the FAA determined the need to remove Commander Aircraft Corporation Model 112 airplanes and Textron Aviation Inc. Model 177 airplanes from paragraph (c), Applicability, of this proposed AD. Paragraph (c) of the proposed AD specifies that the affected airplanes are those having a Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System that includes an optional GSA 28 pitch trim servo installed per STC No. SA01866WI using Master Drawing List (MDL) 005–01264– 00, Revisions 1 through 76. The software change to eliminate the unsafe condition identified in this proposed AD was included in MDL revision 77 so airplanes incorporating this STC using MDL revision 77 and higher do not have the software that exhibits the unsafe condition. When installing STC No. SA01866WI, operators of Model 112 airplanes are using MDL revision 78 and operators of Model 177 airplanes are using MDL revision 83, therefore they should not be included in the applicability. The FAA also determind the need to remove Textron Aviation Inc. Model 182 airplanes from paragraph (c) of this proposed AD. Although Model 182 airplanes are using MDL revision 61, Garmin also stated that paragraph (g) of the proposed AD should reference Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin (SB) 22123, Rev A, dated January 3, 2023, or later revision, because it would help operators find the easiest path to compliance. The FAA partially agrees. The FAA agrees that referencing the SB will help operators find a path to compliance but disagrees that operators should be required to use the SB to update the software. The SB requires performing multiple actions, whereas the specified action in this proposed AD is to only update the software version. The FAA has added Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this proposed AD to inform operators that the software update can be done using Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin 22123, Rev A, dated January 3, 2023. Request To Add Additional Airplane Models Garmin further stated that the proposed AD would affect more airplane models than what are included in paragraph (c) of the proposed AD. The FAA infers that Garmin requested Additional Change Made to the Applicability 27399 they are not affected by the identified unsafe condition because the mechanical characteristics prohibit the installation of a pitch trim servo. The FAA further determined the need to remove Mooney International Corporation Model M20 airplanes and Textron Aviation Inc. Model 172, 206, and 210 airplanes from paragraph (c) of this proposed AD. These airplane models are not listed in the FAA Approved Model List (AML), amended September 8, 2023, for STC No. SA01866WI. FAA’s Determination The FAA is proposing this AD after determining the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM. As a result, it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on this SNPRM. Proposed AD Requirements in This SNPRM 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: 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 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:09 Apr 16, 2024 Jkt 262001 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. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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. E:\FR\FM\17APP1.SGM 17APP1 27400 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 17, 2024 / Proposed Rules 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 § 39.13 (b) Affected ADs [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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by June 3, 2024. 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 ................................................ 112B, 112TC, 112TCA, 114, 114A, 114B, and 114TC. TB 20 and TB 21. M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, M20G, M20J, M20K, M20M, M20R, and M20S. PA–24, PA–24–250, and PA–24–260. PA–28–140, PA–28–150, PA–28–151, PA–28–160, PA–28–161, PA–28–180, PA–28–181, PA–28–201T, PA–28–235, PA–28–236, PA–28R–180, PA–28R–200, PA–28R–201, PA– 28R–201T, PA–28RT–201, and PA–28RT–201T. PA–30 and PA–39. 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. 19A, B19, M19A, A23A, A23–19, A23–24, B23, C23, A24, A24R, B24R, and C24R. Piper Aircraft, Inc ................................................ 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). 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). Textron Aviation Inc (type certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company). Textron Aviation Inc (type certificate previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company). lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 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 16:09 Apr 16, 2024 Jkt 262001 35–33, 35–A33, 35–B33, 35–C33, 35–C33A, 36, A36, A36TC, B36TC, E33, E33A, E33C, F33, F33A, F33C, G33, H35, J35, K35, M35, N35, P35, S35, V35, V35A, and V35B. 172D, 172E, 172F, 172G, 172H, 172I, 172K, 172L, 172M, 172N, 172P, 172Q, 172R, and 172S. F172E, F172F, F172G, F172H, F172K, F172L, F172M, F172N, F172P. 172RG, P172D, and R172K. FR172K. 177B. 177RG. F177RG. 182E, 182F, 182G, 182H, 182J, 182K, 182L, 182M, 182N, 182P, 182Q, 182R, 182S, 182T, F182P, F182Q, FR182, R182, T182, T182T, and TR182. 206H, P206C, P206D, P206E, T206H, TP206C, TP206D, TP206E, TU206C, TU206D, TU206E, TU206F, TU206G, U206C, U206D, U206E, U206F, and U206G. 210D, 210E, 210F, 210G, 210H, 210J, 210K, 210L, 210M, 210N, T210F, T210G, T210H, T210J, T210K, T210L, T210M, and T210N. the primary pitch servo. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in un-commanded automatic pitch trim runaway and loss of control of the airplane. (d) Subject VerDate Sep<11>2014 C35, D35, E35, F35, and G35. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (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. Note 1 to paragraph (g): The software update can be done using Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin 22123, Rev A, dated E:\FR\FM\17APP1.SGM 17APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 17, 2024 / Proposed Rules January 3, 2023. This AD also allows the installation of versions other than those listed in Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin 22123, Rev A, dated January 3, 2023, provided those versions are not listed in paragraph (g) of this AD. (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)(1) 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 (1) 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. (2) For service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference, contact Garmin International, Attention: Garmin Aviation Support, 1200 E. 151st Street, Olathe, KS 66062; phone: (866) 739– 5687; website: support.garmin.com/en-US/ aviation/. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on April 9, 2024. James D. Foltz, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024–08082 Filed 4–16–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION [File No. R407001] lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 16 CFR Part 306 Petition for Rulemaking of the American Petroleum Institute Federal Trade Commission. Receipt of petition; request for comment. AGENCY: ACTION: Please take notice that the Federal Trade Commission SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:09 Apr 16, 2024 Jkt 262001 (‘‘Commission’’) received a petition for rulemaking from the American Petroleum Institute and has published that petition online at https:// www.regulations.gov. The Commission invites written comments concerning the petition. Publication of this petition is pursuant to the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure and does not affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition. DATES: Comments must identify the petition docket number and be filed by May 17, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may view the petition, identified by docket number FTC–2024– 0025, and submit written comments concerning its merits by using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit sensitive or confidential information. You may read background documents or comments received at https://www.regulations.gov at any time. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joel Christie, Office of the Secretary, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580, jchristie@ftc.gov, (202) 326–3297. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 57a(1)(B), and FTC Rule 1.31(f), 16 CFR 1.31(f), notice is hereby given that the above-captioned petition has been filed with the Secretary of the Commission and has been placed on the public record for a period of thirty (30) days. Any person may submit comments in support of or in opposition to the petition. All timely and responsive comments submitted in connection with this petition will become part of the public record. The Commission will not consider the petition’s merits until after the comment period closes. Because your comment will be placed on the publicly accessible website at https://www.regulations.gov, you are solely responsible for making sure your comment does not include any sensitive or confidential information. In particular, your comment should not include any sensitive personal information, such as your or anyone else’s Social Security number; date of birth; driver’s license number or other state identification number, or foreign country equivalent; passport number; financial account number; or credit or debit card number. You are also solely responsible for making sure your comment does not include any sensitive health information, such as medical records or other individually identifiable health information. In addition, your comment should not PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 27401 include any ‘‘trade secret or any commercial or financial information which . . . is privileged or confidential’’—as provided by section 6(f) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 46(f), and FTC Rule 4.10(a)(2), 16 CFR 4.10(a)(2). (Authority: 15 U.S.C. 46; 15 U.S.C. 57a; 5 U.S.C. 601 note) April J. Tabor, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024–08147 Filed 4–16–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6750–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [Docket Number USCG–2024–0296] RIN 1625–AA00 Safety Zone; Seneca Lake, Romulus, NY Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard is proposing to establish a temporary safety zone for certain waters of Seneca Lake near Sampson State Park, Romulus, NY. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by a fireworks display. This proposed rulemaking would prohibit persons and vessels from being in the safety zone from 9:30 p.m. through 10:30 p.m., July 3, 2024 unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes or a designated representative. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before May 17, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2024–0296 using the Federal DecisionMaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on submitting comments. This notice of proposed rulemaking with its plain-language, 100word-or-less proposed rule summary will be available in this same docket. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this proposed rulemaking, call or email LT William Kelley, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\17APP1.SGM 17APP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 17, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27398-27401]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-08082]


========================================================================
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. 89, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 17, 2024 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 27398]]



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: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
that applied to various airplanes modified with a certain configuration 
of the Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System installed per Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) No. SA01866WI. This action revises the NPRM by 
removing airplane models from and adding airplane models to the 
applicability. The FAA is proposing this airworthiness directive to 
address the unsafe condition on these products. Since this action would 
expand the applicability for the required action as proposed in the 
NPRM, the agency is requesting comments on this SNPRM.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by June 3, 2024.

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 under 
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 SNPRM, 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 the ADDRESSES section. 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 again revise 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 proposed AD.

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 SNPRM 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 SNPRM, 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 SNPRM. 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 issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that 
would apply to various airplanes modified with a certain configuration 
of the Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System installed per STC No. SA01866WI. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 10, 2023 (88 FR 
69891). The NPRM was prompted by a report of an un-commanded automatic 
pitch trim runaway when the autopilot was first engaged. In the NPRM, 
the FAA proposed to require updating the applicable Garmin GFC 500 
Autopilot System software for your airplane and prohibit installing 
earlier versions of that software.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Based on the comments the FAA received on the NPRM, the FAA is 
proposing revising the applicability by removing and adding airplane 
models, revising paragraph (e) of the proposed AD to clarify that 
certain hardware failures affected the primary pitch servo, and adding 
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of the proposed AD.

Comments

    The FAA received comments from several individuals and the National 
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), who supported the NPRM without 
change.
    The FAA also received three comments from Garmin. The following 
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to 
each comment.

Request To Correct Language in Paragraph (e) of the Proposed AD

    Garmin stated that paragraph (e) of the proposed AD incorrectly 
states that hardware faults can occur in the pitch trim servo. Garmin 
explained that hardware faults occur in the pitch servo,

[[Page 27399]]

not the pitch trim servo. Garmin requested a correction to state that 
hardware faults occur in the pitch servo.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter. The FAA has corrected paragraph 
(e) of the proposed AD to change the wording from ``pitch trim servo'' 
to ``primary pitch servo.''

Request To Reference Service Information

    Garmin also stated that paragraph (g) of the proposed AD should 
reference Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin (SB) 22123, Rev A, 
dated January 3, 2023, or later revision, because it would help 
operators find the easiest path to compliance.
    The FAA partially agrees. The FAA agrees that referencing the SB 
will help operators find a path to compliance but disagrees that 
operators should be required to use the SB to update the software. The 
SB requires performing multiple actions, whereas the specified action 
in this proposed AD is to only update the software version. The FAA has 
added Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this proposed AD to inform operators 
that the software update can be done using Garmin Mandatory STC Service 
Bulletin 22123, Rev A, dated January 3, 2023.

Request To Add Additional Airplane Models

    Garmin further stated that the proposed AD would affect more 
airplane models than what are included in paragraph (c) of the proposed 
AD. The FAA infers that Garmin requested the applicability of the NPRM 
be revised to include additional airplane models.
    The FAA agrees and has updated paragraph (c) of this proposed AD to 
include additional affected airplane models.

Additional Change Made to the Applicability

    Since the NPRM published, the FAA determined the need to remove 
Commander Aircraft Corporation Model 112 airplanes and Textron Aviation 
Inc. Model 177 airplanes from paragraph (c), Applicability, of this 
proposed AD. Paragraph (c) of the proposed AD specifies that the 
affected airplanes are those having a Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot System 
that includes an optional GSA 28 pitch trim servo installed per STC No. 
SA01866WI using Master Drawing List (MDL) 005-01264-00, Revisions 1 
through 76. The software change to eliminate the unsafe condition 
identified in this proposed AD was included in MDL revision 77 so 
airplanes incorporating this STC using MDL revision 77 and higher do 
not have the software that exhibits the unsafe condition. When 
installing STC No. SA01866WI, operators of Model 112 airplanes are 
using MDL revision 78 and operators of Model 177 airplanes are using 
MDL revision 83, therefore they should not be included in the 
applicability.
    The FAA also determind the need to remove Textron Aviation Inc. 
Model 182 airplanes from paragraph (c) of this proposed AD. Although 
Model 182 airplanes are using MDL revision 61, they are not affected by 
the identified unsafe condition because the mechanical characteristics 
prohibit the installation of a pitch trim servo.
    The FAA further determined the need to remove Mooney International 
Corporation Model M20 airplanes and Textron Aviation Inc. Model 172, 
206, and 210 airplanes from paragraph (c) of this proposed AD. These 
airplane models are not listed in the FAA Approved Model List (AML), 
amended September 8, 2023, for STC No. SA01866WI.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD after determining the unsafe condition 
described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of 
the same type design. Certain changes described above expand the scope 
of the NPRM. As a result, it is necessary to reopen the comment period 
to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on this 
SNPRM.

Proposed AD Requirements in This SNPRM

    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:

                                                 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.

[[Page 27400]]

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 June 3, 2024.

(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             112B, 112TC, 112TCA, 114, 114A, 114B, and
 Corporation.                   114TC.
DAHER AEROSPACE..............  TB 20 and TB 21.
Mooney International           M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, M20G, M20J, M20K,
 Corporation.                   M20M, M20R, and M20S.
Piper Aircraft, Inc..........  PA-24, PA-24-250, and PA-24-260.
Piper Aircraft, Inc..........  PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-151, PA-28-
                                160, PA-28-161, PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-
                                28-201T, PA-28-235, PA-28-236, PA-28R-
                                180, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-201, PA-28R-
                                201T, PA-28RT-201, and PA-28RT-201T.
Piper Aircraft, Inc..........  PA-30 and PA-39.
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     19A, B19, M19A, A23A, A23-19, A23-24,
 certificate previously held    B23, C23, A24, A24R, B24R, and C24R.
 by Beech Aircraft
 Corporation, Raytheon
 Aircraft Company, Hawker
 Beechcraft Corporation, and
 Beechcraft Corporation).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     C35, D35, E35, F35, and G35.
 certificate previously held
 by Beech Aircraft
 Corporation, Raytheon
 Aircraft Company, Hawker
 Beechcraft Corporation, and
 Beechcraft Corporation).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     35-33, 35-A33, 35-B33, 35-C33, 35-C33A,
 certificate previously held    36, A36, A36TC, B36TC, E33, E33A, E33C,
 by Beech Aircraft              F33, F33A, F33C, G33, H35, J35, K35,
 Corporation, Raytheon          M35, N35, P35, S35, V35, V35A, and V35B.
 Aircraft Company, Hawker
 Beechcraft Corporation, and
 Beechcraft Corporation).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     172D, 172E, 172F, 172G, 172H, 172I, 172K,
 certificate previously held    172L, 172M, 172N, 172P, 172Q, 172R, and
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).   172S.
Textron Aviation Inc (type     F172E, F172F, F172G, F172H, F172K, F172L,
 certificate previously held    F172M, F172N, F172P.
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     172RG, P172D, and R172K.
 certificate previously held
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     FR172K.
 certificate previously held
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     177B.
 certificate previously held
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     177RG.
 certificate previously held
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     F177RG.
 certificate previously held
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).
Textron Aviation Inc (type     182E, 182F, 182G, 182H, 182J, 182K, 182L,
 certificate previously held    182M, 182N, 182P, 182Q, 182R, 182S,
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).   182T, F182P, F182Q, FR182, R182, T182,
                                T182T, and TR182.
Textron Aviation Inc (type     206H, P206C, P206D, P206E, T206H, TP206C,
 certificate previously held    TP206D, TP206E, TU206C, TU206D, TU206E,
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).   TU206F, TU206G, U206C, U206D, U206E,
                                U206F, and U206G.
Textron Aviation Inc (type     210D, 210E, 210F, 210G, 210H, 210J, 210K,
 certificate previously held    210L, 210M, 210N, T210F, T210G, T210H,
 by Cessna Aircraft Company).   T210J, T210K, T210L, T210M, and T210N.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(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 primary pitch 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.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g):  The software update can be done using 
Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin 22123, Rev A, dated

[[Page 27401]]

January 3, 2023. This AD also allows the installation of versions 
other than those listed in Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin 
22123, Rev A, dated January 3, 2023, provided those versions are not 
listed in paragraph (g) of this AD.

(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)(1) 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

    (1) 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].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference, contact Garmin International, Attention: 
Garmin Aviation Support, 1200 E. 151st Street, Olathe, KS 66062; 
phone: (866) 739-5687; website: support.garmin.com/en-US/aviation/.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on April 9, 2024.
James D. Foltz,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-08082 Filed 4-16-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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