Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell Collins, Inc. ADC-85, ADC-85A, ADC-850D, and ADC-850F Air Data Computers

[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 135 (Monday, July 15, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46372-46375]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-17306]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-14-AD; Amendment 39-12819; AD 2002-14-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell Collins, Inc. ADC-85, ADC-85A, 
ADC-850D, and ADC-850F Air Data Computers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Rockwell Collins) ADC-85, 
ADC-85A, ADC-850D, and ADC-850F air data computers that are installed 
on airplanes. This AD requires you to replace any affected air data 
computer (ADC) with one that has a reprogrammed and tested central 
processing unit (CPU) circuit card and circuit card assembly. This AD 
is the result of a flight test that showed that these ADC's could 
display an unwarranted ADC flag in response to the airplane's ``Normal/
Alternate Air'' static source selection capability. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent an unwarranted display of 
the ADC flag when switching static air sources. This could cause the 
flight crew to react to this incorrect flight information and possibly 
result in an unsafe operating condition.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on August 23, 2002.

[[Page 46373]]

    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of 
August 23, 2002.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD 
from Rockwell Collins, Business and Regional Systems, 400 Collins Road 
Northeast, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52498; telephone: (319) 295-2512; 
facsimile: (319) 295-5064. You may view this information at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-14-AD, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger A. Souter, FAA, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, 
Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4134; facsimile: (316) 946-4407. E-
mail address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This AD?

    The air data computer (ADC), as part of its monitoring process, 
tests for errant sensor behavior such as unreasonable jumps in altitude 
and unreasonably high vertical speed. When the ADC detects an errant 
sensor behavior, the ADC displays a flag for 5.5 seconds plus the time 
it takes for the sensor to settle within the limits for another 5.5-
second period. This results in a minimum ADC flag display of 11 
seconds.
    Testing of certain Rockwell Collins ADCs reveals the ADC could 
display unwarranted flags on aircraft where you can select the 
``Normal/Alternate Air'' static source. When there is a significant 
difference between normal and alternate/revisionary static air sources, 
you can exceed the ADC monitor thresholds and the ADC would display 
flags.
    If the flight crew used the undesirable ADC flag displays to 
deselect the alternate static air source before the initial 11-second 
display period, a valid air source may have been deselected. Confusion 
could result when the previously unflagged normal static air source is 
reselected. This may also result in the ADC displaying a flag for the 
first 11 seconds. The affected ADC's include:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Applicable to
              Unit                     Part No.           Serial No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADC-85 (Incorporating Rockwell         622-8051-002  All units.
 Collins Service Bulletin No.          622-8051-003
 58).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADC-85A (Incorporating Rockwell        822-0370-113  All units.
 Collins Service Bulletin No.          822-0370-123
 58).                                  822-0370-139
                                       822-0370-404
                                       822-0370-408
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADC-850D (Incorporating Rockwell       822-0389-133  All up to and
 Collins Service Bulletin No.                         including 3DGW
 58).                                                 (except for 1P6D,
                                                      22RC-22RF, and
                                                      23WK-3DGP).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADC-850F........................       822-1036-406  All units.
                                       822-1036-418
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Is the Potential Impact If FAA Took No action?

    If these situations were to occur while the flight crew was making 
critical flight decisions, this unwarranted ADC flag could distract the 
crew and the lack of attention to the critical actions could result in 
an unsafe operating condition.

Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?

    We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to 
certain Rockwell Collins ADC-85, ADC-85A, ADC-850D, and ADC-850F air 
data computers that are installed on airplanes. This proposal was 
published in the Federal Register as a supplemental notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) on March 30, 2002 (67 FR 12910). The supplemental 
NPRM proposed to require you to replace any affected ADC with one that 
has a reprogrammed and tested CPU circuit card and circuit card 
assembly.

Was the Public Invited to Comment?

    The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making 
of this amendment. The following presents the comment received on the 
proposal and FAA's response to the comment:

Comment Issue: Remove Saab Model 340 from the Applicable Airplane 
Model List

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    A commenter states that, even though fitted with the subject ADC, 
the Saab 340 is not designed with the ability to use alternate static 
sources.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    We concur that the airplane is not designed with the ability to use 
alternate static sources. Therefore, we are removing the Saab 340 from 
the applicable airplane model list.

FAA's Determination

What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?

    After careful review of all available information related to the 
subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor 
corrections:

--Provide the intent that was proposed in the supplemental NPRM for 
correcting the unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed in the supplemental NPRM.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?

    We estimate that this AD affects more than 329 airplanes in the 
U.S. registry.

What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/operators of the Affected 
Airplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the removal, 
installation, reprogramming, and testing of the ADC in each airplane:

[[Page 46374]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Total cost
                 Labor cost                    Parts cost   per airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 workhours  x  $60 per hour = $360.........         $680         $1040
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For units that are still under warranty, Rockwell Collins will 
provide the parts and labor at no charge.

Regulatory Impact

Does This AD Impact Various Entities?

    The regulations adopted herein will 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.

Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this 
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2002-14-19  Rockwell Collins, Inc.: Amendment 39-12819; Docket No. 
2000-CE-14-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
following Rockwell Collins air data computers (ADC) that are 
installed in, but not limited to the airplanes that are listed 
below:
    (1) Affected ADC's:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Collins part no.     Applicable to
              Unit                      (CPN)             serial no.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADC-85 (Incorporating Rockwell         622-8051-002  All units.
 Collins Service Bulletin No.          622-8051-003
 58).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADC-85A (Incorporating Rockwell        822-0370-113  All units.
 Collins Service Bulletin No.          822-0370-123
 58).                                  822-0370-139
                                       822-0370-404
                                       822-0370-408
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADC-850D (Incorporating Rockwell       822-0389-133  All up to and
 Collins Service Bulletin No.                         including 3DGW
 58).                                                 (except for 1P6D,
                                                      22RC-22RF, and
                                                      23WK-3DGP).
ADC-850F........................       822-1036-406  All Units.
                                       822-1036-418
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) List of airplanes where the affected ADC could be installed. 
This is not a comprehensive list and airplanes not on this list that 
have the ADC installed through field approval or other methods are 
still affected by this AD:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Unit                            Airplane model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADC-85/ADC-85A.........................  Astra AIA.
                                         Chinese Y7 and Y8.
                                         Czech LET-610.
                                         DC-8.
                                         Falcon 20F.
                                         Piaggio P-180.
                                         Raytheon B200, B300, C90A and
                                          1900D.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADC-850D...............................  Lear 60.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADC-850F...............................  Falcon 20, 50, and 50EX.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any airplane that uses one of the above referenced Rockwell Collins 
air data computers must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent an unwarranted display of the ADC 
flag when switching static air sources. This could cause the flight 
crew to react to this incorrect flight information and possibly 
result in an unsafe operating condition.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

[[Page 46375]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Perform the following,    Within the next 12    In accordance with
 unless already                calendar months       Rockwell Collins
 accomplished:                 after August 23,      Service Bulletin
(i) Remove any affected ADC    2002 (the effective   No. 62, Revision
 from the airplanes.           date of this AD).     No. 2, ADC-85/85A/
(ii) As applicable, replace                          850C/850D/850E/850F-
 or reprogram parts or                               34-62), Revision
 circuit card assemblies on                          No. 2, dated March
 central processing unit                             7, 2000, or Service
 (CPU) circuit cards.                                Bulletin No. 62,
(iii) Test the ADC.                                  dated October 25,
(iv) Install the modified                            1999, as
 ADC in the airplanes.                               applicable, the
                                                     applicable Collins
                                                     Computer Component
                                                     Maintenance Manual,
                                                     and Collins
                                                     Avionics Standard
                                                     Shop Practices
                                                     Instruction Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Do not install on any      As of August 23,     In accordance with
 airplane one of the           2002 (the Service     Rockwell Collins
 affected ADCs unless the      date of this AD).     Service Bulletin
 modification and test                               No. 62, Revision
 required by paragraphs                              No. 2, ADC-85/85A/
 (d)(1)(ii) and (d)(1)(iii)                          850C/850D/850E/850F-
 of this AD are accomplished                         34-62, dated March
                                                     7, 2000, or Service
                                                     Bulletin No. 62,
                                                     dated October 25,
                                                     1999, as
                                                     applicable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: Rockwell Collins Operator Bulletin 99-7, dated August 
1999, contains information about an operational placard to install 
until accomplishment of the actions of this AD. While not necessary 
to address the unsafe condition in this AD, FAA highly recommends 
that you incorporate this placard.

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Wichita ACO.

    Note 2: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, 
or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For 
airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the 
performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/
operator must request approval for an alternative method of 
compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request 
should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, 
alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; 
and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific 
actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Roger A. Souter, FAA, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 
100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4134; facsimile: 
(316) 946-4407, E-mail: [email protected].
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance 
with Rockwell Collins Service Bulletin No. 62, Revision No. 2, ADC-
85/85A/850C/850D/850E/850F-34-62, dated March 7, 2000, or Rockwell 
Collins Service Bulletin No. 62, ADC-85/85A/850C/850F-34-62, dated 
October 25, 1999. The Director of the Federal Register approved this 
incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 
You may get copies from Rockwell Collins, Business and Regional 
Systems, 400 Collins Road Northeast, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52498. You 
may view copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.
    (i) When does this amendment become effective ? This amendment 
becomes effective on August 23, 2002.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 3, 2002.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-17306 Filed 7-12-02; 8:45 am]
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