Airworthiness Directives; GARMIN International Inc. GTX 330 Mode S Transponders and GTX 330D Diversity Mode S Transponders

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 99 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29212-29215]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-11438]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-CE-39-AD; Amendment 39-13645; AD 2004-10-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; GARMIN International Inc. GTX 330 Mode 
S Transponders and GTX 330D Diversity Mode S Transponders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
GARMIN International Inc. GTX 330/GTX 330D Mode S transponders that are 
installed on aircraft. This AD requires you to install GTX 330/330D 
Software Upgrade Version 3.03, 3.04, or 3.05. This AD is the result of 
observations that the GTX 330 and GTX 330D may detect, from other 
aircraft, the S1 (suppression) interrogating pulse below the Minimum 
Trigger Level (MTL) and, in some circumstances, not reply. The GTX 330/
330D should still reply even if it detects S1 interrogating pulses 
below the MTL. We are issuing this AD to prevent interrogating aircraft 
from possibly receiving inaccurate replies due to suppression from 
aircraft equipped with the GTX 330/330D Mode S Transponders when the 
pulses are below the MTL. The inaccurrate replies could result in 
reduced vertical separation or unsafe TCAS resolution advisories.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on July 9, 2004.
    As of July 9, 2004, the Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the 
regulation.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information identified in this AD 
from GARMIN International Inc., 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, KS 
66062, (913) 397-8200.
    You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-39-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m. 
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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: 316-946-4107; e-mail 
address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? The GTX 330/GTX 330D may detect 
from other aircraft the S1 (suppression) interrogating pulse below the 
MTL and, in some circumstances, does not reply. The GTX 330/330D should 
still reply even if it detects S1 interrogating pulses below the MTL. 
GARMIN International Inc. suspected the suppression problem after 
observation between GARMIN company aircraft that were equipped with the 
GTX 330 and Ryan Traffic and Collision Alert Device (TCAD). Engineering 
bench tests and test flights confirmed that this suppression problem 
existed.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Interrogating 
aircraft could possibly receive inaccurate replies due to suppression 
from aircraft equipped with the GTX 330/330D Mode S Transponders when 
the pulses are below the MTL. The inaccurate replies could result in 
reduced vertical separation or unsafe TCAS resolution advisories.
    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 GARMIN International Inc. GTX 
330/330D Mode S transponders that are installed on aircraft. This 
proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) on December 30, 2003 (68 FR 75174). The NPRM proposed 
to require you to install GTX 330/330D Software Upgrade Version 3.03.

Comments

    Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the 
opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following 
presents the comments received on the proposal and FAA's response to 
each comment:

Comment Issue: GTX 330/330D Software Upgrade Version 3.03

    What is the commenter's concern? The NPRM currently requires 
installation of GTX 330/330D Software Upgrade to Version 3.03 to comply 
with the proposed AD. Two commenters request a text change of the AD to 
allow installation of later software upgrade versions to comply with 
the proposed AD.
    What is FAA's response to the concern? Since later software upgrade 
versions will contain, at a minimum, the elements of Version 3.03 and 
thus will correct the unsafe condition, we agree with their request and 
have changed the

[[Page 29213]]

text from ``Version 3.03'' to ``Version 3.03, 3.04, or 3.05.''

Conclusion

    What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully 
reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for the 
changes discussed above and minor editorial corrections. We have 
determined that these changes and minor corrections:

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

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 
2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, 
July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This regulation now 
includes material that relates to altered products, special flight 
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material 
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is 
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD 
actions.

Cost of Compliance

    How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD 
affects 1,300 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the 
affected airplanes? Garmin International Inc. will reimburse the 1.0 
hours required for this modification per the most current GTX 330 
Software Service Bulletin. This reimbursement will follow Garmin's 
warranty Policies and Procedures stating that the most current 
software, which includes this update and all other updates, should be 
installed.

Compliance Time of This AD

    What will be the compliance time of this AD? The compliance time of 
this AD is within 30 days after the effective date of the AD.
    Why is the compliance time presented in calendar time instead of 
hours time-in-service (TIS)? The unsafe condition exists or could 
develop on airplanes equipped with the affected equipment regardless of 
airplane operation. For example, the unsafe condition has the same 
chance of occurring on an airplane with 50 hours TIS as it does on one 
with 5,000 hours TIS. Therefore, we are presenting the compliance time 
of this AD in calendar time instead of hours TIS.

Regulatory Findings

    Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that this 
AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. 
This AD 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.
    Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For 
the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-39-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

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

2004-10-15 Garmin International Inc.: Amendment 39-13645; Docket No. 
2003-CE-39-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on July 9, 2004.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects GARMIN International Inc. GTX 330/330D Mode 
S transponders that are installed on, but not limited to, the 
following airplanes, certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Manufacturer                            Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Aermacchi S.p.A..........  S.205-18/F, S.205-18/R, S.205-20/R, S.205-
                                22/R, S.208, S.208A, F.260, F.260B,
                                F.260C, F.260D, F.260E, F.260F, S.211A.
(2) Aeronautica Macchi S.p.A.  AL 60, AL 60-B, AL 60-F5, AL 60-C5, AM-3.
(3) Aerostar Aircraft          PA-60-600 (Aerostar 600), PA-60-601
 Corporation.                   (Aerostar 601), PA-60-601P (Aerostar
                                601P), PA-60-602P (Aerostar 602P), PA-60-
                                700P (Aerostar 700P), 360, 400.
(4) Alexandria Aircraft, LLC.  14-19, 14-19-2, 14-19-3, 14-19-3A, 17-30,
                                17-31, 17-31TC, 17-30A, 17-31A, 17-
                                31ATC.
(5) Alliance Aircraft Group    15A, 20, H-250, H-295, (USAFU-10D), HT-
 LLC.                           295, H391 (USAFYL-24), H391B, H-395
                                (USAFL-28A or U-10B), H-395A, H-700, H-
                                800, HST-550, HST-550A (USAF AU-24A),
                                500.
(6) American Champion          402, 7GCA, 7GCB, 7KC, 7GCBA, 7GCAA,
 Aircraft Corp.                 7GCBC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, 8GCBC.
(7) Sky International Inc....  A-1, A-1A, A-1B, S-1S, S-1T, S-2, S-2A, S-
                                2S, S-2C.
(8) B-N Group Ltd............  BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6,
                                BN-2A-8, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26,
                                BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2A-26,
                                BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26,
                                BN-2B-27, BN-2T, BN-2T-4R, BN-2A MK.III,
                                BN2A MK.III-2, BN2A MK.111-3.
(9) Bellanca.................  14-13, 14-13-2. 14-13-3. 14-13-3W.
(10) Bombardier Inc..........  (Otter) DHC-3, DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-6-
                                200, DHC-6-300.

[[Page 29214]]

 
(11) Cessna Aircraft Company.  170, 170A, 170B, 172, 172A, 172B, 172C,
                                172D, 172E, 172F (USAF T-41A), 172G,
                                172H, (USAF T041A), 172I, 172K, 172L,
                                172M, 172N, 172P, 172Q, 172R, 172S,
                                172RG, P172D, R172E (USAF T-41 B) (USAF
                                T-41 C AND D), R172F (USAF T-41 D),
                                R175G, R172H (USAF T-41 D), R172J,
                                R172K, 175, 175A, 175B, 175C, 177, 177A,
                                177B, 177RG, 180, 180A, 180B, 180C,
                                180D, 180E, 180F, 180G, 180H, 180J,
                                180K, 182, 182A, 182B, 182C, 182D, 182E,
                                182F, 182G, 182H, 182J, 182K, 182L,
                                182M, 182N, 182P, 182Q, 182R, 182S,
                                182T, R182, T182, TR182, T182T, 185,
                                185A, 185B, 185C, 185D, 185E, A185E,
                                A185F, 190, (LC-126A, B, C) 195, 195A,
                                195B, 210, 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, 210E,
                                210F, T210F, 210G, T210G, 210H, T210H,
                                210J, T210J, 210K, T210K, 210L, T210L,
                                210M, T210M, 210N, P210N, T210N, 210R,
                                P210R, T210R, 210-5 (205), 210-5A
                                (205A), 206, P206, P206A, P206B, P206C,
                                P206D, P206E, TP206A, TP206B, TP206C,
                                TU206D, TU206E, TU206F, TU206G, 206H,
                                T206H, 207, 207A, T207, T207A, 208,
                                208A, 208B, 310, 310A (USAF U-3A), 310B,
                                310C, 310D, 310E (USAF U-3B), 310F,
                                310G, 310H, E310H, 310I, 310J, 310J-1,
                                E310J, 310K, 310L, 310N, 310P, T310P,
                                310Q, T310Q, 310R, T310R, 320, 320A,
                                320B, 320C, 320D, 320E, 320F, 320-1,
                                335, 340, 340A, 336, 337, 337A (USAF
                                02B), 337B, T337B, 337C, 337E, T337E,
                                T337C, 337D, T337D, M337B (USAF 02A),
                                337F, T337F, T337G, 337G, 337H, P337H,
                                T337H, T337H-SP, 401, 401A, 401B, 402,
                                402A, 402B, 402C, 411, 411A, 414, 414A,
                                421, 421A, 421B, 421C, 425, 404, 406,
                                441.
(12) Cirrus Design             SR20, SR22.
 Corporation.
(13) Commander Aircraft        112, 112TC, 112B, 112TCA, 114, 114A,
 Company.                       114B, 114TC.
(14) de Havilland Inc........  DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 Mk. II, DHC-2 Mk. III.
(15) Dynac Aerospace           (Volaire) 10, (Volaire) 10A, (Aero
 Corporation.                   Commander) 100, (Aero Commander) 100A,
                                (Aero Commander) 100-180.
(16) Diamond Aircraft          DA-20-A1, DA20-C1, DA 40.
 Industries.
(17) Empressa Brasileira de    EMB-110P1, EMB-110PE.
 Aeronautica S.A. EMBRAER.
(18) Extra Flugzeugbau Gmbh..  EA300, EA300L, EA300S, EA300/200, EA-400.
(19) Fairchild Aircraft        SA26-T, SA26-AT, SA226-T, SA226-AT, SA226-
 Corporation.                   T(B), SA227-AT, SA227-TT, SA226-TC,
                                SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC (C-
                                26B).
(20) Global Amphibians, LLC..  Colonial C-1, Colonial C-2, Lake LA-4,
                                Lake LA-4A, Lake LA-4P, Lake LA-4-200,
                                Lake Model 250.
(21) Grob-Werke..............  G115, G115A, G115B, G115C, G115C2, G115D,
                                G115D2, G115EG, G120A.
(22) Lancair Company.........  LC40-550FG.
(23) LanShe Aerospace, LLC...  MAC-125C, MAC-145, MAC-145A, MAC-145B.
(24) Learjet Inc.............  23.
(25) Lockheed Aircraft         18.
 Corporation.
(26) Luscombe Aircraft         11A, 11E.
 Corporation.
(27) Maule Aerospace           Bee Dee M-4, M-4, M-4C, M-4S, M-4T, M-
 Technology, Inc.               4180C, M-4-180S, M-4-180T, M-4-210, M-4-
                                210C, M-4-210S, M-4-210T, M-4-220, M-4-
                                220S, M-4-220T, M-5-180C, M-5-200, M-5-
                                210C, M-5-210TC, M-5-220C, M-5-235C, M-6-
                                180, M-6-235, M-7-235, MX-7-235, MX-7-
                                180, MX-7-420, MXT-7-180, MT-7-235, M-8-
                                235, MX-7-160, MXT-7-160, MX-7-180A, MXT-
                                7-180A, MXT-7-180B, M-7-235B, M-7-235A,
                                M-7-235C, M-7-180C, M-7-260, MT-7-260, M-
                                7-260C, M-7-420AC, MX-7-160C, MX-7-
                                180AC, M-7-420A, MT-7-420.
(28) Mitsubishi Heavy          MU-2B-25, MU-2B-35, MU-2B-26, MU-2B-36,
 Industries, Ltd.               MU-2B-26A, MU-2B-36A, MU-2B-40, MU-2B-
                                60, MU-2B, MU-2B-20, MU-2B-20, MU-2B-15.
(29) Mooney Airplane Company,  M20, M20A, M20B, M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F,
 Inc.                           M20G, M20J, M20K, M20L, M20M, M20R,
                                M20S, M22.
(30) Moravan a.s.............  Z-242L, Z-143L.
(31) Navion Aircraft Company,  NAVION, Navion (L-17A), Navion (L-17B),
 Ltd.                           Navion (L-17C), Navion B, Navion D,
                                Navion E, Navion F, Navion G, Navion H.
(32) New Piper Aircraft, Inc.  PA-12, PA-12S, PA-18, PA-18S, PA-18
                                ``105'' (Special), PA-18S ``105''
                                (Special), PA-18A, PA-18 ``125'' (Army L-
                                21A), PA-18S ``125,'' PA-18AS ``125,''
                                PA-18 ``135'' (Army L-21B), PA-18A
                                ``135,'' PA-18S ``135,'' PA-18 ``150,''
                                PA-18A ``150,'' PA-18S ``150,'' PA-18AS
                                ``150,'' PA-19 (Army L-18B), PA-19S, PA-
                                20, PA-20S, PA-20 ``115,'' PA-20S
                                ``115,'' PA-20 ``135,'' PA-20S ``135,''
                                PA-22, PA-22-108, PA-22-135, PA-22S-135,
                                PA-22-150, PA-22S-150, PA-22-160, PA-22S-
                                160, PA-23, PA-23-160, PA-23-235, PA-23-
                                250, PA-E23-250, PA-24, PA-24-250, PA-24-
                                260, PA-24-400, PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-
                                28-151, PA-28-160, PA-28-161, PA-28-180,
                                PA-28-235, PA-28S-160, PA-28R-180, PA-
                                28S-180, PA-28-181, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-
                                201, PA-28R-201T, PA-28RT-201, PA-28RT-
                                201T, PA-28-201T, PA-28-236, PA-30, PA-
                                39, PA-40, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-
                                31T2, PA-31T3, PA-31P-350, PA-32-260, PA-
                                32-300, PA-32S-300, PA-32R-300, PA-32RT-
                                300, PA-32RT-300T, PA-32R-301 (SP), PA-
                                32R-301 (HP), PA-32R-301T, PA-32-301, PA-
                                32-301T, PA-34-200, PA-34-200T, PA-34-
                                220T, PA-42, PA-42-720, PA-42-1000, PA-
                                42-720R, PA-44-180, PA-44-180T, PA-46-
                                310P, PA-46-350P, PA-46-500TP.
(33) Ostmecklenburgische       OMF-100-160.
 Flugzeugbau GmgH.
(34) Piaggio Aero Industries   P-180.
 S.p.A.
(35) Pilatus Aircraft Ltd....  PILATUS PC-12, PILATUS PC-12/45, PC-6, PC-
                                6-H1, PC-6-H2, PC-6/350, PC-6/350-H1, PC-
                                6/350-H2, PC-6/A, PC-6/A-H1, PA-6/A-H2,
                                PC-6/B-H2, PC-6/B1-H2, PC-6/B2-H2, PC-6/
                                B2-H4, PC-6/C-H2, PC-6/C1-H2, PC-7.
(36) Prop-Jets, Inc..........  200, 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, 400.
(37) Panstwowe Zakladv         PZL-104 WILGA 80, PZL-104M WILGA 2000,
 Lotnicze (PZL).                PZL-WARSZAWA, PZL-KOLIBER 150A, PZL-
                                KOLIBER 160A.

[[Page 29215]]

 
(38) PZL WSK/Mielec Obrsk....  PZL M20 03, PZL M26 01.
(39) Raytheon................  35-33, 35-A33, 35-B33, 35-C33, 35-C33A,
                                E33, E33A, E33C, F33, F33A, F33C, G33,
                                H35, J35, K35, M35, N35, P35, S35, V35,
                                V35A, V35B, 36, A36, A36TC, B36TC, 35,
                                A35, B35, C35, D35, E35, F35, G35, 35R,
                                F90, 76, 200, 200C, 200CT, 200T, A200,
                                B200, B200C, B200CT, B200T, 300, 300LW,
                                B300, B300C, 1900, 1900C, 1900D, A100-1
                                (U-21J), A200 (C-12A), A200 (C-12C),
                                A200C (UC-12B), A200CT (C-12D), A200CT
                                (FWC-12D), A200CT (RC-12D), A200CT (C-
                                12F), A200CT (RC-12G), A200CT (RC-12H),
                                A200CT (RC-12K), A200CT (RC-12P), A200CT
                                (RC-12Q), B200C (C-12F), B200C (UC-12F),
                                B200C (UC-12M), B200C (C-12R), 1900C (C-
                                12J), 65, A65, A65-8200, 65-80, 65-A80,
                                65-A80-8800, 65-B80, 65-88, 65-A90, 70,
                                B90, C90, C90A, E90, H90, 65-A90-1, 65-
                                A90-2, 65-A90-3, 65-A90-4, 95, B95,
                                B95A, D95A, E95, 95-55, 95-A55, 95-B55,
                                95-B55A, 95-B55B (T-42A), 95-C55, 95-
                                C55A, D55, D55A, E55, E55A, 56TC, A56TC,
                                58, 58A, 58P, 58PA, 58TC, 58TCA, 99,
                                99A, 99A (FACH), A99, A99A, B99, C99,
                                100, A100 (U-21F), A100A, A100C, B100,
                                2000, 3000, 390, 19A, B19, M19A, 23,
                                A23, A23A, A23-19, A23-24, B23, C23,
                                A24, A24R, B24R, C24R, 60, A60, B60,
                                18D, A18A, A18D, S18D, SA18A, SA18D, 3N,
                                3NM, 3TM, JRB-6, D18C, D18S, E18S, RC-
                                45J (SNB-5P), E18S-9700, G18S, H18, C-
                                45G, TC-45G, C-45H, TC-45H, TC-45J, UC-
                                45J (SNB-5), 50 (L-23A), B50 (L-23B),
                                C50, D50 (L-23E), D50A, D50B, D50C, D50E-
                                5990, E50 (L-23D, RL-23D), F50, G50,
                                H50, J50, 45 (YT-34), A45 (T-34A or B-
                                45), D45 (T-34B).
(40) Rockwell International    BC-1A, AT-6 (SNJ-2), AT-6A (SNJ-3), AT-
 Corporation.                   6B, AT-6C (SNJ-4), AT-6D (SNJ-5), AT-6F
                                (SNF-6), SNJ-7, T-6G, NOMAD NA-260.
(41) Short Brothers & Harland  SC-7 Series 2, SC-7 Series 3.
 Ltd.
(42) Slingsby Aviation Ltd...  T67M260, T67M260-T3A.
(43) SOCATA--Group             TB9, TB10, TB20, TB21, TB200, TBM 700,
 Aerospatiale.                  M.S. 760, M.S. 760 A, M.S. 760 B, Rallye
                                100S, Rallye 150ST, Rallye 150T, Rallye
                                235E, Rallye 235C, MS 880B, MS 885, MS
                                894A, MS 893A, MS 892A-150, MS 892E-150,
                                MS 893E, MS 894E, GA-7.
(44) Tiger Aircraft LLC......  AA-1, AA-1A, AA-1B, AA-1C, AA-5, AA-5A,
                                AA-5B, AG-5B.
(45) Twin Commander Aircraft   500, 500-A, 500-B, 500-U, 500-S, 520,
 Corporation.                   560, 560-A, 560-E, 560F, 680, 680E,
                                680F, 680FL, 680FL(P), 680T, 680V, 680W,
                                681, 685, 690, 690A, 690B, 690C, 690D,
                                695, 695A, 695B, 720, 700.
(46) Univair Aircraft          108, 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-5.
 Corporation.
(47) Vulcanair S.p.A.........  P68, P68B, P68C, P68C-TC, P68
                                ``Observer,'' P68 ``Observer 2,'' P68TC
                                ``Observer,'' AP68TP300 ``Spartacus,''
                                AP68TP 600 ``Viator''.
(48) Zenair Ltd..............  CH2000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent 
interrogating aircraft from possibly receiving inaccurate replies, 
due to suppression, from aircraft equipped with the GTX 330/330D 
Mode S Transponders when the pulses are below the Minimum Trigger 
Level (MTL). The inaccurate replies could result in vertical 
separation or unsafe TCAS resolution advisories.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions                  Compliance          Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install GTX 330/330D Software     Install the         Follow GARMIN
 Upgrade to at least Version       software upgrade    Mandatory
 3.03, 3.04, or 3.05.              within 30 days      Software Service
                                   after July 9,       Bulletin No.:
                                   2004 (the           0304, Rev B,
                                   effective date of   dated June 12,
                                   this AD), unless    2003 (SW Version
                                   already done.       3.03); Garmin
                                                       Software Service
                                                       Bulletin No.
                                                       0310, Rev A,
                                                       dated November
                                                       10, 2003 (SW
                                                       Version 3.04); or
                                                       Garmin Software
                                                       Service Bulletin
                                                       No. 0401, Rev A,
                                                       dated February
                                                       18, 2004 (SW
                                                       Version 3.05).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (f) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to 
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments 
and will send your request to the Manager, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on an already 
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Roger A. Souter, 
FAA, Witchita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 
67209; telephone: 316-946-4134; facsimile: 316-946-4107; e-mail 
address: [email protected].

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?

    (g) You must do the actions required by this AD following the 
instructions in GARMIN Mandatory Software Service Bulletin No.: 
0304, Rev B, dated June 12, 2003 (SW Version 3.03); Garmin Software 
Service Bulletin No. 0310, Rev A, dated November 10, 2003 (SW 
Version 3.04); or Garmin Software Service Bulletin No. 0401, Rev A, 
dated February 18, 2004 (SW Version 3.05). The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this 
service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. You may get a copy from GARMIN International Inc. 1200 East 
151st Street, Olathe, KS 66062. You may review copies at FAA, 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 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.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 13, 2004.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-11438 Filed 5-20-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M

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