Airworthiness Directives; GARMIN International Inc. GTX 33, GTX 33D, GTX 330, and GTX 330D Mode S Transponders

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 19, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2937-2941]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-832]



[[Page 2937]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-18743; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-23-AD; 
Amendment 39-13944; AD 2005-01-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; GARMIN International Inc. GTX 33, GTX 
33D, GTX 330, and GTX 330D Mode S Transponders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) to 
supersede Airworthiness Directive 2004-10-15, which applies to certain 
GTX 330 and GTX 330D Mode S transponders that are installed on 
airplanes. AD 2004-10-15 currently requires you to install GTX 330/330D 
Software Upgrade Version 3.03, 3.04, or 3.05. This AD applies to 
certain GTX 33, GTX 33D, GTX 330, and GTX 330D Mode S transponders that 
are installed on airplanes and is the result of observations that the 
GTX 33/33D/330/330D may detect, from other airplanes, the S1 
(suppression) interrogating pulse below the minimum trigger level (MTL) 
and, in some circumstances, not reply. The GTX 33/33D/330/330D should 
still reply even if it detects S1 interrogating pulses below the MTL. 
Consequently, this AD would require you to install a GTX 33/33D/330/
330D Software Upgrade to at least Version 3.06. No additional action is 
necessary for those airplanes that have transponders Software Upgrade 
3.03 installed. Software Upgrade Versions 3.03 and 3.06 correct a TAS, 
TCAD, and TCAS I system ``whisper-shout'' problem that could 
potentially lead to the aircraft not being visible at certain ranges. 
TCAS II systems are not affected. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
interrogating aircraft from possibly receiving inaccurate replies due 
to suppression from aircraft equipped with the GTX 33/33D/330/330D Mode 
S transponders when the pulses are below the MTL. The inaccurate 
replies could result in reduced vertical separation.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on February 23, 2005.
    As of February 23, 2005, the Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulation.

ADDRESSES: To get the service information identified in this AD, 
contact GARMIN International Inc., 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, KS 
66062; telephone: 913-397-8200. To review this service information, go 
to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html or call (202) 741-6030.
    To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA-2004-18743.

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, 
and this caused FAA to issue AD 2004-10-15, Amendment 39-13645 (69 FR 
29212, dated May 21, 2004). AD 2004-10-15 currently requires the 
incorporation of GTX 330/330D Software Upgrade to at least Version, 
3.03, 3.04, or 3.05 on certain GTX 330 and GTX 330D Mode S transponders 
that are installed on airplanes.
    What has happened since AD 2004-10-15 to initiate this action? 
After the issuance of AD 2004-10-15, GARMIN International Inc. 
discovered that minor changes made to GTX 330/330D Software Upgrades 
3.04 and 3.05 inadvertently removed the correction to not suppress the 
S1 pulse below MTL. Garmin also discovered the Software Upgrade must be 
installed on GTX 33 and GTX 33D Mode S transponders as well as the GTX 
330 and GTX 330D Mode S transponders.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If these 
changes are not incorporated, then interrogating aircraft could 
possibly receive inaccurate replies due to suppression from aircraft 
equipped with the GTX 33/33D/330/330D Mode S transponders when the 
pulses are below the MTL. Software Upgrade Version 3.03 and 3.06 
correct a TAS, TCAD, and TCAS I system ``whisper-shout'' problem that 
could potentially lead to the aircraft not being visible at certain 
ranges. TCAS II systems are not affected. The inaccurate replies could 
result in reduced vertical separation.
    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 GTX 330 and GTX 330D Mode S 
transponders that are installed on airplanes. This proposal was 
published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) on October 7, 2004 (69 FR 60100). The NPRM proposed to require 
you to install GTX 33/33D/330/330D Software Upgrade Version 3.03 or 
3.06.

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: Direct the AD Only to Those Products That Have the Old 
SW Versions 3.00, 3.01, 3.02, 3.04, and 3.05

    What is the commenter's concern? The NPRM currently requires 
installation of GTX 330/330D Software Upgrade Version 3.03 or 3.06 to 
comply with the proposed AD, or later Software Versions by way of an 
AMOC. The commenter would like to direct the AD only to those products 
that have the old software versions 3.00, 3.01, 3.02, 3.04, and 3.05 
installed; so that if the new software version 3.06 or later is 
installed the AD does not affect that product. The AD should not apply 
to future software versions.
    What is FAA's response to the concern? We concur. This was the 
intent of the NPRM, and we have reworded the AD to reflect this 
comment.

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

[[Page 2938]]

--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed in the NPRM.

Docket Information

    Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD 
docket that contains information relating to this subject in person at 
the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (eastern standard 
time), Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket 
Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the 
Department of Transportation NASSIF Building at the street address 
stated in ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov.

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.

Costs of Compliance

    How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD 
affects 5,400 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 provide warranty 
only for Service Bulletin No. 0409, dated July 19, 2004 (which 
incorporates Software Upgrade 3.06) installation as specified in the 
service information. Although Software Upgrade 3.03 is still in 
compliance with this proposed AD, if previously installed, Software 
Upgrade 3.03 is no longer available through Garmin.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action? 
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.
    We are 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 AD.

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 
``Docket No. FAA-2004-18743; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-23-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 removing AD 2004-10-15, Amendment 39-13645 
and adding a new AD to read as follows:

2005-01-19 GARMIN International Inc.: Amendment 39-13944; Docket No. 
FAA-2004-18743; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-23-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on February 23, 2005.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2004-10-15, Amendment 39-13645.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects GARMIN International Inc. GTX 33, GTX 33D, 
GTX 330, and GTX 330D Mode S transponders that include software 
versions 3.00, 3.01, 3.02, 3.04, or 3.05 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, S208, 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-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.

[[Page 2939]]

 
(10) Bombardier Inc..........  (Otter) DHC-3, DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-6-
                                200, DHC-6-300.
(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-110P2.
 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, MX-7-180B, M-7-235B, M-7-235A, M-
                                7-235C, MX-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-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 (L17B),
 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.

[[Page 2940]]

 
(37) Panstwowe Zakladv         PZL-104 WILGA 80, PZL-104M WILGA 2000,
 Lotnicze (PZL).                PZL-WARSZAWA, PZL-KOLIBER 150A, PZL-
                                KOLIBER 160A.
(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) This AD is the result of observations that the GTX 33/33D/
330/330D may detect, from other airplanes, the S1 (suppression) 
interrogating pulse below the minimum trigger level (MTL) and, in 
some circumstances, not reply. The GTX 33/33D/330/330D should still 
reply even if it detects S1 interrogating pulses below the MTL. 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 33/33D/330/330D 
Mode S transponders when the pulses are below the minimum trigger 
level (MTL). Software Upgrade Versions 3.03 and 3.06 correct a TAS, 
TCAD, and TCAS I system ``whisper-shout'' problem that could 
potentially lead to the aircraft not being visible at certain 
ranges. TCAS II systems are not affected. The inaccurate replies 
could result in reduced vertical separation.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions                  Compliance          Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install GTX 33/33D/330/330D       Install the         Follow GARMIN
 Software Upgrade for              software upgrade    Mandatory
 transponders with software        within 180 days     Software Service
 version 3.00, 3.01, 3.02, 3.04,   after February      Bulletin No.:
 3.05 to at least version 3.06.    23, 2005 (the       0304, Rev B,
 If version 3.03 is already        effective date of   dated June 12,
 installed, no further action is   this AD), unless    2003
 required. This version is no      already             accomplished.
 longer available from Garmin.     accomplished.       (Software Upgrade
 This AD does not apply to                             3.03) or GARMIN
 software versions past 3.05.                          Mandatory
                                                       Software Service
                                                       Bulletin No.:
                                                       0409, dated July
                                                       19, 2004
                                                       (Software Upgrade
                                                       3.06).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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: 
316-946-4107; email 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 (Software Upgrade 3.03) or GARMIN 
Mandatory Software Service Bulletin No.: 0409, dated July 19, 2004 
(Software Upgrade 3.06). The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of

[[Page 2941]]

this service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. To get a copy of this service information, contact GARMIN 
International Inc. 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, KS 66062; 
telephone: 913-397-8200. To review copies of this service 
information, go to the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html or call (202) 741-6030. To 
view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif 
Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on the Internet 
at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA-2004-18743.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 7, 2005.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-832 Filed 1-18-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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