Airworthiness Directives; Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49908-49910]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-18912]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0448; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-007-AD; 
Amendment 39-17542; AD 2013-16-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Model EA500 airplanes equipped with Avio, Avio 
with ETT, or Avio NG 1.0 avionics suites. This AD was prompted by a 
report of potential aircraft hardware failure in the autopilot control 
panel and the center switch panel. This AD requires either 
incorporating updates to the aircraft computer system software or 
incorporating a temporary revision to the aircraft flight manual. We 
are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 20, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 20, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Eclipse Aerospace, Inc., 26 East Palatine Road, Wheeling, Illinois 
60090; telephone: (877) 373-7978; Internet: www.eclipse.aero. You may 
review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 
329-4148.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Fohrman, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, 
Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; phone: (847) 294-7136; fax: 
(847) 294-7834; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 22, 2013 (78 FR 
30243). The NPRM proposed to require either incorporating updates to 
the aircraft computer system or incorporating a temporary revision to 
the aircraft flight manual.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 30243, May 22, 
2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public. However, we 
have received a revision to one of the service bulletins referenced in 
the NPRM. The revision does not add any additional burden to the 
owners/operators of the airplanes affected by the NPRM; therefore, we 
are including the revised service information into this AD as an 
additional method of compliance.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 30243, May 22, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 30243, May 22, 2013).

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin Number SB 500-
31-026, Rev. A, dated November 6, 2012, and SB 500-31-026, Rev. B, 
dated March 27, 2013, which applies only to

[[Page 49909]]

airplanes equipped with NG 1.0 avionics suites, requires incorporating 
a temporary revision into the airplane flight manual (AFM) and 
incorporating an update to the aircraft computer system (ACS) hardware 
with monthly data uploads to Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. until the ACS 
software is updated. Specifically, the AFM revision requires an altered 
engine start and emergency procedures checklist.
    This AD allows doing either the AFM revision or the ACS software 
update.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 81 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
There are 38 of the affected airplanes equipped with Avio or Avio ETT 
avionics suites and 43 of the affected airplanes equipped with NG 1.0 
avionics suites.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD. Airplanes 
equipped with NG 1.0 avionics suites will be allowed do either the AFM 
update or the ACS update:

                  Estimated Costs for Airplanes Equipped With Avio or Avio ETT Avionics Suites
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               Cost per         Cost on U.S.
              Action                     Labor cost         Parts  cost        product            operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACS update for airplanes equipped   .5 work-hour x $85            $1,950        $1,992.50   $1,992.50 x 38
 with Avioor Avio ETT avionics       per hour = $42.50.                                      affected airplanes
 suites.                                                                                     = $75,715.00.
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                       Estimated Costs for Airplanes Equipped With NG 1.0 Avionics Suites
                               [Requires either the AFM update OR the ACS update]
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                                                                               Cost per         Cost on U.S.
              Action                     Labor cost          Parts cost        product            operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFM update for airplanes equipped   .5 work-hour x $85    Not applicable           $42.50   $42.50 x 43 affected
 with NG 1.0 avionics suites.        per hour = $42.50.                                      airplanes =
                                                                                             $1,827.50.
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                                                       OR
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACS update for airplanes equipped   .5 work-hour x $85           $37,000       $37,042.50   $37,042.50 x 43
 with NG 1.0 avionics suites.        per hour.                                               affected airplanes
                                    = $42.50............                                     = $1,592,827.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Incorporating the AFM update represents a terminating action for AD 
compliance without imposing any limitations on aircraft operations. It 
is the operator's choice to incorporate either the AFM update or the 
ACS update.

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.
    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 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    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.
    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 DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

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 FAA amends 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 (AD):
2013-16-04 Eclipse Aerospace, Inc.: Amendment 39-17542; Docket No. 
FAA-2013-0448; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-007-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 20, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Model 
EA500 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any 
category, and are equipped with:
    (1) Avio avionics suites; or
    (2) Avio with ETT avionics suites; or
    (3) Avio NG 1.0 avionics suites.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code, Code 23: Communications.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of potential aircraft hardware 
failure in the

[[Page 49910]]

autopilot control panel and the center switch panel. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent failure of the hardware/software combination 
within the autopilot control panel and/or center switch panel, which 
could result in uncommanded fire suppression system activation and 
simultaneous shutdown of both engines.

(f) Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions within the 
compliance times specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.

(g) Update Aircraft Computer Software (ACS)

    (1) For airplanes equipped with Avio or Avio with ETT avionics 
suites: Within 6 calendar months after September 20, 2013 (the 
effective date of this AD), update the ACS following paragraphs 3.A. 
through 3.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions in Eclipse 
Aerospace, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin Number SB 500-31-014, 
Rev. A, dated February 15, 2011.
    (2) For airplanes equipped with NG 1.0 avionics suites: Within 6 
calendar months after September 20, 2013 (the effective date of this 
AD), do one of the following:
    (i) Insert Temporary Revision No. 016, to EA500 POH and FAA-
Approved Airplane Flight Manual, Firewall Valve, 06-122204-TR016, 
issued November 9, 2012, into the Limitations section of the 
airplane flight manual following paragraph 3.B.(1)(a) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions in Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Mandatory 
Service Bulletin Number SB 500-31-026, Rev. A, dated December 7, 
2012, or Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin Number 
SB 500-31-026, Rev. B, dated March 27, 2013; or
    (ii) Update the ACS following paragraphs 3.A. through 3.C. of 
the Accomplishment Instructions in Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Mandatory 
Service Bulletin Number SB 500-31-019, Rev. B, dated March 13, 2013.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section of this AD.
    (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.

(i) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Scott Fohrman, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Chicago ACO, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 
107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; phone: (847) 294-7136; fax: (847) 
294-7834; email: [email protected].

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin Number SB 
500-31-014, Rev. A, dated February 15, 2011.
    (ii) Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin Number 
SB 500-31-019, Rev. B, dated March 13, 2013.
    (iii) Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin Number 
SB 500-31-026, Rev. A, dated December 7, 2012.
    (iv) Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin Number 
SB 500-31-026, Rev. B, dated March 27, 2013.
    (v) Temporary Revision No. 016, to EA500 POH and FAA-Approved 
Airplane Flight Manual, Firewall Valve, 06-122204-TR016, issued 
November 9, 2012.
    (3) For Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. service information identified 
in this AD, contact Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. 26 East Palatine Road, 
Wheeling, Illinois 60090; telephone: (877) 373-7978; Internet: 
www.eclipse.aero.
    (4) You may review copies of the referenced service information 
at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 31, 2013.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-18912 Filed 8-15-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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