Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell ASCa Inc. Emergency Locator Transmitters Installed on Various Transport Category Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 181 (Wednesday, September 18, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57253-57257]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-22396]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0707; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-158-AD; 
Amendment 39-17582; AD 2013-18-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell ASCa Inc. Emergency Locator 
Transmitters Installed on Various Transport Category Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Honeywell ASCa Inc. emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) installed on 
various transport category airplanes. This AD requires various one-time 
general visual inspections of the ELT transmitter units (TUs), and 
corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a fire on a 
parked and unoccupied airplane; preliminary information indicated 
combustion in the area of the ELT TU. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct discrepancies of the battery wiring installation inside the 
TU, which could result in an electrical short and possible ignition 
source.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 3, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 3, 
2013.
    We must receive comments on this AD by November 4, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room

[[Page 57254]]

W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For Honeywell service information identified in this AD, contact 
Honeywell ASCa Inc., Customer and Product Support, Customer Support 
Operations, 3333 Unity Drive, Mississauga, ON, Canada L5L 3S6; 
telephone: 800-601-3099 (toll-free U.S.A./Canada); telephone: 602-365-
3099 (international) email: [email protected]; Internet: 
www.myaerospace.com. For Boeing service information that is specified 
but not incorporated by reference in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial 
Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-
65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 
206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review 
copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information (MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Assata Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer, 
Avionics and Services Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7301; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2013-25, dated August 15, 2013 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    Following an event where a fire broke out on a parked and 
unoccupied aeroplane, the United Kingdom Air Accidents Investigation 
Branch (AAIB) carried out an investigation to determine the cause of 
the fire. Although the investigation is still ongoing, preliminary 
information indicated that there was combustion in the area of the 
ELT TU. Subsequent to the fire event, inspection of in-service ELT 
TUs revealed battery wiring installation discrepancies inside the TU 
that may result in an electrical short. The AAIB noted that in case 
of an electrical short, the ELT battery could provide the energy for 
an ignition.
    This [Canadian] AD is issued as a precautionary measure to 
address the possibility of a fire due to wiring installation 
discrepancies of either the ELT TU or the ELT Battery. Depending on 
the outcome of the AAIB investigation, Transport Canada may revise 
this [Canadian] AD or mandate additional corrective actions.

    This AD requires one-time general visual inspections of the ELT 
TUs, and applicable corrective actions. Inspections include general 
visual inspections for deformation (including bulges and gaps) in the 
battery cover, damage (including cuts, breaks, cracks, and splits) to 
the black protective cover of the battery, damage (including cuts, 
breaks, and splits) to the battery wires and insulation, damage to the 
TU battery connection wires (including flattening and exposed wires and 
insulation), and discrepancies (i.e., the gasket shows signs of 
deformation or indentation, or any blue pull-tab is trapped between the 
cover and the TU) of the battery cover gasket. Corrective actions 
include returning the battery/TU to Honeywell, and doing the ``return 
to service'' actions (including marking/identifying the battery and TU; 
repeating the cover inspection one time; and installing the new or 
serviceable TU). You may obtain further information by examining the 
MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Honeywell ASCa Inc. has issued Alert Service Bulletin 1152682-23-
A22, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2013. The actions described in this 
service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition 
identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Explanation of Compliance Time

    We acknowledge that a compliance time of 120 days is unusually long 
for an immediately adopted rule. In this case, however, we have 
determined that it is necessary to provide sufficient time for 
operators to adequately prepare to meet the requirements of this AD. 
Based on the large number of affected ELTs, we consider this compliance 
time necessary to avoid unnecessarily disrupting flight schedules. 
Although the Canadian AD mandates a 150-day compliance time, we have 
determined that the 120-day compliance time required by this AD will 
adequately address the identified unsafe condition. Therefore, a 
compliance time of 120 days has been specified in order to provide 
operators with sufficient time to accomplish the requirements of this 
AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
discrepancies of the battery wiring installation inside the TU could 
result in an electrical short and possible ignition source. Therefore, 
we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before 
issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making 
this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0707; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-NM-158-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may

[[Page 57255]]

amend this AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 3,832 ELTs installed on transport 
category airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to 
comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections.........................  1 work-hour x $85 per                $0              $85         $325,720
                                       hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for additional required actions, as the time required to 
accomplish those actions is specific to the airplane.

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

    We 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.
    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);
    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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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):

2013-18-09 Honeywell ASCa Inc.: Amendment 39-17582. Docket No. FAA-
2013-0707; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-158-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 3, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Honeywell ASCs Inc. emergency locator 
transmitters (ELTs) Model RESCU 406AF and 406AFN with transmitter 
unit (TU) part numbers (P/Ns) 1152682-1, -2, and -3, installed on 
transport category airplanes, certificated in any category, but not 
limited to the airplanes identified in table 1 to paragraph (c) of 
this AD.

      Table 1 to Paragraph (c) of This AD--Affected Airplane Models
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Manufacturer                        Airplane model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The Boeing Company............  (i) 717-200 airplanes.
                                    (ii) 727, 727C, 727-100, 727 -100C,
                                     727-200, and 727-200F series
                                     airplanes.
                                    (iii) 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -
                                     400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -800,
                                     -900, and -900ER series airplanes.
                                    (iv) 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -
                                     200B, -200C, -200F, -300, -400, -
                                     400D, and -400F series airplanes;
                                     and 747SR, 747SP, 747-8F, and 747-8
                                     series airplanes.
                                    (v) 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -
                                     300 series airplanes.
                                    (vi) 767-200, -300, -300F, and -
                                     400ER series airplanes.
                                    (vii) 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER,
                                     and 777F series airplanes.
                                    (viii) 787-8 airplanes.
                                    (ix) MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes.
                                    (x) DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-
                                     82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87
                                     (MD-87) airplanes.
                                    (xi) MD-88 airplanes.
                                    (xii) MD-90-30 airplanes.

[[Page 57256]]

 
(2) Lockheed Martin Corporation/    382, 382B, 382E, 382F, 382G, and
 Lockheed Martin Aeronautics         382J airplanes.
 Company.
(3) Airbus........................  (i) A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-
                                     203, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203
                                     airplanes.
                                    (ii) A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620,
                                     and B4-622 airplanes.
                                    (iii) A300 B4-605R and B4-622R
                                     airplanes.
                                    (iv) A300 F4-605R and F4-622R
                                     airplanes.
                                    (v) A300 C4-605R Variant F
                                     airplanes.
                                    (vi) A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -
                                     304, -322, -324, and -325
                                     airplanes.
                                    (vii) A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -
                                     231, -232, and -233 airplanes.
                                    (viii) A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -
                                     212, -213, -231, and -232
                                     airplanes.
                                    (ix) A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
                                    (x) A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and
                                     243 airplanes.
                                    (xi) A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -
                                     322, -323, -341, -342, and -343
                                     airplanes.
                                    (xii) A340-211, -212, and -213
                                     airplanes.
                                    (xiii) A340-311, -312, and -313
                                     airplanes.
                                    (xiv) A340-541 airplanes.
                                    (xv) A340-642 airplanes.
                                    (xvi) A380-800 series airplanes.
(4) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport    (i) ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500
 R[eacute]gional.                    airplanes.
                                    (ii) ATR72-101, -201, -102, -202, -
                                     211, -212, and -212A airplanes.
(5) Dassault Aviation.............  FALCON 7X airplanes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 23, 
Communications.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a fire on a parked and unoccupied 
airplane; preliminary information indicated combustion in the area 
of the ELT TU. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
discrepancies of the battery wiring installation inside the TU, 
which could result in an electrical short and possible ignition 
source.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

(g) Inspection

    For any ELT TU with any serial number identified in paragraph 
1.A., ``Effectivity,'' including the serial numbers identified in 
the Note in paragraph 1.A., of Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin 
1152682-23-A22, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2013: Within 120 days 
after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Remove the TU from the airplane.
    (2) Do one-time general visual inspections of the ELT TU, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Honeywell Alert 
Service Bulletin 1152682-23-A22, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2013.

(h) TU/Battery Pack Return

    During any inspection required by this AD, if any discrepancy is 
found that is unacceptable or exceeds limits as specified in 
Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin 1152682-23-A22, Revision 1, dated 
August 8, 2013: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) 
or (h)(2) of this AD, return the TU or battery pack, as applicable, 
to Honeywell ASCa Inc., Customer and Product Support, Customer 
Support Operations, 3333 Unity Drive, Mississauga, ON, Canada L5L 
3S6; telephone: 800-601-3099 (toll-free U.S.A./Canada); telephone: 
602-365-3099 (international) email: [email protected]; 
Internet: www.myaerospace.com.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Within 10 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.

(i) Post-inspection Actions

    Before further flight after accomplishing the actions required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD: Perform all applicable return to 
service actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin 1152682-23-A22, Revision 1, 
dated August 8, 2013. Install a TU that is identified in paragraph 
3.F.(2) or 3.F.(3) of Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin 1152682-23-
A22, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2013.

(j) Parts Installation Limitations

    After installation or replacement of the TU as required by this 
AD or as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD, no person may 
install an ELT TU battery unless it is installed using a method 
approved by either the Manager, New York ACO, FAA; or TCCA (or its 
delegated agent).

(k) Acceptable Prior Actions for Certain Airplanes

    (1) For The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes identified in 
AD 2013-15-07, Amendment 39-17523 (78 FR 45054, July 26, 2013): 
Accomplishment of the applicable requirements of AD 2013-15-07 
before the effective date of this AD is acceptable for compliance 
with the requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the applicable actions 
required by paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, if those 
actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using 
Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin 1152682-23-A22, dated August 1, 
2013, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, if the applicable actions 
specified in the service information identified in paragraphs 
(k)(3)(i) through (k)(3)(vi) of this AD were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using the applicable service information 
identified in paragraphs (k)(3)(i) through (k)(3)(vi) of this AD. 
This service information is not incorporated by reference in this 
AD.
    (i) For The Boeing Company Model 717-200 airplanes: Boeing Multi 
Operator Message MOM-MOM-13-0597-01B, dated July 28, 2013.
    (ii) For The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -
900, and -900ER series airplanes: Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-
MOM-13-0593-01B, dated July 28, 2013.
    (iii) For The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F 
series airplanes: Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-13-0594-01B, 
dated July 28, 2013.
    (iv) For The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes: Boeing Multi 
Operator Message MOM-MOM-13-0595-01B, dated July 28, 2013.
    (v) For The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes: Boeing Multi 
Operator Message MOM-MOM-13-0596-01B, dated July 28, 2013.
    (vi) For The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes: Boeing Multi 
Operator Message MOM-MOM-13-0570-01B, dated July 19, 2013; or Boeing 
Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-13-0590-01B, dated July 26, 2013.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:

[[Page 57257]]

    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York ACO, ANE-170, 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 ACO, send it to ATTN: Program 
Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-
7300; fax 516-794-5531. 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. The AMOC approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2013-25, dated August 15, 
2013, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) For Boeing service information that is specified but not 
incorporated by reference in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial 
Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 
2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; 
fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (3) Honeywell service information specified but not incorporated 
by reference in this AD may be obtained at the addresses identified 
in paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.

(n) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin 1152682-23-A22, Revision 1, 
dated August 8, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Honeywell service information identified in this AD, 
contact Honeywell ASCa Inc., Customer and Product Support, Customer 
Support Operations, 3333 Unity Drive, Mississauga, ON, Canada L5L 
3S6; telephone: 800-601-3099 (toll-free U.S.A./Canada); telephone: 
602-365-3099 (international) email: [email protected]; 
Internet: www.myaerospace.com.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.
    (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 Renton, Washington, on September 6, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-22396 Filed 9-17-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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