Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell Collins, Inc. Transponders

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 60 (Friday, March 28, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17397-17399]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-05202]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0966; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-040-AD; 
Amendment 39-17799; AD 2014-05-27]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell Collins, Inc. Transponders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Rockwell Collins TPR-720 and TPR-900 Mode select (S) transponders that 
are installed on airplanes. This AD was prompted by the identification 
that the TPR-720 and TPR-900 Mode S transponders respond intermittently 
to Mode S interrogations from both ground-based and traffic collision 
avoidance system (TCAS-) equipped airplanes. This AD requires testing 
and calibration of the alignment of the transponders. We are issuing 
this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 2, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 2, 2014.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Collins Aviation Services, 350 Collins Road 
NE., M/S 153-250, Cedar Rapids, IA 52498-0001; telephone: 888-265-5467 
(U.S.) or 319-265-5467; fax: 319-295-4941 (outside U.S.); email: 
[email protected]; Internet: http://www.rockwellcollins.com/Services_and_Support/Publications.aspx. You 
may review this 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
0966; 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: Roger A. Souter, FAA, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 
67209; telephone: 316-946-4134; facsimile: 316-946-4107; email address: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Rockwell Collins 
TPR-720 and TPR-900 Mode select (S) transponders that are installed on 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 19, 
2013 (78 FR 69318). The NPRM proposed to require testing and 
calibration of the alignment of the TPR-720 and TPR-900 Mode S 
transponders.

Comments

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

Request FAA Review Impact on AD 92-11-09 (57 FR 20744, May 15, 1992)

    Konstantinos Sideris of Airbus commented that AD 92-11-09 (57 FR 
20744, May 15, 1992) required converting part number (P/N) 622-7878-020 
into P/N 622-7878-301. The commenter stated that the proposed AD would 
affect both of those P/Ns, and he requested the FAA review the impact 
of the proposed AD on AD 92-11-09 and consider cancelling AD 92-11-09.
    After review, we disagree with cancelling AD 92-11-09 (57 FR 20744, 
May 15, 1992). This AD requires a different task than that required in 
AD 92-11-09 and assures timely test and calibration for all affected P/
Ns, including those affected and referenced in AD 92-11-09.
    We did not change the final rule AD action based on this comment.

Request FAA Add and Delete Specific Model Airplanes from Applicability

    The Boeing Company requested we add Models 737 classics, 737NG, 
757, and 767 airplanes to the Applicability and exclude the Model 747-
8.
    We agree that this AD may apply to Models 737, 757, and 767 
airplanes; however, paragraph (c), Applicability, of this AD is not 
intended as all-inclusive. Paragraph (c) of this AD states, ``. . . 
transponders that are installed on but not limited to the airplanes . . 
.'' and gives a partial listing of airplanes known to have the affected 
transponders installed. In our discussions with Rockwell Collins, they 
discussed that the subject transponders may be installed by 
supplemental type certificate on models other than the models that are 
known to have the affected transponders installed.
    We added language to paragraph (c), Applicability, to clarify that 
the listing of airplanes is not all-inclusive.

Request FAA Change the Cost of Compliance Estimate

    The Boeing Company requested we adjust the total estimated cost of 
compliance to account for the added airplane models the commenter 
requested we add.
    We disagree with this comment. We based the estimated cost of 
compliance on the number of transponder units produced by Rockwell 
Collins, not the estimated number of airplanes that may have the 
transponders installed.
    We did not change the final rule AD action based on this comment.

Request FAA Change the Language of the Required Action

    Craig Amadeo of Delta Airlines requested we change the language in 
the AD to clarify that the operators do not have to return the 
transponders to Rockwell Collins for the testing and calibration. Delta 
has full capability to test and align the receiver of the affected 
transponders. The commenter also requested we add more specific

[[Page 17398]]

language to the AD to clarify the testing and calibration procedures 
from the component maintenance manual (CMM) required by the AD.
    We agree that the operators do not need to return the transponders 
to Rockwell Collins for the testing and calibration. Any properly 
certified repair facility may do the required work. We also agree 
mechanics should know the applicable procedures to use from the CMM. 
However, the AD directs mechanics to the Rockwell Collins service 
information that references the specific procedures and figures to use 
for the required work. We do not agree that quoting the service 
information in the AD is necessary.
    We added language to the final rule AD action to clarify operators 
do not need to return the transponders to Rockwell Collins for the 
required testing and calibration.

Request for Different Service Information

    Robert Semar of United Airlines stated that a normal shop visit 
with the transponders does not accomplish the testing required by this 
AD. We infer the commenter wants more service information.
    We agree that a normal shop visit will not accomplish the testing 
required by this AD; however, we disagree that more service information 
is required. The service letter referenced in the AD identifies the 
specific procedures required to comply with the AD.
    We did not change the final rule AD action based on this comment.

Request FAA Change Cost of Compliance

    Robert Semar of United Airlines requested we add the cost of 
removal/installation of the transponders to the cost of compliance 
section of the AD.
    We agree and have added the cost to remove and reinstall the 
transponders to the estimated cost of compliance for this AD action.

Request Confirmation of the Applicability

    Kevin Hallworth requested we confirm whether the AD should also 
apply to the Rockwell Collins TPR-901, TDR-94, and TDR-94D Mode S 
transponders. The commenter asked if they are similarly affected.
    We have confirmed that the TPR-901 is not affected by this AD. The 
associated circuitry in the TPR-901 is significantly different than 
that of the affected transponders. The TDR-94 and TDR-94D transponders 
are not affected by this issue and are not part of this AD action.
    We did not change the final rule AD action based on this comment.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> [Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in 
the NPRM (78 FR 69318, November 19, 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 69318, November 19, 2013).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 4,000 products that are installed 
on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Removal and reinstallation of the   2 x $85 per hour =     Not applicable.......            $170        $680,000
 transponders.                       $170.
Test and calibration of the         4 x $85 per hour =     Not applicable.......             340       1,360,000
 transponders.                       $340.
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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):

2014-05-27 Rockwell Collins, Inc.: Amendment 39-17799; Docket No.

[[Page 17399]]

FAA-2013-0966; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-040-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 2, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to the following Rockwell Collins, Inc. Mode 
S transponders that are installed on but not limited to the 
airplanes listed in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and (c)(2)(ii) of this AD:
    (i) TPR-720: CPN 622-7878-001, 622-7878-020, 622-7878-120, 622-
7878-200, 622-7878-201, 622-7878-301, 622-7878-440, 622-7878-460, 
622-7878-480, 622-7878-901; and
    (ii) TPR-900: CPN 822-0336-001, 822-0336-020, 822-0336-220, 822-
0336-440, 822-0336-460, 822-0336-480, 822-0336-902.
    (2) The products listed in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii) 
of this AD may be installed on but not limited to the following 
airplanes, certificated in any category:
    (i) Airbus Models A319, A320, A330, A340; and
    (ii) The Boeing Company Models B737, B747, B757, B767, B777, MD-
80, and DC-9.
    (3) The listing of airplanes in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and 
(c)(2)(ii) of this AD is not intended as all-inclusive. The affected 
transponders may be installed using a supplemental type certificate 
or other means on other airplanes not listed in those paragraphs.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the identification that the TPR-720 and 
TPR-900 Mode S transponders respond intermittently to Mode S 
interrogations from both ground-based and traffic collision 
avoidance system equipped airplanes. We are issuing this AD to 
correct possible misalignment issues with the transponders that 
could result in increased pilot and air traffic controller workload 
as well as reduced separation of airplanes.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, unless already done.

(g) Test and Calibration

    (1) Within the next 2 years after the effective date of this AD 
and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed every 4 
years, send the TPR-720 and TPR-900 Mode S transponders to a 
properly certified repair facility for test and calibration to 
assure proper alignment following Rockwell Collins Service 
Information Letter 13-1, Revision No. 1, 523-0821603-101000, dated 
October 24, 2013.
    (2) Rockwell Collins Service Information Letter 13-1, Revision 
No. 1, 523-0821603-101000, dated October 24, 2013, recommends the 
affected transponders be sent to a Rockwell Collins authorized 
repair facility for the alignment and return to service testing; 
however, any properly certified repair facility may do this 
alignment and return to service testing.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Wichita 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 paragraph (i) 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 Roger A. Souter, 
FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 
67209; telephone: 316-946-4134; facsimile: 316-946-4107; email 
address: [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) Rockwell Collins Service Information Letter 13-1, Revision 
No. 1, 523-0821603-101000, dated October 24, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Collins Aviation Services, 350 Collins Road 
NE., M/S 153-250, Cedar Rapids, IA 52498-0001; telephone: 888-265-
5467 (U.S.) or 319-265-5467; fax: 319-295-4941 (outside U.S.); 
email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.rockwellcollins.com/Services_and_Support/Publications.aspx.
    (4) You may review this 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 March 4, 2014.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-05202 Filed 3-27-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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