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

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 164 (Monday, August 25, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50538-50542]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-19978]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0573; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-091-AD; 
Amendment 39-17955; AD 2014-17-02]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-18-09 for 
certain Honeywell ASCa Inc. emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) 
installed on various transport category airplanes. AD 2013-18-09 
required various one-time general visual inspections of the ELT 
transmitter units (TUs), and corrective actions if necessary. This new 
AD corrects the manufacturer's name in the AD applicability and adds a 
source of approval for an installation. AD 2013-18-09 was prompted by a 
fire on a parked and unoccupied airplane; preliminary information 
indicated combustion in the area of the ELT TU. This new AD was 
prompted by the identification of an error in the applicability of AD 
2013-18-09. 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 September 9, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 3, 
2013 (78 FR 57253, September 18, 2013).
    We must receive comments on this AD by October 9, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> 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 identified 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 view this 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.

[[Page 50539]]

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-2014-
0573; 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 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

    On September 6, 2013, we issued AD 2013-18-09, Amendment 39-17582 
(78 FR 57253, September 18, 2013). AD 2013-18-09 applied to certain 
Honeywell ASCa Inc. ELTs installed on various transport category 
airplanes. AD 2013-18-09 was prompted by a fire on a parked and 
unoccupied airplane; preliminary information indicated combustion in 
the area of the ELT TU. AD 2013-18-09 required various one-time general 
visual inspections of the ELT TUs), and corrective actions if 
necessary. We issued AD 2013-18-09 to detect and correct discrepancies 
of the battery wiring installation inside the TU, which could result in 
an electrical short and possible ignition source.
    Since we issued AD 2013-18-09, Amendment 39-17582 (78 FR 57253, 
September 18, 2013), we discovered a typographical error in the 
applicability. Paragraph (c) of AD 2013-18-09 identified ELTs 
manufactured by ``Honeywell ASCs Inc.'' The correct name for the 
manufacturer is Honeywell ASCa Inc. In all other locations in AD 2013-
18-09, the manufacturer's name was correct. This error has been 
corrected in this AD. We have revised paragraph (c) of this AD 
accordingly.
    Although we have revised the compliance time for the ELT TU 
inspections (as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD and AD 2013-18-
09, Amendment 39-17582 (78 FR 57253, September 18, 2013)), no further 
work is required for airplanes in compliance with the requirements of 
AD 2013-18-09.
    We have revised the compliance language in paragraphs (k)(1), 
(k)(2), and (k)(3) of this AD to start from the effective date of this 
AD.

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 in AD 2013-18-09, Amendment 39-17582 (78 FR 
57253, September 18, 2013). 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.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since this AD merely corrects a typographical error in the 
applicability of AD 2013-18-09, Amendment 39-17582 (78 FR 57253, 
September 18, 2013), and includes another source of approval for an 
installation, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing 
this AD are unnecessary.

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-2014-0573; Directorate 
Identifier 2014-NM-091-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 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:
    The actions that were required by AD 2013-18-09, Amendment 39-17582 
(78 FR 57253, September 18, 2013), and are retained in this AD, take 
about 1 work-hour per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions 
required by AD 2013-18-09 on U.S. operators is $325,720, or $85 per 
product.
    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.
    The changes included in this AD add no additional economic burden.

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.

[[Page 50540]]

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2013-18-09, Amendment 39-17582 (78 FR 57253, September 18, 2013), and 
adding the following new AD:

2014-17-02 Honeywell ASCa Inc.: Amendment 39-17955. Docket No. FAA-
2014-0573; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-091-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective September 9, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2013-18-09, Amendment 39-17582 (78 FR 57253, 
September 18, 2013).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Honeywell ASCa 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.
(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

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Retained Inspection With New Compliance Time

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2013-18-09, Amendment 39-17582 (78 FR 57253, September 18, 2013), 
with a new compliance time. 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.

[[Page 50541]]

(h) Retained TU/Battery Pack Return Provisions With New Compliance Time

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2013-18-09, Amendment 39-17582 (78 FR 57253, September 18, 2013), 
with a new compliance time. 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) Retained Post-Inspection Actions With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2013-18-09, Amendment 39-17582 (78 FR 57253, September 18, 2013), 
with no changes. 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) Retained Parts Installation Limitations With Revised Installation 
Method Approval

    This paragraph restates the limitations specified by paragraph 
(j) of AD 2013-18-09, Amendment 39-17582 (78 FR 57253, September 18, 
2013), with a revised installation method approval. 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) Retained Acceptable Prior Actions for Certain Airplanes

    This paragraph restates the provisions specified by paragraph 
(k) of AD 2013-18-09, Amendment 39-17582 (78 FR 57253, September 18, 
2013), with revised compliance language.
    (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:
    (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. AMOCs approved previously for AD 
2013-18-09, Amendment 39-17582 (78 FR 57253, September 18, 2013), 
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of 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 by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0573.
    (2) Boeing service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference may be obtained from 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 identified in this AD that is 
not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses 
identified in paragraphs (n)(4) and (n)(5) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
October 3, 2013 (78 FR 57253, September 18, 2013).
    (i) Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin 1152682-23-A22, Revision 1, 
dated August 8, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this 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.
    (6) 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.


[[Page 50542]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 13, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-19978 Filed 8-22-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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