Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell Collins, Inc. Transponders

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 174 (Tuesday, September 9, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53288-53291]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-21027]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0326; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-051-AD; 
Amendment 39-17965; AD 2014-18-01]
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 TDR-94 and TDR-94D Mode select (S) transponders that 
are installed on airplanes. This AD was prompted by instances where the 
TDR-94 and TDR-94D Mode S transponders did not properly respond to Mode 
S Only All-Call interrogations when the airplane transitioned from a 
ground to airborne state. This AD requires inspecting the setting of 
the airplane type code category strapping and requires either modifying 
the airplane type code category setting or installing the software 
upgrade to convert the affected transponders to the new part number. We 
are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 14, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 14, 
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-2014-
0326; 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: Ben Tyson, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, 
Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: 316-946-4174; fax: 316-946-4107; email: 
[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 
TDR-94 and TDR-94D Mode select (S) transponders that are installed on 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 22, 2014, 
(79 FR 29384). The NPRM was prompted by instances where the TDR-94 and 
TDR-94D Mode S transponders did not properly respond to Mode S Only 
All-Call interrogations when the airplane transitioned from a ground to 
airborne state.
    We were notified that Bombardier CL604 airplanes in Eurocontrol 
airspace were not transmitting the appropriate Mode S replies. In at 
least one case, the flight crews switched to the other installed 
transponder, resulting in normal operation. Rockwell Collins, Inc. 
confirmed that other types of airplane could exhibit this same unsafe 
condition. As a result of the issue in Eurocontrol airspace, EASA 
issued Airworthiness Directive 2010-0003R1, effective date January 11, 
2010.
    The TDR-94 and TDR-94D Mode S transponder internal software does 
not correctly implement the air/ground override function when the 
airplane type code strapping is set to any value other than (1) or (0) 
and the airplane rotation speed is greater than 100 knots. The error in 
the air/ground override function inhibits the Mode S Only All-Call 
replies.
    The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the setting of the airplane 
type code category strapping and require either modifying the airplane 
type code category setting or installing the software upgrade to 
convert the affected transponders to the new part number. We are 
issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Comments

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

Request

    Kevin Lorrigan requested we add Beechcraft Models B300, B300C, and 
Hawker 900XP airplanes to paragraph (c), Applicability, to the AD 
because typically these airplanes are equipped with the TDR-94 or TDR-
94D transponders with weight-on-wheels input.
    The FAA agrees those airplanes were equipped with the TDR-94 or 
TDR-94D transponders when they were delivered from the factory. 
However, we disagree with adding these airplanes to paragraph (c), 
Applicability, of the AD. After we consulted with Beechcraft and 
reviewed their production records, we determined these airplanes are 
unaffected in their original ``as-delivered'' configurations. The 
airplanes were delivered with the TDR-94 or TDR-94D transponders, but 
they were strapped in such a manner that they remain unaffected.
    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. Due to the possibility of modification of the airplane after 
delivery, each owner must evaluate the airplane's current configuration 
to determine compliance with the AD.
    We did not change the final rule AD action based on this comment.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial

[[Page 53289]]

changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 29384, May 22, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 29384, May 22, 2014).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 8,000 products installed on 
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect the setting of the          1 work-hour x $85 per  Not applicable.......             $85        $680,000
 airplane type category strapping.   hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary corrections 
that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of airplane that might need these 
corrections:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost            Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modify the airplane type code          1 work-hour x $85 per    Not applicable.........  $85.
 category strapping.                    hour = $85.
Convert the part number of the         2 work-hours x $85 per   See conversion parts     Varies depending on
 equipment.                             hour = $170.             cost table.              applicable part number
                                                                                          or service bulletin.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Conversion Parts Cost Table--TDR-94 and TDR-94D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Service bulletin  Service bulletin  Service bulletin  Service bulletin
          Starting part number                   505               507               508               509
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-007....................................               N/A            $5,886           $12,636           $18,465
-008....................................            $2,323             5,886             3,414             9,429
-108....................................             2,323               N/A               N/A             6,816
-207....................................               N/A             5,886             9,234            15,057
-308....................................             2,323             5,886             3,414             9,429
-309....................................               N/A             5,886             3,414             9,429
-310....................................               N/A               N/A               N/A             6,183
-408....................................             2,323               N/A               N/A             3,414
-409....................................               N/A               N/A               N/A             3,414
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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):

2014-18-01 Rockwell Collins, Inc.: Amendment 39-17965; Docket No. 
FAA-2014-0326; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-051-AD.

[[Page 53290]]

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 14, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to the following Rockwell Collins, Inc. part 
number (P/N) Mode S transponders that are known to be installed on 
but not limited to the airplanes listed in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) 
through (c)(2)(xiv) of this AD, except for those airplanes listed in 
paragraphs (c)(3)(i) through (c)(3)(vi) of this AD, that have been 
modified in-production or in-service:
    (i) TDR-94: CPN 622-9352-008, 622-9352-108, 622-9352-308, 622-
9352-408; and
    (ii) TDR-94D: CPN 622-9210-008, 622-9210-108, 622-9210-308, 622-
9210-408.
    (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 featuring weight-on wheels input to the transponder, 
certificated in any category:
    (i) ATR42 and ATR72;
    (ii) Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant);
    (iii) Bombardier CL-600-2B19 (RJ100 and RJ200);
    (iv) Cessna 525, serial numbers (S/N) 525-0600 through 525-0684 
(CJ1);
    (v) Cessna 525A, S/N 525A-0300 through 525A-0438 (CJ2);
    (vi) Cessna 525B, S/N 525B-0001 through 525B-0293 (CJ3);
    (vii) Cessna 560, S/N 560-0751 through 560-0802 (Citation 
Encore);
    (viii) Cessna 560XL, S/N 560-6001 and subsequent;
    (ix) Dassault Aviation Mystere-Falcon 50;
    (x) Dassault Aviation Mystere-Falcon 900;
    (xi) Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000;
    (xii) Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000EX;
    (xiii) Piaggio Aero Industries P.180 (Avanti and Avanti II); and
    (xiv) SAAB 2000.
    (3) This AD action does not apply to the excepted airplane 
models, identified in paragraphs (c)(3)(i) through (c)(3)(vi) of 
this AD, that have been modified in-production or in-service. They 
do not have the unsafe condition described in this AD.
    (i) Dassault airplanes that have been modified in-service or in-
production following the applicable Dassault Aviation service 
information as listed in table 1 of paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this AD.

 Table 1 of Paragraph (c)(3)(i) of This AD: Excepted Dassault Airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Airplane models          Service bulletin       Modification(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mystere-Falcon 50...........  F50-457.............  M2966 and M2968
Mystere-Falcon 900..........  F900-354............  M3896
Falcon 900EX................  F900EX-239..........  M3896
Falcon 2000.................  F2000-312...........  M2624 and M2632
Falcon 2000EX...............  F2000EX-043.........  M2624
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Model ATR 42 airplanes or ATR 72 airplanes that had P/N 
622-9210-108 transponders installed in production using ATR 
modification 05614 or installed in-service using ATR Service 
Bulletin ATR42-34-0167 or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-34-1094, as 
applicable.
    (iii) SAAB Model 2000 airplanes that had P/N 622-9210-008 
transponders installed in production using SAAB modifications 6231, 
6243, and 6249 or installed in-service using SAAB Service Bulletins 
2000-34-066, 2000-34-072, and 2000-34-076.
    (iv) Bombardier Aerospace (Canadair) airplanes Model CL-600-2B16 
(604 Variant) that had P/N 622-9210-008 transponders installed and 
incorporated the corrective actions recommended in the Bombardier 
Advisory Wire AW 604-34-0078 using the instructions in Bombardier 
Aerospace Service Bulletin 604-34-054 (drawing 604-70482 Engineering 
Order, Revison D-1) or using a service request for product support. 
Bombardier Aerospace (Canadair) airplanes Model CL-600-2B19 (RJ100 
and RJ200) that had P/N 622-9210-008 transponders installed in 
production using Bombardier Aerospace Modification TC601R16789 or in 
service using Bombardier Aerospace Service Bulletin 601R-34-142 
(Modification TC601R16790).
    (v) Cessna Aircraft Company Models 525, 525A, and 525B airplanes 
that had P/N 622-9352-008 transponders installed in production using 
Cessna Engineering Change Records (ECRs) 55298, 58654, and 59567; 
and Model 525B airplanes that had P/N 622-9352-008 transponders 
installed in service using Cessna Aircraft Company Service Bulletin 
SB525B-34-03 or SB525B-34-08. Cessna Aircraft Company Models 525, 
525A, 525B, 560, and 560XL airplanes that had P/N 622-9210-008 
transponders installed in production using Cessna ECRs 55298, 58654, 
59567, 56135, and 58032; and Model 525B airplanes that had P/N 622-
9210-008 transponders installed in service using Cessna Service 
Bulletin SB525B-34-03 or SB525B-34-08.
    (vi) Piaggio Aero Industries Model P.180 (Avanti) airplanes that 
had P/N 622-9210-008 transponders installed in production using 
Piaggio modification 80-0773 or in service using Piaggio Service 
Bulletin SB-80-0227. Piaggio Aero Industries Model P.180 (Avanti II) 
airplanes that had P/N 622-9210-008 transponders installed in 
production using Piaggio modification 80-0588 and 80-0598.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by instances where the TDR-94 and TDR-94D 
Mode S transponders did not properly respond to Mode S Only All-Call 
interrogations when the airplane transitioned from a ground to 
airborne state. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct Mode S 
transponders that do not respond correctly to Mode S Only All-Call 
interrogations, which 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, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection

    Within the next 2 years after October 14, 2014 (the effective 
date of this AD), inspect the airplane type code category strapping 
setting for a value of zero (0) or one (1) following Rockwell 
Collins, Inc. Service Information Letter 07-2, 523-0810069-101000, 
TDR-94() SIL 07-02, Revision 1, dated September 2, 2008. If the 
airplane type code category strapping is set to a value of zero (0) 
or one (1), no further action is required by this AD.

(h) Modification

    If the airplane type code category strapping is not set to a 
value of zero (0) or one (1), within two years after October 14, 
2014 (the effective date of this AD), do the actions required in 
either paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2), to include all subparagraphs, of 
this AD.
    (1) Modify the airplane type code category strapping setting to 
a value of zero (0) or one (1) following Rockwell Collins, Inc. 
Service Information Letter 07-2, 523-0810069-101000, TDR-94() SIL 
07-02, Revision 1, dated September 2, 2008.
    (2) Install a software upgrade to convert the part numbers of 
the transponders to the new part numbers using the following 
Rockwell Collins, Inc. service information, as applicable:

    Note 1 to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD:  More than one of the 
bulletins may apply to your particular P/N transponder, but each 
bulletin brings different capabilities and associated costs. We 
recommend reviewing each bulletin to determine the optimal choice 
for your installation.
    (i) Service Bulletin 505, 523-0816034-001000, TDR-94()-34-505, 
dated September 2, 2008;
    (ii) Service Bulletin 507, 523-0816423-301000, TDR-94/94D-34-
507, Revision 3, dated December 5, 2011;
    (iii) Service Bulletin 508, 523-0817821-001000, TDR-94()-34-508, 
dated September 16, 2009; or

[[Page 53291]]

    (iv) Service Bulletin 509, 523-0817822-001000, TDR-94()-34-509, 
dated September 16, 2009.

(i) 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 (j)(1) 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Ben Tyson, 
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 
Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: 316-946-4174; 
fax: 316-946-4107; email: [email protected].

(k) 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, Inc. Service Information Letter 07-2, 523-
0810069-101000, TDR-94() SIL 07-2, Revision 1, dated September 2, 
2008.
    (ii) Rockwell Collins, Inc. Service Bulletin 505, 523-0816034-
001000, TDR-94()-34-505, dated September 2, 2008.
    (iii) Rockwell Collins, Inc. Service Bulletin 507, 523-0816423-
301000, TDR-94/94D-34-507, Revision 3, dated December 5, 2011.
    (iv) Rockwell Collins, Inc. Service Bulletin 508, 523-0817821-
001000, TDR-94()-34-508, dated September 16, 2009.
    (v) Rockwell Collins, Inc. Service Bulletin 509, 523-0817822-
001000, TDR-94()-34-509, dated September 16, 2009.
    (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 August 28, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-21027 Filed 9-8-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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