Airworthiness Directives; Avidyne Corporation Integrated Flight Displays

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 115 (Tuesday, June 16, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34256-34258]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14645]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-2191; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-019-AD; 
Amendment 39-18183; AD 2015-10-51]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Avidyne Corporation Integrated Flight 
Displays

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Avidyne 
Corporation (Avidyne) Integrated Flight Displays (IFDs) part number (P/
N) 700-00083-() loaded with software release 9.3.1.0 or earlier release 
(referred to as Model R9--10 inch), P/N 700-00171-() loaded with 
software release 9.2.5.0 or earlier release (referred to as Model R9--
12 inch), and P/N 700-00182-() loaded with software release 10.0.3.0 or 
earlier release (referred to as Model IFD540). This emergency AD was 
sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of all aircraft 
that incorporate the above referenced Avidyne IFDs. This AD requires 
incorporating an operational limitation into the Limitations section of 
the airplane flight manual (AFM) or airplane flight manual supplement 
(AFMS). This AD was prompted by reports of Avidyne IFDs displaying 
incorrect course deviation indication information during GPS approaches 
(incorrect display of lateral deviations). We are issuing this AD to 
correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 1, 2015 to all persons except those 
persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2015-
10-51, issued on May 18, 2015, which contained the requirements of this 
amendment.
    We must receive comments on this AD by July 31, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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-2015-
2191; 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 
(phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony Pigott, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7158; fax: (781) 238-7199; 
email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On May 18, 2015, we issued Emergency AD 2015-10-51, which requires 
incorporating an operational limitation into the Limitations section of

[[Page 34257]]

the airplane flight manual (AFM) or airplane flight manual supplement 
(AFMS). This emergency AD was sent previously to all known U.S. owners 
and operators of all aircraft that incorporate Avidyne Corporation 
(Avidyne) Integrated Flight Displays (IFDs) part number (P/N) 700-
00083-() loaded with software release 9.3.1.0 or earlier release 
(referred to as Model R9--10 inch), P/N 700-00171-() loaded with 
software release 9.2.5.0 or earlier release (referred to as Model R9--
12 inch), and P/N 700-00182-() loaded with software release 10.0.3.0 or 
earlier release (referred to as Model IFD540).
    This action was prompted by reports of Avidyne IFDs displaying 
incorrect course deviation indication information during GPS approaches 
(incorrect display of lateral deviations). This condition occurs when 
the airplane is flying in certain approaches, the leg to the Final 
Approach Fix (FAF) is active, and the leg to the FAF is not aligned 
with the final approach course (i.e., an angled entry to the FAF). The 
software of the Avidyne IFDs as referenced above will produce lateral 
deviations to the final approach course as soon as the leg to the FAF 
becomes active. Therefore, when the leg does not align with the final 
approach course, the course deviation indicator (CDI) will show a 
deviation when, in fact, the aircraft is on the proper course for the 
active leg. This could result in the pilot making flight decisions that 
put the aircraft in unsafe flight conditions, flying into airspace that 
was, by the GPS approach design, to be avoided (terrain, obstacle, 
traffic, restricted).

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires incorporating an operational limitation into the 
Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) or airplane 
flight manual supplement (AFMS). The operational limitation will 
contain the following:
    <bullet> Flying a full procedure (non Vector-to-Final) GPS 
approach, with a course change at the Final Approach Fix (FAF), is 
prohibited.''
    <bullet> ``Flying a GPS approach, with a Direct-To or with an Omni-
Bearing Selector (OBS) leg to the FAF, is prohibited.''

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 of 
the Avidyne IFDs displaying incorrect course deviation indication 
information during GPS approaches (incorrect display of lateral 
deviations), which could result in the pilot making flight decisions 
that put the aircraft in unsafe flight conditions, flying into airspace 
that was, by the GPS approach design, to be avoided (terrain, obstacle, 
traffic, restricted). Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity 
for prior public comment 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 was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include Docket Number FAA-2015-2191 and 
Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-015-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 324 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incorporate operational             .5 work-hour x $85    Not applicable......          $42.50          $13,770
 limitations into the Limitations    per hour = $42.50.
 section of the airplane flight
 manual (AFM) or airplane flight
 manual supplement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

[[Page 34258]]

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):

2015-10-51 Avidyne Corporation: Amendment 39-18183; Docket No. FAA-
2015-2191; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-015-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 1, 2015 to all persons except those 
persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 
2015-10-51, issued on May 18, 2015, which contained the requirements 
of this amendment.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    Avidyne Corporation (Avidyne) Integrated Flight Displays (IFDs) 
part number (P/N) 700-00083-() loaded with software release 9.3.1.0 
or earlier release (referred to as Model R9--10 inch), P/N 700-
00171-() loaded with software release 9.2.5.0 or earlier release 
(referred to as Model R9--12 inch), and P/N 700-00182-() loaded with 
software release 10.0.3.0 or earlier release (referred to as Model 
IFD540). These IFDs are installed on, but not limited to, airplanes 
that are certificated in any category and are identified in the 
following:
    (1) For Model R9--10 inch: AML STC SA00282BO. This document can 
be found at: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/24d8d8ba6cb57e4f86257d1d0055dec4/$FILE/
SA00282BO_AML.pdf.
    (2) For Model R9--12 inch: Korea Aerospace Industries KC-100 
(currently being type validated by the FAA).
    (3) For Model IFD540: STC SAA00343BO. This document can be found 
at: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/
5084676a444f3b2b86257d20005d08ab/$FILE/SA00343BO_AML.pdf.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of Avidyne IFDs displaying 
incorrect course deviation indication information during GPS 
approaches (incorrect display of lateral deviations). This condition 
occurs when the airplane is flying in certain approaches, the leg to 
the Final Approach Fix (FAF) is active, and the leg to the FAF is 
not aligned with the final approach course (i.e., an angled entry to 
the FAF). The software of the Avidyne IFDs as referenced above in 
the Applicability section, paragraph (c) of this AD, will produce 
lateral deviations to the final approach course as soon as the leg 
to the FAF becomes active. Therefore, when the leg does not align 
with the final approach course, the course deviation indicator (CDI) 
will show a deviation when, in fact, the aircraft is on the proper 
course for the active leg. We are issuing this AD to prevent such 
incorrect display of lateral deviations, which could result in the 
pilot making flight decisions that put the aircraft in unsafe flight 
conditions, flying into airspace that was, by the GPS approach 
design, to be avoided (terrain, obstacle, traffic, restricted).

(f) Compliance

    Unless already done, comply with paragraphs (g)(1) through 
(g)(4) of this AD, including all subparagraphs.

(g) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) or Airplane Flight Manual Supplement 
(AFMS) Limitation

    (1) Before further flight after July 1, 2015 to all persons 
except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by 
Emergency AD 2015-10-51, issued on May 18, 2015, which contained the 
requirements of this amendment, incorporate the operational 
limitations listed in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD 
into the Limitations section of the AFM or AFMS, as applicable. This 
can be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the Limitations 
section of the AFM or AFMS.
    (i) ``Flying a full procedure (non Vector-to-Final) GPS 
approach, with a course change at the Final Approach Fix (FAF), is 
prohibited.''
    (ii) ``Flying a GPS approach, with a Direct-To or with an Omni-
Bearing Selector (OBS) leg to the FAF, is prohibited.''
    (2) This action may be done by an owner/operator (pilot) holding 
at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the 
airplane records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 
14 CFR 43.9(a)(1)(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be 
maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.173 or 135.439.
    (3) Paragraphs (g)(3)(i) and (g)(3)(ii) of this AD provides 
examples of prohibited and allowed GPS approach per paragraph 
(g)(1)(i) of this AD:
    (i) An example of a prohibited GPS approach per paragraph 
(g)(1)(i) of this AD can be found at: http://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/1505/05597r25.pdf.
    (ii) An example of an allowed GPS approach per paragraph 
(g)(1)(i) of this AD can be found at: http://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/1505/00626rz29.pdf.
    (4) This AD is no longer applicable if software is installed 
that is different than that referenced in paragraph (c) 
Applicability of this AD.

(h) Special Flight Permit

    Under 14 CFR 39.23, special flight permits are prohibited for 
this AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston 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) 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

    For further information about this AD, contact Anthony Pigott, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7158; fax: (781) 238-7199; 
email: [email protected].

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 8, 2015.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-14645 Filed 6-15-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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