Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell Collins, Inc. Flight Display System Application

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 130 (Monday, July 8, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32260-32263]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-14307]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0469; Product Identifier 2019-CE-028-AD; Amendment 
39-19664; AD 2019-12-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rockwell Collins, Inc. Flight Display 
System Application

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain part-numbered Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Rockwell Collins) FDSA-
6500 flight display system applications installed on airplanes. This AD 
imposes operating limitations on the traffic collision avoidance system 
(TCAS) by revising the Limitations section of the airplane flight 
manual (AFM) or AFM supplement (AFMS) and installing a placard on each 
aircraft primary flight display. This AD was prompted by a conflict 
between the TCAS display indications and aural alerts that may occur 
during a resolution advisory (RA) scenario. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to require actions that address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 23, 2019.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by August 22, 2019.

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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, 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-2019-
0469; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed 
above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nhien Hoang, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 
67209; telephone: (316) 946-4157; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: 
[email protected] or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA was notified that a conflict may occur between the TCAS 
primary cockpit display indications and the aural alerts during an RA 
scenario on specific part-numbered Rockwell Collins FDSA-6500 flight 
display system applications. These applications may be installed on, 
but not limited to, Bombardier Inc. Model CL-600-2B16 (604 variant) 
airplanes and Textron Aviation Inc. Models 525B, B200, B200C, B200CGT, 
B200GT, B300, B300C, and C90GTi airplanes.
    During testing of a full flight simulator on a development program, 
the TCAS fly-to/avoidance cue indication on the primary cockpit 
displays conflicted with other TCAS system information, such as aural 
cues, during an RA scenario. While the aural alert will provide the 
pilot with accurate information to resolve the RA, that information is 
not accurately represented by the TCAS fly-to/avoidance cue display. 
Specifically, the TCAS fly-to/avoidance cue is displayed relative to 
the aircraft horizon line instead of the aircraft symbol. Rockwell 
Collins determined that the data from the TCAS is being translated 
incorrectly by the FDSA-6500 software prior to display of the RA pitch 
indications.
    This condition, if not addressed, could lead to the pilot over-
correcting or under-correcting for aircraft separation and may result 
in a mid-air collision. The manufacturer is developing a software 
update to correct this condition. The actions required by this AD are 
intended to prevent conflicting TCAS information by prohibiting flight 
operation with RA functionality enabled. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Rockwell Collins Operator Bulletin OPSB 0193-19R1, 
Revision 1, dated April 3, 2019. The service information describes the 
unsafe condition and provides examples of different scenarios that 
could occur with the TCAS indication conflicts. The service information 
also contains instructions for determining the part number of the FDSA-
6500 installation.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because it 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 prohibits operation with the TCAS in TA/RA mode by 
requiring a revision to the Limitations section of the AFM or AFMS and 
by fabricating and installing a placard on each aircraft primary flight 
display. An owner/operator (pilot) may revise the AFM or the AFMS and 
fabricate and install the required placard, and the owner/operator must 
enter compliance with the applicable paragraphs of the AD into the 
aircraft records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 
14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot may perform these actions because they 
can be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This is an 
exception to our standard maintenance regulations.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD interim action. The operating limitation 
required by this AD will immediately address the unsafe condition. 
However, Rockwell Collins is developing a software upgrade to correct 
the unsafe condition and eliminate the need for the

[[Page 32261]]

operating limitation required by this AD action. Because the operating 
limitation required by this AD addresses the unsafe condition, any 
rulemaking with a software upgrade would allow for public notice and 
comment. Thus, the FAA will consider future rulemaking when the 
software upgrade becomes available.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because a conflict between the displayed indications and the TCAS aural 
alert could lead to the pilot over-correcting or under-correcting for 
aircraft separation and result in a mid-air collision. Therefore, the 
FAA finds good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public 
comment are impracticable. In addition, for the reason stated above, 
the FAA finds 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, the FAA invites you to send any written data, views, 
or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the Docket Number FAA-2019-
0469 and Product Identifier 2019-CE-028-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final 
rule. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments it receives, without change, to 
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive 
verbal contact it receives about this final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 932 FDSA-6500 flight display 
system applications installed on 311 airplanes worldwide. The number of 
FDSA-6500 applications installed on airplanes on the U.S. Registry is 
unknown.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      Cost on
             Action                  Labor cost             Parts cost          Cost per product     operators
                                                                                                     worldwide
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the Limitations section   .5 work-hour x     Not applicable...........  $42.50 (per            $13,217.50
 of the AFM or AFMS.              $85 per hour =                                airplane).
                                  $42.50.
Fabricate and install a placard  .5 work-hour x     Negligible...............  $42.50 (per                39,610
                                  $85 per hour =                                primary flight
                                  $42.50.                                       display).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    The FAA is 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 Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, 
RFA analysis is not required.

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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

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):

2019-12-09 Rockwell Collins, Inc.: Amendment 39-19664 ; Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0469 Product Identifier 2019-CE-028-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 23, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Rockwell Collins) 
Flight Display System Application FDSA-6500 part numbers 810-0234-
1H0001, 810-0234-1H0002, 810-0234-1H0003, 810-0234-2H0001, 810-0234-
2C0001, 810-0234-2C0002, and 810-0234-4B0001. These appliances are 
installed on, but not limited to, Bombardier Inc. Model CL-600-2B16 
(604 variant) airplanes and Textron Aviation Inc. Models 525B, B200, 
B200C, B200CGT, B200GT, B300, B300C, and

[[Page 32262]]

C90GTi airplanes, certificated in any category.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD:  Rockwell Collins Operator 
Bulletin OPSB 0193-19R1, Revision 1, dated April 3, 2019, contains 
additional information related to the Applicability of this AD.

 (d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a conflict between the traffic collision 
avoidance system (TCAS) primary display indications and aural alerts 
during a resolution advisory (RA) scenario. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to prevent conflicting TCAS information. The unsafe condition, if 
not addressed, could result in the pilot under-correcting or over-
correcting and may lead to inadequate aircraft separation and a mid-
air collision.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within 30 days after July 23, 2019 (the 
effective date of this AD), unless already done.

(g) Operating Limitations

    (1) Revise the airplane flight manual (AFM) or AFM supplement 
(AFMS) by adding the following text to the Limitations section: For 
TCAS II installations, during flight, do not operate TCAS in the 
``TA/RA'' mode; TCAS may only be operated in ``TA Only'' mode.

    Note 2 to paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD:  In ``TA/RA'' mode, 
the TA stands for traffic advisory and RA stands for resolution 
advisory.

    (2) Fabricate a placard for each aircraft primary flight 
display, using at least \1/8\ inch letters, with the following text: 
TCAS Flight Ops--TA Only mode (TA/RA mode prohibited).
    (3) Install the placard on the bottom of each aircraft primary 
flight display bezel in the area depicted in figure 1 to paragraph 
(g)(3) of this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR08JY19.001

    (4) In addition to the provisions of 14 CFR 43.3 and 43.7, the 
actions required by paragraph (g)(1) through (3) of this AD may be 
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private 
pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records 
showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) 
through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be 
maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417. This authority is not 
applicable to aircraft being operated under 14 CFR part 119.

(h) Special Flight Permit

    A special flight permit may be issued with the following 
limitation: Flight operation with the TCAS II in ``TA/RA'' mode is 
prohibited. Flight operation with the TCAS is only permitted in ``TA 
Only'' mode.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Wichita ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (j).
    (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 Nhien Hoang, 
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 
100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4157; fax: (316) 
946-4107; email: [email protected] or [email protected].
    (2) Rockwell Collins Operator Bulletin OPSB 0193-19R1, Revision 
1, dated April 3, 2019, contains additional information related to 
this AD. You may obtain copies of this service information by 
contacting Rockwell Collins, Inc. at Collins Aviation Services, 400 
Collins Road NE, M/S 164-100, 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.


[[Page 32263]]


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 28, 2019.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-14307 Filed 7-5-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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