Airworthiness Directives; Sandia Attitude Indicators

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 177 (Friday, September 11, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56159-56161]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20049]



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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 177 / Friday, September 11, 2020 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 56159]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0794; Project Identifier AD-2020-01232-Q; 
Amendment 39-21249; AD 2020-18-51]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sandia Attitude Indicators

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Sandia attitude indicators (attitude indicators). This AD was 
sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of aircraft with 
these attitude indicators installed. This AD requires revising the 
existing Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) for your airplane to prohibit 
operation under instrument flight rules (IFR) or night visual flight 
rules (VFR) and prohibit coupling the autopilot with an affected 
attitude indicator. This AD was prompted by reports of 54 failed 
attitude indicators. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 28, 2020 to all persons except 
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 
2020-18-51, issued on August 28, 2020, which contains the requirements 
of this AD.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 26, 2020.

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 https://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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0794; 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, 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: John Felton, Aerospace Engineer, Fort 
Worth ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5171; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On August, 28, 2020, the FAA issued Emergency AD 2020-18-51 
(Emergency AD 2020-18-51) for attitude indicator part number (P/N) 
306171-10 or 306171-20. Emergency AD 2020-18-51 requires revising the 
existing AFM for your airplane to prohibit operation under IFR or night 
VFR and prohibit coupling the autopilot with an affected attitude 
indicator. These part-numbered attitude indicators may be marked as 
BendixKing Model KI-300 or Sandia Model SAI-340A.
    Emergency AD 2020-18-51 was prompted by a report of three failed 
attitude indicator P/N 306171-10 units. Following the initial report, 
an investigation revealed a total of 54 failed attitude indicator P/N 
306171-10 units. Attitude indicator P/N 306171-20 is affected by the 
same unsafe condition because it is identical to P/N 306171-10. The 
effect of the failure was erroneous attitude data provided to the pilot 
and autopilot, if equipped. In some instances, the pilot is unaware 
that the data is erroneous or unreliable. In other instances, where the 
aircraft is equipped with multiple displays, the pilot may be provided 
with conflicting information, but will have no way to determine which 
display contains the correct data.
    This condition, if not addressed, could result in aeronautical 
decision-making based on erroneous attitude information, which may 
result in loss of control of the aircraft.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD after evaluating all the relevant 
information and determining the unsafe condition described previously 
is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type 
design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, before further flight, revising the existing AFM 
for your airplane to prohibit operation under IFR or night VFR and 
prohibit coupling the autopilot with an affected attitude indicator.
    Revising the existing AFM for your airplane may be performed by the 
owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate. 
This authorization is an exception to our standard maintenance 
regulations. The pilot must record compliance with this AD in the 
aircraft maintenance records 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.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later 
identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that required the immediate adoption of 
Emergency AD 2020-18-51, issued on August 28, 2020, to all known U.S. 
owners and operators of aircraft with attitude indicator P/N 306171-10 
or 306171-20 installed. The FAA found that the risk to the flying 
public justified waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this 
rule because the required corrective actions must be completed before 
further flight. These conditions still exist and the AD is hereby 
published in the Federal Register as an amendment to section

[[Page 56160]]

39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it 
effective to all persons. 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-2020-
0794 and Project Identifier AD-2020-01232-Q at the beginning of your 
comments. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing 
date and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information as described in the 
following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive 
verbal contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial 
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by 
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), 
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to 
this final rule contain commercial or financial information that is 
customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and 
that is relevant or responsive to this final rule, it is important that 
you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each 
page of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will 
treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they 
will not be placed in the public docket of this final rule. Submissions 
containing CBI should be sent to John Felton, Aerospace Engineer, Fort 
Worth ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5171; email 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,211 units installed on 
aircraft of U.S. Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-
hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may 
incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD.
    Revising the existing AFM for your airplane takes about 0.5 work-
hour for an estimated cost of $43 per aircraft and $52,073 for the U.S. 
fleet.

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 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 to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Airplane, 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):

2020-18-51 Sandia Attitude Indicator: Amendment 39-21249; Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0794; Project Identifier AD-2020-01232-Q.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 28, 2020 to all persons except 
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency 
AD 2020-18-51, issued on August, 28, 2020, which contains the 
requirements of this AD.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sandia attitude indicator (attitude 
indicator) part number 306171-10 and 306171-20. These attitude 
indicators may be marked as BendixKing Model KI-300 or Sandia Model 
SAI-340A. They may be installed on airplanes certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Airplane Service Component (JASC) Code: 3420, Attitude and 
Direction Data System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of 54 failed attitude 
indicators, which produced erroneous attitude data to the pilot and 
autopilot, if equipped. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
aeronautical decision-making based on erroneous attitude 
information, which may result in loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Before further flight, revise the limitations section of the 
existing Airplane

[[Page 56161]]

Flight Manual for your airplane by inserting a copy of this AD or by 
making pen and ink changes to add:
    (i) ``Operation under Instrument Flight Rules or night Visual 
Flight Rules is prohibited.''
    (ii) ``Coupling the autopilot with Sandia attitude indicator 
part number 306171-10 or 306171-20 is prohibited. These attitude 
indicators may be marked as BendixKing Model KI 300 or Sandia Model 
SAI 340A.''
    (2) The action required by paragraph (g)(1) 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 Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Fort Worth 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) of this AD. Information may 
be emailed to: [email protected].
    (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: John Felton, 
Aerospace Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 
76177; telephone 817-222-5171; email [email protected].

    Issued on September 4, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-20049 Filed 9-10-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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