Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328 Series Airplanes Equipped with Honeywell GP-300 Guidance and Display Controller

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 11, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29465-29467]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14224]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-112-AD; Amendment 39-9656; AD 96-12-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328 Series Airplanes 
Equipped with Honeywell GP-300 Guidance and Display Controller

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Dornier Model 328 series airplanes. This 
action requires modification of certain Honeywell GP-300 guidance and 
display controllers. This amendment is prompted by reports of smoke and 
fumes, due to a defective light bulb, emitting from the Honeywell GP-
300 guidance and display controller; and a report of failure of the 
autopilot to disconnect manually. The actions specified in this AD are 
intended to prevent a defective light bulb from causing a short circuit 
that emits smoke and fumes into the cockpit; or causing damage to the 
circuit cards and various components, which may lock the autopilot into 
the engaged mode. Locking of the autopilot into the engaged mode could 
lead to the inability of the pilot to disconnect the autopilot, which 
could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective June 26, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 26, 1996.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before August 12, 1996.


[[Page 29466]]


ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-112-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Honeywell, Inc., Attn: Customer Support Materiel, P.O. Box 21111, 
Phoenix, Arizona 85036. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: J. Kirk Baker, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712; telephone (310) 627-5345; fax (310) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received several reports of 
smoke and fumes emitting from the Honeywell GP-300 guidance and display 
controller installed on Dornier Model 328 series airplanes. In 
addition, the FAA received a report that the autopilot would not 
disconnect manually; however, minutes later the ``FD AP Disp Ctrl'' 
circuit breaker opened on its own, and subsequently disconnected the 
autopilot. Investigation revealed that the cause of these failures has 
been attributed to a defective light bulb in the display controller 
lighting circuit inside the GP-300 guidance and display controller. A 
defective light bulb can cause a short circuit that emits smoke and 
fumes into the cockpit. This condition, if not corrected, could impair 
the flightcrew's ability to operate effectively in the cockpit.
    A defective light bulb also can cause damage to the circuit cards 
and various components, which may lock the autopilot into the engaged 
mode; this situation could lead to the inability of the pilot to 
disconnect the autopilot. This condition could adversely affect the 
controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Honeywell Service Bulletin 
7015327-22-2, dated March 4, 1996, which describes procedures for 
modification of Honeywell GP-300 guidance and display controllers 
having part number (P/N) 7015327-901 or -902. The modification involves 
installing a protection device on each of the circuit card assemblies 
(CCA) that will limit the short circuit current of the lighting 
circuits.

U.S. Type Certification of the Airplane

    This airplane model is manufactured in Germany and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent a defective 
light bulb from causing a short circuit that emits smoke and fumes into 
the cockpit; or causing damage to the circuit cards and various 
components, which may lock the autopilot into the engaged mode. Locking 
of the autopilot into the engaged mode could lead to the inability of 
the pilot to disconnect the autopilot, and adversely affect the 
controllability of the airplane. This AD requires modification of 
certain Honeywell GP-300 guidance and display controllers. The actions 
are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin 
described previously.

Explanation of the Applicability of the Rule

    When an unsafe condition results from the installation of an 
appliance or other item that is installed in only one particular make 
and model of aircraft, the FAA's general policy is to issue an AD so 
that it is applicable to the aircraft, rather than the item. The reason 
for this is simple: Making the AD applicable to the airplane model on 
which the item is installed ensures that operators of those airplanes 
will be notified directly of the unsafe condition and the action 
required to correct it. While it is assumed that an operator will know 
the models of airplanes that it operates, there is a potential that the 
operator will not know or be aware of specific items that are installed 
on its airplanes. Therefore, calling out the airplane model as the 
subject of the AD prevents ``unknowing non-compliance'' on the part of 
the operator. (The FAA recognizes that there are situations when an 
unsafe condition exists in an item that is installed in many different 
aircraft. In those cases, the FAA considers it impractical to issue 
AD's against each aircraft; in fact, many times, the exact models and 
numbers of aircraft on which the item is installed may not be known. 
Therefore, in those situations, the AD is issued so that it is 
applicable to the item; furthermore, those AD's usually indicate that 
the item is known to be installed on, but not limited to, various 
aircraft models.)

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES.  
All communications received on or before the closing date for comments 
will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the 
comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's 
ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the 
effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 96-NM-112-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

[[Page 29467]]

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-12-13  Dornier: Amendment 39-9656. Docket 96-NM-112-AD.

    Applicability: Model 328 series airplanes, equipped with 
Honeywell GP-300 guidance and display controller having part number 
(P/N) 7015327-901 or -902; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent a defective light bulb from causing a short circuit 
that emits smoke and fumes into the cockpit, or causing damage to 
the circuit cards and various components, which may lock the 
autopilot into the engaged mode, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the Honeywell GP-300 guidance and display controller, having P/N 
7015327-901 or -902, in accordance with Honeywell Service Bulletin 
7015327-22-2, dated March 4, 1996.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The modification shall be done in accordance with Honeywell 
Service Bulletin 7015327-22-2, dated March 4, 1996. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from Honeywell, Inc., Attn: Customer 
Support Materiel, P.O. Box 21111, Phoenix, Arizona 85036. Copies may 
be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 26, 1996.
    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 31, 1996.

Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-14224 Filed 6-10-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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