UNITE D STATE S DEPARTMEN T O FTRANSPORTATIO N .. _^ FEDERA LAVIATIO N ADMINISTRATIO N S . ' ^

* * FAA Docke t

No.C P 1 OSW000 6 I n th e Matter

of : * : r~,>f, * DMSNo.FAA-2010-053 2 AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC . * * Hon . RichardC . Goodwi n (ALJ ) 

# UEIVE D niL 2 2 20t O HiN G DOCKE T

COMPLAINANT' S RESPONS E T O RESPONDENT' S FIRS T SE T O F INTERROGATORIE S T O COMPLAINAN T Interrogator

y 1 . •r: ^

— H Pleas e identif

y al l expert

witnesse s wh o migh t

testif y o n th e FAA' s behal f

a t th e hearing i n thi s matter . Fo r

eac hsuc hwitness , stat e th e substanc e o f th e expert' s expecte dtestimon y an dopinions , th e fact s upo n whic hthat

testimon y o r

opinion(s ) wil l b e based , th e expert' s occupation , affiliation , busines s address , telephon e numbe r an dcurriculu mvitae . RESPONSE : Th e FA A intend s t o introduc e expert testimon y throug hexpert witnesses ; however , w e hav e no t identifie dwhic hwitnesse s w e wil l use . Th e FA A wil l identif y thos e witnesse s wh o wil l testif y o n th e FAA' s behal f

a s experts , an dwil l supplemen t thi s discover y request , includin g th e substanc e o f th e expert' s expecte dtestimon y an dopinions , th e fact s upo n whic htha t testimon y an dopinion s wil l b e based , th e expert' s occupation , affiliation , busines s address , telephon e number , an dcurren t curriculu mvitae . Interrogator

y 2 . Pleas e identif

y al l othe r

witnesse s wh o migh t

testif y o n th e FAA' s behal f

at th e hearin g i

n thi s matter . Fo r

eac hsuc hwitness , stat e th e substanc e o f th e witness' s expecte dtestimony , th e fact s upo n whic htha t

testimon y wil l b e based , an dth e witness' s occupation , affiliation , busines s addres s andtelephon e number . RESPONSE : Willia mT . Satterfiel d A A Uni t Principa l Avionic s Inspecto r FA A America n Airline s CMO-2 1 Centreport

Busines s Park1480 0 Trinit y Blvd. , Suit e 10 0

For t Worth , T X 7615 5 (817)684-680 6 Mr . Satterfiel di s expecte dt o testif y regardin g America n Airline s ME Lprocedure s an d misapplicatio n o f

ME Lprocedure s an dhi s knowledg e o f th e inciden t

a s the y relat e t o th e fact s o f th e case . Andy Blosse r Aviatio n Safet

y Inspecto r FA A America n Airline s CMO-2 1 Centreport

Busines s Park 1480 0 Trinit y Blvd. , Suit e 100 Fort Worth , T X 7615 5 Mr . Blosse r

i s expecte dt o testif

y regardin g hi s investigatio n o f America n Airline s misapplicatio n o f th e ME Lprocedure s o n Decembe r 27 , 2007 , base do n th e fact s o f th e case . Christophe r

J . Dicesar e A A Uni t Principa l Maintenanc e Inspecto r FA A America n Airline s CMO-2 1 Centreport

Busines s Par

k 1480 0 Trinit y Blvd. , Suit e 10 0 Fort Worth , T X 7615 5 (817)684-691 6 Mr . Dicesar e i s expecte dt o testif y regardin g America n Airline s ME Lprocedure s an d misapplicatio n o f

ME Lprocedure s an dhi s knowledg e o f th e inciden t

a s the y relat e t o th e fact s o f th e cas e Richar dI . Bel l AA Uni t Avionic s Superviso r FA A America n Airline s CMO-2 1 Centreport

Busines s Par

k 1480 0 Trinit y Blvd. , Suit e 100 For t Worth , T X 7615 5 (817)684-686 3 Mr . Bel l i s expecte dt o testif y regardin g America n Airline s ME Lprocedure s an dmisapplicatio n o f ME Lprocedure s an dhi s knowledg e o f th e inciden t

a s the y relat e t o th e fact s o f th e cas e Robert E . Talmadg e A A Unit Principa l Operation s Inspecto r FA A America n Airline s CMO-2 1Centreport Busines s Park 1480 0 Trinity Blvd. , Suit e 10 0 For t Worth , TX 7615 5 (817)684-680 4 Mr . Talmadg e i s expecte dt o testif y regardin g America n Airline s ME Lprocedure s an d misapplicatio n o f

ME Lprocedure s an dhi s knowledg e o f th e inciden t

a s the y relat e t o th e fact s o f th e cas e Interrogatory 3 . 3 . Pleas e identif

y al l FAA rules , regulations , orders , policie s and/o r other referenc e documents , whethe r formal o r

informal , tha t

evidence , refer

o r relat e t o aFligh t

Faul t Revie w ("FFR") , a s allege di n Paragraph s I I (7)-(8 ) i n th e FAA' s Complaint . RESPONSE : Objectio n i s mad e t o thi s respons e a s it i s overl y broa dan dburdensome . Al l document s i n Complainant' s EI Rhav e bee n provide dt o Respondent . Further , Fligh t Faul t Revie w (FFR ) i s no t relate dt o th e FAA , bu t

rathe r i s part o f th e America n Airlin e maintenanc e progra m 4 . Pleas e identif

y all FA A rules , regulations , orders , policie s and/o r othe r referenc e documents , whethe r forma l o r informal , tha t

evidence , refe r

o r relat e t o th e interpretatio n o f Respondent' s DC

9 ME LIte m22-2(b) . RESPONSE : Objectio n i s mad e t o thi s respons e a s i t i s overl y broa dan dburdensome . Al l document s i n Complainant' s EIRhav e bee n provide dt o Respondent . 5 . Pleas e identif

y eac han dever y fac t

tha t support s you r

contentio n i n Paragrap hI I (17 ) o f th e Complain t

that "th e prope r

deferral optio n woul dhav e bee n t o placar dth e duple x rudde r serv o i n accordanc e withME L22-16. " RESPONSE : Th e Fligh t

Faul t Revie w reveale dth e autopilo t duple x rudde r

serv o ha dfailed . Ther e i s onl y on e autopilo t duple x rudde r

serv o o n th e aircraft . Tha t serv o was bad . A fully functionin g autopilo t duple x rudde r

serv o i s require dfor

th e autopilo t

couple d(ILS ) operations , category 2 operation s an dautomati c g o around . Th e onl y deferral optio n woul dhav e bee n t o compl y wit hME Lite m 22-l b (no t

ME Lite m22-16 . Th e Complain t wil l b e amended) . 6 . Pleas e identif

y eac han dever y perso n withknowledg e o f fact s that refe r o r relat e t o you r contentio n i n Paragrap h1 1 (17 ) o f th e Complain t

tha t "th e prope r

deferra l optio n woul dhav e bee n t o placar dth e duple x rudde r serv o i n accordanc e withME L22-16. "Th e Administrato r object s t o thi s interrogatory to th e exten t that it i s overl y broadan dburdensome . Th e identit

y o f al l person s wit

hknowledg e o f

o r informatio n concernin g th e allegation s in Paragrap h 11(17 ) o f th e Complain t

i s no t withi n th e actual or

constructiv e knowledg e o f th e Administrator . Th e Administrato r

ha s identifie dal l person s an dprovide dth e informatio n o f whic hit i s aware an dwil l dutifully disclos e andidentif y al l person s withknowledg e o f o r informatio n concernin g th e allegatio n i n th e Complain t

wh o wer e no t

identifie dwhe n suc hknowledg e o r informatio n i s gained . Willia mT . Satterfiel d A A Unit Principa l Avionic s Inspecto r FA A America n Airline s CMO-2 1 Centrepor t

Busines s Par

k 1480 0 Trinity Blvd. , Suit e 10 0 For t Worth , T X 7615 5 (817)684-680 6 And y Blosse r Aviatio n Safet

y Inspecto r FA A America n Airline s CMO-2 1 Centrepor t

Busines s Par

k 1480 0 Trinity Blvd. , Suit e 10 0 Fort Worth , TX 7615 5 Christophe r

J . Dicesar e A A Uni t Principa l Maintenanc e Inspecto r FA A America n Airline s CMO-2 1 Centreport

Busines s Park 1480 0 Trinity Blvd. , Suit e 10 0 Fort Worth , T X 7615 5 (817)684-691 6 Richar dI . Bel l A A Unit Avionic s Superviso r FA A America n Airline s CMO-2 1 Centrepor t

Busines s Par

k 1480 0 Trinity Blvd. , Suit e 10 0 For t Worth , T X 7615 5 (817)684-686 3 Rober t E . Talmadg e A A Uni t Principa l Operation s Inspecto r FA A America n Airline s CMO-2 1 Centrepor t

Busines s Par

k 1480 0 Trinit y Blvd. , Suit e 10 0 Fort Worth , TX 7615 5 (817)684-680 47 . Pleas e identif y eac han dever y documen t tha t refer s o r relate s t o you r

contentio n i n Paragrap h 1 1 (17 ) o f th e Complain t

that "th e prope r

deferral optio n woul dhav e bee n t o placar dth e duple x rudde r serv o i n accordanc e withME L22-16. " RESPONSE : O p Specs , pag e D-085-1 0 (lO P 3 ) Lo g page s for

mE- 6 logboo k

for aircraf t 45 4 (lO P 4 ) Computer s prin t

ou t fromAmerica n Airline s compute r (lO P 5 ) Cop y o f America n Airline s MD-8 0 maintenanc e manua l (lO P 6 ) Cop y o f Pag e 22- 2 o f

America n Airiine s MD-8 0 ME L(lO P 7 ) Cop y o f pag e 22-1 2 o f

America n Airiine s MD-8 0 ME L(lO P 8 ) Cop y o f pag e 22-1 2 o f

America n Airiin e MD-8 0 ME L(lO P 9 ) Cop y o f repai r report fro mHoneywel l In c (lO P 15 ) 8 . Pleas e identif

y an ddescrib e eac han devery fac t tha t support s you r

contentio n i n Paragrap h1 1 (23 ) o f th e Complain t

tha t "N454A A was operate do n four flights wit

ha n inoperativ e autopilo t duple x rudde r

servo. " RESPONSE : Th e FF Ridentifie dtha t

th e autopilo t

duple x rudde r

serv o was inoperativ e i n ST Lo n Decembe r 27 , 2007 . America n Airline s continue doperatio n o f th e aircraf

t unti l Decembe r

28 , 2007 , whe n i t replace dth e autopilo t

rudde r serv o upo n arriva l i n STL . Th e aircraf t wa s flown fro mSTLt o LGA , LG A t o ATL , AT Lt o LG A an dLG A t o ST Lwitha n inoperativ e autopilo t

duple x rudde r servo . 9 . Pleas e identif

y eac han devery perso n withknowledg e o f fact s tha t refer o r relat e t o you r contentio n i n Paragrap h1 1 (23 ) o f th e Complain t

tha t "N454A A was operate do n four flights wit

h a n inoperativ e autopilo t

duple x rudde r

servo. " RESPONSE : Th e Administrato r

object s t o thi s interrogatory t o th e exten t that it i s overl y broadan dburdensome . Th e identit

y o f al l person s withknowledg e o f o r informatio n concernin g th e allegation s i n Paragrap h 11(23 ) o f th e Complain t

i s no t withi n th e actual o r

constructiv e knowledg e o f th e Administrator . Th e Administrato r

ha s identifie dal l person s an dprovide dth e informatio n o f whic hit i s aware andwil l dutifully disclos e an didentif y al l person s withknowledg e o f o r informatio n concernin g th e allegatio n i n th e Complain t

wh o wer e no t

identifie dwhe n suc hknowledg e o r informatio n i s gained . Als o se e respons e t o Interrogatory 2 . 10 . Pleas e identif

y eac han devery documen t that refer s o r relate s t o th e contentio n i n Paragrap h1 1 (23 ) o f th e Complain t

that "N454A A was operate do n four flights witha

n inoperativ e autopilo t duple x rudde r

servo. "RESPONSE :

Se e Respons e t o Interrogatory 7 . Also , cop y o f

routin g fo

r aircraf t 45 4 (lO P 11 ) 11 . Pleas e identif

y al l FA A rules , regulations , orders , policie s and/o r othe r referenc e documents , whethe r forma l o r

informal , tha t

suppor t FAA' s allegatio n i n th e Complain t tha t America n violate dSectio n 119.5(1 ) o f th e Federa l Aviatio n Regulations . RESPONSE : Objectio n i s mad e a s i t

i s overl y broa dan dburdensome . Al l document s i n Complainant' s EIRan d expecte dt o b e use dat

tim e o f tria l hav e bee n provide dt o Respondent . Complainan t

object s t o thi s interrogator y i n that it i s imprope r

an drelate s t o irrelevan t

matter . Responden t

know s o r

ha s constructiv e notice , o f th e existenc e an drequirement s o f Federal law , includin g FA A rule s an dregulations , tha t appl y t o it s air

carrie r certificat e an dit s conduc t unde r that certificate . Unde r

4 4 US C Sectio n 1507 , th e FA A regulation s publishe di n th e Federal Registe r are require dt o b e judiciall y notice dan dpersons affecte dar e boun db y suc hregulation s upo n publicatio n o r

b y actual knowledge . I n effect . Responden t request s Complainan t

t o perform it s legal researc han dprovid e th e result s unde r th e guis e o f

permissibl e discovery . 12 . Pleas e identif

y al l FA A rules , regulations , orders , policie s and/o r othe r referenc e documents , whethe r formal o r

informal , tha t

suppor t FAA' s allegatio n i n th e Complain t that American violate d Sectio n 121.153(a)(2 ) o f

th e Federa l Aviatio n Regulations . RESPONSE : Se e Respons e t o Interrogatory 11 . 13 . Pleas e identif

y al l FA A rules , regulations , orders , policie s and/o r othe r referenc e documents , whethe r forma l o r

informal , tha t

suppor t FAA' s allegatio n i n th e Complain t tha t America n violate dSectio n 121.628(a)(4 ) o f th e Federa l Aviatio n Regulations . RESPONSE : Se e Respons e t o Interrogator y 11 . 14 . Pleas e identif

y al l FAA rules , regulations , orders , policie s and/o r othe r referenc e documents , whethe r formal o r

informal , tha t

suppor t FAA' s allegatio n i n th e Complain t that America n violate d Sectio n 121.628(a)(5 ) o f

th e Federa l Aviatio n Regulations . RESPONSE : Se e Respons e t o Interrogatory 11 .15 . Pleas e identif y al l FA A rules , regulations , orders , policie s and/o r othe r referenc e documents , whethe r forma l o r

informal , tha t

suppor t FAA' s allegatio n i n th e Complain t tha t American violate dSectio n 121.70 1 (a ) o f th e Federal Aviatio n Regulations . RESPONSE : Se e Respons e t o Interrogator y 11 . 16 . Pleas e identif

y al l FA A rules , regulations , orders , policie s and/o r othe r referenc e documents , whethe r forma l o r

informal , tha t

suppor t FAA' s allegatio n i n th e Complain t tha t American violate dSectio n 121.709(a)(2 ) o f th e Federa l Aviatio n Regulations . RESPONSE : Se e Respons e t o Interrogator y 11 . 17 . Pleas e identif

y all FA A rules , regulations , orders , policie s and/o r othe r referenc e documents , whethe r formal o r

informal , that

support FAA' s allegatio n i n th e Complain t tha t American violate d Sectio n 121.367(a ) o f

th e Federa l Aviatio n Regulafions . RESPONSE : Se e Respons e t o Interrogator y 11 . 18 . Pleas e identif

y al l FAA rules , regulations , orders , policie s and/o r othe r referenc e documents , whethe r forma l o r

informal , tha t

suppor t FAA' s allegatio n i n th e Complain t tha t America n violate dSectio n 121.367(c ) o f th e Federa l Aviatio n Regulations . RESPONSE : Se e Respons e t o Interrogator y 11 . REOUEST S FO RPRODUCTIO N 1 . Al l Document s referre dt o i n you r response s t o Respondent' s Firs t Se t o f Interrogatorie s t o Complainant . RESPONSE : Al l document s i n Complainant' s EI Rhav e bee n provide dt o Respondent . Document s no t previousl y provide dar e enclosed . 2 . Al l Documents o n whic hYo u anticipat e relying , o r wil l rely , i n support

o f th e cas e tha t

FA A wil l presen t

at th e hearin g i n thi s matter , includin g bu t no t limite dt o document s that Yo u inten d t o introduc e int o evidence . RESPONSE :Al l document s hav e bee n provide do r are bein g provide dherewitht o Respondent . 3 . Al l Document s relate dt o an y sid e o r persona l file(s ) kep t

o r maintaine db y FAA personne l regardin g FA A Cas e No . 2008SW210058 , specificall y includin g FA A Inspector s Andre w Blosser , C,J . D i Cesar e an dWilliamT . Satterfield . RESPONSE : An y document s responsiv e t o thi s reques t ar e enclosed . 4 . Al l Documents relate dt o Sectio n B o f th e o f th e Enforcemen t

Investigativ e Report

("EIR" ) for FA A Cas e No . 2008SW210058 . RESPONSE : Objectio n i s mad e t o Reques t for Productio n No . 4 a s i t

i s vagu e an dambiguous . Al l document s i n Complainant' s EI Rhav e bee n provide dt o Respondent . 5 . Al l Document s otherwis e releasabl e t o aparty i n litigatio n withFA A that thu s fa r hav e bee n withhel dfro mproductio n t o American . RESPONSE ; Al l document s hav e bee n provide do r ar e bein g provide dherewitht o Respondent . 6 . Al l Document s relate dt o American' s DC- 9 Minimu mEquipmen t Lis t ("MEL" ) Ite m22-2(b ) an dIte m22-16 . RESPONSE : Objectio n i s mad e t o Reques t fo r Productio n No . 6 a s i t

i s vagu e an dambiguous . 7 . Al l Document s relate dt o FAA' s proces s o f reviewin g and/o r

approvin g DC- 9 ME L provision s submitte db y America n and/o r othe r Part 12 1 ai r carriers . RESPONSE : Objectio n i s mad e t o thi s Reques t for Productio n in tha t

i t i s overl y broadan dburdensome . Objectio n i s mad e t o Reques t for Productio n No . 7 a s i t

i s vagu e an dambiguous . Objectio n i s mad e t o thi s reques t

i n tha t th e informatio n sough t

i s not relevan t t o th e fact s o f

thi s cas e no r calculate dt o lea dt o any relevan t information . RESPONSE : 8 . Al l Document s relate dt o th e developmen t o f o r amendment s t o th e DC- 9 Maste r Minimu mEquipmen t Lis t Syste m2 2 (Autoflight) . RESPONSE : Objectio n i s mad e t o thi s Reques t fo r Productio n i n tha t

i t i s overl y broa dan dburdensome . Objectio n i s mad e t o Reques t fo r Productio n No . 8 a s i t

i s vagu e an dambiguous . Objectio n i s mad e t o thi s reques t

i n tha t th e informatio n sough t

i s no t relevan t t o th e fact s o f

thi s cas e no r calculate dt o lea dt o an y relevan t information . 9 . Al l Document s relate dt o "ME LSAT " meeting s hel dbetwee n representative s o f th e FAA an d America n durin g Spring-Summe r 2008 . RESPONSE : Objectio n i s mad e t o Reques t fo r Productio n No . 9 a s i t

i s vagu e an dambiguous . Objectio n i s mad e t o thi s reques t

i n tha t th e informatio n sough t

i s not relevan t t o th e fact s o f

thi s cas e no r calculate dt o lea dt o an y relevan t information . 10 . Al l Document s relate dt o aFligh t Faul t Review , specificall y includin g it s intende dus e and/o r limitations . RESPONSE : Fligh t Faul t Revie w i s no t

a n relate dt o FAA , bu t

rathe r i s part o f th e America n Airline s maintenanc e program . Al l document s i n Complainant' s EI Ran dexpecte dt o b e use da t tim e o f tria l hav e bee n provide dt o Respondent . 11 . Al l Document s relate dt o othe r FA A enforcemen t

proceeding s i n whic hFA A ha s allege dthat a Par t 12 1 ai r carrie r improperl y relie do n DC- 9 ME LSyste m2 2 (Autoflight ) t o defer maintenance . RESPONSE : Objectio n i s mad e t o thi s Reques t fo r Productio n i n tha t

th e informatio n sough t

i s not relevan t t o th e fact s o f

thi s cas e no r

calculate dt o lea dt o an y relevan t information . Objectio n i s mad e t o thi s Reques t fo r Productio n i n tha t

i t i s overl y broa dan dburdensome . 12 . Al l Document s relate dt o meeting s o f th e FA A Aviatio n Rulemakin g Advisor y Committee , Ai r Carrier/Genera l Aviatio n Maintenanc e Issu e Are ao r Air Carrie r Operation s Issu e Area , durin g whic hth e Committe e o r subgrou p discusse dth e prope r metho dt o defe r Maintenanc e pursuan t

t o a n MEL . RESPONSE : Objectio n i s mad e t o thi s Reques t fo r Productio n i n tha t

i t i s overl y broadan dburdensome . Objectio n i s mad e t o thi s Reques t a s i t i s vagu e an dambiguous . Objectio n i s mad e t o thi s reques t i n tha t th e informatio n sough t

i s no t relevan t t o th e fact s o f

thi s cas e no r

calculate dt o leadt o anyrelevan t information . 13 . Al l Document s (t o th e exten t the y are discoverable ) relate dt o an y complaint(s) , includin g an y whistleblowe r

complaint , filedb y an y FA A Inspecto r withi n th e AM RCertificat e Managemen t Offic e concernin g American' s complianc e wit hFA A regulations . RESPONSE : Objectio n i s mad e to Reques t for Productio n No . 1 3 a s it

i s vagu e an dambiguous . Objectio n i s mad e t o thi s reques t

i n that th e informatio n sough t

i s no t relevan t t o th e fact s o f

thi s cas e no r calculate dt o lea dt o an y relevan t information . 14 . Al l Documents relate dt o th e trainin g o r qualificatio n record s o f

FA A Inspecto r

Andre w Blosser . RESPONSE : A curriculu mvita e wil l b e provide dupo n receipt . 15 . Al l Communication s betwee n FA A Inspecto r Andre w Blosse r

an danyon e els e regardin g American' s complianc e wit hFedera l Aviatio n Regulations . RESPONSE : Se e Respons e t o Reques t for Productio n 12 . 16 . Al l Document s relate dt o policy , interpretation s o r guidanc e concernin g Volum e 4 , Chapte r 4 o f FA A Orde r

8900. 1 (othe r

tha n th e Orde r

itself) . RESPONSE : Complainan t

object s t o thi s Reques t

fo r Productio n a s i t

i s tha t i t i s overl y broa dan dburdensome . Objectio n i s mad e t o Reques t for Productio n No . 1 6 a s it

i s vagu e an dambiguous . 17 . Al l Document s relate dt o FA A legal interpretation s regardin g Federa l Aviatio n Regulatio n 121.628(a)(4 ) o r

(a)(5) . RESPONSE : Se e Respons e t o Interrogatory 11 . 18 . Al l Document s relate dt o You r contentio n that

"[a ] fully functionin g autopilo t duple x rudde r serv o i s require dfo

r th e autopilo t

t o functio n properly, " a s allege di n Paragrap hII (11 ) o f th e Complaint . RESPONSE :Objectio n i s mad e t o Reques t fo r Productio n No . 1 8 a s i t

i s vagu e an dambiguous . Al l document s i n Complainant' s EIRhav e bee n provide dt o Respondent . 19 . Al l Document s relate dt o Your contentio n tha t

"[djeferra l usin g MEL , Ite m22-2 b wa s improper, " a s allege di n Paragrap hII (14 ) o f th e Complaint . RESPONSE : Objectio n i s mad e t o Reques t for Productio n No . 1 9 a s i t

i s vagu e an dambiguous . Al l document s i n Complainant' s EIRan dexpecte dt o b e use dat tim e o f tria l hav e bee n provide dt o Respondent . 20 . Al l Document s relate dt o You r contentio n tha t

"[t]h e prope r

deferral optio n woul dhav e bee n t o placar dth e duple x rudde r serv o i n accordanc e withME L22-16, " a s allege di n Paragrap hII (17 ) o f th e Complaint . RESPONSE : Objectio n i s mad e t o Reques t for Productio n No . 2 0 a s i t

i s vagu e an dambiguous . Al l document s i n Complainant' s EIRan dexpecte dt o b e use dat tim e o f trial hav e bee n provide dt o Respondent . 21 . Al l Documents relate dt o Your contentio n tha t

"N454A A wa s operate do n four flights wit

h a n inoperativ e autopilo t

duple x rudde r

servo, " a s allege di n Paragrap h1 1 (23 ) o f th e Complaint . RESPONSE : Objectio n i s mad e t o Reques t for Productio n No . 2 1 a s i t

i s vagu e an dambiguous . Al l document s i n Complainant' s EIRan dexpecte dt o b e use dat tim e o f trial hav e bee n provide dt o Respondent . 22 . Al l Document s tha t

evidence , refer

o r relat e t o th e us e (i f

any ) o f th e autopilo t

o n N454A A durin g th e four

flights allege di n Paragrap h11(23 ) o f th e Complaint , includin g whethe r th e autopilo t wa s operate di n "Takeoff, " "ILS, " "Autoland " and/o r "Go-Around " modes . RESPONSE : Objectio n i s mad e t o Reques t for Productio n No . 2 2 a s i t

i s vagu e an dambiguous . Al l document s i n Complainant' s EI Ran dexpecte dt o b e use da t tim e o f tria l hav e bee n provide dt o Respondent . REOUEST S FO RADMISSIO N 1 . Admi t tha t American' s DC- 9 Minimu mEquipmen t Lis t ("MEL" ) Ite m22-2(b ) i n effec t o n Decembe r

27-28 , 200 7 di dnot

requir e aflight

faul t revie w t o b e performe da s par t o f it s state d condition s an dlimitations . RESPONSE :

1 1Deny . FA R25.152 9 require s manufacturer s t o provid e Instruction s for Continue dAirworthines s (ICA) . Appendi x H.25.3(b)(2 ) o f FA R2 5 describe s th e troubleshootin g informatio n require dt o b e i n ICA . FA R43.1 3 (a ) an d(b ) requir e us e o f ICA' s i n performin g maintenance . 2 . Admi t that neithe r th e DC- 9 Maste r

ME LIte m22-2(b ) no r

th e correspondin g ite mi n th e Dispatc hDeviatio n Guid e i n effec t o n Decembe r

27-28 , 200 7 require daflight faul t revie w to b e performe da s part

o f it s state dcondition s andlimitations . RESPONSE : Canno t Admi t no r Den y du e t o vaguenes s an dambiguity o f Reques t fo r Admissio n No . 2 . Th e Dispatc hDeviatio n Guid e i s asourc e fo r deactivatio n o f

th e appropriat e MELitem , an dno t a troubleshootin g device . It canno t b e use da s amean s o f

determinin g amalfunctionin g componen t o r system . Th e onl y wa

y t o diagnos e amalfunctio n i s b y troubleshooting . Th e FFRshoul dhav e bee n part o f th e troubleshootin g process . 3 . Admi t

that American' s DC- 9 MELIte m22-2(b ) i n effec t o n Decembe r

27-28 , 200 7 permitte d th e flight cre w t o defer

repair s o f

bothautolan dmode s o f

th e autopilot . RESPONSE : Canno t Admi t o r deny . Th e flight

cre w can defer

repairs , however , onl y i f the y are abl e t o first determin e that

bothautolan dmode s o f

autopilo t are th e equipmen t

o r component s that

are indee dinoperative . 4 . Admi t

tha t American' s DC- 9 ME LIte m22-2(b ) i n effec t o n Decembe r

27-28 , 200 7 permitte d Responden t

t o defer repai r o f bot hautolan dmode s o f

th e autopilo t

for u p t o 1 0 days , provide dthat

Responden t

complie dwithth e state dcondition s an dlimitation s o f Ite m22

- 2(b) . RESPONSE : Canno t Admi t o r deny . Th e "1 0 days " Responden t i s referrin g t o relate s t o repai r o f acomponen t o r equipmen t

onc e th e inoperativ e componen t ha s bee n diagnose dan didentified . Th e "1 0 days " doe s no t giv e America n Airline s 1 0 day s t o diagnos e an didentif y a n inoperativ e componen t

a s it appear s t o b e implie di n thi s Request . 5 . Admi t

that American' s DC- 9 ME LIte m22-1 6 i n effec t o n Decembe r

27-28 , 200 7 di dno t requir e an operativ e dua l rudde r serv o for departure . RESPONSE : Deny . A n airworth y DC- 9 aircraf t require s an operativ e dua l rudde r serv o fo r departure . Onc e adual rudde r serv o ha s bee n identifie da s bein g inoperative , American' s DC- 9 ME LIte m22-l b allow s America n t o defer repai r o f th e dua l rudde r

serv o provide dstate d condition s an dlimitation s ar e met . 1 26 . Admi t that American' s DC- 9 MELIte m22-1 6 i n effec t o n Decembe r

27-28 , 200 7 permitte d Responden t

t o defe r repai r o f th e dua l rudde r

serv o driv e for

u p t o 1 0 days , provide dthat America n complie dwithth e state dcondition s an dlimitation s o f Ite m22-16 . RESPONSE : Canno t Admi t o r Deny . America n was no t permitte dt o defer

repai r o f th e dua l rudde r

serv o driv e unles s i t first identifie dtha t

i t was th e dual rudde r

serv o driv e tha t

wa s inoperative . American' s DC- 9 ME Ldoe s no t

allo w deferral o f

component s o r

equipmen t

withou t first diagnosin g an d identifyin g th e inoperativ e componen t o r equipment . Onc e th e diagnosin g an didentificatio n o f th e inoperativ e componen t o r equipmen t

ha s occurred , i f

part o f th e MEL , America n can defer repai r i f it complie s withth e state dcondition s an dlimitation s stated . 7 . Admi t tha t "Inoperative " wa s define db y American' s DC- 9 ME Li n effec t o n Decembe r 27-28 , 200 7 a s " asyste mand/o r componen t

malfunction s t o th e exten t tha t i t doe s no t accomplis h it s intende dpurpos e and/o r i s no t consistentl y functionin g normall y withi n it s desig n operatin g limit s o r tolerances. " RESPONSE : Admi t 8 . Admi t that a n ai r carrie r may operat e legall y wit

hcertai n instrument s an dequipmen t inoperativ e i f

the y ar e include do n a

n approve dMEL , an dth e ai r carrie r operate s th e airplan e unde r al l applicabl e condition s an dlimitation s containe di n th e approve dMEL . RESPONSE : Canno t Admi t o r Deny . A n ai r

carrie r may tak e advantag e o f

th e approve dME Lt o operat e legall y withcertai n instrument s an dequipmen t inoperativ e i f

the y are include do n a

n approve d ME Lonl y after

diagnosin g an didentifyin g th e inoperativ e instrument s an dequipment . That instrument s o r

equipment s may b e o n an approve dME Ldoe s no t giv e a n ai r carrie r licens e t o operat e legall y unde r

th e ME Lunles s the y hav e first determine dtha t

th e ite mt o b e deferre di s th e actua l inoperativ e instrumen t o r equipment . Respectfull y submitted ,

LYNETT E WOR D Regiona l Counse l Southwes t

Regio n By: . Yoland aAyaVbema l Attorne y

1 3Safet y Enforcemen t

Branc h Phone : (817)222-507 0 FAX : (817 ) 222-594 5 o r 509 2

1 4CERTIFICAT E O FSERVIC E

1 hereb y certif

y tha t o n July 20 , 2010 , a

n original andon e cop y o f COMPLAINANT' S RESPONS E T O RESPONDENT' S INTERROGATORIES , REQUEST S FO RPRODUCTIO N O F DOCUMENT S REQUES T FO RADMISSION S wa s sent by Federal Expres s Mai l to : Federa l Aviatio n Administratio n (w/o exhibits ) 60 0 Independenc e Avenue , S.W . Wilbur Wright Building—Suit e 2W100 0 Washington , D C 2059 1 Attention : Hearin g Docke t Clerk , AGC-43 0 TEL : 202-385-822 9 I hereb y certif

y that o n July 20 , 2010 , acop y o f COMPLAINANT' S RESPONS E T O RESPONDENT' S INTERROGATORIE S AN D REQUEST S FO RPRODUCTIO N O F DOCUMENT S wa s sen

t b y Federal Expres s Mai l to : Th e Honorabl e Richar dC . Goodwi n (w/o exhibits ) U S Departmen t

o f Transportation , Offic e o f Hearings , M-2 0 120 0 Ne w Jerse y Avenue , S.E . Eas t Buildin g Groun dFloor , Roo mEl2-32 0 Washington , D C 2059 0 TEL : 202-366-512 1 I hereb y certif

y that o n Jul y 20 , 2010 , acop y o f

COMPLAINANT' S RESPONS E T O RESPONDENT' S INTERROGATORIE S AN D REQUEST S FO RPRODUCTIO N O F DOCUMENT S was sent

by Federal Expres s Mai l to : Eva n P . Singer , Respondent' s Counse l JONE S DA Y 272 7 Nort hHarwoo dStree t Dallas , TX 75201-151 5 TEL : 214-969-502 1

Marquitt aJfobinson , Paralegal Specialis t Offic e o f th e Regiona l Counse l Federal Aviatio n Administratio n For t Worth , Texa s 7613 7 Date : Jun e 20 , 201 0

1 5

### 07/22/201 0 TH

U16:5 7 FA

X 81 7 22 2 509 2 regiona l counse l iOOl/00 2

To : Hearin g Docke t Clerk , AGC-43 0 Company: Federa l Aviatio n Administratio n Telephone : Fax : 202.493.514 2 From : Yoland a Ayal a Berna l Title : Agenc yAttorne y 

## Federa l Aviatio n Administratio n Southwes t Regio n Offic e o f Regiona l Counse l For t Worth , Texa s 7613 7 Package/Courie rAddres s 260 1 Meacha m Boulevar d For t Worth , Texa s 7613 7 T (817.222.5099 ) F(817.222.5945/5092 )

Facsimil e Date : Jul y22 , 201 0 Page s w/cover . 2 I n th e Matte rof : America n Airiines , Inc.—FA ADocke t No . CP10SW000 6 Th e attache d Certificat e o f Servic e i s bein g submitte d t o replac e th e previou s on e issue d wit h Complainant' s Respons e t o Respondent' s Firs t Se t o f interrogatorie s t o sho wa correctio n o f dat e served .

Pleas e Note : Thi s messag e i s intende d onl yfo rth e us e o f th e individua l o rentit yt o whic h i t i s addresse d an< J ma ycontai n Informatio n tha t i s privileged , confidential , an d exemp t fro m disclosur e unde rapplicabl e law. "

^ U.S . Departnwnto f Transpoitado n

## 07/22/201 0 TH U16:5 7 FA X81 7 22 2 509 2 regiona l counse l

CERriFlCATF . O FSERVIC E I hereb y certif

y that o n July 20 , 2010 , a

n original an done

s cop y o f COMPLAIN ANl' S RESPONS E T O RESPONDENT' S INTERROGATORIES , REQUEST S FO RPRODUCTIO N O F DOCUMENT S REQUES T FO RADMISSION S wa s sent b y Federal Expres s Mai l to : Federal Aviatio n Administratio n (w/ o exhibits ) 60 0 Independenc e Avenue , S.W . Wilbur Wright Building—Suit e 2W100 0 Wa.shington , D C 2059 1 Attention : Hearin g Docke t Clerk , AGC-43 0 TEL : 202-385-822 9 I hereb y certif

y that o n July 20 , 2010 . acop y o f COMPLAINANT' S RESPONS E T O RESPONDENT' S INTERROGATORIE S AN D REQUEST S FO RPRODUCTIO N O F DOCUMENT S wa s sent

by Federal Expres s Mai l to : Th e Honorabl e Richar dC . Goodwi n (w/ o exhibits ) U S Departmen t

o f Transponation , Offic e o f Hearings , M-2 0 120 0 Ne w Jerse y Avenue , S.E . Eas t Buildin g Groun dFloor , Roo mE12-32 0 Washington , D C 2059 0 TEL : 202-366-512 1 I hereb y certif

y tha t o n July 20,2010 , acop y o f COMPLAfNANT' S RESPONS E T O RESPONDENT' S INTERROGATORIE S AN D REQUEST S FO RPRODUCTIO N O F DOCUMENT S wa s sent

by Federal Expres s Mai l to : Eva n P . Singer , Responden t

', y Counse l JONE S DA Y 272 7 Nort hHarwoo dStree t Dallas , T X 75201-151 5 TEL : 214-969-502 1

Marquitt aJfobinson , Paralega l Specialis t Offic e o f th e Regiona l Counse l Federa l Aviatio n Administratio n Fori Worth , Texa s 7613 7 Date ; Jul y 20 . 201 0 

# r ^ 1 5