[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 3, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30155-30156]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-14612]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-142-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell IC-600 Integrated Avionics 
Computers, as Installed in, but not Limited to, Learjet Model 45 and 
EMBRAER Model EMB-145 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Honeywell IC-600 
integrated avionics computers. This proposal would require modification 
of the integrated avionics computers. This proposal is prompted by a 
report of integrated avionics computer failures, which caused a 
``random reset'' condition of the electronic flight instrument system. 
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent such 
``random reset'' conditions, which could affect the pilot's ability to 
control the airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 20, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-142-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Honeywell Inc., Business and Commuter Aviation Systems, 
Box 29000, Phoenix, Arizona 85038. This information may be examined at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
California.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: J. Kirk Baker, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5345; 
fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 98-NM-142-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 98-NM-142-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received a report indicating that, during several test 
flights of a Cessna Model XL series airplane, the screen of the 
electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) turned blank. Investigation 
has revealed that the Honeywell IC-600 integrated avionics computer 
failed, which resulted in a ``random reset'' condition of the EFIS. 
During such a ``random reset'' condition, the following events may 
occur: the primary flight displays may turn blank, or display a red 
``X,'' and take 10 to 15 seconds to reboot; the flight director mode 
may drop; the EFIS may reset to its default state; and the autopilot 
and/or the yaw damper, if engaged, may disconnect. This ``random 
reset'' condition of the EFIS, if not

[[Page 30156]]

corrected, could affect the pilot's ability to control the airplane.
    The affected computers are Honeywell IC-600 integrated avionics 
computers, which may be installed in, but not limited to, Learjet Model 
45 and EMBRAER Model EMB-145 series airplanes.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Honeywell Service Bulletin 
7017000-22-43, dated March 24, 1998, which describes procedures for 
modification of the integrated avionics computers. This modification 
involves replacing programmable array logic devices U6, U32, and U33 
with new modified parts; adding two resistors; replacing resistor R7 
with a new value; adding two capacitors; and adding bus wires. 
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletin described previously.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 38 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 20 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD. It would take approximately 2 
work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed modification at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be 
supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $2,400, or $120 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of 
this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in 
the future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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:

Honeywell. Docket 98-NM-142-AD.

    Applicability: Honeywell IC-600 integrated avionics computers 
having part numbers 7017000-82201, -82202, -82203, -82204, -82351, -
82352, -82401, -82402, -82403, -83351, -83352, -83401, -83402, and -
83403, as installed in, but not limited to, Learjet Model 45 and 
EMBRAER Model EMB-145 series airplanes.

    Note 1: This AD applies to Honeywell IC-600 integrated avionics 
computers having part numbers 7017000-82201, -82202, -82203, -82204, 
-82351, -82352, -82401, -82402, -82403, -83351, -83352, -83401, -
83402, and -83403, as installed in any airplane, regardless of 
whether the airplane has been 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 (c) 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 ``random reset'' condition of the electronic flight 
instrument system, which could affect the pilot's ability to control 
the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the IC-600 integrated avionics computer, in accordance with 
Honeywell Service Bulletin 7017000-22-43, dated March 24, 1998.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a Honeywell IC-600 integrated avionics computer having part number 
7017000-82201, -82202, -82203, -82204, -82351, -82352, -82401, -
82402, -82403, -83351, -83352, -83401, -83402, or -83403 on any 
airplane, unless it has been modified in accordance with Honeywell 
Service Bulletin 7017000-22-43, dated March 24, 1998.
    (c) 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.

    (d) 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 27, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-14612 Filed 6-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U