[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 23, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28361-28364]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-12634]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-CE-08-AD; Amendment 39-12235; AD 2001-10-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell KC 225 Automatic 
FlightControl Systems

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 
applies to certain Honeywell KC 225 automatic flight control systems 
(AFCS) that are installed on airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect 
the KC 225 AFCS to determine the computer modifications (Mods) that are 
incorporated, deactivate any units with only Mods 1 and/or 2 
incorporated, and fabricate and install an appropriate placard if the 
unit is deactivated/inoperative. The AD would provide, as an 
alternative method of compliance, the option of installing a unit that 
incorporated MOD 3 or higher. This AD is the result of several reports 
that the AFCS is disconnecting without warning

[[Page 28362]]

in a gross mistrim configuration. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent an undesirable autotrim command that the autopilot 
cannot detect in the required time. The airplane could then deviate 
from the selected altitude or the autopilot could disconnect without 
warning, which could result in heavy loads at the control column. Such 
loads in the pitch axis could result in loss of control of the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on June 15, 2001.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulation as of June 
15, 2001.
    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any comments 
on this rule by August 10, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Send three copies of your comments to FAA,Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-CE-08-
AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    You may get the service information referenced in this AD from 
Honeywell, Product Support, One Technology Center, 23500 W. 105th 
Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061; telephone: (913) 712-2613; facsimile: 
(913) 712-1306. You may look at this information at FAA, Central 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 
2001-CE-08-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Clyde Erwin, AerospaceEngineer, FAA, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, 
Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4149; facsimile: (329) 946-
4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? The FAA has received reports that 
the Honeywell KC 225 automatic flight control system (AFCS) is 
disconnecting without warning during flight in a gross mistrim 
configuration. The suspect AFCS's incorporate computer modifications 
(Mods) 1 and/or 2.
    Honeywell then conducted a factory test, where it was noted that 
the pitch trim ran when a malfunction of the trim sense 1 monitor timer 
happened with out-of-tolerance components in the trim sense 2 monitor 
timer. The autopilot then disconnected without warning because of other 
monitors in the autopilot.
    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in an undesirable autotrim 
command that the autopilot cannot detect in the required time. The 
airplane could then deviate from the selected altitude or the autopilot 
could disconnect without warning, which could result in heavy loads at 
the control column. Such loads in the pitch axis could result in loss 
of control of the airplane.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject?Honeywell 
has issued Installation Bulletin No. 472 Alert, Revision 1, dated 
January 2001. This installation bulletin includes procedures for:

--Inspecting to determine the currently incorporated computer Mods, 
which are indicated on the unit's serial number tag;
--Returning the unit to Honeywell for modification; or
--Contacting Honeywell for a warranty replacement unit.

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of 
this AD

    What has FAA decided? The FAA has reviewed all available 
information, including the service information referenced above, and 
determined that:

--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on airplanes equipped with a certain Honeywell KC 225 AFCS 
configuration;
--Any airplane with one of these AFCS units should have the actions 
specified in the above service bulletin incorporated; and
--The FAA should take AD action to correct this unsafe condition.

    What does this AD require? This AD requires you to accomplish the 
actions previously specified in Honeywell Installation Bulletin No. 472 
Alert, Revision 1, dated January 2001.
    Will I have the opportunity to comment prior to the issuance of the 
rule? Because the unsafe condition described in this document could 
result in potential loss of control of the airplane, FAA finds that 
notice and opportunity for public prior comment are impracticable. 
Therefore, good cause exists for making this amendment effective in 
less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on this AD? Although this action is in the form of 
a final rule and was not preceded by notice and opportunity for public 
comment, we invite your comments on the rule. You may send whatever 
written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to include the 
rule's docket number and send three copies of your comments to the 
address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date specified above. We may change 
this rule in light of comments received. Factual information that 
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether we need to 
take additional rulemaking action.
    Are there any specific portions of the AD I should pay attention 
to? The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. You may read all comments we receive 
before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules Docket. We 
will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each FAA contact 
with the public that concerns the substantive parts of this AD.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of June 1, 1998. 
That memorandum requires federal agencies to communicate more clearly 
with the public. We are interested in your comments on whether the 
style of this document is clear, and any other suggestions you might 
have to improve the clarity of FAA communications that affect you. You 
can get more information about the Presidential memorandum and the 
plain language initiative at http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
    How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? If you want us to 
acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you must include a self-
addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to 
Docket No. 2001-CE-08-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard 
back to you.

Regulatory Impact

    Does this AD impact various entities? These regulations 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. 
Therefore, FAA has determined that this final rule does not have 
federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
    Does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? The 
FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that 
must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe

[[Page 28363]]

condition in aircraft, and 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 (otherwise, an evaluation is 
not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules 
Docket.

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 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

2001-10-09  Honeywell: Amendment 39-12235; Docket No. 2001-CE-08-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
following Honeywell automatic flight control systems (AFCS) that are 
installed in, but not limited to, the airplanes listed below:
    (1) Affected KC 225 AFCS:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Applicable to Serial
         Unit                   Part No.                    No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
KC-225                  065-00183-0101            All units
                        065-00183-0201            ......................
                        065-00183-0301            ......................
                        065-00183-0401            ......................
                        065-00183-0501            ......................
                        065-00183-0601            ......................
                        065-00183-2501            ......................
                        065-00183-2601            ......................
                        065-00183-2701            ......................
                        065-00183-2801            ......................
                        065-00183-2901            ......................
                        065-00183-3001            ......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) List of airplanes where the affected AFCS could be 
installed. This is not a comprehensive list and airplanes not on 
this list that have an affected AFCS installed through field 
approval or other methods are still affected by this AD:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Manufacturer                       Airplane models
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aerostar Aircraft Corporation..........  PA-60-700P.
The Cessna Aircraft Company............  208 and 208B.
Commander Aircraft Corporation.........  114B and 114TC.
Mooney Aircraft Corporation............  M20M and M20R.
The New Piper Aircraft, Inc............  PA-34-220T and PA-46-350P.
Raytheon Aircraft Company (Beech)......  58, 95-55, 95-C55, A36, B36TC,
                                          D55, and E55.
SOCATA--Groupe Aerospatiale............  TB20 and TB21.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any airplane that incorporates one of the affectedHoneywell 
automatic flight control systems must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent an undesirable autotrim command that 
the autopilot cannot detect in the required time. The airplane could 
then deviate from the selected altitude or the autopilot could 
disconnect without warning, which could result in heavy loads at the 
control column. Such loads in the pitch axis could result in loss of 
control of the airplane.
    (d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this 
problem, you must do the following actions, unless already done:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Action                Compliance time         Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the KC 225        Within the next 10    Do this following
 automatic flight control      hours time-in-        the Honeywell
 system (AFCS) (Part Number    service (TIS) after   Installation
 065-00183-0101, -0201, -      June 15, 2001 (the    Bulletin No. 472
 0301, -0401, -0501, -0601, -  effective date of     Alert, Revision 1,
 2501, -2601, -2701, -2801, -  this AD).             dated January 2001.
 2901, or -3001) to
 determine the currently
 installed computer
 modifications (Mods). These
 modifications are indicated
 on the AFCS serial number
 tag.
(2) If only Mods 1 and/or 2   Prior to further      Accomplish the
 are incorporated,             flight after the      deactivation in
 accomplish the following:     inspection required   accordance with
                               by paragraph (d)(1)   Honeywell
                               of this AD.           Installation
                                                     Bulletin No. 472
                                                     Alert, Revision 1,
                                                     dated January 2001.
                                                     The owner/operator
                                                     holding at least a
                                                     private pilot
                                                     certificate as
                                                     authorized by
                                                     section 43.7 of the
                                                     Federal Aviation
                                                     Regulations (14 CFR
                                                     43.7) may
                                                     accomplish the
                                                     placard
                                                     requirements of
                                                     paragraph
                                                     (d)(2)(ii) of this
                                                     AD. Make an entry
                                                     into the aircraft
                                                     records showing
                                                     compliance with
                                                     this portion of the
                                                     AD in accordance
                                                     with section 43.9
                                                     of the Federal
                                                     Aviation
                                                     Regulations (14 CFR
                                                     43.9).
(i) Deactivate the KC 225
 AFCS by pulling and banding
 the autopilot circuit
 breaker(s) to prevent
 operation of the KC 225
 AFCS in flight; and.

[[Page 28364]]

 
(ii) Fabricate a placard
 that indicates the KC 225
 AFCS is inoperative, and
 install this placard on the
 instrument panel within the
 pilot's clear view. The
 placard should use letters
 of at least 0.10-inch in
 height and contain the
 following words: ``KC 225
 AFCS INOPERATIVE.''.
(3) As an alternative method  At any time as        Do this following
 of compliance to paragraphs   terminatinig action   the Honeywell
 (d)(2)(i) and (d)(2)(ii) of   for all other         Installation
 this AD for the KC 225 AFCS   requirements of       Bulletin No. 472
 with only Mods 1 and/or 2     this AD.              Alert, Revision 1,
 installed, accomplish                               dated January 2001.
 either of the following to
 return the KC 225 AFCS to
 operation.
(i) Return the AFCS to the
 Honeywell Service Center
 for modification to install
 Mod 1, 2, and 3 (or higher)
 levels and then incorporate
 thisAFCS on the airplane;
 or.
(ii) Contact Honeywell
 Product Support for a
 warranty replacement KC 225
 AFCS that contains Mod 1,
 2, and 3 (or higher) levels
 and then incorporate this
 AFCS on the airplane.
(4) If no Mods are installed  Prior to further      Do this following
 or at least Mods 1, 2, and    flight after the      the Honeywell
 3 are installed, ensure       inspection required   Installation
 that the aircraft records     by paragraph (d)(1)   Bulletin No. 472
 identify Mod status. No       of this AD.           Alert, Revision 1,
 further action is required                          dated January 2001.
 by this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office approves 
your alternative. Send your request through an FAAPrincipal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Wichita ACO.

    Note: This AD applies to each airplane with a Honeywell 
automatic flight control computer identified in paragraph (a) of 
this AD, regardless of whether it 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 (e) of this AD. You should 
include in the request an assessment of the effect of the 
modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe 
condition, specific actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Clyde Erwin, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport 
Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4149; 
facsimile: (329)946-4407.
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where you 
can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance 
with Honeywell Installation Bulletin No. 472 Alert, Revision 1, 
dated January 2001. The Director of the Federal Register approved 
this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. You can get copies from Honeywell, Business & General Aviation, 
One Technology Center, 23500 W. 105th Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061. 
You can look at copies at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on June 15, 2001.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 14, 2001.
Melvin D. Taylor,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-12634 Filed 5-22-01; 8:45 am]
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