81 FR 78083 - Airworthiness Directives; United Instruments, Inc. Series Altimeters
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 215 (November 7, 2016)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 215 (November 7, 2016)
| Page Range | 78083-78084 | |
| FR Document | 2016-26807 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 215 (Monday, November 7, 2016)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 78083-78084] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-26807] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2016-9345; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-028-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; United Instruments, Inc. Series Altimeters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain United Instruments, Inc. 5934 series altimeters that were manufactured between January 2015 and February 2016 and installed in airplanes and helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of certain altimeters displaying higher than actual altitude due to a slow diaphragm leak. This proposed AD would require replacing the affected altimeters. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent display of misleading altitude data, which could result in inadvertent flight into terrain. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 22, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Fax: 202-493-2251. 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. Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact United Instruments, Inc., 3625 Comotara Avenue, Wichita, KS 67226; telephone (316) 636-9203; fax: (316) 636-9243; email: [email protected]; Internet: www.unitedinst.com. You may review this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016- 9345; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Les Lyne, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4190; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9345; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-028-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion We received a report that certain United Instruments, Inc. 5934 series altimeters that were manufactured between January 2015 and February 2016 may display higher than actual altitude. These altimeters are susceptible to developing a slow diaphragm leak, which would affect the accuracy of the altimeters. It has been determined that insufficient removal of chemical substance on the diaphragm assembly during the production process of the altimeter caused the misleading display of altitude data. This condition, if not corrected, could result in display of misleading altitude data, which could result in inadvertent flight into terrain. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed United Instruments, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 13, dated March 25, 2016. The service bulletin describes procedures for replacing the nonconforming altimeters. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. FAA's Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,351 altimeters as installed in airplanes and helicopters of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: [[Page 78084]] Estimated Costs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost per Cost on U.S. Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Replace altimeter.................. 1 work-hour x $85 per $1,600 $1,685 $2,276,435 hour = $85. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. 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. We are 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 We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 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), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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): United Instruments, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2016-9345; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-028-AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by December 12, 2016. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to United Instruments, Inc. 5934 series altimeters that were manufactured between January 2015 and February 2016 and installed in airplanes and helicopters. (1) The specific affected serial number altimeters can be found in United Instruments, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 13, dated March 25, 2016, which can be found on the Internet at http://www.unitedinst.com/ServiceBulletinNo13/. (2) Altimeters that have been corrected by United Instruments, Inc. following Service Bulletin No. 13, dated March 25, 2016, are not affected by this AD and no further action is necessary. (3) Altimeters that have been corrected by United Instruments, Inc. can be identified by a yellow dot, approximately \1/4\ inch (6 mm) in diameter, located approximately 1 inch (25 mm) to the left side of the nameplate. The corrected altimeters will also have a letter ``M,'' approximately \1/8\ inch (3mm) high, metal stamped on the nameplate after the name ``ALTIMETER.'' (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 44, Cabin Systems. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of certain altimeters displaying higher than actual altitude due to a slow diaphragm leak. This AD requires replacing the affected altimeters. We are issuing this AD to prevent display of misleading altitude data, which could result in inadvertent flight into terrain. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Replacement Within the next 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace any affected altimeter with a serviceable part following United Instruments, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 13, dated March 25, 2016. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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 ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD. (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. (i) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Les Lyne, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4190; fax: (316) 946- 4107; email: [email protected]. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact United Instruments, Inc., 3625 Comotara Avenue, Wichita, KS 67226; telephone (316) 636-9203; fax: (316) 636-9243; email: [email protected]; Internet: www.unitedinst.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 1, 2016. Pat Mullen, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016-26807 Filed 11-4-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules 78083
(k) Related Information 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following aspects of this proposed AD. We will
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing methods: consider all comments received by the
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to closing date and may amend this
AD CF–2016–06 R1, dated July 25, 2016, for http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the proposed AD because of those
related information. This MCAI may be instructions for submitting comments. comments.
found in the AD docket on the Internet at • Fax: 202–493–2251. We will post all comments we
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for • Mail: U.S. Department of
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–9304.
receive, without change, to http://
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– www.regulations.gov, including any
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Côte- 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room personal information you provide. We
Vertu Road West, Dorval, Québec H4S 1Y9, W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., will also post a report summarizing each
Canada; telephone: 514–855–5000; fax: 514– Washington, DC 20590. substantive verbal contact we receive
855–7401; email: thd.crj@ • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail about this proposed AD.
aero.bombardier.com; Internet: http:// address above between 9 a.m. and 5
www.bombardier.com. You may view this p.m., Monday through Friday, except Discussion
service information at the FAA, Transport Federal holidays. We received a report that certain
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., For service information identified in
Renton, WA. For information on the
United Instruments, Inc. 5934 series
this proposed AD, contact United altimeters that were manufactured
availability of this material at the FAA, call
425–227–1221.
Instruments, Inc., 3625 Comotara between January 2015 and February
Avenue, Wichita, KS 67226; telephone 2016 may display higher than actual
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October (316) 636–9203; fax: (316) 636–9243;
26, 2016.
altitude. These altimeters are
email: customerservice@unitedinst.com; susceptible to developing a slow
Dionne Palermo, Internet: www.unitedinst.com. You may diaphragm leak, which would affect the
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane review this referenced service accuracy of the altimeters. It has been
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. information at the FAA, Small Airplane determined that insufficient removal of
[FR Doc. 2016–26520 Filed 11–4–16; 8:45 am] Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, chemical substance on the diaphragm
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Missouri 64106. For information on the assembly during the production process
availability of this material at the FAA, of the altimeter caused the misleading
call (816) 329–4148. display of altitude data. This condition,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION if not corrected, could result in display
Examining the AD Docket
Federal Aviation Administration of misleading altitude data, which could
You may examine the AD docket on result in inadvertent flight into terrain.
the Internet at http://
14 CFR Part 39 www.regulations.gov by searching for Related Service Information Under 1
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9345; Directorate and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– CFR Part 51
Identifier 2016–CE–028–AD] 9345; or in person at the Docket We reviewed United Instruments, Inc.
RIN 2120–AA64
Management Facility between 9 a.m. Service Bulletin No. 13, dated March 25,
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 2016. The service bulletin describes
Airworthiness Directives; United except Federal holidays. The AD docket procedures for replacing the
Instruments, Inc. Series Altimeters contains this proposed AD, the nonconforming altimeters. This service
regulatory evaluation, any comments information is reasonably available
AGENCY: Federal Aviation received, and other information. The because the interested parties have
Administration (FAA), DOT. street address for the Docket Office access to it through their normal course
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the of business or by the means identified
(NPRM). ADDRESSES section. Comments will be in the ADDRESSES section.
available in the AD docket shortly after
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new receipt. FAA’s Determination
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Les We are proposing this AD because we
United Instruments, Inc. 5934 series
Lyne, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita evaluated all the relevant information
altimeters that were manufactured
Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 and determined the unsafe condition
between January 2015 and February
Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, described previously is likely to exist or
2016 and installed in airplanes and
Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946– develop in other products of the same
helicopters. This proposed AD was
4190; fax: (316) 946–4107; email: type design.
prompted by reports of certain
leslie.lyne@faa.gov.
altimeters displaying higher than actual Proposed AD Requirements
altitude due to a slow diaphragm leak. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
This proposed AD would require
This proposed AD would require Comments Invited accomplishing the actions specified in
replacing the affected altimeters. We are
We invite you to send any written the service information described
issuing this proposed AD to prevent
relevant data, views, or arguments about previously.
display of misleading altitude data,
which could result in inadvertent flight this proposal. Send your comments to Costs of Compliance
into terrain. an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– We estimate that this proposed AD
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
DATES: We must receive comments on affects 1,351 altimeters as installed in
2016–9345; Directorate Identifier 2016–
this proposed AD by December 22, CE–028–AD’’ at the beginning of your airplanes and helicopters of U.S.
2016. comments. We specifically invite registry.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, comments on the overall regulatory, We estimate the following costs to
using the procedures found in 14 CFR economic, environmental, and energy comply with this proposed AD:
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![78084 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules
ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
Replace altimeter .......................................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .............. $1,600 $1,685 $2,276,435
According to the manufacturer, some List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 (e) Unsafe Condition
of the costs of this proposed AD may be This AD was prompted by reports of
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
covered under warranty, thereby certain altimeters displaying higher than
safety, Incorporation by reference, actual altitude due to a slow diaphragm leak.
reducing the cost impact on affected
Safety. This AD requires replacing the affected
individuals. We do not control warranty
coverage for affected individuals. As a The Proposed Amendment altimeters. We are issuing this AD to prevent
display of misleading altitude data, which
result, we have included all costs in our could result in inadvertent flight into terrain.
cost estimate. Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator, (f) Compliance
Authority for This Rulemaking the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part Comply with this AD within the
Title 49 of the United States Code 39 as follows: compliance times specified, unless already
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue done.
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, DIRECTIVES (g) Replacement
section 106, describes the authority of Within the next 12 months after the
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 effective date of this AD, replace any affected
Aviation Programs, describes in more continues to read as follows: altimeter with a serviceable part following
detail the scope of the Agency’s United Instruments, Inc. Service Bulletin No.
authority. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 13, dated March 25, 2016.
We are issuing this rulemaking under § 39.13 [Amended] (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
the authority described in Subtitle VII, (AMOCs)
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
Part A, Subpart III, section 44701: (1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft
the following new airworthiness
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
directive (AD):
section, Congress charges the FAA with authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in United Instruments, Inc.: Docket No. FAA– requested using the procedures found in 14
air commerce by prescribing regulations 2016–9345; Directorate Identifier 2016– CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
for practices, methods, and procedures CE–028–AD. send your request to your principal inspector
the Administrator finds necessary for (a) Comments Due Date or local Flight Standards District Office, as
safety in air commerce. This regulation appropriate. If sending information directly
We must receive comments by December to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
is within the scope of that authority 12, 2016. attention of the person identified in
because it addresses an unsafe condition paragraph (i) of this AD.
(b) Affected ADs
that is likely to exist or develop on (2) Before using any approved AMOC,
products identified in this rulemaking None.
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
action. (c) Applicability or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
This AD applies to United Instruments, of the local flight standards district office/
Regulatory Findings certificate holding district office.
Inc. 5934 series altimeters that were
We determined that this proposed AD manufactured between January 2015 and (i) Related Information
would not have federalism implications February 2016 and installed in airplanes and
(1) For more information about this AD,
under Executive Order 13132. This helicopters.
contact Les Lyne, Aerospace Engineer,
proposed AD would not have a (1) The specific affected serial number
Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100,
substantial direct effect on the States, on altimeters can be found in United
Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946–
the relationship between the national Instruments, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 13,
4190; fax: (316) 946–4107; email: leslie.lyne@
dated March 25, 2016, which can be found
Government and the States, or on the faa.gov.
on the Internet at http://www.unitedinst.com/
distribution of power and ServiceBulletinNo13/.
(2) For service information identified in
responsibilities among the various this AD, contact United Instruments, Inc.,
(2) Altimeters that have been corrected by
levels of government. 3625 Comotara Avenue, Wichita, KS 67226;
United Instruments, Inc. following Service
telephone (316) 636–9203; fax: (316) 636–
For the reasons discussed above, I Bulletin No. 13, dated March 25, 2016, are
9243; email: customerservice@
certify this proposed regulation: not affected by this AD and no further action
unitedinst.com; Internet:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory is necessary.
www.unitedinst.com. You may view this
action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (3) Altimeters that have been corrected by
referenced service information at the FAA,
United Instruments, Inc. can be identified by
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under a yellow dot, approximately 1⁄4 inch (6 mm)
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
the DOT Regulatory Policies and Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information
in diameter, located approximately 1 inch (25
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, on the availability of this material at the
mm) to the left side of the nameplate. The
1979), FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
corrected altimeters will also have a letter
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation ‘‘M,’’ approximately 1⁄8 inch (3mm) high, Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
in Alaska, and metal stamped on the nameplate after the November 1, 2016.
(4) Will not have a significant name ‘‘ALTIMETER.’’ Pat Mullen,
economic impact, positive or negative, (d) Subject Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
on a substantial number of small entities Aircraft Certification Service.
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/
under the criteria of the Regulatory Air Transport Association (ATA) of America [FR Doc. 2016–26807 Filed 11–4–16; 8:45 am]
Flexibility Act. Code 44, Cabin Systems. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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Document Created: 2018-02-14 08:21:56
Document Modified: 2018-02-14 08:21:56
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). | |
| Dates | We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 22, 2016. | |
| Contact | Les Lyne, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4190; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 78083 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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