Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400, 757, 767, and 777 Series Airplanes Equipped With AlliedSignal RIA-35B Instrument Landing System (ILS) Receivers

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 92 (Thursday, May 13, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25804-25806]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-11782]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-232-AD; Amendment 39-11167; AD 99-10-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400, 757, 767, and 777 
Series Airplanes Equipped With AlliedSignal RIA-35B Instrument Landing 
System (ILS) Receivers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-400, 757, 767, and 777 
series airplanes, that currently requires a revision to the Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit certain types of approaches. That 
action also requires repetitive inspections to detect certain faults of 
all RIA-35B ILS receivers, and replacement of discrepant ILS receivers 
with new, serviceable, or modified units; or, alternatively, an 
additional revision to the AFM and installation of a placard to 
prohibit certain operations. That AD was prompted by a report of errors 
in the glide slope deviation provided by an ILS receiver. This 
amendment requires accomplishment of the previously optional 
terminating action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
prevent erroneous localizer deviation provided by faulty ILS receivers, 
which could result in a landing outside the lateral boundary of the 
runway.

DATES: Effective June 17, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of AlliedSignal Electronic and 
Avionics Systems Service Bulletin M-4426 (RIA-35B-34-6), Revision 3, 
dated May 1998, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of July 22, 1998 (63 FR 36549, July 7, 1998).

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of 
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay Yi, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-1013; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 98-14-10, 
amendment 39-10643 (63 FR 36549, July 7, 1998), which is applicable to 
certain Boeing Model 747-400, 757, 767, and 777 series airplanes, was 
published in the Federal Register on October 26, 1998 (63 FR 57078). 
The action proposed to require a revision to the Airplane Flight Manual 
(AFM) to prohibit certain types of approaches, and repetitive 
inspections to detect certain faults of all RIA-35B ILS receivers. The 
action also proposed to require replacement of discrepant ILS receivers 
with new, serviceable, or modified units; or, alternatively, an 
additional revision to the AFM and installation of a placard to 
prohibit certain operations. In addition, the action proposed to 
require accomplishment of the previously optional terminating action.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.
    One commenter supports the proposed rule. Two commenters indicate 
that they are not affected by the proposed rule. Another commenter 
states that it has already accomplished the proposed terminating 
action.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 74 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 74 airplanes of U.S. registry 
will be affected by this AD.
    The AFM revision to prohibit certain types of approaches that 
currently is required by AD 98-14-10, and retained in this AD, takes 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the currently required AFM revision on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $4,440, or $60 per airplane.

[[Page 25805]]

    In lieu of the AFM revision and placard installation to prohibit 
certain types of operations, the visual inspection that currently is 
provided in AD 98-14-10 takes approximately 1 work hour per airplane to 
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the inspection on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $4,440, or $60 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    In lieu of the visual inspection, the AFM revision and placard 
installation that currently is provided in AD 98-14-10 takes 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the AFM revision and placard installation on U.S. operators 
is estimated to be $4,440, or $60 per airplane.
    The new replacement that is required in this AD action will take 
approximately 3 work hours per airplane (1 work hour per receiver, 3 
receivers per airplane) to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 
per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $235 per airplane 
($78.33 per receiver). Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
replacement required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$30,710, or $415 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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 removing amendment 39-10643 (63 FR 
36549, July 7, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
amendment 39-11167, to read as follows:

99-10-14  Boeing: Amendment 39-11167. Docket 98-NM-232-AD. 
Supersedes AD 98-14-10, Amendment 39-10643.

    Applicability: Model 747-400, 757, 767, and 777 series 
airplanes; equipped with AlliedSignal RIA-35B Instrument Landing 
System (ILS) receivers, part number (P/N) 066-50006-0101, 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, 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. 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 erroneous localizer deviation provided by faulty ILS 
receivers, which could result in a landing outside the lateral boundary 
of the runway, accomplish the following:

Restatement of the Requirements of AD 98-14-10

    (a) Within 10 days after July 22, 1998 (the effective date of AD 
98-14-10, amendment 39-10643), revise the Limitations Section of the 
FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following 
statement. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD 
into the AFM.
    ``Any Instrument Landing System (ILS) or Localizer approach with 
only one operative AlliedSignal ILS receiver, P/N 066-50006-0101, 
installed is prohibited.''

    Note 2: On Model 747-400 and 777 series airplanes, the existence 
of only one operative ILS receiver is indicated by the Engine 
Indication and Crew Alerting System advisory message, ``SNGL SOURCE 
ILS.'' On Model 757 and 767 series airplanes, failure of an ILS 
receiver is indicated by an ILS flag on the display of the 
Electronic Flight Instrument System when approach mode is selected.

    (b) Within 30 days after July 22, 1998, accomplish the 
requirements of either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Perform a visual inspection of the 64 flight legs of the 
internal fault memory of all AlliedSignal RIA-35B ILS receivers, P/N 
066-50006-0101, for fault codes ``Nl'' (glide slope antialias fault) 
or ``Nm'' (localizer antialias fault). Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 64 flight cycles. If any fault 
code ``Nl'' or ``Nm'' is found, prior to further flight, replace the 
existing ILS receiver with a new or serviceable ILS receiver having 
the same P/N; or with an ILS receiver that has been modified to P/N 
066-50006-1101 in accordance with AlliedSignal Electronic and 
Avionics Systems Service Bulletin M-4426 (RIA-35B-34-6), Revision 3, 
dated May 1998. Installation of an ILS receiver that has been 
modified (and the P/N converted) in accordance with the service 
bulletin constitutes terminating action for the inspection 
requirement of paragraph (b)(1) of this AD for that part.
    (2) Accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and 
(b)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved AFM to 
include the following statement. This may be accomplished by 
inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM.
    ``Category II and III operations are prohibited with 
AlliedSignal ILS receiver P/N 066-50006-0101 installed.''
    (ii) Install a placard on the forward instrument panel of the 
cockpit in clear view of the pilots, which states:
    ``Category II and III operations are prohibited.''
    (c) As of July 22, 1998, no person shall install on any airplane 
an RIA-35B ILS receiver, P/N 066-50006-0101, that has been found to 
be discrepant (that is, on which fault codes ``Nl'' or ``Nm'' were 
found during an inspection of the internal fault memory) unless the 
discrepancy has been corrected by modifying the ILS receiver in 
accordance with AlliedSignal Electronic and Avionics Systems Service 
Bulletin M-4426 (RIA-35B-34-6), Revision 3, dated May 1998.

New Requirements of This AD

    (d) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
all existing RIA-35B ILS receivers, P/N 066-50006-0101, with RIA-35B 
ILS receivers that have been modified in accordance with 
AlliedSignal Electronic and Avionics Systems Service Bulletin M-4426 
(RIA-35B-34-6), Revision 3, dated May 1998; and that have had their 
P/N's

[[Page 25806]]

converted to 066-50006-1101. Such replacement constitutes 
terminating action for the requirements of this AD. After the 
replacement has been accomplished, the AFM limitations required by 
paragraphs (a) and (b)(2)(i) of this AD may be removed from the AFM, 
and the placard required by (b)(2)(ii) may be removed from the 
cockpit.

    Note 3: Modification of all AlliedSignal RIA-35B ILS receivers, 
P/N 066-50006-0101, prior to July 22, 1998, in accordance with 
AlliedSignal Electronic and Avionics Systems Service Bulletin M-4426 
(RIA-35B-34-6), dated December 1997; Revision 1, dated January 1998; 
or Revision 2, dated April 1998; is considered acceptable for 
compliance with the applicable action specified in this amendment.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) 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, Seattle 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, Seattle ACO.

    Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (f) 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (g) The modification shall be done in accordance with 
AlliedSignal Electronic and Avionics Systems Service Bulletin M-4426 
(RIA-35B-34-6), Revision 3, dated May 1998. The incorporation by 
reference of this document was approved previously by the Director 
of the Federal Register as of July 22, 1998 (63 FR 36549, July 7, 
1998). Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, 
P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (h) This amendment becomes effective on June 17, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 4, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-11782 Filed 5-12-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P