[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 139 (Thursday, July 19, 2012)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Pages 42419-42421]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-17592]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0758; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-027-AD; Amendment 39-17129;

AD 2012-14-15]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell International, Inc. Global Navigation Satellite Sensor

Units

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain aircraft equipped with
Honeywell International, Inc. Model KGS200 Mercury2 wide area augmentation system (WAAS)
global navigation satellite sensor units (GNSSU). This AD requires you cease all localizer
performance (LP), localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV), and satellite based
augmentation system (SBAS) lateral navigation/vertical navigation (LNAV/VNAV) approaches until
a software problem is corrected. This AD was prompted by a report and follow-up investigation of a
software problem that occurred during flight test trials of SBAS-capable aircraft using a similar
Honeywell global positioning system (GPS) sensor and the same software as the Model KGS200
Mercury2 GNSSU. A software problem occurred that could result in misleading information during
LP, LPV, or SBAS LNAV/VNAV approaches. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 19, 2012.

We must receive comments on this AD by September 4, 2012.

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.

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• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between
9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; 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 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:

• Non-Pilatus aircraft-related: Albert Ma, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification
Office, FAA, 1801 S. Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: (316) 946-4151;
fax: (316) 946-4107; email: [email protected].
• Pilatus aircraft-related: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-
4090; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We received a report that during flight test trials of SBAS-capable aircraft using a similar
Honeywell GPS sensor with the same software as the Honeywell International, Inc. Model KGS200
Mercury2 WAAS GNSSU, a software problem occurred that could result in misleading information
during LP, LPV, or SBAS LNAV/VNAV approaches.
Investigation found the GPS receiver could compute an incorrect ionospheric correction and
error estimate such that the error estimate no longer bounds the error and the downstream monitor
cannot detect it. This can potentially lead to hazardously misleading information.
The software problem is due to a mathematical rounding error, which results in misleading
information.
At this time, the only type-certificated airplanes that the product is installed in is Pilatus PC-
12/47E airplanes.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in misleading information during instrument
meteorological conditions, which could prevent the aircraft from performing safe instrument
approach procedures, causing controlled flight into terrain.

FAA's Determination

We are issuing 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.

AD Requirements

This AD requires incorporating airworthiness limitations and placards that prohibit LP, LPV, and
SBAS LNAV/VNAV approaches until the software problem is corrected.

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Interim Action

We consider this AD interim action. If and when new software is developed, the FAA will
evaluate this software and may take further rulemaking action.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD. The FAA has found
that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because this condition, if not corrected, could result in misleading information during instrument
meteorological conditions, which could prevent the aircraft from performing safe instrument
approach procedures, causing controlled flight into terrain. Therefore, we find that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this
amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment. However, we invite you to send any written data,
views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include the docket number FAA-2012-17129 and Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-027-AD at
the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by
the closing date and may amend this 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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 195 GNSSU installed on, but not limited to, PILATUS
AIRCRAFT LTD. Model PILATUS PC-12/47E airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs
Action Labor cost Parts Cost per Cost on
cost product U.S.
operators
Incorporate language into the limitations 0.5 work-hour × $85 $5 $47.50 $9,263
section of the flight manual and per hour = $42.50.
manufacture and install a placard.

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,

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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

This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(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),
(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.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

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 AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
FAA
www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/
Aviation Safety
www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/advanced.html

2012-14-15 Honeywell International, Inc.: Amendment 39-17129; Docket No. FAA-2012-0758;

Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-027-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective July 19, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

(1) This AD applies to all Honeywell International, Inc. Model KGS200 Mercury2 wide area
augmentation system (WAAS) global navigation satellite sensor units (GNSSU), Honeywell part
numbers (P/N) 066-01201-0102 and 066-01201-0104.
(2) This product is installed on, but not limited to, PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Model
PILATUS PC-12/47E airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code
3457, Navigation.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by a report and follow-up investigation of a software problem that
occurred during flight test trials of satellite based augmentation system (SBAS)-capable aircraft using
a similar Honeywell global positioning system (GPS) sensor and the same software as the Model
KGS200 Mercury2 GNSSU. A software problem occurred that could result in misleading information
during localizer performance (LP), localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV), or SBAS
lateral navigation/vertical navigation (LNAV/VNAV) approaches. We are issuing this AD to correct
the unsafe condition on these products.

(f) Compliance

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

(g) Incorporate Language Into the Limitations Section of the Aircraft Flight Manual

(1) Before further flight after July 19, 2012 (the effective date of this AD), incorporate language
into the limitations section of the aircraft flight manual (AFM) that states, ''localizer performance
(LP), localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV), and satellite based augmentation system
(SBAS) lateral navigation/vertical navigation (LNAV/VNAV) approach operations are prohibited.'' If
it can be determined by a review of the AFM that the aircraft does not have LP capability and uses

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barometric vertical navigation (VNAV), then it is permissible to incorporate language into the
limitation section of the AFM that states, ''local performance with vertical guidance (LPV)
approaches are prohibited.''
(2) The AFM action required by this AD may be done by an owner/operator (pilot) holding at
least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with
this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1)(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be
maintained as required by 14 CFR §§ 91.173, 121.380, or 135.439.

(h) Fabricate and Install a Placard

(1) Within 3 days after July 19, 2012 (the effective date of this AD), fabricate and install a
placard that states, ''LP, LPV, and SBAS LNAV/VNAV approaches are prohibited.'' If it can be
determined by a review of the AFM that the aircraft does not have LP capability and uses VNAV,
then it is permissible to use a placard that states, ''LPV approaches are prohibited.''
(2) The placard shall be manufactured so that the font size is at least an 1/8'' with black lettering
on a white background. The placard must be fabricated and installed by a certificated aircraft
mechanic on the instrument panel in clear view of the pilot.

(i) Special Flight Permit

Special flight permits are prohibited for this AD.

(j) 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 the Related Information section 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.

(k) Related Information

For more information about this AD, contact:

(1) Non-Pilatus aircraft-related: Albert Ma, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification
Office, FAA, 1801 S. Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: (316) 946-4151; fax:
(316) 946-4107; email: [email protected]; or
(2) Pilatus aircraft-related: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax:
(816) 329-4090; email: [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

None.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 13, 2012.

Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.