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CFR Citation: 14 CFR Part 39

Docket ID: [Docket No. 2003-CE-39-AD; Amendment 39-13645; AD 2004-10-15]

RIN ID: RIN 2120-AA64

NOTICE: RULES

ACTION: Airworthiness directives:

DOCUMENT ACTION: Final rule.

SUBJECT CATEGORY: Airworthiness Directives; GARMIN International Inc. GTX 330 Mode S Transponders and GTX 330D Diversity Mode S Transponders

DATES: This AD becomes effective on July 9, 2004.

As of July 9, 2004, the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulation.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain GARMIN International Inc. GTX 330/GTX 330D Mode S transponders that are installed on aircraft. This AD requires you to install GTX 330/330D Software Upgrade Version 3.03, 3.04, or 3.05. This AD is the result of observations that the GTX 330 and GTX 330D may detect, from other aircraft, the S1 (suppression) interrogating pulse below the Minimum Trigger Level (MTL) and, in some circumstances, not reply. The GTX 330/ 330D should still reply even if it detects S1 interrogating pulses below the MTL. We are issuing this AD to prevent interrogating aircraft from possibly receiving inaccurate replies due to suppression from aircraft equipped with the GTX 330/330D Mode S Transponders when the pulses are below the MTL. The inaccurrate replies could result in reduced vertical separation or unsafe TCAS resolution advisories.

SUMMARY: GARMIN International Inc.,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

What events have caused this AD? The GTX 330/GTX 330D may detect from other aircraft the S1 (suppression) interrogating pulse below the MTL and, in some circumstances, does not reply. The GTX 330/330D should still reply even if it detects S1 interrogating pulses below the MTL. GARMIN International Inc. suspected the suppression problem after observation between GARMIN company aircraft that were equipped with the GTX 330 and Ryan Traffic and Collision Alert Device (TCAD). Engineering bench tests and test flights confirmed that this suppression problem existed.

What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Interrogating aircraft could possibly receive inaccurate replies due to suppression from aircraft equipped with the GTX 330/330D Mode S Transponders when the pulses are below the MTL. The inaccurate replies could result in reduced vertical separation or unsafe TCAS resolution advisories.

Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain GARMIN International Inc. GTX 330/330D Mode S transponders that are installed on aircraft. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on December 30, 2003 (68 FR 75174). The NPRM proposed to require you to install GTX 330/330D Software Upgrade Version 3.03. Comments

Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal and FAA's response to each comment:

Comment Issue: GTX 330/330D Software Upgrade Version 3.03

What is the commenter's concern? The NPRM currently requires installation of GTX 330/330D Software Upgrade to Version 3.03 to comply with the proposed AD. Two commenters request a text change of the AD to allow installation of later software upgrade versions to comply with the proposed AD.

What is FAA's response to the concern? Since later software upgrade versions will contain, at a minimum, the elements of Version 3.03 and thus will correct the unsafe condition, we agree with their request and have changed the
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text from ``Version 3.03'' to ``Version 3.03, 3.04, or 3.05.'' Conclusion

What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for the changes discussed above and minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these changes and minor corrections:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39Effect on the AD

How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.

Cost of Compliance

How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD affects 1,300 airplanes in the U.S. registry.

What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the affected airplanes? Garmin International Inc. will reimburse the 1.0 hours required for this modification per the most current GTX 330 Software Service Bulletin. This reimbursement will follow Garmin's warranty Policies and Procedures stating that the most current software, which includes this update and all other updates, should be installed.

Compliance Time of This AD

What will be the compliance time of this AD? The compliance time of this AD is within 30 days after the effective date of the AD.

Why is the compliance time presented in calendar time instead of hours timeinservice (TIS)? The unsafe condition exists or could develop on airplanes equipped with the affected equipment regardless of airplane operation. For example, the unsafe condition has the same chance of occurring on an airplane with 50 hours TIS as it does on one with 5,000 hours TIS. Therefore, we are presenting the compliance time of this AD in calendar time instead of hours TIS.

Regulatory Findings

Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that 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.

Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? 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 the 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.

We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003CE39AD'' in your request.

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 39AIRWORTHINESS 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 AD to read as follows: 20041015 Garmin International Inc.: Amendment 3913645; Docket No. 2003CE39AD.
When Does This AD Become Effective?
(a) This AD becomes effective on July 9, 2004.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) None.
What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects GARMIN International Inc. GTX 330/330D Mode S transponders that are installed on, but not limited to, the following airplanes, certificated in any category:
Manufacturer Model
(1) Aermacchi S.p.A.......... S.20518/F, S.20518/R, S.20520/R, S.205 22/R, S.208, S.208A, F.260, F.260B, F.260C, F.260D, F.260E, F.260F, S.211A. (2) Aeronautica Macchi S.p.A. AL 60, AL 60B, AL 60F5, AL 60C5, AM3. (3) Aerostar Aircraft PA60600 (Aerostar 600), PA60601 Corporation. (Aerostar 601), PA60601P (Aerostar 601P), PA60602P (Aerostar 602P), PA60 700P (Aerostar 700P), 360, 400. (4) Alexandria Aircraft, LLC. 1419, 14192, 14193, 14193A, 1730, 1731, 1731TC, 1730A, 1731A, 17 31ATC.
(5) Alliance Aircraft Group 15A, 20, H250, H295, (USAFU10D), HT LLC. 295, H391 (USAFYL24), H391B, H395 (USAFL28A or U10B), H395A, H700, H 800, HST550, HST550A (USAF AU24A), 500.
(6) American Champion 402, 7GCA, 7GCB, 7KC, 7GCBA, 7GCAA, Aircraft Corp. 7GCBC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, 8GCBC. (7) Sky International Inc.... A1, A1A, A1B, S1S, S1T, S2, S2A, S 2S, S2C.
(8) BN Group Ltd............ BN2, BN2A, BN2A2, BN2A3, BN2A6, BN2A8, BN2A20, BN2A21, BN2A26, BN2A27, BN2B20, BN2B21, BN2A26, BN2A27, BN2B20, BN2B21, BN2B26, BN2B27, BN2T, BN2T4R, BN2A MK.III, BN2A MK.III2, BN2A MK.1113. (9) Bellanca................. 1413, 14132. 14133. 14133W.
(10) Bombardier Inc.......... (Otter) DHC3, DHC61, DHC6100, DHC6 200, DHC6300.
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(11) Cessna Aircraft Company. 170, 170A, 170B, 172, 172A, 172B, 172C, 172D, 172E, 172F (USAF T41A), 172G, 172H, (USAF T041A), 172I, 172K, 172L, 172M, 172N, 172P, 172Q, 172R, 172S, 172RG, P172D, R172E (USAF T41 B) (USAF T41 C AND D), R172F (USAF T41 D), R175G, R172H (USAF T41 D), R172J, R172K, 175, 175A, 175B, 175C, 177, 177A, 177B, 177RG, 180, 180A, 180B, 180C, 180D, 180E, 180F, 180G, 180H, 180J, 180K, 182, 182A, 182B, 182C, 182D, 182E, 182F, 182G, 182H, 182J, 182K, 182L, 182M, 182N, 182P, 182Q, 182R, 182S, 182T, R182, T182, TR182, T182T, 185, 185A, 185B, 185C, 185D, 185E, A185E, A185F, 190, (LC126A, B, C) 195, 195A, 195B, 210, 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, 210E, 210F, T210F, 210G, T210G, 210H, T210H, 210J, T210J, 210K, T210K, 210L, T210L, 210M, T210M, 210N, P210N, T210N, 210R, P210R, T210R, 2105 (205), 2105A (205A), 206, P206, P206A, P206B, P206C, P206D, P206E, TP206A, TP206B, TP206C, TU206D, TU206E, TU206F, TU206G, 206H, T206H, 207, 207A, T207, T207A, 208, 208A, 208B, 310, 310A (USAF U3A), 310B, 310C, 310D, 310E (USAF U3B), 310F, 310G, 310H, E310H, 310I, 310J, 310J1, E310J, 310K, 310L, 310N, 310P, T310P, 310Q, T310Q, 310R, T310R, 320, 320A, 320B, 320C, 320D, 320E, 320F, 3201, 335, 340, 340A, 336, 337, 337A (USAF 02B), 337B, T337B, 337C, 337E, T337E, T337C, 337D, T337D, M337B (USAF 02A), 337F, T337F, T337G, 337G, 337H, P337H, T337H, T337HSP, 401, 401A, 401B, 402, 402A, 402B, 402C, 411, 411A, 414, 414A, 421, 421A, 421B, 421C, 425, 404, 406, 441.
(12) Cirrus Design SR20, SR22.
Corporation.
(13) Commander Aircraft 112, 112TC, 112B, 112TCA, 114, 114A, Company. 114B, 114TC.
(14) de Havilland Inc........ DHC2 Mk. I, DHC2 Mk. II, DHC2 Mk. III. (15) Dynac Aerospace (Volaire) 10, (Volaire) 10A, (Aero Corporation. Commander) 100, (Aero Commander) 100A, (Aero Commander) 100180.
(16) Diamond Aircraft DA20A1, DA20C1, DA 40.
Industries.
(17) Empressa Brasileira de EMB110P1, EMB110PE.
Aeronautica S.A. EMBRAER.
(18) Extra Flugzeugbau Gmbh.. EA300, EA300L, EA300S, EA300/200, EA400. (19) Fairchild Aircraft SA26T, SA26AT, SA226T, SA226AT, SA226 Corporation. T(B), SA227AT, SA227TT, SA226TC, SA227AC (C26A), SA227CC, SA227DC (C 26B).
(20) Global Amphibians, LLC.. Colonial C1, Colonial C2, Lake LA4, Lake LA4A, Lake LA4P, Lake LA4200, Lake Model 250.
(21) GrobWerke.............. G115, G115A, G115B, G115C, G115C2, G115D, G115D2, G115EG, G120A.
(22) Lancair Company......... LC40550FG.
(23) LanShe Aerospace, LLC... MAC125C, MAC145, MAC145A, MAC145B. (24) Learjet Inc............. 23.
(25) Lockheed Aircraft 18.
Corporation.
(26) Luscombe Aircraft 11A, 11E.
Corporation.
(27) Maule Aerospace Bee Dee M4, M4, M4C, M4S, M4T, M Technology, Inc. 4180C, M4180S, M4180T, M4210, M4 210C, M4210S, M4210T, M4220, M4 220S, M4220T, M5180C, M5200, M5 210C, M5210TC, M5220C, M5235C, M6 180, M6235, M7235, MX7235, MX7 180, MX7420, MXT7180, MT7235, M8 235, MX7160, MXT7160, MX7180A, MXT 7180A, MXT7180B, M7235B, M7235A, M7235C, M7180C, M7260, MT7260, M 7260C, M7420AC, MX7160C, MX7 180AC, M7420A, MT7420.
(28) Mitsubishi Heavy MU2B25, MU2B35, MU2B26, MU2B36, Industries, Ltd. MU2B26A, MU2B36A, MU2B40, MU2B 60, MU2B, MU2B20, MU2B20, MU2B15. (29) Mooney Airplane Company, M20, M20A, M20B, M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, Inc. M20G, M20J, M20K, M20L, M20M, M20R, M20S, M22.
(30) Moravan a.s............. Z242L, Z143L.
(31) Navion Aircraft Company, NAVION, Navion (L17A), Navion (L17B), Ltd. Navion (L17C), Navion B, Navion D, Navion E, Navion F, Navion G, Navion H. (32) New Piper Aircraft, Inc. PA12, PA12S, PA18, PA18S, PA18 ``105'' (Special), PA18S ``105'' (Special), PA18A, PA18 ``125'' (Army L 21A), PA18S ``125,'' PA18AS ``125,'' PA18 ``135'' (Army L21B), PA18A ``135,'' PA18S ``135,'' PA18 ``150,'' PA18A ``150,'' PA18S ``150,'' PA18AS ``150,'' PA19 (Army L18B), PA19S, PA 20, PA20S, PA20 ``115,'' PA20S ``115,'' PA20 ``135,'' PA20S ``135,'' PA22, PA22108, PA22135, PA22S135, PA22150, PA22S150, PA22160, PA22S 160, PA23, PA23160, PA23235, PA23 250, PAE23250, PA24, PA24250, PA24 260, PA24400, PA28140, PA28150, PA 28151, PA28160, PA28161, PA28180, PA28235, PA28S160, PA28R180, PA 28S180, PA28181, PA28R200, PA28R 201, PA28R201T, PA28RT201, PA28RT 201T, PA28201T, PA28236, PA30, PA 39, PA40, PA31P, PA31T, PA31T1, PA 31T2, PA31T3, PA31P350, PA32260, PA 32300, PA32S300, PA32R300, PA32RT 300, PA32RT300T, PA32R301 (SP), PA 32R301 (HP), PA32R301T, PA32301, PA 32301T, PA34200, PA34200T, PA34 220T, PA42, PA42720, PA421000, PA 42720R, PA44180, PA44180T, PA46 310P, PA46350P, PA46500TP.
(33) Ostmecklenburgische OMF100160.
Flugzeugbau GmgH.
(34) Piaggio Aero Industries P180.
S.p.A.
(35) Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.... PILATUS PC12, PILATUS PC12/45, PC6, PC 6H1, PC6H2, PC6/350, PC6/350H1, PC 6/350H2, PC6/A, PC6/AH1, PA6/AH2, PC6/BH2, PC6/B1H2, PC6/B2H2, PC6/ B2H4, PC6/CH2, PC6/C1H2, PC7. (36) PropJets, Inc.......... 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, 400. (37) Panstwowe Zakladv PZL104 WILGA 80, PZL104M WILGA 2000, Lotnicze (PZL). PZLWARSZAWA, PZLKOLIBER 150A, PZL KOLIBER 160A.
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(38) PZL WSK/Mielec Obrsk.... PZL M20 03, PZL M26 01.
(39) Raytheon................ 3533, 35A33, 35B33, 35C33, 35C33A, E33, E33A, E33C, F33, F33A, F33C, G33, H35, J35, K35, M35, N35, P35, S35, V35, V35A, V35B, 36, A36, A36TC, B36TC, 35, A35, B35, C35, D35, E35, F35, G35, 35R, F90, 76, 200, 200C, 200CT, 200T, A200, B200, B200C, B200CT, B200T, 300, 300LW, B300, B300C, 1900, 1900C, 1900D, A1001 (U21J), A200 (C12A), A200 (C12C), A200C (UC12B), A200CT (C12D), A200CT (FWC12D), A200CT (RC12D), A200CT (C 12F), A200CT (RC12G), A200CT (RC12H), A200CT (RC12K), A200CT (RC12P), A200CT (RC12Q), B200C (C12F), B200C (UC12F), B200C (UC12M), B200C (C12R), 1900C (C 12J), 65, A65, A658200, 6580, 65A80, 65A808800, 65B80, 6588, 65A90, 70, B90, C90, C90A, E90, H90, 65A901, 65 A902, 65A903, 65A904, 95, B95, B95A, D95A, E95, 9555, 95A55, 95B55, 95B55A, 95B55B (T42A), 95C55, 95 C55A, D55, D55A, E55, E55A, 56TC, A56TC, 58, 58A, 58P, 58PA, 58TC, 58TCA, 99, 99A, 99A (FACH), A99, A99A, B99, C99, 100, A100 (U21F), A100A, A100C, B100, 2000, 3000, 390, 19A, B19, M19A, 23, A23, A23A, A2319, A2324, B23, C23, A24, A24R, B24R, C24R, 60, A60, B60, 18D, A18A, A18D, S18D, SA18A, SA18D, 3N, 3NM, 3TM, JRB6, D18C, D18S, E18S, RC 45J (SNB5P), E18S9700, G18S, H18, C 45G, TC45G, C45H, TC45H, TC45J, UC 45J (SNB5), 50 (L23A), B50 (L23B), C50, D50 (L23E), D50A, D50B, D50C, D50E 5990, E50 (L23D, RL23D), F50, G50, H50, J50, 45 (YT34), A45 (T34A or B 45), D45 (T34B).
(40) Rockwell International BC1A, AT6 (SNJ2), AT6A (SNJ3), AT Corporation. 6B, AT6C (SNJ4), AT6D (SNJ5), AT6F (SNF6), SNJ7, T6G, NOMAD NA260. (41) Short Brothers & Harland SC7 Series 2, SC7 Series 3.
Ltd.
(42) Slingsby Aviation Ltd... T67M260, T67M260T3A.
(43) SOCATAGroup TB9, TB10, TB20, TB21, TB200, TBM 700, Aerospatiale. M.S. 760, M.S. 760 A, M.S. 760 B, Rallye 100S, Rallye 150ST, Rallye 150T, Rallye 235E, Rallye 235C, MS 880B, MS 885, MS 894A, MS 893A, MS 892A150, MS 892E150, MS 893E, MS 894E, GA7.
(44) Tiger Aircraft LLC...... AA1, AA1A, AA1B, AA1C, AA5, AA5A, AA5B, AG5B.
(45) Twin Commander Aircraft 500, 500A, 500B, 500U, 500S, 520, Corporation. 560, 560A, 560E, 560F, 680, 680E, 680F, 680FL, 680FL(P), 680T, 680V, 680W, 681, 685, 690, 690A, 690B, 690C, 690D, 695, 695A, 695B, 720, 700.
(46) Univair Aircraft 108, 1081, 1082, 1083, 1085. Corporation.
(47) Vulcanair S.p.A......... P68, P68B, P68C, P68CTC, P68 ``Observer,'' P68 ``Observer 2,'' P68TC ``Observer,'' AP68TP300 ``Spartacus,'' AP68TP 600 ``Viator''.
(48) Zenair Ltd.............. CH2000.
What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent interrogating aircraft from possibly receiving inaccurate replies, due to suppression, from aircraft equipped with the GTX 330/330D Mode S Transponders when the pulses are below the Minimum Trigger Level (MTL). The inaccurate replies could result in vertical separation or unsafe TCAS resolution advisories.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following: Actions Compliance Procedures Install GTX 330/330D Software Install the Follow GARMIN Upgrade to at least Version software upgrade Mandatory 3.03, 3.04, or 3.05. within 30 days Software Service after July 9, Bulletin No.: 2004 (the 0304, Rev B, effective date of dated June 12, this AD), unless 2003 (SW Version already done. 3.03); Garmin Software Service Bulletin No. 0310, Rev A, dated November 10, 2003 (SW Version 3.04); or Garmin Software Service Bulletin No. 0401, Rev A, dated February 18, 2004 (SW Version 3.05). May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?
(f) You may request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments and will send your request to the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on an already approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Roger A. Souter, FAA, Witchita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: 3169464134; facsimile: 3169464107; email address: roger.souter@faa.gov. Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?
(g) You must do the actions required by this AD following the instructions in GARMIN Mandatory Software Service Bulletin No.: 0304, Rev B, dated June 12, 2003 (SW Version 3.03); Garmin Software Service Bulletin No. 0310, Rev A, dated November 10, 2003 (SW Version 3.04); or Garmin Software Service Bulletin No. 0401, Rev A, dated February 18, 2004 (SW Version 3.05). The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get a copy from GARMIN International Inc. 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, KS 66062. You may review copies at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 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.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 13, 2004. David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 0411438 Filed 52004; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 491013M

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Roger A. Souter, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: 3169464134; facsimile: 3169464107; email address: roger.souter@faa.gov.