AD 2001-14-51 Airworthiness Directives; General Aviation Aircraft Equipped With Certain UPS Aviation Technologies, Inc., Model Apollo SL30 Very-High-Frequency Navigation/Communication (VHF NAV/COMM) Radios

All General Aviation aircraft equipped with a UPS Aviation Technologies, Inc., Model Apollo SL30 very-high-frequency navigation/communication (VHF NAV/COMM) radio having part number 430-6040-300 or 430-6040-301; 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 (d) 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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent use of incorrect bearing information by the pilot, which could result in inaccurate navigation information, accomplish the following: Determination of Software Version (a) Before further flight after receipt of this AD, determine what version of Digital Signal Processor (DSP) Software the UPS Aviation Technologies, Inc., Model Apollo SL30 VHF NAV/COMM radio is using, according to the following procedure: Placing Unit In System Mode Operation Summary (Refer to page 4 of operation manual) Power On Turn the SL30 on. Either turn the Power/Volume knob clockwise to turn the power on or, if installed, turn on the master switch that powers the radios. The SL30 will go through a short initialization routine and then briefly display the last VOR check date. System Info (Refer to page 26 of operation manual) System Info provides information about the Software versions and the Display Intensity. 1. Press SYS and turn the LARGE knob if necessary to the System Info page. Press ENT. 2. In the System Info function turn the LARGE knob to Nav Software Version. 3. Turn the SMALL knob to left (counterclockwise) to view DSP Software Version.” Note 2: The procedure specified in paragraph (a) of this AD is identical to the “PROCEDURE” section of UPS Aviation Technologies, Inc., Service Bulletin SB2001-003, dated June 29, 2001. Installation of Placard (b) If the radio is using DSP Software Version Number 1.00, before further flight, do the actions in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD. (1) Attach on or place near the SL30 within view of the pilot a placard that reads as follows: “USE OF SL30 VOR FUNCTION FOR NAVIGATION PROHIBITED.” (2) Insert a copy of this AD into the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual. Spares (c) After receipt of this AD, no one may install on any airplane a UPS Aviation Technologies, Inc., Model Apollo SL30 VHF NAV/COMM radio, having part number 430-6040-300 or 430-6040-301; unless the requirements of this AD are accomplished. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) 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. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Avionics Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO. Note 3: 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 (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 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. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 30, 2001, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 2001-14-51, issued on June 29, 2001, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 19, 2001. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-18472 Filed 7-24-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P