AD 2002-06-05 Airworthiness Directives; Various Transport Category Airplanes Equipped With Air Traffic Control (ATC) Transponders Manufactured by Rockwell Collins, Inc.

Transport category airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with Rockwell Collins Mode C 621A-3 Air Traffic Control (ATC) transponder(s), part number (P/N) 522-2703-XXX (where XXX is any series number). 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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent transmission of inaccurate data concerning altitude from one airplane to another, which could cause the pilot receiving the data to change course, either ascending or descending, and possibly lead to a mid-air collision or near mid-air collision, accomplish the following: Testing (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform a pulse width test to detect malfunctions of any Mode C 621A-3 ATC transponder(s) equipped with P/N 522-2703-XXX, where XXX is any part number, in accordance with Rockwell Collins Air Transport Systems Overhaul Manual with Illustrated Parts List, Temporary Revision No. 34-44-00-38, dated April 20, 2000. Note 2: Pulse width tests done using TIC-49, ATC-601, ATC-601A, or ATC-1400A ramp or bench testers meet the applicable test requirements specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD. Note 3: Previous checks used to perform the test specified in paragraph (a) of this AD, per Rockwell Collins Air Transport Systems Overhaul Manual with Illustrated Parts List, Temporary Revision No. 34-44-00-38, dated April 20, 2000, are considered acceptable for compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD. Replacement (b) If the pulse width test required by paragraph (a) of this AD detects malfunction of a transponder, prior to further flight, perform the requirements specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with Rockwell Collins Service Bulletin 621A-3-34-21, Revision 1, dated November 14, 1975. (1) For transponders having serial numbers up to and including 7192: Replace the transmitter tube and resistor with a new tube and resistor and repeat the pulse width test required by paragraph (a) of this AD. (2) For transponders having serial numbers 7193 and subsequent: Replace the transmitter tube with a new tube and repeat the pulse width test required by paragraph (a) of this AD. Note 4: Accomplishment of the replacement specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable, prior to the effective date of this AD, per Rockwell Collins Service Information Letter (SIL) 00-1, dated May 25, 2000, is acceptable for compliance with the applicable replacement required by paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD. Repair (c) If the follow-up pulse width test required by paragraph (b) of this AD detects malfunction of a transponder: Prior to further flight, repair the transponder in accordance with the applicable Mode C transponder component maintenance manual and airplane maintenance manual. If the repair information is not available in the applicable manual, prior to further flight, repair the transponder in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Note 5: The airplane may be operated in accordance with the provisions and limitations specified in the FAA-approved Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL), provided that only one Mode C transponder on the airplane is inoperative. Reporting Requirement (d) Submit a report of the results (both positive and negative) of the tests required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD, to: Elizabeth Zurcher, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Seattle ACO, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; fax (425) 227-1181. The report must include the part number of the Mode C transponder(s) and whether corrective action was required. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (1) For airplanes on which the pulse width test (using a bench check, if necessary) is accomplished after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 60 days after performing the test required by paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, as applicable. (2) For airplanes on which the pulse width test has been accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 60 days after the effective date of this AD. 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 ACO. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance or Avionics Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO. Note 6: 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) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this AD: The actions shall be done in accordance with Rockwell Collins Air Transport Systems Overhaul Manual with Illustrated Parts List, Temporary Revision No. 34-44-00-38, dated April 20, 2000; and Rockwell Collins Service Bulletin 621A-3-34-21, Revision 1, dated November 14, 1975; as applicable. Revision 1 of Rockwell Collins Service Bulletin 621A-3-34-2 contains the following effective pages:   Page No. Revision level shown on page Date shown on page 1, 4 1 Nov. 14, 1975. 2, 3, 5/6 Original June 15, 1975. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Rockwell Collins, Inc., 400 Collins Road NE; Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52498. 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. Effective Date (h) This amendment becomes effective on April 26, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 13, 2002. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-6793 Filed 3-21-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P