Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
The FAA has received reports of a manufacturing defect on the MFP386 Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) device, Collins part number (CPN) 351-4957-020. These are used on the A5 card in the input/output control circuitry of the AFD-3010 adaptive flight display units.
The manufacturing defect of the MFP386 ASIC device resulted in significant delamination around all of the die edges. This causes stress on the wire bonds that hold the device to the A5 card. Stress on the wire bonds could cause the bonds to break, which could result in failure of the device.
Failure of this device has been reported on AFD-3010 units containing an MFP386 ASIC device with a date code of 0128.
When the MFP386 ASIC fails, the AFD-3010 unit may display erroneous primary flight information and engine parameters. These systems affect the way the pilot makes critical flight safety decisions.
These Rockwell Collins AFD-3010 adaptive flight display units are installed on, but not limited to, the following aircraft:
--Bombardier Model CL-600-2A12(CL-601) airplanes;
--Cessna Model 525 and 525A airplanes;
--Dassault Model Mystere-Falcon 20
--F5 and Mystere-Falcon 50 airplanes; and
--Raytheon Model 390 and Hawker 800XP airplanes.
What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?
This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the ASIC, which could result in the AFD-3010 unit displaying erroneous primary flight and engine parameter information. Such failure could lead to the pilot using incorrect information when making critical flight safety decisions.
Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?
Rockwell Collins has issued Service Bulletin 12, Revision No. 2, AFD-3010-31-12, dated August 30, 2002.
The service bulletin includes procedures for:
--Inspecting the AFD-3010 unit to determine serial number of the installed unit;
--Inspecting the AFD-3010 unit (if serial number is one of the affected units) to determine the date code of the MFP386 ASIC device; and
--Replacing the MFP386 ASIC device if the date code is 0128.
The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of this AD
What Has FAA Decided?
The FAA has reviewed all available information, including the service information referenced above; and determined that:
--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could develop on type design aircraft that incorporate these Rockwell Collins AFD-3010 adaptive flight display units;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service should be accomplished on affected Rockwell AFD-3010 adaptive flight display units; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.
What Does This AD Require?
This AD requires you to incorporate the actions in the previously- referenced service bulletin.
In preparation of this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft operators to obtain technical information and information on operational and economic impacts. We did not receive any information through these contacts. If received, we would have included, in the rulemaking docket, a discussion of any information that may have influenced this action.
Will I Have the Opportunity To Comment Prior to the Issuance of the Rule?
Because the unsafe condition described in this document could result in erroneous display of primary flight information, we find that notice and opportunity for public prior comment are impracticable. Therefore, good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
How Do I Comment on This AD?
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, FAA invites your comments on the rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose.You need to include the rule's docket number and submit your comments to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all comments received on or before the closing date specified above. We may amend this rule in light of comments received. Factual information that supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking action.
Are There Any Specific Portions of the AD I Should Pay Attention To?
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each FAA contact with the public that concerns the substantive parts of this AD.
How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?
If you want us to acknowledge the receipt of your written comments, you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write "Comments to Docket No. 2002-CE-39-AD." We will date stamp and mail the postcard back to you.
Compliance Time of This AD
What Is the Compliance Time of This AD?
The compliance time of this AD is "within the next 14 days after the effective date of this AD."
Why Is the Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead of Hours Time-in-Service (TIS)?
This unsafe condition is not a result of the number of times the airplane is operated. The chance of this situation occurring is the same for an airplane with 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) as it would be for an airplane with 500 hours TIS. For this reason, the FAA has determined that a compliance based on calendar time should be utilized in this AD in order to assure that the unsafe condition is addressed on all airplanes in a reasonable time period.
Regulatory Impact
Does This AD Impact Various Entities?
These regulations 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. Therefore, FAA has determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
We have determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluationwill be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket (otherwise, an evaluation is not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket.
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 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. FAA amends 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: