[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 30 (Monday, February 14, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8158-8167]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03000]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0715; Project Identifier AD-2021-00259-A; 
Amendment 39-21932; AD 2022-03-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Various Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
various airplanes modified with certain configurations of Garmin G3X 
Touch Electronic Flight Instrument System installed per Supplemental 
Type Certificate (STC) No. SA01899WI or Garmin GI 275 Multi-Function 
Display (MFD) installed per STC No. SA02658SE. This AD was prompted by 
a report of a fuel quantity disparity between the amount of fuel 
indicated and the actual amount of fuel. This AD requires modifying the 
resistive fuel probe interface. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 21, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 21, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Garmin International, Garmin Aviation Support, 1200 E 151st 
Street, Olathe, KS 66062; phone: (866) 739-5687; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://fly.garmin.com/fly-garmin/support/. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0715.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0715; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any 
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket 
Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Marks, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: 
(316) 946-4153; email: [email protected] or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to various airplanes 
modified with certain configurations of Garmin G3X Touch Electronic 
Flight Instrument System installed per STC No. SA01899WI or Garmin GI 
275 MFD installed per STC No. SA02658SE. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on August 27, 2021 (86 FR 48070). The NPRM was 
prompted by notification of a Piper production line issue with the 
installation of a Garmin G3X Touch Electronic Flight Instrument System 
installed under STC No. SA01899WI. After calibration and fueling the 
airplane to a known level, the flight crew noted that the fuel quantity 
indicator displayed a higher level of fuel.
    The Garmin G3X Touch Electronic Flight Instrument System, when 
interfaced with the Garmin GEA 24 (Engine Airframe Adapter) for display 
of the fuel quantity, uses a 1K ohm resistor inline between the GEA 24 
and the airplane fuel quantity resistance style sending unit (float). 
This resistor provides lightning protection to the fuel tank as 
required by 14 CFR 23.954.
    Use of the 1K resistor causes a GEA error when the GEA 24 or 
resistor is subjected to significantly hotter or colder temperatures 
than the temperature at which the fuel gauges were calibrated during 
installation. The farther the actual (ambient) temperature of the GEA 
24 or resistor is from the temperature of the fuel quantity 
calibration, the larger the error. The lower the operating resistance 
of the fuel sending unit, the larger the error. The largest errors 
occur in installations with fuel sending units having an operational 
range less than 100 ohms. The Garmin GI 275 MFDs installed under STC 
No. SA02658SE, when interfaced with the Garmin GEA 24 for display of 
the fuel quantity, is also subject to this unsafe condition.
    The displayed fuel quantity can have an error as much as four 
gallons/fuel tank with the display indicating four gallons with an 
empty tank. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require modifying the 
resistive fuel probe interface. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
fuel starvation and engine shutdown, which could result in the 
inability to arrive at the destination airport or a suitable 
alternative airport.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from Garmin. The following presents the 
comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Requests Regarding Background Information

    Garmin requested the FAA correct certain information in the 
preamble. In the NPRM, the FAA stated that use of the 1K resistor 
causes a GEA error when the resistor temperature changes. According to 
Garmin, using the 1K resistor causes a GEA error when the GEA 24 
temperature changes. Garmin further noted that 1k resistors are 
installed near the GEA 24 plug and are exposed to the same ambient 
temperatures.
    The FAA agrees with correcting the preamble and has changed this 
final rule to clarify that a GEA error results from the GEA 24 being 
subjected to significantly hotter or colder temperatures than the 
temperature at which the fuel gauges were calibrated during 
installation. The FAA disagrees with the requested changes regarding 
the location of the resistors. The commenter's request is not supported 
by the information in the installation manual, which does not require 
the resistor to be installed near the GEA 24.
    Garmin also requested that the FAA remove the exact error amount 
(i.e., four

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gallons) between the displayed fuel quantity and the actual amount of 
fuel. Garmin stated that due to variations in different aircraft system 
configurations, this amount could be misleading.
    Removing the reference to 4 gallons would minimize the potential 
magnitude of the error and the need for AD action. The FAA did not 
change this AD based on this comment.
    Garmin noted a typographical error in that the NPRM referred to 
``MFDS'' instead of ``MFDs.''
    The FAA agrees and has corrected all references to MFDs 
accordingly.

Request Regarding Unsafe Condition

    Garmin requested that the FAA change the description of the 
inevitable consequence of the unsafe condition. In the NPRM, the FAA 
stated the unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in fuel 
starvation and engine shutdown with consequent loss of airplane 
control. Garmin stated that this incorrectly implies that loss of 
airplane control is the inevitable consequence of fuel starvation and 
engine shutdown. Garmin requested the FAA revise the preamble to state 
that loss of airplane control is one of many possible outcomes.
    The FAA agrees that loss of control is not an inevitable result of 
fuel starvation. In the context of this event, the end level effect is 
the loss of powered flight to the destination airport. Accordingly, the 
FAA has revised the background section of the preamble and the unsafe 
condition paragraph of the AD to reflect that fuel starvation and 
engine shutdown could result in the inability to arrive at the 
destination airport or a suitable alternative airport.

Request Regarding Applicability

    Garmin requested the FAA revise the AD to remove several airplane 
models that are not subject to the unsafe condition. Garmin listed 
these models as follows: The Boeing Company Model AT-6 (Navy SNJ-2), 
AT-6A (Navy SNJ-3), AT-6B, AT-6C (Navy SNJ-4), AT-6D (Navy SNJ-5), AT-
6F (Navy SNJ-6), BC- 1A, Navy SNJ-7, and T-6G; Cessna Aircraft Company 
Model T-50 (Army AT-17 and UC-78 series, Navy JRC-1); Costruzioni 
Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Model P2006T; Daher Aircraft Design, LLC 
(type certificate previously held by Quest Aircraft Design, LLC) Model 
Kodiak 100; EADS-PZL Warszawa-Ok[eogon]cie S.A. Model PZL-104 Wilga 80; 
Helio Alaska, Inc. Model H-800; Howard Aircraft Foundation Model DGA-
15J (Army UC-70B), DGA-15P (Army UC-70, Navy GH-1, GH-2, GH-3, NH-1), 
and DGA-15W; Textron Aviation Inc. Model G17S; Thrush Aircraft, LLC 
Model 600 S-2D, S2R, S2R-R1340, S2R-Rl820, S2R-R3S, and S2R-T34; and 
Waco Aircraft Company Model YMF airplanes.
    The FAA agrees and has revised the list of applicable models 
accordingly.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Except for the changes described 
previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the 
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin 2134, 
Revision A, and Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin 2135, Revision A, 
both dated April 23, 2021. This service information specifies 
procedures for modifying the GEA 24 resistive fuel probe interface. 
These documents are distinct since they apply to different STCs. This 
service information is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Master Drawing List (MDL) Document No. 005-
01320-00, Revision 10, for STC No. SA01899WI; and MDL Drawing No. 005-
01208-41, Revision 10, for STC No. SA02658SE; both dated April 23, 
2021. This service information contains the type design data for 
installation of the STC. MDL Document No. 005-01320-00, Revision 10, 
dated April 23, 2021, introduces a new fuel quantity interface and 
configuration to eliminate the unsafe condition described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 920 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost       airplane        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modify fuel probe interface and         8 work-hours x $85 per               $10            $690        $634,800
 recalibrate the fuel system.            hour = $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected operators.

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.
    The FAA is 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, 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

[[Page 8160]]

    (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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

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

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2022-03-15 Various Airplanes: Amendment 39-21932; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0715; Project Identifier AD-2021-00259-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 21, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all serial numbers of the airplane models 
listed in table 1 to paragraph (c), certificated in any category, 
that are either:
    (1) Modified with a Garmin G3X Touch Electronic Flight 
Instrument System under Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. 
SA01899WI, installed in accordance with Master Drawing List (MDL) 
Document No. 005-01320-00, Revision 9 or earlier, interfaced with a 
Garmin Engine Adapter GEA 24 connected to resistive fuel probes; or
    (2) Modified with a Garmin GI 275 Multi-Function Display under 
STC No. SA02658SE, installed in accordance with MDL Revision 9 or 
earlier, interfaced with a Garmin Engine Adapter GEA 24 connected to 
resistive fuel probes.
    Note 1 to paragraph (c): Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin 
No. 2134, Revision A, and Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin No. 
2135, Revision A, both dated April 23, 2021, contain information for 
how to determine if your airplane has a resistive probe interface.
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(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2841, Fuel Quantity 
Indicator.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of fuel quantity disparities 
between the amount of fuel indicated and the actual amount of fuel. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to ensure that the amount of fuel 
indicated is the amount of fuel available. The unsafe condition, if 
not addressed, could result in fuel starvation and engine shutdown 
which could result in the inability to arrive at the destination 
airport or a suitable alternative airport.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Action

    Within 100 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
this AD or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first, modify the fuel probe interface by following 
the Modification Instructions in Garmin Mandatory STC Service 
Bulletin 2134, Revision A, or Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin 
2135, Revision A, both dated April 23, 2021, whichever is 
applicable.

 (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Wichita ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (i) 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.

(i) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Marks, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport 
Road, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-4153; email: 
[email protected] or [email protected].

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin 2134, Revision A, 
dated April 23, 2021.
    (ii) Garmin Mandatory STC Service Bulletin 2135, Revision A, 
dated April 23, 2021.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Garmin International, Garmin Aviation Support, 1200 E 151st Street, 
Olathe, KS 66062; phone: (866) 739-5687; email: [email protected]; 
website: https://fly.garmin.com/fly-garmin/support/.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.


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    Issued on January 25, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-03000 Filed 2-11-22; 8:45 am]
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