The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) 2012-26-15 for certain Honeywell International Inc. air data pressure transducers as installed on various aircraft. This AD requires various tests or checks of equipment having certain air data pressure transducers, and removal of equipment if necessary. As an option to the tests or checks, this AD allows removal of affected equipment having certain air data pressure transducers. This AD was prompted by a report of a pressure measurement error in the pressure transducer used in various air data systems, which translates into air data parameter errors. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct inaccuracies of the pressure sensors, which could result in altitude, computed airspeed, true airspeed, and Mach computation errors. These errors could reduce the ability of the flightcrew to maintain the safe flight of the aircraft and could result in consequent loss of control of the aircraft.

DATES: This AD is effective January 24, 2013.

An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD 2012-26-15. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because inaccuracies of the pressure sensors could result in altitude, computed airspeed, true airspeed, and Mach computation errors. These errors could reduce the ability of the flightcrew to maintain the safe flight of the aircraft and could result in consequent loss of control of the aircraft. Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 90 appliances installed on, but not limited to, various aircraft of U.S. registry.

The manufacturer is currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, approved, and available, the FAA said they might consider additional rulemaking.

Dassault, Embraer, Gulfstream, Lear, Airbus, Boeing, Large Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft

2012-26-15.pdf