FORT WORTH, Texas – The U.S. Department
of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration today issued an
emergency order suspending the authorization NavWorx Inc. uses to
manufacture certain Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B)
navigation units. Such units, when properly manufactured and operated, help
to improve the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations.
The authorization, known
as a Technical Standard Order Authorization (TSOA), enables suppliers to
produce components for use on aircraft after proving that each component
meets FAA standards. Federal regulations set forth FAA’s authority to
inspect suppliers’ quality systems, facilities, technical data, and
products to determine whether they meet safety standards. These regulations
also provide that FAA may witness any tests necessary to determine a product’s
compliance.
The suspension order was
issued after NavWorx declined on repeated occasions to allow FAA personnel
to conduct the required inspections. The suspension is immediate and will
remain in effect until NavWorx consents to the inspections and demonstrates
compliance with FAA standards.
The FAA is concerned
that two versions of the company’s ADS600-B units, carrying part numbers
200-0012 and 200-0013, may contain an internal Global Positioning System
(GPS) chip that does not meet the FAA’s minimum performance standards for
transmitting an aircraft’s accurate location.
On June 29, the FAA
requested to inspect NavWorx’s facility to determine the specific GPS unit
and software installed in part numbers 200-0012 and 200-0013, and if the
units are marked correctly. NavWorx informed the inspector that he would
not be allowed inside the company’s facility. During subsequent
correspondence, NavWorx agreed to allow an Aug. 31 inspection but then
denied access when FAA inspectors arrived.
NavWorx later agreed to
allow inspectors into the facility on Nov. 21 but they were again denied
access.
Due to the company’s
unwillingness to comply with these requirements, the FAA has determined
that NavWorx’s continued use of its FAA authorization is contrary to the
interests of safety in air commerce. During the suspension, NavWorx may not
mark or otherwise indicate that its ADS600-B units meet FAA standards.
###
|