NavWorx explains refused FAA inspection
Company says it had reason to deny inspectors access
NavWorx Inc. has explained one of its refusals to allow FAA inspectors access to the Texas facility where it manufactures the ADS600-B universal access transceiver (UAT). The products provide Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out and In capabilities on the 978-MHz frequency.
Refusal to allow inspectors access to the facility was cited in the FAA’s Nov. 21 emergency order that suspended NavWorx’s authorization to manufacture certain models of its ADS600-B UAT.
“For the last inspection noted, we told the FAA that our quality inspector would not be available,” NavWorx President Bill Moffitt told AOPA. The inspector had to undergo back surgery and the ensuing recovery, he explained. “But they insisted on performing the inspection. We knew that they would then fail us on those items.
“We preferred this approach [over] failing the inspection because of missing personnel, and having the FAA say that our quality system wasn’t up to par, insinuating a much deeper problem,” Moffitt said. He indicated the company had reasons for the other reported refusals to admit FAA inspectors, as well.
The FAA said in a press release that it is concerned ADS600-B UATs with those part numbers may contain an internal GPS receiver that does not meet the FAA’s minimum ADS-B performance standards for transmitting aircraft position. The FAA on Oct. 20 proposed an airworthiness directive that would require removing the UATs from the aircraft in which they have been installed, and would prohibit their installation on any aircraft. It followed an FAA unapproved parts notification issued Oct. 14. The FAA estimated that approximately 800 U.S.-registered aircraft would be affected by the proposed AD.
NavWorx ADS-B transceivers with part numbers 200-0112 and 200-0113 contain a different WAAS GPS position source and are not subject to the proposed AD or the unapproved parts notification, the FAA said. NavWorx can continue to produce transceivers with those part numbers.
