[Federal Register: April 9, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 69)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 18843-18845]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09ap04-13]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2004-CE-08-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and
PC-12/45 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models PC-12 and PC-12/45
airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to check the airplane
logbook to determine whether certain inboard and outboard flap
flexshafts have been replaced with parts of improved design. If the
parts of improved design are not installed, you would be required to
replace certain inboard and/or outboard flap flexshafts with the parts
of improved design. The pilot is allowed to do the logbook check. If
the pilot can positively determine that the parts of improved design
are installed, no further action is required. This proposed AD is the
result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued
by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. We are issuing this
proposed AD to prevent rupture of the flap flexshafts due to corrosion,
which could result in failure of the flap system. This failure could
lead to loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by May 7, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed
AD:
By mail: FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-CE-08-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
By fax: (816) 329-3771.
By e-mail: 9-ACE-7-Docket@faa.gov. Comments sent
electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2004-CE-08-AD'' in the subject
line. If you send comments electronically as attached electronic files,
the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or ASCII.
You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans,
Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 6208; facsimile: +41 41 619 7311; e-
mail: SupportPC12@pilaltus-aircraft.com or from Pilatus Business
Aircraft Ltd., Product Support Department, 11755 Airport Way,
Broomfield, Colorado 80021; telephone: (303) 465-9099; facsimile: (303)
465-6040.
You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-CE-08-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How Do I Comment on This Proposed AD?
We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2004-CE-08-AD'' in the
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with
the docket number written on it. We will date-stamp your postcard and
mail it back to you.
Are There Any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay
Attention To?
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. If you
contact us through a nonwritten communication and that contact relates
to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the
contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD in
light of those comments and contacts.
Discussion
What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?
The Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA), which is the
airworthiness authority for Switzerland, recently notified FAA that an
unsafe condition may exist on all Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45
airplanes equipped with an inboard and/or outboard flap flexshaft, part
numbers (P/N) 945.02.02.203 and/or 945.02.02.204. The FOCA reports
several occurrences of corrosion found on the inner drive cables of
these flap flexshafts.
The FOCA determined that moisture from the pressurized cabin could
enter the flap flexshafts through the fittings of the protection hose
causing corrosion. This corrosion could cause the flap flexshafts to
rupture.
What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?
If not prevented, corrosion on the flap flexshafts could cause the
flap system to fail. This failure could result in loss of control of
the airplane.
Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?
Pilatus has issued Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No. 27-015, Rev.
No. A, dated November 13, 2003.
What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?
The service bulletin includes procedures for replacing the inboard
and outboard flap flexshafts, P/N 945.02.02.203 and P/N 945.02.02.204,
with parts of improved design, P/N 945.02.02.205 and P/N 945.02.02.206.
What Action Did the FOCA Take?
The FOCA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued
Swiss AD Number HB-2004-068, dated March 4, 2004, to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Switzerland.
Did the FOCA Inform the United States Under the Bilateral Airworthiness
Agreement?
These Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes are manufactured
in Switzerland and are type-certificated for operation in the United
States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness
agreement.
Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the FOCA has kept us
informed of the situation described above.
[[Page 18844]]
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
What Has FAA Decided?
We have examined the FOCA's findings, reviewed all available
information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of
this type design that are certificated for operation in the United
States.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes of the
same type design that are equipped with an inboard and/or outboard flap
flexshaft, P/N 945.02.02.203 and/or P/N 945.02.02.204, and are
registered in the United States, we are proposing AD action to prevent
failure of the flap system.
What Would This Proposed AD Require?
This proposed AD would require you to incorporate the actions in
the previously-referenced service bulletin.
How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This Proposed AD?
On July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products,
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in
future AD actions.
Costs of Compliance
How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 260 airplanes in the U.S.
registry.
What Would Be the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD on Owners/Operators
of the Affected Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish this proposed
replacement:
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Parts cost per flap Total cost per airplane Total cost on U.S.
Labor cost per flap flexshaft flexshaft per flap flexshaft operators
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2 workhours per flap flexshaft (4 $750 per flap flexshaft $130 + $750 = $880 per Maximum cost for
flap flexshafts per airplane) x $65 (4 flap flexshafts per flap flexshaft. $880 x replacing all 4 flap
per hour = $130 per flap flexshaft. airplane). 4 flap flexshafts = flexshafts on all 260
$3,520 to replace all airplanes = $3,520 x
4 flap flexshafts. 260 = $915,200.
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Compliance Time of This Proposed AD
What Would Be the Compliance Time of This Proposed AD?
The compliance time of the proposed replacement that would be
required by this proposed AD is ``within the next 30 days after the
effective date of this AD.''
Why Is This Proposed Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead
of Hours TIS?
The unsafe condition specified by this proposed AD is caused by
corrosion. Corrosion can occur regardless of whether the airplane is in
operation or is in storage. Therefore, to assure that the unsafe
condition specified in this proposed AD does not go undetected for a
long period of time, a compliance time of calendar time is utilized.
Regulatory Findings
Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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.
Would This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD
and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include
``AD Docket No. 2004-CE-08-AD'' in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. 2004-CE-08-AD.
When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?
(a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness
directive (AD) by May 7, 2004.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) None.
What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects Model PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes, all
serial numbers, that are:
(1) equipped with an inboard and/or outboard flap flexshaft,
part number (P/N) 945.02.02.203 and/or P/N 945.02.02.204; and
(2) certificated in any category.
What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for
Switzerland. The actions specified in this AD are intended to
prevent rupture of the flap flexshafts due to corrosion, which could
result in failure of the flap system. This failure could lead to
loss of control of the airplane.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following. If you
already replaced both the inboard and outboard flap flexshafts with
P/N 945.02.02.205 and P/N 945.02.02.206 following Pilatus PC12
Service Bulletin No. 27-015, dated June 4, 2003, then paragraph
(e)(5) of this AD is the only paragraph that applies to you:
[[Page 18845]]
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) For affected airplanes Within the next 30 The owner/operator
with a manufacturer serial days after the holding at least a
number (MSN) of 489 or effective date of private pilot
lower, check the airplane this AD. certificate as
logbook to determine if the authorized by
inboard and outboard flap section 43.7 of the
flexshafts have been Federal Aviation
replaced with P/N Regulations (14 CFR
945.02.02.205 and P/N 43.7) may perform
945.02.02.206. this check.
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(2) For affected airplanes Within the next 30 The owner/operator
with a MSN of 490 and days after the holding at least a
above, check the airplane effective date of private pilot
logbook to determine if the this AD. certificate as
inboard and outboard flap authorized by
flexshafts, P/N section 43.7 of the
945.02.02.205 and P/N Federal Aviation
945.02.02.206 have been Regulations (14 CFR
replaced since delivery. 43.7) may perform
this check.
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(3) If you can positively Not applicable...... Not applicable.
determine that both inboard
and outboard flap
flexshafts, P/Ns
945.02.02.205 and
945.02.02.206 are
installed, no replacement
is required.
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(4) If you cannot positively Before further Follow Pilatus PC12
determine that both inboard flight after the Service Bulletin
and outboard flap logbook checks No. 27-015 as
flexshafts, P/N required in specified in
945.02.02.205 and P/N paragraph (e)(1) paragraph (f) of
945.02.02.206 are and (e)(2) of this this AD.
installed, you must replace AD.
either one or both with P/N
945.02.02.205 and P/N
945.02.02.206, as
applicable.
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(5) Install only inboard and As of the effective Not applicable.
outboard flap flexshafts, P/ date of this AD.
Ns 945.02.02.205 and
945.02.02.206.
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What Revision Levels do the Affected Service Bulletin Incorporate?
(f) The service bulletin required to do the actions required in
this AD incorporate the following pages:
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Affected pages Revision level Date
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1 and 2................................. A.............................. November 13, 2003.
3 through 11............................ Original Issue................. June 4, 2003.
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May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?
(g) You may request a different method of compliance or a
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments
and will send your request to the Manager, Standards Office, Small
Airplane Directorate, FAA. For information on any already approved
alternative methods of compliance, contact Doug Rudolph, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile:
(816) 329-4090.
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?
(h) You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD
from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans,
Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 6208; facsimile: +41 41 619 7311;
e-mail: SupportPC12@pilaltus-aircraft.com or from Pilatus Business
Aircraft Ltd., Product Support Department, 11755 Airport Way,
Broomfield, Colorado 80021; telephone: (303) 465-9099; facsimile:
(303) 465-6040. You may view these documents at FAA, Central Region,
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106.
Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(i) Swiss AD Number HB-2004-068, dated March 4, 2004, also
addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Kansas City, on April 1, 2004.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-8054 Filed 4-8-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4916-13-P