[Federal Register: July 16, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 136)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 41903-41906]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16jy03-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-CE-51-AD; Amendment 39-13226; AD 2003-14-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and
PC-12/45 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to all Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models PC-12 and PC-12/
45 airplanes. This AD requires you to repetitively replace the nose
landing gear (NLG) drag link right-hand part every 4,000 landings until
an improved design NLG drag link right-hand part is installed. This AD
also requires you to install an improved design NLG drag link right-
hand part as terminating action for the repetitive replacements. This
AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. The
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent structural failure
of the nose landing gear (NLG) caused by fatigue damage to the NLG drag
link right-hand part that develops over time. Such failure could result
in either an unintended NLG extension during flight or the NLG not
properly locking upon extension, which could lead to loss of airplane
control during landing operations.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on September 5, 2003.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of
September 5, 2003.
ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD
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 this information at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-51-AD, 901 Locust, Room
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
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:
Discussion
What events have caused this 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 certain
Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. The FOCA reports that 3
aircraft experienced a failure of the nose landing gear (NLG) drag link
assembly during cruise flight. The actuator attachment levers on the
right-hand upper drag link part failed. In all cases, the NLG fell out
due to gravity, and the emergency spring pack extended it forward and
allowed safe landings.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Structural
failure of the
[[Page 41904]]
NLG drag link right-hand part could result in either an unintended NLG
extension during flight or the NLG not properly locking upon extension.
This could lead to loss of airplane control during landing operations.
Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to
amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to
include an AD that would apply to all Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45
airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on April 23, 2003 (68
FR 19963). The supplemental NPRM proposed to require you to
repetitively replace the nose landing gear (NLG) drag link right-hand
part every 4,000 landings until an improved design NLG drag link right-
hand part is installed. The NPRM also proposed to require you to
install an improved design NLG drag link right-hand part as terminating
action for the repetitive replacements.
Was the public invited to comment? The FAA encouraged interested
persons to participate in the making of this amendment. The following
presents the comments received on the proposal and FAA's response to
each comment:
Comment Issue No. 1: Temporary Revision Incorporated in Aircraft
Maintenance Manual
What is the commenter's concern? A commenter states that when the
NPRM and the supplemental NPRM were issued that the reference to
Temporary Revision No. 32-14, dated June 4, 2002, to Pilatus PC-12
Maintenance Manual 32-20-06, was correct. However, since issuance of
the NPRMs, Pilatus has incorporated the temporary revision into the
Pilatus PC-12 Maintenance Manual. The commenter recommends that FAA
revise the reference to read the Pilatus PC-12 Maintenance Manual 32-
20-06 instead of the temporary revision.
What is FAA's response to the concern? We concur with the commenter
and for clarity and completeness will change the final rule AD action
to incorporate this change.
Comment Issue No. 2: Use of Correct Service Bulletin
What is the commenter's concern? A commenter states that Pilatus
has issued PC12 Service Bulletin No. 32-014, Revision No. 1, dated May
13, 2003, which includes minor changes. However, the commenter points
out that compliance following either the original service bulletin or
the revised service bulletin should be acceptable. Further, operators
who do the work following the revised service bulletin should not need
to request an alternative method of compliance (AMOC). The commenter
recommends the final AD action include references to the original
service bulletin and the revised service bulletin.
What is FAA's response to the concern? The FAA agrees and we are
changing the final rule AD to provide for owners/operators who
accomplish the work under either the original service bulletin or
Revision 1 of the service bulletin.
FAA's Determination
What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We carefully
reviewed all available information related to the subject presented
above and determined that air safety and the public interest require
the adoption of the rule as proposed except for the changes discussed
above and minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these
changes and minor corrections:
--Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the
unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10,
2002, FAA 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 special flight permits, alternative methods of
compliance, and altered products. 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.
Cost Impact
How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD
affects 265 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the
affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the
replacement with the same design part:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
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6 workhours x $60 per hour = $360............. $1,000 $1,360 $1,360 x 265 = $360,400.
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We estimate the following costs to accomplish the replacement with
the improved design part:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
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6 workhours x $60 per hour = $360............. $2,200 $2,560 $2,560 x 265 = $678,400.
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Compliance Time of This AD
What is the compliance time of this AD? The compliance time of this
AD is based on the number of landings rather than hours TIS.
Why is the compliance time of this AD presented in landings? The
reason for this type of compliance is that the area that is showing
fatigue is the NLG drag link right-hand part. This area of the airplane
is used during the landing operation. We have determined to base the
compliance time for this AD upon the number of landings.
Since airplane operators are not required to keep track of
landings, we will provide a method of calculating hours TIS into
landings.
Regulatory Impact
Does this AD impact various entities? The regulations adopted
herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not
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have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
Does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For
the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a
``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) is
not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A copy
of the final evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:
2003-14-07 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-13226; Docket No.
2002-CE-51-AD.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects
Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are
certificated in any category.
(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must
comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to prevent structural failure of the nose
landing gear (NLG) caused by fatigue damage to the NLG drag link
right-hand part that develops over time. Such failure could result
in either an unintended NLG extension during flight or the NLG not
properly locking upon extension, which could lead to loss of
airplane control during landing operations.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Replace the nose landing Upon the In accordance with
gear (NLG) drag link accumulation of the Pilatus PC-12
righthand part, part number 4,000 landings on the Maintenance
(P/N) 532.20.12.140 with:. the nose landing Manual 32-20-06,
(i) The same P/N gear (NLG) drag pages 401 through
532.20.12.140 or FAA- link right hand 405, dated October
approved equivalent part part or within the 1, 2002.
number; or. next 100 landings
(ii) Improved design NLG after September 5,
drag link right-hand part, 2003 (the effective
P/N 532.20.12.289. date of this AD),
whichever occurs
later.
Incorporation of
the improved-design
NLG drag link brace
is terminating
action for this AD.
(2) If replacement in Upon the In accordance with
paragraph (d)(1) is with accumulation of the Pilatus PC-12
the original style part, 4,000 landings. Maintenance Manual
replace with:. Incorporation of 32-20-06, pages 401
(i) The same P/N improved-design NLG through 405, dated
532.20.12.140 or FAA- drag link brace is October 1, 2002.
approved equivalent part terminating action
number; or. for this AD.
(ii) Improved design NLG
drag link right-hand part,
P/N 532.20.12.289.
(3) Unless already At the third In accordance with
accomplished per paragraph replacement either Pilatus
(d)(1) or (d)(2), replace required in Aircraft Ltd. PC12
the NLG drag link right- paragraph (d)(2) of Service Bulletin
hand part, P/N this AD. No. 32-014, dated
532.20.12.140, with an August 13, 2002, or
improved design NLG drag Pilatus Aircraft
link right-hand part, P/N Ltd. PC12 Service
532.20.12.289 or FAA- Bulletin No. 32-
approved equivalent part 014, Revision No.
number. Installing the 1, dated May 13,
improved part number 2003, and the
terminates the repetitive Pilatus PC-12
replacement requirements of Maintenance Manual.
paragraph (d)(2) of this AD.
(4) Do not install, on any When an improved P/N Not Applicable.
affected airplane, an NLG 532.20.12.289 NLG
drag link right-hand part drag link part is
that is not P/N installed after the
532.20.12.289 or FAA- effective date of
approved equivalent part this AD.
number.
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(e) What if I do not keep track of landings? The compliance
times of this AD are presented in landings instead of hours time-in-
service (TIS). If landings are not known, hours TIS may be used by
dividing the numbers of hours TIS by the unknown landings factor
(0.75).
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, 3,000 hours TIS would be
equivalent to 4,000 landings (3,000 hours/0.75 = 4,000 landings).
(f) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? To use an
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time, use
the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Send these requests to the Standards
Office Manager, Small Airplane Directorate. 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 for information on any already approved
alternative methods of compliance.
(g) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance
with either Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC12 Service Bulletin No. 32-014,
dated August 13, 2002, or Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC12 Service
Bulletin No. 32-014, Revision No. 1, dated May 13, 2003; and Pilatus
PC-12 Maintenance Manual 32-20-06, pages 401 through 405, dated
October 1, 2002. The Director of the Federal Register approved this
incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
You may get copies from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison
Manager, CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 63 19;
facsimile: +41 41 619 6224; 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 copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swiss AD Number
HB 2002-271, dated June 17, 2002.
(h) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment
becomes effective on September 5, 2003.
[[Page 41906]]
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 7, 2003.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-17566 Filed 7-15-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P