[Federal Register: October 26, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 206)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 61723-61727]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26oc05-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22018; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-41-AD;
Amendment 39-14348; AD 2005-22-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and
PC-12/45 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes.
This AD requires you to determine (maintenance records check and/or
inspection) whether certain nose landing gear (NLG), main landing gear
(MLG), and MLG shock absorber assemblies with a serial number beginning
with ``AM'' are
[[Page 61724]]
installed, and, if installed, would require you to replace them with
ones without the ``AM.'' This AD is the result of mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority
for Switzerland. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct the NLG,
MLG, and MLG shock absorber assemblies that are affected by hydrogen
embrittlement, which could result in failure of the landing gear. This
failure could lead to nose or main landing gear collapse during
operation with consequent loss of airplane control.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on December 12, 2005.
As of December 12, 2005, the Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed
in the regulation.
ADDRESSES: To get the service information identified in this AD,
contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans,
Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 6208; facsimile: +41 41 619 7311; e-
mail: SupportPC12@pilatus-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.
To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
The docket number is FAA-2005-22018; Directorate
Identifier 2005-CE-41-AD.
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 Pilatus
Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. The FOCA reports that some
components of the main landing gear (MLG), nose landing gear (NLG), and
MLG shock absorber assemblies have the potential to fail during
operation.
Investigations revealed that an improper cadmium plating process
applied to the high strength steel part causes the problem. This can
result in hydrogen embrittlement. Affected are only components that are
installed on MLG, NLG, and MLG shock absorber assemblies, with serial
numbers that start with the letters ``AM.'' Components in this
condition can experience a decreased fatigue life.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Failure of the
nose or main landing gear could lead to nose or main landing gear
collapse during operation with consequent loss of airplane control.
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 certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
(Pilatus) Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. This proposal was
published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) on August 22, 2005 (70 FR 48914). The NPRM proposed to require
you to determine (maintenance records check and/or inspection) whether
certain nose landing gear (NLG), main landing gear (MLG), and MLG shock
absorber assemblies with a serial number beginning with ``AM'' are
installed, and, if installed, would require you to replace them with
ones without the ``AM.''
Comments
Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no
comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the
public.
Conclusion
What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully
reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor
editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:
--Are consistent with 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.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10,
2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997,
July 22, 2002), which governs the 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 does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD
affects 350 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 do the check of
the logbook to identify NLG, MLG, and MLG shock absorber assemblies
with serial numbers that start with the letters AM:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
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1 work hour x $65 per hour = $65.... Not applicable......... $65 350 x $65 = $22,750.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary inspection and
replacement of all possible NLG, MLG, and MLG shock absorber assemblies
that would be required based on the results of this check of the
logbook. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may
need this replacement:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane
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41 work hours x $65 per hour $3,800 for the NLG $2,665 + $3,800 +
= $2,665. kit, $850 for the $850 + $2,600 =
MLG kit, and $2,600 $9,915.
for the MLG shock
absorber assembly
kit.
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[[Page 61725]]
Pilatus will provide warranty credit for replacing the specified
assemblies to the extent stated in the service information.
Authority for This Rulemaking
What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action?
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this AD.
Regulatory Findings
Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that this
AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
This AD 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.
Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For
the reasons discussed above, I certify that this 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 AD (and
other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) 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 ``Docket
No. FAA-2005-22018; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-41-AD'' in your
request.
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:
2005-22-04 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-14348; Docket No.
FAA-2005-22018; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-41-AD.
When Does This AD Become Effective?
(a) This AD becomes effective on December 12, 2005.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) None.
What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes,
manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 101 through MSN 625, that are
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 detect
and correct the nose landing gear (NLG), main landing gear (MLG),
and MLG shock absorber assemblies that are affected by hydrogen
embrittlement, which could result in failure of the landing gear.
This failure could lead to nose or main landing gear collapse during
operation with consequent loss of airplane control.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Maintenance Records Check: Within the next No special
(i) For MSN 101 through MSN 471 100 hours time-in- procedures
and MSN 473 through MSN 482: service (TIS) or necessary to
Check the maintenance records 12 calendar check the
to determine whether the months after maintenance
following replacements have December 12, 2005 records.
been made:. (the effective
(A) Nose landing gear (NLG) date of this AD),
assemblies, part number (P/N) whichever occurs
532.20.12.038 and P/N first, unless
532.20.12.039 with serial already done..
numbers (S/N) AM 001 through AM
045 and AM 048 through AM 054;.
(B) Main landing gear (MLG)
assemblies, P/N 532.10.12.049
and P/N 532.10.12.050 with S/N
AM 001 through AM 027, AM 029
through AM 045, AM 047 through
AM 050, AM 052, and AM 053; and.
(C) MLG shock absorber .................. ..................
assemblies, P/N 532.10.12.175,
with S/N AM 001 through AM 017,
AM 019, AM 021 through AM 063,
AM 065 through AM 070, AM 072
through AM 074, AM 080, AM 084,
AM 086, AM 089, AM 090, AM 093
through AM 096, AM 099, AM 103
through AM 107.
(ii) For MSN 472 and MSN 483 .................. ..................
through MSN 625: Verify that
the S/N parts identified in
paragraphs (e)(1)(i)(A),
(e)(1)(i)(B), and (e)(1)(i)(C)
of this AD have not been
installed.
(iii) The owner/operator holding .................. ..................
at least a private pilot
certificate as authorized by
section 43.7 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
43.7) may make this check. You
must make an entry into the
aircraft records that shows
compliance with this portion of
the AD in accordance with
section 43.9 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
43.9).
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[[Page 61726]]
(2) If you find as a result of Within the next Follow Pilatus
the check required by paragraph 100 hours time-in- PC12 Service
(e)(1)(i) of this AD that there service (TIS) or Bulletin No. 32-
is no record of the specified 12 calendar 016, dated March
assembly replacement, or as a months after 11, 2004.
result of the check required by December 12, 2005
paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this AD (the effective
that parts have been installed date of this AD),
in service, then inspect: whichever occurs
(i) The NLG assemblies, P/N first, unless
532.20.12.038 and P/N already done..
532.20.12.039, for any S/N that
starts with AM 001 through AM
045 and AM 048 through AM 054..
(ii) The MLG assemblies, P/N
532.10.12.049 and P/N
532.10.12.050, for any S/N that
starts with AM 001 through AM
027, AM 029 through AM 045, AM
047 through AM 050, AM 052, and
AM 053.
(iii) The MLG shock absorber
assemblies, P/N 532.10.12.175,
for any S/N that starts with AM
001 through AM 017, AM 019, AM
021 through AM 063, AM 065
through AM 070, AM 072 through
AM 074, AM 080, AM 084, AM 086,
AM 089, AM 090, AM 093 through
AM 096, AM 099, and AM 103
through AM 107.
(iv) You may choose to do the
inspection without doing the
maintenance records check.
---------------------------------
(3) If during the inspection Before further Follow Pilatus
required by paragraph (e)(2) of flight after the PC12 Service
this AD, you find: inspection Bulletin No. 32-
(i) Any NLG assembly, P/N required by 016, dated March
532.20.12.038 and P/N paragraph (e)(2) 11, 2004.
532.20.12.039, with any S/N of this AD.
that starts with AM 001 through
AM 045 or AM 048 through AM
054, replace the NLG specific
components with new components..
(ii) Any MLG assembly, P/N
532.10.12.049 and P/N
532.10.12.050, with any S/N
that starts with AM 001 through
AM 027, AM 029 through AM 045,
AM 047 through AM 050, AM 052,
or AM 053, replace the MLG
specific components with new
components..
(iii) Any MLG shock absorber
assembly, P/N 532.10.12.175,
with any S/N that starts with
AM 001 through AM 017, AM 019,
AM 021 through AM 063, AM 065
through AM 070, AM 072 through
AM 074, AM 080, AM 084, AM 086,
AM 089, AM 090, AM 093 through
AM 096, AM 099, or AM 103
through AM 107, replace the MLG
shock absorber specific
components with new components.
---------------------------------
(4) Do not install: As of December 12, Not Applicable.
(i) Any NLG assembly, P/N 2005 (the
532.20.12.038 and P/N effective date of
532.20.12.039, with any S/N this AD)
that starts with AM 001 through
AM 045 or AM 048 effective
through AM 054..
(ii) Any MLG assembly, P/N
532.10.12.049 and P/N
532.10.12.050, with any S/N
that starts with AM 001 through
AM 027, AM 029 through AM 045,
AM 047 through AM 050, AM 052,
or AM 053.
(iii) Any MLG shock absorber
assembly, P/N 532.10.12.175,
with any S/N that starts with
AM 001 through AM 017, AM 019,
AM 021 through AM 063, AM 065
through AM 070, AM 072 through
AM 074, AM 080, AM 084, AM 086,
AM 089, AM 090, AM 093 through
AM 096, AM 099, or AM 103
through AM 107.
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Note 1: AD 2002-14-22, issued on July 8, 2002 (67 FR 46582), and
AD 2004-06-05, issued on March 15, 2004 (69 FR 13712), are still
applicable.
Note 2: The FAA recommends that you send any removed parts or
assemblies to Pilatus.
May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?
(f) 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.
Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(g) Swiss AD Number HB-2005-168, dated May 3, 2005, also
addresses the subject of this AD.
Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?
(h) You must do the actions required by this AD following the
instructions in Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No. 32-016, dated
March 11, 2004. The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get a copy of this
service information, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison
Manager, CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 6208;
facsimile: +41 41 619 7311; e-mail: SupportPC12@pilatus-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. To review copies of this service
information, go to the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
or call (202) 741-6030. To
view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif
Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on the Internet
at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA-2005-22018;
Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-41-AD.
[[Page 61727]]
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 19, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-21255 Filed 10-25-05; 8:45 am]
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