Airworthiness directives: Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.,
[Federal Register: August 2, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 147)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 44297-44300]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02au05-17]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
[Docket No. FAA-2005-21835; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-35-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).
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to inspect the left and right main landing gear (MLG) assemblies for any part number (P/N) 532.10.12.077 bolts that do not have white primed and painted heads; and replace any bolt found with new P/N 532.10.12.077F bolts in all MLG assemblies. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. We are issuing this proposed AD to detect and correct any P/N 532.10.12.077 bolts that do not have white primed and painted heads, which could result in corrosion of the bolt and consequent failure of the bolt. This failure could lead to MLG collapse during airplane landing and take-off operations with consequent loss of airplane control.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by August 31, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed AD:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001.
Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
To get the service information identified in this proposed 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 comments to this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov.
This is docket number FAA-2005-21835; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE- 35-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:
[[Page 44298]]
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 the docket number, ``FAA-2005-21835; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-35-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Using the search function of our docket Web site, anyone can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). This is docket number FAA-2005-21835; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE- 35-AD. You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
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.
Docket Information
Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD docket that contains the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (eastern time), Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of Transportation NASSIF Building at the street address stated in ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The comments will be available in the
AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
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 certain Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. The FOCA reports part number (P/N) 532.10.12.077 bolts that do not have white primed and painted heads are subject to corrosion. These bolts attach the hydraulic actuators to the left and right main landing gear (MLG) assemblies. The FOCA further reports the separation of a bolt head in an MLG assembly has occurred due to corrosion. The corrosion occurred because the bolt head was not primed and painted.
Pilatus has designed and produced a new bolt (P/N 532.10.077F) as part of Modification Kit No. 500.50.12.299 to replace the subject bolt. Pilatus recommends the replacement of bolts in pairs.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Corrosion of the bolt could lead to MLG collapse during airplane landing and take- off operations with consequent loss of airplane control.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? Pilatus has issued Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No. 32-018, dated May 2, 2005.
What are the provisions of this service information? The service bulletin includes procedures for:
--Inspecting the MLG assemblies to find P/N 532.10.12.077 bolts that do not have white primed and painted heads; and --Replacing any P/N 532.10.12.077 bolts that do not have primed and painted heads with new P/N 532.10.077F bolts in all MLG assemblies.
What action did the FOCA take? The FOCA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Swiss AD Number HB-2005-288, dated June 29, 2005, 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.
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 registered in the United States, we are proposing AD action to detect and correct any P/N 532.10.12.077 bolts that do not have white primed and painted heads, which could result in corrosion of the bolt and consequent failure of the bolt. This failure could lead to MLG collapse during airplane landing and take-off operations with consequent loss of airplane control.
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 350 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 do this proposed inspection:
Total cost per Total cost on Labor cost
Parts cost
airplaine U.S. operators
1 work hour x $65 per hour = $65............. Not applicable.................
$65
$22,750
[[Page 44299]]
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary single bolt replacement (using Modification Kit No. 500.50.12.299) that would be required based on the results of this proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need this bolt replacement:
Total cost per Labor cost
Parts cost
airplane
3 work hours x $65 per hour = $1,000 estimate for
$1,195 $195.
each Modification Kit No. 500.50.12.299.
Pilatus will provide warranty credit for inspecting and replacing the specified bolts 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
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:
-
Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
-
Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
-
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 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 ``AD Docket FAA-2005-21835; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-35-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
-
The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
-
The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. FAA-2005-21835; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-35-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 August 31, 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, Manufacturers Serial Numbers (MSN) 101 through 620, 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 any part number (P/N) 532.10.12.077 bolts that do not have white primed and painted heads, which could result in corrosion of the bolt and consequent failure of the bolt. This failure of the bolt could lead to main landing gear (MLG) collapse during airplane landing and take-off operations with consequent loss of airplane control.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
Actions
Compliance
Procedures
(1) Inspect the main landing Within the next 100 Follow Pilatus PC12 gear (MLG) assemblies, part hours time-in-
Service Bulletin number (P/N) 532.10.12.049 service (TIS) or 90 No. 32-018, dated and P/N 532.10.12.050, for days after the
May 2, 2005. any P/N 532.10.12.077 bolts effective date of that do not have white
this AD, whichever primed and painted heads. occurs first, unless already done. (2) Replace any P/N
Before further
Follow Pilatus PC12 532.10.12.077 bolts that do flight after the Service Bulletin not have white primed and inspection required No. 32-018, dated painted heads found as a by paragraph (e)(1) May 2, 2005. result of the inspection of this AD. required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. Replace with new bolts (new P/N 532.10.077F or FAA-approved equivalent part number) in both MLG assemblies.
[[Page 44300]]
(3) Do not install:......... As of the effective Not Applicable. (i) Any P/N 532.10.12.077 date of this AD. bolt that does not have a white primed and painted head in any MLG assembly (P/ N 532.10.12.049 or P/N 532.10.12.050); and. (ii) Any MLG assembly (P/N 532.10.12.049 or P/N 532.10.12.050) that does not have P/N 532.10.12.077 bolts with white primed and painted heads..
Note: The FAA recommends that you return any removed bolts 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-2005-288, dated June 29, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?
(h) To get copies of the documents referenced 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, or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. This is docket number FAA-2005-
21835; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-35-AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 25, 2005. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-15181 Filed 8-1-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
