Airworthiness directives: Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.,

[Federal Register: August 15, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 156)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 47716-47720]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr15au05-2]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20515; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-09-AD; Amendment 39-14221; AD 2005-17-01]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-6, PC- 6-H1, PC-6-H2, PC-6/350, PC-6/350-H1, PC-6/350-H2, PC-6/A, PC-6/A-H1, PC-6/A-H2, PC-6/B-H2, PC-6/B1-H2, PC-6/B2-H2, PC-6/B2-H4, PC-6/C-H2, and PC-6/C1-H2 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) (also identified as Fairchild Republic Company and Fairchild Heli Porter) Model PC-6 airplanes. This AD requires

[[Page 47717]]

you to repetitively inspect the stabilizer-trim attachment and structural components for cracks, corrosion, and discrepancies and replace any defective part with a new part. This AD also requires you to replace all Fairchild connecting pieces, part number (P/N) 6232.0026.XX, with a Pilatus connecting piece and requires you to replace fittings without an index after the P/N with an improved part. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct defective stabilizer-trim attachments and surrounding structural components, which could result in failure of the stabilizer-trim attachment. This failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on September 29, 2005.

As of September 29, 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 6580; facsimile: +41 41 619 6576.

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-2005-20515; Directorate

Identifier 2005-CE-09-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 all Pilatus Model PC-6 airplanes. The FOCA reports that the lower attachment bracket of the horizontal stabilizer actuator broke, which resulted in an emergency landing outside the airport.

The FOCA also reports two other instances of total failure of the stabilizer trim attachment on in-service airplanes.

What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If not detected and corrected, defects in the stabilizer-trim attachment and surrounding structural components could cause the stabilizer-trim attachment to fail. This failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane.

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 Model PC-6 airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on March 24, 2005 (70 FR 15019). The NPRM proposed to require you to:

--Inspect the stabilizer-trim attachment and structural components (the fitting, the connecting piece, the bearing fork, the bearing support assembly, and the auxiliary frame, as applicable) for cracks and corrosion; --Inspect the diameters of the boltholes on the fittings, auxiliary frame, and connecting piece (as applicable) for discrepancies; --Replace any cracked, corroded, or defective part with a new part; and --Replace all Fairchild connecting pieces with a Pilatus connecting piece.

We received comments on the NPRM requesting the following:

--Incorporate revised service to include a procedure for replacing certain fittings with an improved part and to correct the allowable limits of the actuator attachment hole diameters; --Change the repetitive inspection intervals; and --Clarify the applicability of the affected airplanes.

As a result of the above comments, we issued a supplemental NPRM that was published in the Federal Register on June 14, 2005 (34401). The Supplemental NPRM proposed to require you to:

--Inspect the stabilizer-trim attachment and structural components (the fitting, the connecting piece, the bearing fork, the bearing support assembly, and the auxiliary frame, as applicable) for cracks and corrosion; --Inspect the diameters of the boltholes on the fittings, auxiliary frame, and connecting piece (as applicable) for discrepancies; --Replace any cracked part with a new part; --Repair or replace corroded or defective part; --Replace all Fairchild connecting pieces, P/N 6232.0026.XX with a Pilatus connecting piece. The Fairchild part has a rivet in the middle that is not on the Pilatus part; and --Replace all fittings, P/N 116.40.06.033 without an index after the P/ N with an improved part, P/N 116.40.06.033 with an index after the P/N or P/N 116.40.06.112.

Comments

Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD.

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. submitted a comment stating that they have no further comments on the Supplemental NPRM.

Comment Issue: Update Reference to the Swiss AD

What is the commenter's concern? FOCA has superseded Swiss AD HB- 2005-080, effective date March 2, 2005, with Swiss AD HB-2005-263, effective date June 16, 2005.

The commenter requests that the reference to the Swiss AD be changed to incorporate the new AD number.

What is FAA's response to the concern? We concur with the commenter and will change the final rule AD action.

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 the changes discussed above and minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these changes and 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.

Docket Information

Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD docket that contains information relating to this subject in person at the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (eastern standard 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.

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),

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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 41 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 inspections:

Total cost per Labor cost

Parts cost

airplane

Total cost on U.S. operators

11 work hours x $65 per hour = Not applicable.....

$715 $715 x 41 = $29,315 $715.

We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements that will be required based on the results of the inspections. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need these replacements:

Total cost per airplane to replace all Labor cost

Parts cost

parts

10 work hours x $65 = $650............. $2,000 to replace all $650 + $2,000 = $2,650 parts.

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-2005-20515; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-09-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:

2005-17-01 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-14221; Docket No. FAA-2005-20515; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-09-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

(a) This AD becomes effective on September 29, 2005.

What Other ADs Are Affected By This Action?

(b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

(c) This AD affects the following airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN), that are certificated in any category.

Note 1: These airplanes are also identified as Fairchild Republic Company PC-6 series airplanes and Fairchild Heli Porter PC- 6 series airplanes.

Models

(1) PC-6 (2) PC-6-H1 (3) PC-6-H2 (4) PC-6/350 (5) PC-6/350-H1 (6) PC-6/350-H2 (7) PC-6/A (8) PC-6/A-H1 (9) PC-6/A-H2 (10) PC-6/B-H2 (11) PC-6/B1-H2 (12) PC-6/B2-H2 (13) PC-6/B2-H4 (14) PC-6/C-H2 (15) PC-6/C1-H2

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. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the stabilizer-trim attachment and surrounding structural components, which could result in failure of the stabilizer-trim attachment. 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:

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Actions

Compliance

Procedures

(1) Inspect the following: (i) the stabilizer-trim Within the next 100 Follow Pilatus PC-6 attachment and structural hours time-in-

Service Bulletin components (fitting,

service (TIS) after No. 53-001, Rev. connecting piece, bearing September 29, 2005 No. 1, dated June fork, bearing support

(the effective date 1, 2005. assembly, and auxiliary of this AD). frame, as applicable) for Repetitively cracks and corrosion; and. inspect thereafter (ii) the diameters of the at intervals not-to- actuator attachment bolt exceed 3,500 hours holes on the fittings,

TIS or 7 years, auxiliary frame, and

whichever occurs connecting piece (as

first. applicable) for discrepancies..

(2) If cracks are found Replace the

Follow Pilatus PC-6 during any inspection

defective part

Service Bulletin required in paragraph

before further

No. 53-001, Rev. (e)(1)(i) of this AD,

flight after the No. 1, dated June replace the defective part inspection in which 1, 2005. with a new part.

cracks are found. After each replacement, continue with the repetitive inspection requirement in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

(3) If corrosion or discrepancies are found during any inspection required in paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii) of this AD, do the following: (i) replace the defective Replace or repair Follow Pilatus PC-6 part with a new part if the the defective part Service Bulletin corrosion or discrepancy is before further

No. 53-001, Rev. beyond the repairable

flight after the No. 1, dated June limits stated in the

inspection in which 1, 2005. service information; or. corrosion or (ii) repair the defective discrepancies are part if the corrosion or found. After each discrepancy is within the replacement or repairable limits stated in repair, continue the service information.. with the repetitive inspection requirement in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

(4) Replace the following: (i) all Fairchild connecting Within the next 100 Follow Pilatus PC-6 pieces, part number (P/N) hours TIS after Service Bulletin 6232.0026.XX, with a

September 29, 2005 No. 53-001, Rev. Pilatus connecting piece, P/ (the effective date No. 1, dated June N 6232.0026.XX. The

of this AD). After 1, 2005. Fairchild part has a rivet replacement, in the middle that is not repetitively on the Pilatus part; and. inspect thereafter (ii) all fittings, P/N

at intervals not-to- 116.40.06.033 without an exceed 3,500 hours index after the P/N, with TIS or 7 years, an improved part, P/N

whichever occurs 116.40.06.033 with an index first. If after the of ``A'' or ``B'' after the inspection required P/N or with P/N

in paragraph (e)(1) 116.40.06.112..

of this AD, you determine that you already have a P/N 116.40.06.033 with an index of ``A'' or ``B'' or a P/N 116.40.06.112 installed, repetitively inspect thereafter at intervals not-to- exceed 3,500 hours TIS or 7 years, whichever occurs first after the part was installed.

(5) Do not install any of the following: (i) Fairchild connecting As of September 29, Follow Pilatus PC-6 piece, P/N 6232.0026.XX (it 2005 (the effective Service Bulletin has a rivet in the middle date of this AD). No. 53-001, Rev. that is not on the Pilatus

No. 1, dated June part); and.

1, 2005. (ii) fitting, P/N 116.40.06.033, without an index after the part number..

Note 2: Even though not required in this AD, the FAA recommends that you send all defective parts to Pilatus at the address specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. With the part, include the aircraft serial number, flying hours, and cycles.

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 HB-2005-263, effective date June 16, 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 PC-6 Service Bulletin No. 53-001, Rev. No. 1, dated June 1, 2005. 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 6580; facsimile: +41 41 619 6576. 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-2005-20515;

Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-09-AD.

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Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 8, 2005. Kim Smith, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 05-16000 Filed 8-12-05; 8:45 am]

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