[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]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[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).
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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:
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Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplaine U.S. operators
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1 work hour x $65 per hour = $65............. Not applicable................. $65 $22,750
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[[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:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane
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3 work hours x $65 per hour = $1,000 estimate for $1,195
$195. each Modification Kit
No. 500.50.12.299.
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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:
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 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
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. 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:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(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..
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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