[Federal Register: February 11, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 28)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 7217-7219]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11fe05-13]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-20006; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-49-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Limited Models B4-
PC11, B4-PC11A, and B4-PC11AF Sailplanes
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 all Pilatus Aircraft Limited (Pilatus) Models B4-PC11, B4-PC11A,
and B4-PC11AF sailplanes. This proposed AD would require you to
repetitively inspect the control-column support for cracks and, if any
cracks are found, replace the control-column support with a new
support. 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
cracks in the control-column support, which could result in failure of
the support. This failure could lead to loss of the primary flight
control system.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by March 18,
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: fodermatt@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-2004-20006.
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:
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-2004-20006; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-49-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-2004-20006. 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 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. 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 all Pilatus Aircraft Limited (Pilatus) Models B4-PC11, B4-PC11A, and
B4-PC11AF sailplanes. The FOCA reports nine occurrences of cracks in
the support of the control-column (part number (P/N) 112.35.11.072).
[[Page 7218]]
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Cracks in the
control-column support could result in failure and lead to loss of the
primary flight control system.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? Pilatus
has issued Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 1005, Revision
No. 2, dated April 22, 2004.
What are the provisions of this service information? The service
bulletin includes procedures for:
--Inspecting the control-column support (P/N 112.35.11.072) for cracks;
and
--Replacing the control-column support if any cracks are found.
What action did the FOCA take? The FOCA classified this service
bulletin as mandatory and issued Swiss AD Number HB 2004-491, dated
December 23, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these
sailplanes in Switzerland.
Did the FOCA inform the United States under the bilateral
airworthiness agreement? These Pilatus Models B4-PC11, B4-PC11A, and
B4-PC11AF sailplanes 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 B4-PC11, B4-PC11A, and B4-PC11AF
sailplanes of the same type design that are registered in the United
States, we are proposing AD action to detect and correct cracks in the
control-column support, which could result in failure of the support.
This failure could lead to loss of the primary flight control system.
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 sailplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that
this proposed AD affects 32 sailplanes in the U.S. registry.
What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected sailplanes? We estimate the following costs
to do this proposed inspection of the control-column support:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost sailplane Total cost on U.S. operators
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1 work hour x $65 per hour = $65... Not applicable........ $65 32 x $65 = $2,080.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the results of this proposed
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of sailplanes that
may need this replacement of the control-column support:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost sailplane
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5 work hours x $65 per hour = $325.. $250 $575
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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 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-2004-20006; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-49-AD'' in
your request.
[[Page 7219]]
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 Limited: Docket No. FAA-2004-20006; Directorate
Identifier 2004-CE-49-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 March 18, 2005.
What Other ADs Are Affected By This Action?
(b) None.
What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects Models B4-PC11, B4-PC11A, and B4-PC11AF
sailplanes, all serial numbers, 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 cracks in the control-column support, which could result
in failure of the support. This failure could lead to loss of the
primary flight control system.
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 control-column Within 12 calendar Follow Pilatus
support (part number (P/N) months after the Aircraft Ltd.
112.35.11.072) for cracks. last inspection Service Bulletin
under Pilatus No. 1005,
Aircraft Ltd. Revision No. 2,
Service Bulletin dated April 22,
No. 1005, 2004.
Revision No. 1,
dated April 9,
2003, or Pilatus
Aircraft Ltd.
Service Bulletin
No. 1005,
Revision No. 2,
dated April 22,
2004, where no
cracks were found
or within the
next 30 days
after the
effective date of
this AD,
whichever occurs
later, unless
already done.
Repetitively
inspect
thereafter at
intervals not to
exceed every 12
calendar months
regardless of
whether the
control-column
support was
replaced.
(2) If any cracks are found Before further Follow Pilatus
after the inspection required flight after the Aircraft Ltd.
by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, inspection Service Bulletin
replace the control-column required by No. 1005,
support (P/N 112.35.11.072) paragraph (e)(1) Revision No. 2,
with a new control-column of this AD where dated April 22,
support (P/N 112.35.11.072). you found the 2004.
crack. Continue
the repetitive
inspections
required by
paragraph (e)(1)
of this AD.
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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.
May I Obtain a Special Flight Permit for the Initial Inspection
Requirement of This AD?
(g) No. Special flight permits are not allowed for this AD.
Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(h) Swiss AD Number HB 2004-491, dated December 23, 2004, also
addresses the subject of this AD.
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?
(i) 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; email: fodermatt@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-2004-
20006.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 7, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-2696 Filed 2-10-05; 8:45 am]
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