[Federal Register: April 13, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 70)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 19342-19345]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13ap05-28]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20720; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-17-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 insert a temporary
revision into the Limitations Section of the Pilot Operating Handbook
(POH). This proposed AD would also require you to replace the pitch
actuator with an improved design pitch actuator and make the necessary
wiring and circuit breaker changes, as applicable. Installing the
improved design pitch actuator terminates the need for the temporary
revision in the POH. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority
for Switzerland. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent an out-of-
trim condition from occurring when the flaps are at a 40-degree flight
phase and the pilot disconnects the autopilot. This condition could
lead to reduced ability to control the airplane.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by May 13,
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:
[[Page 19343]]
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-2005-20720; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-
17-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:
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-2005-20720; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-17-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-2005-20720; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-
17-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 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 certain Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. The FOCA
reports that an abrupt nose down pitch condition occurred on a PC-12
airplane.
Investigation revealed that the pilot disconnected the autopilot
when the flaps were at a 40-degree selection.
Pilatus has determined that the pitch actuator sense circuitry
becomes over-active during a 40-degree flight phase. Therefore, Pilatus
designed a new pitch actuator that modifies sense output signals and
removes the flap in motion signal to the autopilot.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? This condition,
if not corrected, could result in an out-of-trim condition when the
flaps are at a 40-degree flight phase and the pilot disconnects the
autopilot. This condition could lead to reduced ability to control the
airplane.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? Pilatus
has issued PC12 Service Bulletin No. 22-004, dated December 21, 2004;
and Temporary Revision No. 11 (Report No. 02211) or No. 40 (Report No.
01973-001).
What are the provisions of this service information? The service
bulletin includes procedures for:
--Replacing the pitch actuator, part number (P/N) 985.92.03.161, with
an improved design pitch actuator, P/N 985.92.03.164; and
--Making the associated wiring and circuit breaker changes, as
applicable.
What action did the FOCA take? The FOCA classified this service
bulletin as mandatory and issued Swiss AD Number HB-2005-128, effective
date March 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 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 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 prevent an out-of-trim condition from occurring when the
flaps are at a 40-degree flight phase and the pilot disconnects the
autopilot. This condition could lead to reduced ability to control the
airplane.
What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require
you to insert the applicable temporary revision into the Pilot
Operating Handbook (POH) and incorporate the actions in the previously-
referenced service bulletin. The POH revision is no longer necessary
when the improved design pitch actuator referenced in the service
information is installed.
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 330 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
incorporate the
[[Page 19344]]
proposed Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) Temporary Revision:
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Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
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1 work hour x $65 per hour = $65............. Not applicable................. $65 $21,450
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Pilatus will provide warranty credit for replacing the pitch
actuator 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-2005-20720; Directorate Identifier 005-CE-17-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-2005-20720; Directorate
Identifier 2005-CE-17-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 May 13, 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
prevent an out-of-trim condition from occurring when the flaps are
at a 40-degree flight phase and the pilot disconnects the autopilot.
This condition could lead to reduced ability to control 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
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(1) Insert Temporary Revision Within the next 90 The owner/operator
No. 11 (Report No. 02211) or days after the holding at least
No. 40 (Report No. 01973-001) effective date of a private pilot
into the Limitations Section of this AD, unless certificate as
the PC-12 Pilot's Operating already done. authorized by
Handbook (POH). section 43.7 of
the Federal
Aviation
Regulations (14
CFR 43.7) may
modify the POH as
specified in
paragraph (e)(1)
of this AD. Make
an entry into the
aircraft records
showing
compliance with
this the portion
of the AD
following section
43.9 of Federal
Aviation
Regulations (14
CFR 43.9).
(2) Replace the pitch actuator, Within the next 6 Follow Pilatus
part number (P/N) months after the PC12 Service
985.92.03.161, with an improved effective date of Bulletin No. 22-
design pitch actuator, P/N this AD, unless 004, dated
985.92.03.164; and make the already done. December 21,
associated wiring and circuit 2004.
breaker changes (as applicable).
[[Page 19345]]
(3) Remove the Temporary Before further The owner/operator
Revision to the POH specified flight after the holding at least
in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD pitch actuator is a private pilot
after the pitch actuator is replaced with an certificate as
replaced as required in improved design authorized by
paragraph (e)(2) of this AD. pitch actuator. section 43.7 of
the Federal
Aviation
Regulations (14
CFR 43.7) may
modify the POH as
specified in
paragraph (e)(3)
of of this AD.
Make an entry
into the aircraft
records showing
compliance with
this portion of
the AD following
section 43.9 of
the Federal
Aviation
Regulations (14
CFR 43.9).
(4) Do not install a P/N As of the Not applicable.
985.92.03.161 pitch actuator. effective date 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.
Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(g) Swiss AD Number HB-2005-128, effective date March 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-
20720; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-17-AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 6, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-7382 Filed 4-12-05; 8:45 am]
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