[Federal Register: April 21, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 76)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 20708-20710]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21ap05-8]
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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;
Amendment 39-14059; AD 2005-08-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Limited Models B4-
PC11, B4-PC11A, and B4-PC11AF Sailplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Pilatus Aircraft Limited (Pilatus) Models B4-PC11, B4-PC11A, and B4-
PC11AF sailplanes. This AD requires 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 AD results from
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the
airworthiness authority for Switzerland. We are issuing this 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: This AD becomes effective on June 2, 2005.
As of June 2, 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 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 20590-001 or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
The docket number is FAA-2004-20006; Directorate
Identifier 2004-CE-49-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
[[Page 20709]]
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
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).
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.
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 Aircraft Limited
(Pilatus) Models B4-PC11, B4-PC11A, and B4-PC11AF sailplanes. This
proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) on February 11, 2005 (70 FR 7217). The NPRM proposed
to 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.
Comments
Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no
comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the
public.
Conclusion
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 minor
editorial corrections. We have determined that these 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.
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), 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 sailplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD
affects 32 sailplanes in the U.S. registry.
What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the
affected sailplanes? We estimate the following costs to do the
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 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
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-2004-20006; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-49-AD'' in your
request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
[[Page 20710]]
Adoption of the Amendment
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:
2005-08-07 Pilatus Aircraft Limited: Amendment 39-14059; Docket No.
FAA-2004-20006; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-49-AD.
When Does This AD Become Effective?
(a) This AD becomes effective on June 2, 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 Initially inspect Follow Pilatus B4-
support (part number (P/N) within 12 PC 11 Aircraft
112.35.11.072) for cracks. calendar months Ltd. Service
after the last Bulletin No.
inspection under 1005, Revision
Pilatus Aircraft No. 2, dated
Ltd. Service April 22, 2004.
Bulletin No.
1005, 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
June 2, 2005 (the
effective date of
this AD),
whichever occurs
later, unless
already done.
Repetitively
inspect 2004.
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 B4-
after the inspection required flight after the PC 11 Aircraft
by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, inspection Ltd. Service
replace the control-column required by Bulletin No.
support (P/N 112.35.11.072) paragraph (e)(1) 1005, Revision
with a new control-column of this AD where No. 2, dated
support (P/N 112.35.11.072). you found the April 22, 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.
Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?
(i) You must do the actions required by this AD following the
instructions in Pilatus B4-PC 11 Aircraft Ltd. Service Bulletin No.
1005, Revision No. 2, dated April 22, 2004. 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 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 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-2004-20006; Directorate
Identifier 2004-CE-49-AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 11, 2005.
Nancy C. Lane,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-7563 Filed 4-20-05; 8:45 am]
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