FR Doc E7-20220

[Federal Register: October 16, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 199)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 58497-58499]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16oc07-7]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-29217; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-075-AD;
Amendment 39-15229; AD 2007-21-11]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12, PC-
12/45, and PC-12/47 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above that will supersede an existing AD. This AD
results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and
correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes
the unsafe condition as:

This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by occurrences
where abrasive damage (chafing) has been found on oil pipe
assemblies in the area of the torque oil pressure transducer on the
engines of some PC-12 aircraft. Incorrect assembly after maintenance
tasks can decrease distances between various pipe/hoses assemblies
and adjacent components. Damaged pipes can cause oil leakages in the
area of the engine.

This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 5, 2007.
On November 5, 2007, the Director of the Federal Register approved
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this
AD.
We must receive comments on this AD by November 15, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
; or in person at the Docket Management Facility

between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-
4059; fax: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

On October 17, 2000, we issued AD 2000-21-14, Amendment 39-11946
(65 FR 64340; October 27, 2000). That AD required actions intended to
address an unsafe condition on the products listed above.
Since we issued AD 2000-21-14, there have been reports of
occurrences of abrasive damage (chafing) on oil pipe assemblies in the
area of the torque oil pressure transducer on the engines of some Model
PC-12 series airplanes. The damage has caused engine oil leakage in
some airplanes. If uncorrected, the unsafe condition could result in
engine failure.

[[Page 58498]]

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD
No: 2007-0235, dated August 31, 2007, corrected September 14, 2007
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.

Relevant Service Information

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. has issued Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No:
71-007, dated August 21, 2007. The actions described in this service
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in
the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD

This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and
service information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might have also required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
described in a separate paragraph of the AD. These requirements take
precedence over those copied from the MCAI.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because if
uncorrected, the unsafe condition could result in engine failure.
Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment
before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-29217; Directorate
Identifier 2007-CE-075-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of
those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We

will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

We 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.
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 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-11946 (65 FR
64340; October 27, 2000), and adding the following new AD:

2007-21-11 Pilatus Aircraft Limited: Amendment 39-15229; Docket No.
FAA-2007-29217; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-075-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November
5, 2007.

Affected ADs

(b) This AD supersedes AD 2000-21-14, Amendment 39-11946.

Applicability

[[Page 58499]]

(1) Equipped with oil pipe/hose assemblies part number (P/N)
577.11.12.104, 577.11.12.105, 946.37.74.305, 946.37.74.306,
946.37.74.307, 946.37.74.308, or 946.37.74.311; and
(2) certificated in any category.

Subject

(d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 71: Power
Plant-General.

Reason

(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by occurrences
where abrasive damage (chafing) has been found on oil pipe
assemblies in the area of the torque oil pressure transducer on the
engines of some PC-12 aircraft. Incorrect assembly after maintenance
tasks can decrease distances between various pipe/hoses assemblies
and adjacent components. Damaged pipes can cause oil leakages in the
area of the engine.
For the reasons stated above, this AD requires an inspection for
damage, replacement when damage is found, and eventual replacement
of all the affected pipe/hose assemblies.

Actions and Compliance

(f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
(1)Within the next 10 hours time-in-service after November 5,
2007 (the effective date of this AD), do a configuration check and
inspection of the pipe/hose assemblies for abrasive damage (chafing)
and distortion following paragraph 3.B of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No: 71-007, dated August 21, 2007.
(2) If during the configuration check and inspection required by
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD any abrasive damage (chafing) on oil
pipe/hose assemblies is found, before further flight, replace the
hose/pipe assemblies following paragraphs 3.B, 3.C, and 3.E of
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No: 71-007,
dated August 21, 2007.
(3) If during the configuration check and inspection required by
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD no damage on oil pipe/hose assemblies is
found, within 6 calendar months after November 5, 2007 (the
effective date of this AD), replace the hose/pipe assemblies
following paragraph 3.B, 3.C, and 3.E of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No: 71-007, dated August 21, 2007.
(4) After November 5, 2007, do not install any oil pipe/hose
assembly with P/N 577.11.12.104, 577.11.12.105, 946.37.74.305,
946.37.74.306, 946.37.74.307, 946.37.74.308, or 946.37.74.311 on any
Models PC-12, PC-12/45, or PC-12/47 airplanes.
(5) After November 5, 2007, do not install a spare engine on any
Models PC-12, PC-12/45, or PC-12/47 airplanes, unless it has been
verified that no oil pipe/hose assembly with P/N 577.11.12.104,
577.11.12.105, 946.37.74.305, 946.37.74.306, 946.37.74.307,
946.37.74.308, or 946.37.74.311 are installed on that engine.

FAA AD Differences

Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: The MCAI allows for the temporary replacement (up to 6
months) of the hose/pipe assemblies with the same type that
incorporate the potential unsafe condition (P/N 577.11.12.104,
577.11.12.105, 946.37.74.305, 946.37.74.306, 946.37.74.307,
946.37.74.308, or 946.37.74.311). Due to the urgency of this unsafe
condition, the FAA is mandating replacement with the improved parts
immediately if damage is found.

Other FAA AD Provisions

(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send
information to ATTN: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090. Before using
any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify
your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight
Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

(h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No:
2007-0235, dated August 31, 2007, corrected September 14, 2007; and
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No: 71-007,
dated August 21, 2007, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(i) You must use Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Pilatus PC12 Service
Bulletin No: 71-007, dated August 21, 2007, to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Support Manager, CH-6371 STANS,
Switzerland; telephone: + 41 41 619 6208; fax: + 41 41 619 7311; e-
mail: SupportPC12@pilatus-aircaft.com; or Pilatus Business Aircraft
Ltd., Product Support Department, 11755 Airport Way, Broomfield,
Colorado 80021; telephone: (303) 465-9099, fax: (303) 465-6040; E-
mail: Productsupport@PilBal.com.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; or at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html
.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on October 5, 2007.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-20220 Filed 10-15-07; 8:45 am]

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