[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 10, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10166-10168]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-4437]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0189; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-011-AD;
Amendment 39-15831; AD 2009-05-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Models PC-12, PC-
12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E 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:
Some operators have reported occurrences where the rear stick-
pusher cable clamp shifted forward on the elevator cable. This
condition, if not corrected, may reduce the effectiveness of the
stick-pusher and/or limit elevator control movement.
Ambiguous information in the adjustment procedure for the stick-
pusher cable tension and stick-pusher cable tension relaxation with
time were identified as contributing factors.
This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective March 30, 2009.
On March 30, 2009, 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 April 9, 2009.
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 March 5, 2008, we issued AD 2008-06-17, Amendment 39-15429 (73
FR 13438; March 13, 2008). That AD required actions intended to address
an unsafe condition on the products listed above.
Since we issued AD 2008-06-17, the new MCAI adds affected serial
numbers, adds the Model PC-12/47E, and references new service
information that supersedes old service information referenced in AD
2008-06-17. The inspection and corrective action in AD 2008-06-17 did
not fully address the unsafe condition. The new service bulletin calls
out an improved inspection and corrective action procedures to address
the unsafe condition.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
AD No.: 2009-0040, dated February 20, 2009 (referred to after this as
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
Some operators have reported occurrences where the rear stick-
pusher cable clamp shifted forward on the elevator cable. This
condition, if not corrected, may reduce the effectiveness of the
stick-pusher and/or limit elevator control movement.
Ambiguous information in the adjustment procedure for the stick-
pusher cable tension and stick-pusher cable tension relaxation with
time were identified as contributing factors.
For the reason described above, this Airworthiness Directive
(AD) requires an inspection of the stick-pusher servo-cables
installation and adjustment of the stick-pusher cable tension, as
necessary.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
[[Page 10167]]
Relevant Service Information
PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. has issued PC12 Service Bulletin No. 27-020,
Revision No. 1, dated January 30, 2009. 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 possible jamming of the loose stick pusher cable could
lead to loss of elevator control. 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-2009-0189; Directorate
Identifier 2009-CE-011-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 39-15429 (73 FR
13438; March 13, 2008), and adding the following new AD:
2009-05-07 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-15831; Docket No.
FAA-2009-0189; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-011-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March
30, 2009.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2008-06-17, Amendment 39-15429.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the following model and serial number
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(1) Models PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, manufacturer serial
numbers (MSNs) 101 through 544, and MSNs 546 through 888; and
(2) Model PC-12/47E, manufacturer serial number 545, and MSNs
1001 through 1101.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight
Controls.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Some operators have reported occurrences where the rear stick-
pusher cable clamp shifted forward on the elevator cable. This
condition, if not corrected, may reduce the effectiveness of the
stick-pusher and/or limit elevator control movement.
Ambiguous information in the adjustment procedure for the stick-
pusher cable tension and stick-pusher cable tension relaxation with
time were identified as contributing factors.
For the reason described above, this Airworthiness Directive
(AD) requires an
[[Page 10168]]
inspection of the stick-pusher servo-cables installation and
adjustment of the stick-pusher cable tension, as necessary.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
(1) Within 150 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days after
March 30, 2009 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs
first, inspect the stick-pusher servo-cables for correct
installation, position, and tension in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. PC12 Service
Bulletin No. 27-020, Revision No. 1, dated January 30, 2009.
(2) If any discrepancy is found as a result of the inspection
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, do
all corrective actions in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. PC12 Service Bulletin No. 27-
020, Revision No. 1, dated January 30, 2009.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: The MCAI does not supersede the previous MCAI on which
FAA AD 2008-06-17 was based because it was a one-time inspection.
For consistency within the FAA's regulatory system and to avoid
confusion, this AD supersedes AD 2008-06-17.
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.:
2009-0040, dated February 20, 2009, and PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. PC12
Service Bulletin No. 27-020, Revision No. 1, dated January 30, 2009,
for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. PC12 Service Bulletin No.
27-020, Revision No. 1, dated January 30, 2009, 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 Service Manager, CH-6371 STANS,
Switzerland; telephone: +41 (0)41 619 62 08; fax: +41 (0)41 619 73
11; Internet: http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/, or e-mail:
aircraft.com">SupportPC12@pilatus-aircraft.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information
incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region,
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the
Central Region, call (816) 329-3768.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information
incorporated by reference for this AD 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on February 25, 2009.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-4437 Filed 3-9-09; 8:45 am]
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