[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 95 (Monday, May 18, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27195-27197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-13060]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-CE-40-AD; Amendment 39-10528; AD 98-11-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and
PC-12/45 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-23-
04, which currently requires replacing the fuel tank vent valves with
modified fuel tank vent valves on certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
(Pilatus) Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. This AD retains the fuel
tank vent valves replacement required by AD 97-23-04, and requires
drilling a 4.8 millimeter (0.1875 inch) hole in each fuel filler cap.
This AD also requires inserting a temporary revision in the Pilot's
Operating Handbook (POH) that specifies checking to assure that the
fuel filler cap hole is clear of ice and foreign objects. This AD is
the result of mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to prevent the fuel tank inward vent
valve from freezing, which, if followed by a cold soak at altitude,
could result in wing airfoil distortion and structural damage with
consequent degradation of the airplane's handling qualities.
DATES: Effective June 7, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 28-
003, Revision 1, dated September 30, 1997, as listed in the
regulations, was previously approved by the Director of the Federal
Register as of December 1, 1997 (62 FR 59993, November 6, 1997).
The incorporation by reference of Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 28-
004, dated March 27, 1998, is approved by the Director of the Federal
Register as of June 7, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before July 13, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-40-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH-6370 Stans, Switzerland. This information may
also be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-
CE-40-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
or at the
[[Page 27196]]
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite
700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Roman T. Gabrys, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 426-6934; facsimile:
(816) 426-2169.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
AD 97-23-04, Amendment 39-10192 (62 FR 5993, ovember 6, 1997),
currently requires replacing the fuel tank vent valves with modified
fuel tank vent valves on certain Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45
airplanes. AD 97-23-04 was the result of a report from the Federal
Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA), which is the airworthiness authority
for Switzerland, of an instance of abnormal automatic engagement of the
fuel booster pumps during normal operation of a Pilatus Model PC-12
airplane. The FOCA's investigation revealed that the fuel tank inward
vent valves may fail in the closed position under certain conditions.
Moisture ingestion, followed by cold soak, can lead to the fuel tank
inward vent valve freezing.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in wing airfoil
distortion and structural damage with consequent degradation of the
airplane's handling qualities.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
The FOCA recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may
still exist on certain Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes,
even after compliance with AD 97-23-04. The FOCA reports that the
inward vent valve of the fuel tank froze closed on one of the affected
airplanes that was in compliance with the fuel tank vent valves
replacement requirement of AD 97-23-04. This resulted in permanent
structural damage to the wing skins and ribs.
Relevant Service Information
Pilatus has issued Service Bulletin No. 28-004, dated March 27,
1998, which specifies procedures for drilling a 4.8 millimeter (0.1875
inch) hole in each fuel filler cap. This service bulletin also
references a temporary revision to the POH that specifies checking to
assure that the fuel filler cap hole is clear of ice and foreign
objects. This document is entitled ``PC-12 Pilot's Operating Handbook,
Pilatus Report No. 01973-001, Temporary Revision, Fuel Filler Cap,
dated March 27, 1998.''
The FOCA of Switzerland classified this service bulletin as
mandatory and issued Swiss AD HB 98-086, dated March 31, 1998, in order
to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in
Switzerland.
The FAA's Determination
This airplane model is manufactured in Switzerland and is 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. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the FOCA of Switzerland has kept the
FAA informed of the situation described above.
The FAA has examined the findings of the FOCA of Switzerland;
reviewed all available information, including the service bulletin
referenced in this document; and determined that AD action is necessary
for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in
the United States.
Explanation of the Provisions of This AD
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop in other Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes
of the same type design registered for operation in the United States,
the FAA is issuing an AD to supersede AD 97-23-04. This AD retains the
fuel tank vent valves replacement required by AD 97-23-04, and requires
drilling a 4.8 millimeter (0.1875 inch) hole in each fuel filler cap.
This AD also requires inserting the following temporary revision to the
POH that specifies checking to assure that the fuel filler cap hole is
clear of ice and foreign objects:
PC-12 Pilot's Operating Handbook, Pilatus Report No. 01973-001,
Temporary Revision, Fuel Filler Cap, dated March 27, 1998.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in this AD is required in
accordance with the instructions in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 28-
004, dated March 27, 1998.
Determination of the Effective Date of the AD
Since a situation exists (possible wing airfoil distortion and
structural damage with consequent degradation of the airplane's
handling qualities) that requires the immediate adoption of this
regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for public prior
comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making
this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting immediate flight safety and, thus, was not
preceded by notice and opportunity to comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications
received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered,
and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual
information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is
extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and
determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket No. 98-CE-40-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and is not a significant regulatory action under
Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action
involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures
[[Page 27197]]
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this
emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket (otherwise, an evaluation is
not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules
Docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to 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
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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 97-23-04, Amendment No. 39-10192 (62 FR 59993, November 6, 1997),
and by adding a new AD to read as follows:
98-11-01 Pilatus Aircraft, Ltd.: Amendment 39-10528; Docket No. 98-
CE-40-AD; Supersedes AD 97-23-04, Amendment No. 39-10192.
Applicability: Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes; serial
numbers 101 through 230, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless
already accomplished.
To prevent the fuel tank inward vent valve from freezing, which,
if followed by a cold soak at altitude, could result in wing airfoil
distortion and structural damage with consequent degradation of the
airplane's handling qualities, accomplish the following:
(a) Within the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after
December 1, 1997 (the effective date of AD 97-23-04), replace the
fuel tank vent valves with modified fuel tank vent valves in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions section of Pilatus
Service Bulletin No. 28-003, Revision 1, dated September 30, 1997.
(b) Within the next 10 hours TIS after the effective date of
this AD, accomplish the following:
(1) Drill a 4.8 millimeter (0.1875 inch) hole in each fuel
filler cap in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
section of Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 28-004, dated March 27,
1998.
(2) Insert a temporary revision (as referenced in Pilatus
Service Bulletin 28-004, dated March 27, 1998) into the Pilot's
Operating Handbook (POH) that specifies checking to assure that the
fuel filler cap hole is clear of ice and foreign objects. This
document is entitled ``PC-12 Pilot's Operating Handbook, Pilatus
Report No. 01973-001, Temporary Revision, Fuel Filler Cap, dated
March 27, 1998.''
(c) Inserting the POH revision, as required by paragraph (b)(2)
of this AD, may be performed by the owner/operator holding at least
a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and must be entered into
the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance
with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1201
Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
(1) The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance
with AD 97-23-04 (superseded by this action) are considered approved
as alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.
(f) Questions or technical information related to Pilatus
Service Bulletin No. 28-004, dated March 27, 1998, should be
directed to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH-6370 Stans, Switzerland. This
service information may be examined at the FAA, Central Region,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
(g) The replacement required by this AD shall be done in
accordance with Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 28-003, Revision 1,
dated September 30, 1997. The drilling required by this AD shall be
done in accordance with Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 28-004, dated
March 27, 1998.
(1) The incorporation by reference of Pilatus Service Bulletin
No. 28-003, Revision 1, dated September 30, 1997, was previously
approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 1,
1997 (62 FR 59993, November 6, 1997).
(2) The incorporation by reference of Pilatus Service Bulletin
No. 28-004, dated March 27, 1998, was approved by the Director of
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(3) Copies of these service bulletins may be obtained from
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH-6370 Stans, Switzerland. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swiss AD HB 97-
432A, dated October 3, 1997, and Swiss AD HB 98-086, dated March 31,
1998.
(h) This amendment supersedes AD 97-23-04, Amendment No. 39-
10192.
(i) This amendment becomes effective on June 7, 1998.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 8, 1998.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-13060 Filed 5-15-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U