[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 14, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 18382-18384]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-9249]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-122-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 98-13-08, which currently requires replacing and re-routing the 
power return cables on the starter generator and the generator 2 on 
certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 
airplanes. AD 98-13-08 also requires inserting a temporary revision to 
the pilot operating handbook (POH), and installing a placard near the 
standby magnetic compass. The proposed AD would retain the actions 
currently required by AD 98-13-08 on all airplanes affected by that AD, 
and would require replacing the temporary revision to the POH and the 
placard near the standby magnetic compass with an improved procedural 
POH revision and placard. The proposed AD would also require the 
placard and the temporary revision to the POH for additional serial 
number Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes; and would require 
accomplishing improved Standby Magnetic Compass Swing procedures and 
incorporating a temporary revision to the maintenance manual on all of 
the affected airplanes. The proposed AD is the result of mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness 
authority for Switzerland. The actions specified by the proposed AD are 
intended to prevent directional deviation on the standby magnetic 
compass caused by modifications made to the airplane since manufacture, 
which could result in flight-path deviation during critical phases of 
flight.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 19, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-122-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th 
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays 
excepted. Service information that applies to the proposed AD may be 
obtained from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Marketing Support Department, CH-
6370 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 41-6196 233; facsimile: +41 41-
6103 351. This information also may be examined at the Rules Docket at 
the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket No. 98-CE-122-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: 
Rules Docket No. 98-CE-122-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106.

Discussion

    AD 98-13-08, Amendment 39-10596 (63 FR 32975, June 17, 1998), 
currently requires the following on certain Pilatus Models PC-12 and 
PC-12/45 airplanes (serial numbers 101 through 147):

--Replacing and re-routing the power return cables on the starter 
generator and generator 2;
--Inserting a temporary revision to the POH; and
--Installing a placard near the standby magnetic compass, using at 
least \1/8\-inch letters, with the following words:
``STANDBY COMPASS FOR CORRECT READING CHECK: WINDSHIELD DE-ICE LH & RH 
HEAVY & COOLING SYSTEM OFF.''
    Accomplishment of the actions of 98-13-08 is required in accordance 
with Pilatus PC XII Service Bulletin No. 24-002, Rev. No. 1, dated 
September 20, 1996.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    The Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA), which is the 
airworthiness authority for Switzerland, recently notified the FAA that 
an unsafe condition may exist on certain Pilatus Model PC-12 and PC-12/
45 airplanes. The FOCA advises that the changes made to the systems 
during the accomplishment of AD 98-13-08, along with other system 
modifications incorporated during the service life of the affected 
aircraft, have made certain revisions to the standby magnetic compass 
swing procedures necessary.

[[Page 18383]]

    These changes, if not incorporated in a timely manner, could result 
in a deviation of the airplane flight path during critical phases of 
flight.

Relevant Service Information

Pilatus has issued Service Bulletin No. 34-006, dated September 3, 
1998, which specifies:

--Accomplishing the compass swing procedures of the standby magnetic 
compass in accordance with PC-12 Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision 
No. 34-03, dated July 16, 1998;
--Incorporating PC-12 Pilot's Operating Handbook, Pilatus Report No. 
01973-001, Temporary Revision, Standby Compass, dated July 16, 1998; 
and
--Installing a revised placard near the standby magnetic compass.

    The FOCA classified this service information as mandatory and 
issued Swiss AD HB-98-426, dated November 6, 1998, in order to assure 
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Switzerland.

The FAA's Determination

    These airplane models 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. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the FOCA has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above.
    The FAA has examined the findings of the FOCA; reviewed all 
available information, including the service information referenced 
above; 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 the Proposed 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 proposing AD action to supersede AD 98-13-08. The proposed 
AD would retain the actions currently required by AD 98-13-08 on all 
airplanes affected by that AD (manufacturer serial numbers 101 through 
147), and would require replacing the temporary revision to the POH and 
the placard near the standby magnetic compass with an improved 
procedural POH revision and placard. The proposed AD would also require 
the placard and the temporary revision to the POH for additional serial 
number Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes; and would require 
accomplishing improved Standby Magnetic Compass Swing procedures and 
incorporating a temporary revision to the maintenance manual on all of 
the affected airplanes. The placard will incorporate the following 
language:

STANDBY COMPASS

FOR CORRECT READING SWITCH:
AVIONICS ON
NAV & INSTRUMENT LIGHTING AS REQUIRED
WINDSHIELD DE-ICE LH & RH OFF
AUXILIARY HEATING SYSTEMS OFF
AUXILIARY COOLING SYSTEM OFF
    Accomplishment of the replacement and re-routing of the power 
return cables would be required in accordance with Pilatus PC XII 
Service Bulletin No. 24-002, Rev. No. 1, dated September 20, 1996.
    The Standby Magnetic Compass Swing procedures would be accomplished 
in accordance with PC-12 Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision No. 34-
03, dated July 16, 1998, as specified in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 
34-006, dated September 3, 1998.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 70 airplanes in the U.S. registry would be 
affected by the proposed AD.
    Approximately 40 of these airplanes are affected by the proposed 
power return cable replacement and re-routing requirements that are 
being retained from AD 98-13-08. The FAA estimates that it would take 
approximately 12 workhours per airplane to accomplish these proposed 
actions, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. 
Pilatus will provide parts at no cost to the owners/operators of the 
affected airplanes. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
proposed replacement and re-routing requirements on U.S. operators is 
$28,800, or $720 per airplane. The proposed AD imposes no additional 
replacement and re-routing cost impact upon U.S. operators of the 
affected airplanes over that currently required by AD 98-13-08.
    Accomplishing the improved Standby Magnetic Compass Check Swing 
procedures would be required for approximately 70 airplanes and would 
take approximately 3 workhours per airplane to accomplish at an average 
labor rate of $60 per hour. Based on these figures, the proposed cost 
impact on U.S. operators to accomplish the improved Standby Magnetic 
Compass Check Swing procedures would be $12,600, or $180 per airplane.
    The proposed POH revision and placard requirements would be 
required for approximately 70 airplanes. Incorporating the POH 
revisions and fabricating and installing a placard 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 the proposed AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). The only cost impact the proposed 
placard and POH revision requirements impose is the time it would take 
each owner/operator of the affected airplanes to incorporate this 
information into the POH and fabricate and install the placard.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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) if promulgated, 
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. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation 
prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of 
it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location 
provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as 
follows:

[[Page 18384]]

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) 98-13-08, Amendment 39-10596 (63 FR 32975, June 17, 1998), and by 
adding a new AD to read as follows:

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. 98-CE-122-AD; Supersedes AD 98-13-
08, Amendment 39-10596.

    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 (g) 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 directional deviation on the standby magnetic compass 
caused by modifications made to the airplane since manufacture, 
which could result in flight-path deviation during critical phases 
of flight, accomplish the following:
    (a) For airplanes incorporating serial numbers 101 through 147, 
within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after July 31, 1998 
(the effective date of AD 98-13-08), accomplish the following:
    (1) Replace the starter generator cable and the generator 2 
power return cables with new cables of improved design and re-route 
these cables, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
section in Pilatus PC XII Service Bulletin (SB) No. 24-002, Rev. No. 
1, dated September 20, 1996.
    (2) Remove the temporary revision titled ``Electrical Cables,'' 
dated March 7, 1996, from the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) and 
insert a temporary revision titled ``Electrical Cables'' Rev. 1, 
dated July 12, 1996. Accomplish this action in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions section in Pilatus PC XII SB No. 24-002, 
Rev. No. 1, dated September 20, 1996.
    (b) For airplanes incorporating serial numbers 101 through 147, 
within the next 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the placard installed near the standby magnetic compass that 
is required by AD 98-13-08, with a new placard that incorporates the 
following words (using at least 1/8-inch letters):

STANDBY COMPASS

FOR CORRECT READING SWITCH:

AVIONICS ON

NAV & INSTRUMENT LIGHTING AS REQUIRED

WINDSHIELD DE-ICE LH & RH OFF

AUXILIARY HEATING SYSTEMS OFF

AUXILIARY COOLING SYSTEM OFF

This placard is referenced in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 34-006, 
dated September 3, 1998.
    (c) For airplanes incorporating serial numbers 148 through 230, 
within the next 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, 
install a placard with the following words (using at least 1/8-inch 
letters) near the standby magnetic compass:

STANDBY COMPASS

FOR CORRECT READING SWITCH:

AVIONICS ON

NAV & INSTRUMENT LIGHTING AS REQUIRED

WINDSHIELD DE-ICE LH & RH OFF

AUXILIARY HEATING SYSTEMS OFF

AUXILIARY COOLING SYSTEM OFF

This placard is referenced in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 34-006, 
dated September 3, 1998.
    (d) For all serial number airplanes, within the next 50 hours 
TIS after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the following:
    (1) Insert Pilatus Report No. 01973-001, Temporary Revision, 
Standby Compass, dated July 16, 1998, into the Pilot Operating 
Handbook (POH).
    (2) Accomplish the improved Standby Magnetic Compass Check Swing 
procedures in accordance with Pilatus PC-12 Maintenance Manual 
Temporary Revision No. 34-03, dated July 16, 1998, as specified in 
Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 34-006, dated September 3, 1998.
    (3) Insert Pilatus PC-12 Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision 
No. 34-03, dated July 16, 1998, in chapter 34-21-00 facing page 502 
of the maintenance manual. Disregard existing pages 502 through 506.
    (e) Accomplishment of the POH revision, maintenance manual 
insertions, and placard fabrication and installation, as required by 
paragraphs (a)(2), (b), (c), (d)(1), and (d)(3) 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).
    (f) 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.
    (g) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 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 98-13-08 are not 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.

    (h) Questions or technical information related to the service 
information referenced in this AD should be directed to Pilatus 
Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6370 Stans, Switzerland; 
telephone: +41 41 6196 233; facsimile: +41 41 6103 351. 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.
    (i) This amendment supersedes AD 98-13-08, Amendment 39-10596.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swiss AD HB-98-
426, dated November 6, 1998.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 7, 1999.
Carolanne L. Cabrini,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-9249 Filed 4-13-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P