[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 161 (Friday, August 18, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50466-50468]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-20967]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 161 / Friday, August 18, 2000 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 50466]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-03-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).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models 
PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. The proposed AD would require you to 
accomplish the following on the torque oil-pressure tubes and py 
pressure pipe: a one-time inspection for abrasion damage, distortion, 
and proper clearance; and if necessary, adjustment and replacement of 
these components. 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 correct abrasive damage from rubbing pipes and consequent loss of 
engine oil.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before September 22, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-03-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106. You may inspect comments at this location between 
8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.
    You may get the service information that applies to the proposed AD 
from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans, 
Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 63 19; facsimile: +41 41 619 6224. 
You may examine this information at the Rules Docket at the address 
above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Roman T. Gabrys, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4141; facsimile: (816) 329-
4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on this proposed AD? We invite your comments on 
the proposed rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or 
arguments you choose. You need to include the rule's docket number and 
submit your comments in triplicate to the address specified under the 
caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all comments received on or before 
the closing date specified above, before acting on the proposed rule. 
We may change the proposals contained in this notice in light of the 
comments received.
    Are there any specific portions of the AD I should pay attention 
to? The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule that 
might necessitate a need to modify the proposed rule. You may examine 
all comments we receive. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that 
summarizes each FAA contact with the public that concerns the 
substantive parts of this proposal.
    The FAA is reviewing the writing style we currently use in 
regulatory documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of 
June 1, 1998. That memorandum requires federal agencies to communicate 
more clearly with the public. We are interested in your comments on the 
ease of understanding this document, and any other suggestions you 
might have to improve the clarity of FAA communications that affect 
you. You can get more information about the Presidential memorandum and 
the plain language initiative at http://www.faa.gov/language/.
    How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? If you want us to 
acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you must include a self-
addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to 
Docket No. 2000-CE-03-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard 
back to you.

Discussion

    What events have caused this proposed AD? 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 
reports that 3 airplanes had rubbing pipes, 2 with consequent leakage 
of engine oil. Inadequate clearance caused these components to touch 
and rub.
    What are the consequences if you do not correct the condition? This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of propulsion during 
flight.

Relevant Service Information

    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Pilatus 
has issued Service Bulletin No. 71-004, dated December 22, 1999.
    What are the provisions of this service bulletin? The service 
bulletin describes procedures for accomplishing the following on the 
torque oil-pressure tubes and py pressure pipe:

--A one-time inspection for abrasion damage, distortion, and proper 
clearance; and,
--If necessary, adjustment and replacement of these components.
    What action did the Swiss take? The Swiss issued AD Number HB 2000-
007, dated January 17, 2000, in order to assure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in Switzerland.
    Was this in accordance with the bilateral airworthiness agreement? 
Pilatus manufactured these airplane models in Switzerland. The FAA type 
certificated the model 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. Complying 
with this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the FOCA informed FAA of 
the situation described above.

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of the 
Proposed AD

    What has FAA decided? The FAA has examined the findings of the 
FOCA; reviewed all available information,

[[Page 50467]]

including the service information referenced above; and determined 
that:

--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other Pilatus Model PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes of the same 
type design;
--These airplanes should incorporate the actions specified in the above 
service bulletin; and
--The FAA should take AD action to correct this unsafe condition.

    What does this proposed AD require? This proposed AD requires you 
to:

--Accomplish a one-time inspection of the torque oil-pressure tubes and 
py pressure pipe; and
--Adjust or replace, if necessary, the torque oil-pressure tubes and py 
pressure pipe.

    What are the differences between the FOCA AD and the proposed AD? 
The Swiss AD requires inspection, and, if necessary, adjustment or 
replacement within 10 days or 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of the AD, whichever occurs first. We propose a 
requirement that you inspect, and, if necessary, adjust or replace, the 
pipes within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of the proposed AD.
    We do not have justification to require this action within 25 hours 
TIS. We use compliance times such as this when we have identified an 
urgent safety of flight situation. We believe that 50 hours TIS will 
give the owners or operators of the affected airplanes enough time to 
have the proposed actions accomplished without compromising the safety 
of the airplanes.

Cost Impact

    This proposed AD impacts how many airplanes? We estimate that the 
proposed AD would affect 108 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What is the cost impact of the proposed inspection for the affected 
airplanes on the U.S. Register? We estimate that it would take 
approximately 1 workhour per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 an hour. Based on the 
figures presented above, we estimate the total cost impact of the 
proposed inspection on U.S. operators to be $6,480, or $60 per 
airplane.
    What is the cost impact of the proposed adjustment and replacement 
for the affected airplanes on the U.S. Register? We estimate that it 
would take approximately 2 workhours per airplane to accomplish the 
proposed adjustment and replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 an 
hour. Based on the figures presented above, we estimate that the total 
cost impact of the proposed adjustment and replacement, if necessary, 
on U.S. operators is $120 per airplane. The manufacturer will provide 
replacement parts at no charge to the owner/operator of the affected 
airplanes.

Regulatory Impact

    Does this proposed AD impact relations between Federal and State 
governments? The proposed regulations 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. We have 
determined that this proposed rule would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    Does this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory 
action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
action (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under Department of 
Transportation Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, 
February 26, 1979); and (3) if put into effect, 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 have placed a copy of the draft regulatory 
evaluation prepared for this action in the Rules Docket. You may obtain 
a copy of it 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, under 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:

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. FAA amends Section 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Docket No. 2000-CE-03-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers 
(MSN) 101 through MSN 301, that:
    (1) Are certificated in any category; and
    (2) Are equipped with any of the following Pilatus torque oil-
pressure tubes and py pressure pipe assemblies:
    (i) Pilatus part number (P/N) 577.11.12.105 (or FAA-approved 
equivalent part number);
    (ii) Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) P/N 3119969 (or FAA-approved 
equivalent part number); and
    (iii) Pilatus P/N 577.11.12.104 (or FAA-approved equivalent part 
number).
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes on the U.S. Register must comply with 
this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? Our intent is that the 
actions specified in this AD correct chafing damage and consequent 
loss of engine oil caused by rubbing pipes. Such damage could result 
in loss of propulsion during critical phases of flight.
    (d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this 
problem, you must accomplish the following actions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions               Compliance times       Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the torque oil-       Within the next 50  Accomplish in
 pressure tubes and the py         hours time-in-      accordance with
 pressure pipe assemblies for      service (TIS)       the
 abrasion damage and distortion.   after the           ACCOMPLISHMENT
                                   effective date of   INSTRUCTIONS--AIR
                                   the AD.             CRAFT paragraph
                                                       of Pilatus
                                                       Service Bulletin
                                                       No. 71-004, dated
                                                       December 22,
                                                       1999.
(2) If there is any abrasion      Before further      As specified in
 damage or distortion,             flight after the    the above-
 accomplish the following:         inspection..        referenced
                                                       service
                                                       information.
    (i) Replace the pipes and
     tubes with the damage or
     distortion; and.
    (ii) Make sure there is a
     clearance distance of not
     less than 0.12 inches (3.0
     millimeters), and make any
     appropriate adjustments.

[[Page 50468]]

 
(3) If no abrasion damage or      Before further      As specified in
 distortion is found, make sure    flight after the    the above-
 there is a clearance distance     inspection.         referenced
 of not less than 0.12 inches                          service
 (3.0 millimeters), and make any                       information.
 appropriate adjustments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Small Airplane Directorate approves your 
alternative. Submit your request through an FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, 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. You should 
include in the request an assessment of the effect of the 
modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe 
condition, specific actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? You can contact Mr. Roman T. 
Gabrys, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-
4141; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? 
You may obtain copies of the documents referenced in this AD from 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans, 
Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 63 19; facsimile: +41 41 619 
6224. You may examine these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swiss AD HB 2000-
007, dated January 17, 2000.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 11, 2000.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 00-20967 Filed 8-17-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P