[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 243 (Wednesday, December 18, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 77442-77444]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-31753]


 ========================================================================
 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. 67, No. 243 / Wednesday, December 18, 2002 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 77442]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-CE-51-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 all Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models PC-
12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to 
repetitively replace the nose landing gear (NLG) drag link right-hand 
part every 4,000 landings until an improved design NLG drag link right-
hand part is installed. This proposed AD would also require you to 
install an improved design NLG drag link right-hand part as terminating 
action for the repetitive replacements. This proposed AD is the result 
of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the 
airworthiness authority for Switzerland. The actions specified by this 
proposed AD are intended to prevent structural failure of the NLG 
caused by fatigue damage to the NLG drag link right-hand part that 
develops over time, which could result in either an unintended NLG 
extension during flight or the nose landing gear not properly locking 
upon extension, which could lead to loss of airplane control during 
landing operations.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before January 23, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-51-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any 
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also send comments 
electronically to the following address: [email protected]. 
Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2002-CE-51-AD'' 
in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached 
electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for 
Windows or ASCII text.
    You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD 
from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans, 
Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 63 19; facsimile: +41 41 619 6224; 
or from Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd., Product Support Department, 
11755 Airport Way, Broomfield, Colorado 80021; telephone: (303) 465-
9099; facsimile: (303) 465-6040. You may also view this information at 
the Rules Docket at the address above.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on this proposed AD? The FAA invites comments on 
this 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 to the address specified under the caption 
ADDRESSES. We will consider all comments received on or before the 
closing date. We may amend this proposed rule in light of comments 
received. Factual information that supports your ideas and suggestions 
is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of this proposed 
AD action and determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking 
action.
    Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay 
attention to? The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this 
proposed rule that might suggest a need to modify the proposed rule. 
You may view all comments we receive before and after the closing date 
of the proposed rule in the Rules Docket. We will file a report in the 
Rules Docket that summarizes each contact we have with the public that 
concerns the substantive parts of this proposed AD.
    How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? If you want FAA to 
acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments, you must include a 
self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to 
Docket No. 2002-CE-51-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 FAA that an unsafe condition may exist 
on certain Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. The FOCA 
reports that 3 aircraft experienced a failure of the nose landing gear 
(NLG) drag link assembly during cruise flight. The actuator attachment 
levers on the right-hand upper drag link part failed. In all cases, the 
NLG fell out due to gravity, and the emergency spring pack extended it 
forward and allowed safe landings.
    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? 
Structural failure of the NLG drag link right-hand part could result in 
either an unintended NLG extension during flight or the NLG not 
properly locking upon extension. This could lead to loss of airplane 
control during landing operations.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Pilatus 
has issued Service Bulletin No. 32-014, dated August 13, 2002.
    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
bulletin includes procedures for replacing the NLG drag link right-hand 
part with a part number of the improved design. Temporary Revision No. 
32-14 (dated June 4, 2002) to Pilatus PC-12 Maintenance Manual 32-20-06 
provides instructions for replacing with the same design part.
    What action did the FOCA take? The FOCA classified this service 
bulletin as mandatory and issued Swiss AD Number HB 2002-271, dated 
June 17, 2002, in order to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in Switzerland.

[[Page 77443]]

    Was this in accordance with the bilateral airworthiness agreement? 
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 FAA informed of the situation described above.

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

    What has FAA decided? The FAA has examined the findings of the 
FOCA; reviewed all available information, including the service 
information referenced above; and determined that:
    --The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 of the same type 
design that are on the U.S. registry;
    --The actions specified in the previously-referenced service 
information should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
    --AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe 
condition.
    What would this proposed AD require? This proposed would require 
repetitive replacement of the NLG drag link right-hand part every 4,000 
landings until an improved design NLG drag link right-hand part is 
installed. This proposed AD would also require you to install an 
improved NLG drag link as terminating action for the repetitive 
replacements.

Cost Impact

    How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that 
this proposed AD affects 265 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to 
accomplish the proposed replacement with the same design part:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Total cost per
           Labor cost                 Parts cost          airplane            Total cost on  U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 workhours x $60 per hour =                 $1,000             $1,360  $2,560 x 265 = $360,400
 $360..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed 
replacement with the improved design part:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Total cost per
           Labor cost                 Parts cost          airplane            Total cost on  U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 workhours x $60 per hour =                 $2,200             $2,560  $2,560 x 265 = $678,400
 $360.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Compliance Time of This Proposed AD

    What would be the compliance time of this proposed AD? The 
compliance time of this proposed AD is based on the number of landings 
rather than hours time-in-service (TIS).
    Why is the compliance time of this proposed AD presented in 
landings? The reason for this type of compliance is that the area that 
is showing fatigue is the NLG drag link right-hand part. This area of 
the airplane is used during the landing operation. We have determined 
to base the compliance time for this proposed AD upon the number of 
landings.
    Since airplane operators are not required to keep track of 
landings, we will provide a method of calculating hours TIS into 
landings.

Regulatory Impact

    Would this proposed AD impact various entities? The regulations 
proposed herein would 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. Therefore, it is determined that this 
proposed rule would not have federalism implications under Executive 
Order 13132.
    Would 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 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, 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 Sec.  39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. 2002-CE-51-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are 
certificated in any category.
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must 
comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended

[[Page 77444]]

to prevent structural failure of the nose landing gear (NLG) caused 
by fatigue damage to the NLG drag link right-hand part that develops 
over time. Such failure could result in either an unintended NLG 
extension during flight or the NLG not properly locking upon 
extension, which could lead to loss of airplane control during 
landing operations.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following, unless 
already accomplished:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions                  Compliance          Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Replace the nose landing      Initially upon the  In accordance with
 gear (NLG) drag link right-hand   accumulation of     Temporary
 part, part number (P/N)           4,000 landings on   Revision No. 32-
 532.20.12.140 with the same       the nose landing    14 (dated June 4,
 part number or FAA-approved       gear (NLG) drag     2002) to Pilatus
 equivalent part number.           link right hand     PC-12 Maintenance
                                   part or within      Manual 32-20-06.
                                   the next 100
                                   landings after
                                   the effective
                                   date of this AD,
                                   whichever occurs
                                   later.
                                   Repetitively
                                   thereafter at
                                   every accumulated
                                   4,000 landings on
                                   the nose landing
                                   gear drag link
                                   right hand part
                                   until
                                   accomplishment of
                                   paragraph (d)(2)
                                   of this AD, which
                                   is terminating
                                   action for these
                                   replacements.
(2) Replace the NLG drag link     At the third        In accordance with
 right-hand part, P/N              replacement         Pilatus Aircraft
 532.20.12.140, with an improved   required in         Ltd. Service
 design NLG drag link right-hand   paragraph (d)(1)    Bulletin No. 32-
 part, P/N 532.20.12.289 or FAA-   of this AD (8,000   014, dated August
 approved equivalent part          hours TIS after     13, 2002, and the
 number. Installing the improved   the initial         applicable
 part number terminates the        replacement).       maintenance
 repetitive replacement                                manual.
 requirements of paragraph
 (d)(1) of this AD.
(3) Do not install, on any        Upon accumulating   Not Applicable.
 affected airplane, an NLG drag    8,000 hours TIS
 link right-hand part that is      after the initial
 not P/N 532.20.12.289 or FAA-     replacement
 approved equivalent part number.  required in
                                   paragraph (d)(1)
                                   of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: The compliance times of this AD are presented in 
landings instead of hours time-in-service (TIS). If the number of 
landings is unknown, hours TIS may be used by multiplying the number 
of hours TIS by 0.5.

    (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 Standards Office 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 Standards Office Manager.

    Note 2: 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. 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 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? Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; 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 get copies of the documents referenced in this AD Pilatus 
Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; 
telephone: +41 41 619 63 19; facsimile: +41 41 619 6224; or from 
Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd., Product Support Department, 11755 
Airport Way, Broomfield, Colorado 80021; telephone: (303) 465-9099; 
facsimile: (303) 465-6040. You may view these documents at FAA, 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swiss AD Number 
HB 2002-271, dated June 17, 2002.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 9, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-31753 Filed 12-17-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P