[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 14, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1802-1804]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-672]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 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. 68, No. 9 / Tuesday, January 14, 2003 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 1802]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-CE-53-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. This proposed AD would require you to 
inspect the front and rear surfaces of the pressure dome for damage and 
cracks, and, if necessary, accomplish repairs. 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 detect and correct damage and 
cracks to the pressure dome, which could lead to rapid decompression.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before February 24, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-53-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-53-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 proposed 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-53-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 drill and/or rivet tool damage could 
have occurred in areas around the edges of the rear pressure dome 
during assembly of the Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes.
    Pilatus has received 19 reports of damaged pressure domes. The 
reported damage included nicks and scratches. This type of damage could 
also occur on the forward surface of the pressure dome.

What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    The damage to the pressure dome could result in cracks in the 
pressure dome and lead to rapid decompression.

Is There Service Information That Applies To This Subject?

    Pilatus has issued PC-12 Service Bulletin Number 53-003, Revision 
No. 1, dated July 26, 2002.

What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?

    The service bulletin includes procedures for:

--inspecting the pressure dome for damage/cracks; and
--repairing the pressure dome.

What Action Did the FOCA Take?

    The FOCA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued 
Swiss AD Number HB 2002-608, dated November 1, 2002, in order to ensure 
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Switzerland.

[[Page 1803]]

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 airplanes 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 AD would require you to incorporate the actions in 
the previously-referenced service bulletin.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 280 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 
inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Total cost
               Labor cost                          Parts cost              per      Total cost on U.S. operators
                                                                         airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 workhours x $60 per hour = $480.......  No parts required..........         $480         $480 x 280 = $134,400
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary repairs 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need 
such repair:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Total cost
             Labor cost                    Parts cost            per
                                                               airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 workhours x $60 per hour = $960.  No parts required.....         $960
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Compliance Time of this Proposed AD

What Would Be the Compliance Time of This Proposed AD?

    The compliance time of this proposed AD is within 90 days after the 
effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

Why Is the Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead of Hours 
Time-in-Service (TIS)?

    Failure of the pressure dome is only unsafe during airplane 
operation. However, this unsafe condition is not a result of the number 
of times the airplane is operated. The chance of this situation 
occurring is the same for an airplane with 10 hours TIS as it would be 
for as airplane with 500 hours TIS. For this reason, FAA has determined 
that a compliance based on calendar time should be utilized in this AD 
in order to assure that the unsafe condition is addressed on all 
airplanes in a reasonable time period.

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 Company Ltd.: Docket No. 2002-CE-53-AD

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes, that are certificated in any 
category, with the following serial numbers: 101 through 380, 382 
through 385, 387 through 395, 398 through 406, 408, 409, 413, 415, 
and 417.
    (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 to detect and correct damage and cracks to the 
pressure dome, which could lead to rapid decompression.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

[[Page 1804]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the pressure      Within the next 90    In accordance with
 dome for crack/nick/scratch   days after the        Pilatus Aircraft
 damage.                       effective date of     Ltd. PC-12 Service
                               this AD, unless       Bulletin No. 53-
                               already               003, Revision 1,
                               accomplished.         dated July 26,
                                                     2002, and the
                                                     applicable
                                                     maintenance manual.
(2) If during the inspection  Prior to further      In accordance with
 required by paragraph         flight after the      Pilatus Aircraft
 (d)(1) of this AD, type       inspection in which   Ltd. PC-12 Service
 ``A'' or ``B'' nick/scratch   the type ``A'' or     Bulletin No. 53-
 damage (as specified in the   ``B'' nick/scratch    003, Revision 1,
 service information) is       damage is found.      dated July 26,
 found, accomplish repairs.                          2002, and the
                                                     applicable
                                                     maintenance manual.
(3) Pursuant to paragraph     Within 90 days or     In accordance with
 (d)(2) of this AD, if a       600 takeoffs/         Pilatus Aircraft
 repair was done in which      landings of the       Ltd. PC-12 Service
 metal was removed to a        repair date,          Bulletin No. 53-
 depth of more than 0.008      whichever occurs      003, Revision 1,
 inches (0.2 millimeter)       first.                dated July 26,
 (type ``C''), you must                              2002, and the
 obtain approval of the                              applicable
 repair scheme from the                              maintenance manual.
 manufacturer through FAA at
 the address specified in
 paragraph (f) of this AD.
 If you do not receive
 through FAA an approval
 within 90 days or 600
 takeoff/landings of the
 repair date, whichever
 occurs later, the aircraft
 is restricted to
 unpressurized flight only.
(4) If during the inspection  If type ``C'' damage  In accordance with
 required by paragraph         is found, inspect     Pilatus Aircraft
 (d)(1) of this AD, type       for cracks prior to   Ltd. PC-12 Service
 ``C'' nick/scratch damage     further flight and    Bulletin No. 53-
 (as specified in the          every 10 hours TIS    003, Revision 1,
 service information) is       thereafter. Obtain    dated July 26,
 found, use a 10X magnified    an FAA approval       2002, and the
 visual inspection to          within 90 days or     applicable
 repetitively inspect for      600 takeoffs/         maintenance manual.
 cracks. If cracks are         landings, whichever
 found:.                       occurs first, from
(i) Obtain a repair scheme     the date of repair
 from the manufacturer         for type of ``C''
 through FAA at the address    damage. An FAA
 specified in paragraph (f)    approval is
 of this AD.                   required to fly
(ii) Incorporate this repair   pressurized beyond
 scheme.                       90 days or 600
                               landings/takeoffs,
                               whichever occurs
                               first, from date of
                               repair for type ``C
                               damage.
(5) If damage is found        Prior to further      Obtain this repair
 outside of the inspection     flight after the      scheme through FAA
 area during the inspection    inspection in which   at the address
 required by paragraph         the damage outside    specified in
 (d)(1) of this AD, do not     the inspection area   paragraph (f) of
 apply any of the repair       is found.             this AD.
 procedures from Pilatus
 Aircraft Ltd. PC-12 Service
 Bulletin No. 53-003,
 Revision 1, dated July 26,
 2002, to damage. If such
 damage is found:.
(i) Obtain a repair scheme
 from the manufacturer
 through FAA at the address
 specified in paragraph (f)
 of this AD.
(ii) Incorporate this repair
 scheme..
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: As earlier specified in this AD, flight is not permitted 
if crack damage is found.


    Note 2: As earlier specified in this AD, FAA approval is 
required to fly pressurized beyond 90 days or 600 takeoffs/landings, 
whichever occurs first, from date of repair for type ``C'' damage.

    (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 3: 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swiss AD Number 
HB 2002-608, dated November 1, 2002.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 8, 2003.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-672 Filed 1-13-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P