[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 69 (Friday, April 9, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 18843-18845]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8054]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2004-CE-08-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 
airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to check the airplane 
logbook to determine whether certain inboard and outboard flap 
flexshafts have been replaced with parts of improved design. If the 
parts of improved design are not installed, you would be required to 
replace certain inboard and/or outboard flap flexshafts with the parts 
of improved design. The pilot is allowed to do the logbook check. If 
the pilot can positively determine that the parts of improved design 
are installed, no further action is required. This proposed AD is the 
result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 
by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. We are issuing this 
proposed AD to prevent rupture of the flap flexshafts due to corrosion, 
which could result in failure of the flap system. This failure could 
lead to loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by May 7, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed 
AD:
     By mail: FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-CE-08-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
     By fax: (816) 329-3771.
     By e-mail: [email protected]. Comments sent 
electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2004-CE-08-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.
    You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans, 
Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 6208; facsimile: +41 41 619 7311; e-
mail: aircraft.com">SupportPC12@pilaltus-aircraft.com 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 the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-CE-08-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m. 
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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?

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2004-CE-08-AD'' in the 
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of 
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with 
the docket number written on it. We will date-stamp your postcard and 
mail it back to you.

Are There Any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay 
Attention To?

    We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. If you 
contact us through a nonwritten communication and that contact relates 
to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the 
contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD in 
light of those comments and contacts.

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 all Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 
airplanes equipped with an inboard and/or outboard flap flexshaft, part 
numbers (P/N) 945.02.02.203 and/or 945.02.02.204. The FOCA reports 
several occurrences of corrosion found on the inner drive cables of 
these flap flexshafts.
    The FOCA determined that moisture from the pressurized cabin could 
enter the flap flexshafts through the fittings of the protection hose 
causing corrosion. This corrosion could cause the flap flexshafts to 
rupture.

What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    If not prevented, corrosion on the flap flexshafts could cause the 
flap system to fail. This failure could result in loss of control of 
the airplane.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    Pilatus has issued Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No. 27-015, Rev. 
No. A, dated November 13, 2003.

What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?

    The service bulletin includes procedures for replacing the inboard 
and outboard flap flexshafts, P/N 945.02.02.203 and P/N 945.02.02.204, 
with parts of improved design, P/N 945.02.02.205 and P/N 945.02.02.206.

What Action Did the FOCA Take?

    The FOCA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued 
Swiss AD Number HB-2004-068, dated March 4, 2004, to ensure the 
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Switzerland.

Did the FOCA Inform the United States Under the Bilateral Airworthiness 
Agreement?

    These Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes 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.
    Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the FOCA has kept us 
informed of the situation described above.

[[Page 18844]]

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

What Has FAA Decided?

    We have examined the FOCA's findings, reviewed all available 
information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of 
this type design that are certificated for operation in the United 
States.
    Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes of the 
same type design that are equipped with an inboard and/or outboard flap 
flexshaft, P/N 945.02.02.203 and/or P/N 945.02.02.204, and are 
registered in the United States, we are proposing AD action to prevent 
failure of the flap system.

What Would This Proposed AD Require?

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

How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This Proposed AD?

    On July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This 
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, 
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This 
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this 
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in 
future AD actions.

Costs of Compliance

How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 260 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 this proposed 
replacement:

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                                         Parts cost per flap    Total cost per airplane     Total cost on U.S.
    Labor cost per flap flexshaft             flexshaft            per flap flexshaft           operators
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2 workhours per flap flexshaft (4      $750 per flap flexshaft  $130 + $750 = $880 per   Maximum cost for
 flap flexshafts per airplane) x $65    (4 flap flexshafts per   flap flexshaft. $880 x   replacing all 4 flap
 per hour = $130 per flap flexshaft.    airplane).               4 flap flexshafts =      flexshafts on all 260
                                                                 $3,520 to replace all    airplanes = $3,520 x
                                                                 4 flap flexshafts.       260 = $915,200.
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Compliance Time of This Proposed AD

What Would Be the Compliance Time of This Proposed AD?

    The compliance time of the proposed replacement that would be 
required by this proposed AD is ``within the next 30 days after the 
effective date of this AD.''

Why Is This Proposed Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead 
of Hours TIS?

    The unsafe condition specified by this proposed AD is caused by 
corrosion. Corrosion can occur regardless of whether the airplane is in 
operation or is in storage. Therefore, to assure that the unsafe 
condition specified in this proposed AD does not go undetected for a 
long period of time, a compliance time of calendar time is utilized.

Regulatory Findings

Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.

Would This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. 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 prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD 
and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2004-CE-08-AD'' in your request.

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 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. 2004-CE-08-AD.

When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?

    (a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD) by May 7, 2004.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects Model PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes, all 
serial numbers, that are:
    (1) equipped with an inboard and/or outboard flap flexshaft, 
part number (P/N) 945.02.02.203 and/or P/N 945.02.02.204; and
    (2) certificated in any category.

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for 
Switzerland. The actions specified in this AD are intended to 
prevent rupture of the flap flexshafts due to corrosion, which could 
result in failure of the flap system. This failure could lead to 
loss of control of the airplane.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following. If you 
already replaced both the inboard and outboard flap flexshafts with 
P/N 945.02.02.205 and P/N 945.02.02.206 following Pilatus PC12 
Service Bulletin No. 27-015, dated June 4, 2003, then paragraph 
(e)(5) of this AD is the only paragraph that applies to you:

[[Page 18845]]



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           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
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(1) For affected airplanes    Within the next 30    The owner/operator
 with a manufacturer serial    days after the        holding at least a
 number (MSN) of 489 or        effective date of     private pilot
 lower, check the airplane     this AD.              certificate as
 logbook to determine if the                         authorized by
 inboard and outboard flap                           section 43.7 of the
 flexshafts have been                                Federal Aviation
 replaced with P/N                                   Regulations (14 CFR
 945.02.02.205 and P/N                               43.7) may perform
 945.02.02.206.                                      this check.
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(2) For affected airplanes    Within the next 30    The owner/operator
 with a MSN of 490 and         days after the        holding at least a
 above, check the airplane     effective date of     private pilot
 logbook to determine if the   this AD.              certificate as
 inboard and outboard flap                           authorized by
 flexshafts, P/N                                     section 43.7 of the
 945.02.02.205 and P/N                               Federal Aviation
 945.02.02.206 have been                             Regulations (14 CFR
 replaced since delivery.                            43.7) may perform
                                                     this check.
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(3) If you can positively     Not applicable......  Not applicable.
 determine that both inboard
 and outboard flap
 flexshafts, P/Ns
 945.02.02.205 and
 945.02.02.206 are
 installed, no replacement
 is required.
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(4) If you cannot positively  Before further        Follow Pilatus PC12
 determine that both inboard   flight after the      Service Bulletin
 and outboard flap             logbook checks        No. 27-015 as
 flexshafts, P/N               required in           specified in
 945.02.02.205 and P/N         paragraph (e)(1)      paragraph (f) of
 945.02.02.206 are             and (e)(2) of this    this AD.
 installed, you must replace   AD.
 either one or both with P/N
 945.02.02.205 and P/N
 945.02.02.206, as
 applicable.
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(5) Install only inboard and  As of the effective   Not applicable.
 outboard flap flexshafts, P/  date of this AD.
 Ns 945.02.02.205 and
 945.02.02.206.
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What Revision Levels do the Affected Service Bulletin Incorporate?

    (f) The service bulletin required to do the actions required in 
this AD incorporate the following pages:

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             Affected pages                        Revision level                           Date
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1 and 2.................................  A..............................  November 13, 2003.
3 through 11............................  Original Issue.................  June 4, 2003.
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May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (g) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to 
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments 
and will send your request to the Manager, Standards Office, Small 
Airplane Directorate, FAA. For information on any already approved 
alternative methods of compliance, 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.

May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?

    (h) You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD 
from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans, 
Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 6208; facsimile: +41 41 619 7311; 
e-mail: aircraft.com">SupportPC12@pilaltus-aircraft.com 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.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

    (i) Swiss AD Number HB-2004-068, dated March 4, 2004, also 
addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, on April 1, 2004.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-8054 Filed 4-8-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4916-13-P