[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 161 (Friday, August 20, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51616-51619]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-19158]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-18579; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-19-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 
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 certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-7 airplanes with 
any Lear Romec RR53710B type or Lear Romec RR53710K fuel booster pump 
(Pilatus part number 968.84.11.401; 968.84.11.403; or 968.84.11.404) 
installed. This proposed AD would require you to check the airplane 
logbook to determine whether any installed fuel booster pump has been 
modified with spiral wrap to protect the wire leads and has the suffix 
letter ``B'' added to the serial number of the fuel booster pump 
identification plate. If any installed fuel booster pump has not been 
modified, you are required to inspect any installed fuel booster pump 
wire lead for defects; if defects are found, replace the fuel booster 
pump with a modified fuel booster pump with spiral wrap that protects 
the wire leads; or if no defects are found, install spiral wrap to 
protect any wire leads and adding the suffix letter ``B'' to the serial 
number of the fuel booster pump identification plate. The pilot is 
allowed to do the logbook check. If the pilot can positively determine 
that the fuel booster pump wire leads with spiral wrap are installed 
following the service information and that the suffix letter ``B'' is 
included in the serial number of the fuel booster pump identification 
plate, 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 detect and correct any defects in the leads of any fuel booster 
pump, which could result in electrical arcing. This failure could lead 
to a fire or explosion in the fuel tank.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by September 
22, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed 
AD:

[[Page 51617]]

     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    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 comments to this proposed AD in the AD docket on 
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.

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 the 
docket number, ``FAA-2004-18579; Directorate Identifier. 2004-CE-19-
AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We will post all comments we 
receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal 
information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed 
rulemaking. Using the search function of our docket Web site, anyone 
can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
This is docket number FAA-2004-18579. You may review the DOT's complete 
Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 
2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
    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.

Docket Information

    Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD 
docket that contains the proposal, any comments received, and any final 
disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m. (eastern standard time), Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on 
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at 
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket 
on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

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 Model PC-7 airplanes. The FOCA reports that there 
have been 11 reports of damaged fuel boost pump wire leads from 9 Model 
PC-12 airplanes that have a similar type design. Further, the FOCA 
reports that it possible that the wire leads to the left and right fuel 
pumps are damaged. This could possibly cause electrical arcs from the 
leads in an air/fuel mixture.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Any electrical 
arcing could lead to a fire or explosion in the fuel tank.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Pilatus 
has issued the following service information:

--Pilatus PC-7 Service Bulletin No. 28-009, dated October 6, 2003;
--Pilatus PC-7 Maintenance Manual No. 12-10-01, dated November 30, 
2003; and
--Pilatus PC-7 Maintenance Manual No. 28-20-03, dated November 30, 
2003.

    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
information includes procedures for:
    Pilatus PC-7 Service Bulletin No. 28-009, dated October 6, 2003:
--inspecting any installed Lear Romec RR53710B type or Lear Romec 
RR53710K fuel booster pump (Pilatus part number (P/N) 968.84.11.401; 
968.84.11.403; or 968.84.11.404) wire leads for any defects;
--if any defects in any wire lead of the installed fuel booster pump is 
found, replacing the fuel booster pump with a modified fuel booster 
pump (serial number with suffix letter ``B'') that has the wire leads 
protected with spiral wrap;
--if no defects are found, installing spiral wrap to protect any wire 
leads and adding the suffix letter ``B'' to the serial number of the 
fuel booster pump identification plate; and
--inspecting for any defects of and modifying any spare fuel booster 
pump (P/N 968.84.11.401; 968.84.11.403; or 968.84.11.404) before 
installation.

    Pilatus PC-7 Maintenance Manual No. 12-10-01, dated November 30, 
2003:

--servicing the fuel system.

--Pilatus PC-7 Maintenance Manual No. 28-20-03, dated November 30, 
2003:

--removing and installing the fuel booster pump.

    What action did the FOCA take? The FOCA classified this service 
bulletin as mandatory and issued Swiss AD Number HB-2004-210, issue 
dated June 11, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in Switzerland.
    Did the FOCA inform the United States under the bilateral 
airworthiness agreement? These certain Pilatus Model PC-7 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.

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

[[Page 51618]]

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 certain Pilatus Model PC-7 airplanes of the same 
type design that are registered in the United States, we are proposing 
AD action to detect and correct any defects in the leads of any fuel 
booster pump, which could result in electrical arcing. This failure 
could lead to a fire or explosion in the fuel tank.
    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 10 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 
do this proposed inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Total cost per
             Labor cost                    Parts cost            airplane        Total cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 workhour x $65 per hour = $65....  Not applicable........             $65.   $65 x 10 = $650.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacement of 
any fuel boost pump, including the installation of any wire wrap, that 
would be required based on the results of this proposed inspection. We 
have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need this 
installation:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Total cost total
           Labor cost                Parts cost          per airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 workhours x $65 per hour =     $2,800 for each     $2,800 + $325 =
 $325.                            fuel booster pump.  $3,125 for each
                                                      fuel booster pump
                                                      installation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 FAA-2004-18579; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-19-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. FAA-2004-18579; Directorate 
Identifier 2004-CE-19-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 September 22, 2004.

What Other ADs Are Affected By This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    This AD affects Model PC-7 airplanes, serial numbers 101 through 
618, that are:
    (1) equipped with Lear Romec RR53710B type or Lear Romec 
RR53710K fuel booster pump, Pilatus part number (P/N) 968.84.11.401; 
968.84.11.403; or 968.84.11.404; 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 detect 
and correct any defects in the leads of any fuel booster pump, which 
could result in electrical arcing. This failure could lead to a fire 
or explosion in the fuel tank.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless 
already done:

[[Page 51619]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Check the airplane        Within 50 hours'      The owner/operator
 logbook to ensure that any    time-in-service       holding at least a
 fuel booster pump (part       after the effective   private pilot
 number (P/N) 968.84.11.401;   date of this AD,      certificate as
 968.84.11.403; or             unless already done.  authorized by
 968.84.11.404) has been                             section 43.7 of the
 modified with spiral wrap                           Federal Aviation
 to protect the wire leads                           Regulations (14 CFR
 and has the suffix letter                           43.7) may perform
 ``B'' added to the serial                           this check.
 number of the fuel booster
 pump identification plate
 as required by paragraph
 (e)(5) of this AD.
-----------------------------
(2) If you can positively     Not Applicable......  Not Applicable.
 determine that any fuel
 booster pump (P/N
 968.84.11.401;
 968.84.11.403; or
 968.84.11.404) has been
 modified following the
 Accomplishment
 Instructions--Aircraft
 section in Pilatus PC-7
 Service Bulletin No. 28-
 009, dated October 6, 2003,
 and has the suffix letter
 ``B'' added to the serial
 number of the fuel booster
 pump identification plate
 as required by paragraph
 (e)(5) of this AD, then no
 further action is required.
-----------------------------
(3) Inspect any fuel booster  Within 50 hours'      Follow the
 pump (P/N 968.84.11.401;      time-in-service       Accomplishment
 968.84.11.403; or             after the effective   Instructions--Aircr
 968.84.11.404) leads for      date of this AD,      aft section in
 any defects.                  unless already done.  Pilatus PC-7
                                                     Service Bulletin
                                                     No. 28-009, dated
                                                     October 6, 2003.
                                                     This subject is
                                                     also addressed in
                                                     the Pilatus PC-7
                                                     Airplane
                                                     Maintenance Manual.
-----------------------------
(4) If any defect is found    Before further        Follow the
 during the inspection         flight after the      Accomplishment
 required by paragraph         inspection required   Instructions--Aircr
 (e)(1) of this AD, replace    by paragraph (e)(1)   aft section in
 the fuel booster pump.        of this AD in which   Pilatus PC-7
                               any defect is found.  Service Bulletin
                                                     No. 28-009, dated
                                                     October 6, 2003.
                                                     This subject is
                                                     also addressed in
                                                     the Pilatus PC-7
                                                     Airplane
                                                     Maintenance Manual.
-----------------------------
(5) If no defects are found   Before further        Follow the the
 during the inspection         flight after          Accomplishment
 required by paragraph         inspection required   Instructions--Aircr
 (e)(1) of this AD, modify     by paragraph (e)(1)   aft section in
 any fuel booster pump (P/N    of this AD where no   Pilatus PC-7
 968.84.11.401;                defect is found.      Service Bulletin
 968.84.11.403; or                                   No. 28-009, dated
 968.84.11.404) by                                   October 6, 2003.
 installing the lead                                 This subject is
 protection by using a                               also addressed in
 spiral wrap. After doing                            the Pilatus PC-7
 the modification, re-                               Airplane
 identify the fuel booster                           Maintenance Manual.
 pump (P/N 968.84.11.401;
 968.84.11.403; or
 968.84.11.404) by adding
 the suffix letter ``B'' to
 the serial number of the
 fuel booster pump
 identification plate.
-----------------------------
(6) Do not install any fuel   As of the effective   Follow the
 booster pump (P/N             date of this AD.      Accomplishment
 968.84.11.401;                                      Instructions--Spare
 968.84.11.403; or                                   s section in
 968.84.11.404) that has not                         Pilatus PC-7
 been modified and                                   Service Bulletin
 identified with the suffix                          No. 28-009, dated
 letter ``B'' to the serial                          October 6, 2003.
 number of the fuel booster
 pump identification plate.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: Incorporate Pilatus PC-7 Maintenance Manual No. 28-20-
03, dated November 30, 2003, and Pilatus PC-7 Maintenance Manual No. 
12-10-01, dated November 30, 2003, in the appropriate section of the 
airplane maintenance manual.


    Note 2: Wiring defects are addressed in paragraph 11-97 in FAA 
Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1B.

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (f) 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?

    (g) 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 the AD docket at the Docket Management 
Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, 
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC, or on the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

    (h) Swiss AD Number HB-2004-210, issue dated June 11, 2004, also 
addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 13, 2004.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-19158 Filed 8-19-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P