[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 28 (Friday, February 11, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7217-7219]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-2696]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-20006; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-49-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Limited Models B4-
PC11, B4-PC11A, and B4-PC11AF Sailplanes

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 Limited (Pilatus) Models B4-PC11, B4-PC11A, 
and B4-PC11AF sailplanes. This proposed AD would require you to 
repetitively inspect the control-column support for cracks and, if any 
cracks are found, replace the control-column support with a new 
support. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority 
for Switzerland. We are issuing this proposed AD to detect and correct 
cracks in the control-column support, which could result in failure of 
the support. This failure could lead to loss of the primary flight 
control system.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by March 18, 
2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed 
AD:
     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 20590-001.
     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.
    To get the service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans, 
Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 6208; facsimile: +41 41 619 7311; e-
mail: [email protected] or from Pilatus Business Aircraft 
Ltd., Product Support Department, 11755 Airport Way, Broomfield, 
Colorado 80021; telephone: (303) 465-9099; facsimile: (303) 465-6040.
    To view the comments to this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. 
This is docket number FAA-2004-20006.

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-2004-20006; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-49-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-2004-20006. 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 all Pilatus Aircraft Limited (Pilatus) Models B4-PC11, B4-PC11A, and 
B4-PC11AF sailplanes. The FOCA reports nine occurrences of cracks in 
the support of the control-column (part number (P/N) 112.35.11.072).

[[Page 7218]]

    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Cracks in the 
control-column support could result in failure and lead to loss of the 
primary flight control system.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Pilatus 
has issued Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 1005, Revision 
No. 2, dated April 22, 2004.
    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
bulletin includes procedures for:

--Inspecting the control-column support (P/N 112.35.11.072) for cracks; 
and
--Replacing the control-column support if any cracks are found.

    What action did the FOCA take? The FOCA classified this service 
bulletin as mandatory and issued Swiss AD Number HB 2004-491, dated 
December 23, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
sailplanes in Switzerland.
    Did the FOCA inform the United States under the bilateral 
airworthiness agreement? These Pilatus Models B4-PC11, B4-PC11A, and 
B4-PC11AF sailplanes 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 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 B4-PC11, B4-PC11A, and B4-PC11AF 
sailplanes of the same type design that are registered in the United 
States, we are proposing AD action to detect and correct cracks in the 
control-column support, which could result in failure of the support. 
This failure could lead to loss of the primary flight control 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 sailplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that 
this proposed AD affects 32 sailplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected sailplanes? We estimate the following costs 
to do this proposed inspection of the control-column support:

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                                                              Total cost per
             Labor cost                    Parts cost            sailplane        Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work hour x $65 per hour = $65...  Not applicable........               $65  32 x $65 = $2,080.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of this proposed 
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of sailplanes that 
may need this replacement of the control-column support:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Total cost per
             Labor cost                  Parts cost         sailplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 work hours x $65 per hour = $325..              $250              $575
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Authority for This Rulemaking

    What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action? 
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this AD.

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-2004-20006; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-49-AD'' in 
your request.

[[Page 7219]]

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 Limited: Docket No. FAA-2004-20006; Directorate 
Identifier 2004-CE-49-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 March 18, 2005.

What Other ADs Are Affected By This Action?

    (b) None.

What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects Models B4-PC11, B4-PC11A, and B4-PC11AF 
sailplanes, all serial numbers, that are 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 cracks in the control-column support, which could result 
in failure of the support. This failure could lead to loss of the 
primary flight control system.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions                  Compliance          Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the control-column    Within 12 calendar  Follow Pilatus
 support (part number (P/N)        months after the    Aircraft Ltd.
 112.35.11.072) for cracks.        last inspection     Service Bulletin
                                   under Pilatus       No. 1005,
                                   Aircraft Ltd.       Revision No. 2,
                                   Service Bulletin    dated April 22,
                                   No. 1005,           2004.
                                   Revision No. 1,
                                   dated April 9,
                                   2003, or Pilatus
                                   Aircraft Ltd.
                                   Service Bulletin
                                   No. 1005,
                                   Revision No. 2,
                                   dated April 22,
                                   2004, where no
                                   cracks were found
                                   or within the
                                   next 30 days
                                   after the
                                   effective date of
                                   this AD,
                                   whichever occurs
                                   later, unless
                                   already done.
                                   Repetitively
                                   inspect
                                   thereafter at
                                   intervals not to
                                   exceed every 12
                                   calendar months
                                   regardless of
                                   whether the
                                   control-column
                                   support was
                                   replaced.
(2) If any cracks are found       Before further      Follow Pilatus
 after the inspection required     flight after the    Aircraft Ltd.
 by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD,   inspection          Service Bulletin
 replace the control-column        required by         No. 1005,
 support (P/N 112.35.11.072)       paragraph (e)(1)    Revision No. 2,
 with a new control-column         of this AD where    dated April 22,
 support (P/N 112.35.11.072).      you found the       2004.
                                   crack. Continue
                                   the repetitive
                                   inspections
                                   required by
                                   paragraph (e)(1)
                                   of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 Obtain a Special Flight Permit for the Initial Inspection 
Requirement of This AD?

    (g) No. Special flight permits are not allowed for this AD.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

    (h) Swiss AD Number HB 2004-491, dated December 23, 2004, also 
addresses the subject of this AD.

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

    (i) To get copies of the documents referenced in this AD, 
contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 
Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 6208; facsimile: +41 41 
619 7311; email: [email protected] or from Pilatus 
Business Aircraft Ltd., Product Support Department, 11755 Airport 
Way, Broomfield, Colorado 80021; telephone: (303) 465-9099; 
facsimile: (303) 465-6040. To view the AD docket, go to 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. This is docket number FAA-2004-
20006.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 7, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-2696 Filed 2-10-05; 8:45 am]
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