[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 1, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9851-9853]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-3634]



[[Page 9851]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-05-20399; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-02-AD; 
Amendment 39-13988; AD 2005-04-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. This 
AD requires you to do a one-time inspection of the windshield de-ice 
wiring system for heat damage and incorrect wire sizes and to replace 
any wires that are damaged or the incorrect size. This AD results from 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the 
airworthiness authority for Switzerland. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and replace windshield de-ice wiring of the incorrect size, 
which could result in heat damage of the windshield de-ice wiring. This 
failure could lead to possible fire in the overhead panel of the flight 
compartment.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on March 8, 2005.
    As of March 8, 2005, the Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the 
regulation.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by April 19, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this 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 AD, contact 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland.
    To view the comments to this AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. The 
docket number is FAA-05-20399; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-02-AD.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? The Federal Office of Civil 
Aviation (FOCA), which is the airworthiness authority for Switzerland, 
recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. FOCA reports 
a co-pilot windshield de-ice system failure, which was caused by an 
overheated return wire in the windshield heating system. Investigation 
revealed that the wiring in the windshield heating system was not 
installed following the specifications in the applicable wiring 
diagrams.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Windshield de-
ice wiring of the incorrect size could result in heat damage of the 
windshield de-ice wiring. This failure could lead to possible fire in 
the overhead panel of the flight compartment.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Pilatus 
Aircraft Ltd. has issued Service Bulletin No. 30-009, dated January 25, 
2005.
    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
bulletin includes procedures for:

--Inspecting the wires installed in the windshield de-ice system to 
make sure they are the correct size (American Wire Gage) as specified 
in the applicable wiring diagrams;
--Inspecting the wires, splices, and related link wires in the terminal 
block (TB 152) for any heat damage; and
--Replacing all damaged or incorrect sized wires.

    What action did FOCA take? FOCA classified this service bulletin as 
mandatory and issued Swiss AD Number HB-2005-079, dated February 11, 
2005, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in 
Switzerland.
    Did FOCA inform the United States under the bilateral airworthiness 
agreement? These Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. 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 Sec.  21.29 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable 
bilateral airworthiness agreement.
    Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, FOCA has kept us 
informed of the situation described above.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    What has FAA decided? We have examined FOCA's findings, reviewed 
all available information, and determined that we need to issue an AD 
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 Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 
airplanes of the same type design that are registered in the United 
States, we are issuing this AD to detect and replace windshield de-ice 
wiring of the incorrect size, which could result in heat damage of the 
windshield de-ice wiring. This failure could lead to possible fire in 
the overhead panel of the flight compartment.
    What does this AD require? This AD requires you to incorporate the 
actions in the previously-referenced service bulletin.
    In preparing this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft 
operators to get technical information and information on operational 
and economic impacts. We did not receive any information through these 
contacts. If received, we would have included a discussion of any 
information that may have influenced this action in the rulemaking 
docket.
    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this 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.

Comments Invited

    Will I have the opportunity to comment before you issue the rule? 
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your

[[Page 9852]]

comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include the docket 
number, ``FAA-05-20399; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-02-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 AD.
    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-05-20399; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-02-AD. 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 AD I should pay attention 
to? We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. If you contact 
us through a nonwritten communication and that contact relates to a 
substantive part of this 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 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 AD, 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.

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

    Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that this 
AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. 
This AD will 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.
    Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For 
the reasons discussed above, I certify that this 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 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 
``Docket No. FAA-05-20399; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-02-AD'' in 
your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2005-04-16 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-13988; Docket No. 
FAA-05-20399; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-02-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on March 8, 2005.

Are Any Other ADs Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects airplane Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes 
with serial numbers 322 through 400 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. We are issuing this AD to detect and replace windshield 
de-ice wiring of the incorrect size, which could result in heat 
damage of the windshield de-ice wiring. This failure could lead to 
possible fire in the overhead panel of the flight compartment.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the windshield    Within 10 hours time- Follow Pilatus
 de-ice wiring on both the     in-service (TIS) or   Aircraft Ltd.
 left and right side           30 days, whichever    Service Bulletin
 windshields for heat damage   occurs first, after   No. 30-009, dated
 of the wires, splices, and    March 8, 2005 (the    January 25, 2005.
 related link wires in the     effective date of
 area of the terminal block    this AD). This is a
 152 (TB 152).                 one-time inspection.

[[Page 9853]]

 
(2) Inspect the windshield    Within 10 hours TIS   Follow Pilatus
 deice wiring and related      or 30 days,           Aircraft Ltd.
 link wires on both the left   whichever occurs      Service Bulletin
 and right side windshields    first, after March    No. 30-009, dated
 to verify that wires of the   8, 2005 (the          January 25, 2005.
 correct size (American Wire   effective date of
 Gage) are installed as        this AD). This is a
 specified in Service          one-time inspection.
 Bulletin 30-009, dated
 January 25, 2005.
(3) If any heat damage or     Before further        Follow Pilatus
 incorrect wiring is found,    flight.               Aircraft Ltd.
 replace the damaged or                              Service Bulletin
 incorrect wires.                                    No. 30-009, dated
                                                     January 25, 2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 L. Rudolph, 
Aerospace Engineer, ACE-112, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; 
facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

    (g) FOCA Airworthiness Directive HB-2005-079, dated February 11, 
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?

    (h) You must do the actions required by this AD following the 
instructions in Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 30-009, 
dated January 25, 2005. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get a 
copy from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland. To get 
a copy of this service information, contact Doug Rudolph, Aerospace 
Engineer, ACE-112, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: 
(816) 329-4090. To review copies of this service information, go to 
the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, go to: 
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html or call (202) 741-6030. 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 20590-001 or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is Docket No. FAA-05-20399; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-02-AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 17, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-3634 Filed 2-28-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P