[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 21 (Thursday, February 1, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4633-4634]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-1398]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26371 Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-70-AD;
Amendment 39-14917; AD 2007-03-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Limited PC-12 and PC-
12/45 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as executive
seats equipped with pedestal legs that were produced using a material
that deviates from the approved design data. We are issuing this AD to
require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective March 8, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 8,
2007.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Streamlined Issuance of AD
The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance
of ADs related to MCAI. The streamlined process will allow us to adopt
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce
safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.
This AD references the MCAI and related service information that we
considered in forming the engineering basis to correct the unsafe
condition. The AD contains text copied from the MCAI and for this
reason might not follow our plain language principles.
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 11, 2006
(71 FR 71497). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for
the specified products. The MCAI states that executive seats equipped
with pedestal legs were produced using a material that deviates from
the approved design data. As a consequence the pedestal legs may not
perform as intended under emergency landing conditions. In order to
correct and control the situation, this AD requires a one time
inspection to identify the Vendor Part Number (VPN) of the pedestal
legs and the Serial Number (S/N) of the executive seat and the
replacement of the pedestal legs if necessary.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a Note within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD would affect about 394 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 0.5 work-hours per
product to comply with the inspection requirement of this AD. In
addition, we estimate this AD would affect about 59 seats and take
about 1 work-hour per seat to comply with the parts replacement
requirement of this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
Where the service information lists required parts costs that are
covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge
for these costs. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected
parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based
on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to
be $15,760, or $40 per product for inspection and $4,720, or $80 per
seat for parts replacement.
Authority for This Rulemaking
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
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We 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.
[[Page 4634]]
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
(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) 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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 FAA amends 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 AD:
2007-03-06 Pilatus Aircraft Limited: Amendment 39-14917; Docket No.
FAA-2006-26371; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-70-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 8,
2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes, serial
numbers 101 through 683, that are:
(1) Certificated in any category; and
(2) Equipped with executive passenger seats Model Number 4006
manufactured by DeCrane Aircraft Seating Company, Inc. Vendor Part
Number (VPN) 403150-1 or 403150-2 with Serial Numbers (S/N)
identified in DeCrane Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB05147
Revision B, dated June 26, 2006.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states that executive seats equipped with pedestal legs were
produced using a material that deviates from the approved design
data. As a consequence the pedestal legs may not perform as intended
under emergency landing conditions. In order to correct and control
the situation, this AD requires a one time inspection to identify
the VPN of the pedestal legs and the S/N of the executive seat and
the replacement of the pedestal legs if necessary.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD:
(i) Perform an inspection to identify the VPN of the pedestal
legs and the S/N of the executive seat following the accomplishment
instructions in Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No.: 25-032, dated
October 2, 2006.
(ii) If during the inspection required by paragraph (e)(1)(i) of
this AD any pedestal legs with a VPN and executive seats with a S/N
which correspond with the data in DeCrane Aircraft Mandatory Service
Bulletin SB05147 Revision B, dated June 26, 2006, are found, prior
to further flight, replace the affected pedestal legs following the
accomplishment instructions in Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No.:
25-032, dated October 2, 2006, with new pedestal legs with VPN
431005-17 and 431005-18. The removed parts must be returned to
Pilatus.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
any executive seats model number 4006 produced by DeCrane Aircraft
Seating Company, Inc., VPN 403150-1 or 403150-2 with S/Ns identified
in DeCrane Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB05147 Revision B,
dated June 26, 2006, on any Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45
airplane, unless the mandatory actions of this AD have been
implemented.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(f) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Standards Staff, FAA, ATTN: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
U.S.C. 3501 et. seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
Related Information
(g) Refer to Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) AD HB-2006-
444, dated November 7, 2006; Pilatus Aircraft Limited Service
Bulletin No.: 25-032, dated October 2, 2006; and DeCrane Aircraft
Mandatory Service Bulletin SB05147 Revision B, dated June 26, 2006,
for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(h) You must use Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No.: 25-032,
dated October 2, 2006; and DeCrane Aircraft Mandatory Service
Bulletin SB05147 Revision B, dated June 26, 2006, to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Support Manager, CH-6371 STANS,
Switzerland; telephone: + 41 41 619 6208; fax: + 41 41 619 7311; e-
mail: aircaft.com">SupportPC12@pilatus-aircaft.com; or Pilatus Business Aircraft
Ltd., Product Support Department, 11755 Airport Way, Broomfield, CO
80021; telephone: (303) 465-9099, fax: (303) 465-6040; e-mail:
[email protected].
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; or at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 24, 2007.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-1398 Filed 1-31-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P