[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 239 (Friday, December 12, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73803-73805]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28730]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0717; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-026-AD; 
Amendment 39-18045; AD 2014-25-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Limited Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding an airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-11-08 
for Pilatus Aircraft Limited Models PC-6, PC-6-H1, PC-6-H2, PC-6/350, 
PC-6/350-H1, PC-6/350-H2, PC-6/A, PC-6/A-H1, PC-6/A-H2, PC-6/B-H2, PC-
6/B1-H2, PC-6/B2-H2, PC-6/B2-H4, PC-6/C-H2, and PC-6/C1-H2 airplanes. 
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 a need to incorporate new revisions 
into the aircraft maintenance manual or in the limitations document of 
the FAA-approved maintenance program. We are issuing this AD to require 
actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 16, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of January 16, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0717; or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact PILATUS 
AIRCRAFT LTD., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 STANS, Switzerland; 
telephone: +41 (0) 41 619 65 80; fax: +41 (0) 41 619 65 76; Internet: 
http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com; email: aircraft.com">fodermatt@pilatus-aircraft.com. 
You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 
329-4148.

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; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to add an AD that would apply to Pilatus Aircraft Limited 
Models PC-6, PC-6-H1, PC-6-H2, PC-6/350, PC-6/350-H1, PC-6/350-H2, PC-
6/A, PC-6/A-H1, PC-6/A-H2, PC-6/B-H2, PC-6/B1-H2, PC- 6/B2-H2, PC-6/B2-
H4, PC-6/C-H2, and PC-6/C1-H2 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the 
Federal Register on September 18, 2014 (79 FR 56023), and proposed to 
supersede AD 2013-11-08, Amendment 39-17468 (78 FR 37701; June 24, 
2013).
    The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country. The MCAI states that:

    The maintenance instructions and airworthiness limitations 
applicable to the Structure and Components of PC-6 aeroplanes are 
specified in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) under Chapter 4 
or in the Airworthiness Limitations Document (ALS), depending on 
aeroplane model.
    The instructions contained in the ALS document have been 
identified as mandatory actions for continued airworthiness and 
failure to comply with these instructions and limitations could 
potentially lead to an unsafe condition.
    Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) recently issued PC-6 AMM, 
Chapter 04-00-00, Document Number 01975 issue 19 for PC-6 B2-H2 and 
PC-6 B2-H4 aeroplanes and PC-6 ALS, Document Number 02334 issue 4 
for all other PC-6 aeroplane models to incorporate new life limits 
for the Fire Extinguisher.
    For the reason described above, this AD retains the requirements 
of EASA AD 2012-0268, which is superseded, and requires

[[Page 73804]]

implementation of the new maintenance requirements and/or 
airworthiness limitations.

    The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0717.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the proposal 
and the FAA's response to the comment.

Request

    John Kruger of Pilatus Aircraft Limited commented that paragraph 
(f)(4)(ii) of this AD provides a compliance time of 30 days after 
effective date of the AD or within 10 hours time-in-service, but that 
Pilatus had recommended in the MCAI to allow a grace period of 6 
months, as was done in the case of the PC-12 when the fire extinguisher 
life was changed, and that the compliance time should be changed for 
this AD per the recommendation.
    We agree because the compliance time of 6 months allows for an 
acceptable level of safety. We revised the AD so that the compliance 
time in paragraph (f)(4)(ii) of this AD reads ``. . . within 6 months 
after . . .''

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD with the change described previously and minor editorial changes. We 
have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 56023, September 18, 2014) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 56023, September 18, 2014).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 50 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 8 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $34,000, or $680 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $1,000, for a cost of 
$1,085 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.
    The only costs that would be imposed by this AD over that already 
required by AD 2013-11-08 is 1 work-hour to incorporate the new 
airworthiness limitations section sections into the maintenance 
program, $1,085 for replacement of the fire extinguisher if needed, and 
the addition of 35 airplanes from 15 airplanes to 50 airplanes.

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.
    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 the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0717; 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) 647-5527) 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

    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 removing Amendment 39-17311 (78 FR 
11572, February 19, 2013) and adding the following new AD:

2014-25-04 Pilatus Aircraft Limited: Amendment 39-18045; Docket No. 
FAA-2014-0717; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-026-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January 16, 
2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2013-11-08, Amendment 39-17468 (78 FR 
37701; June 24, 2013).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Limited Models PC-6, PC-6-
H1, PC-6-H2, PC-6/350, PC-6/350-H1, PC-6/350-H2, PC-6/A, PC-6/A-H1, 
PC-6/A-H2, PC-6/B-H2, PC-6/B1-H2, PC-6/B2-H2, PC-6/B2-H4, PC-6/C-H2, 
and PC-6/C1-H2 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN), 
including MSN 2001 through 2092 (see Note 1 of paragraph c), 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1 of paragraph (c): For MSN 2001-2092, these airplanes are 
also identified as Fairchild Republic Company PC-6 airplanes, 
Fairchild Industries PC-6 airplanes, Fairchild Heli Porter PC-6 
airplanes, or Fairchild-Hiller Corporation PC-6 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 5: Time Limits.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI)

[[Page 73805]]

originated 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 a need to incorporate new 
revisions into the aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) or in the 
Limitations document of the FAA-approved maintenance program. The 
limitations were revised to incorporate new life limits for the fire 
extinguisher. These actions are required to ensure the continued 
operational safety of the affected airplanes.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    (1) Actions retained from AD 2013-11-08, Amendment 39-17468 (78 
FR 37701; June 24, 2013) for all airplanes in the Applicability 
section of this AD: If the flap actuator has accumulated 3,500 hours 
time-in-service (TIS) or more since new or last overhauled or 7 
years or more since new or last overhauled, whichever occurs first, 
replacement of the flap actuator (except part numbers 978.73.14.101 
and 978.73.14.103) is required within 350 hours TIS after July 29, 
2013, (the effective date retained from AD 2013-11-08) or 6 months 
after July 29, 2013, (the effective date retained from AD 2013-11-
08), whichever occurs first. Flap actuators with less than 3,500 
hours TIS or 7 years since new or last overhauled are covered by the 
airworthiness limitations document (ALS) requirement.
    (2) Actions new to this AD for all affected Models PC-6/B2-H2 
and PC-6/B2-H4 airplanes: Before further flight after January 16, 
2015 (the effective date of this AD) incorporate the maintenance 
requirements as specified in Section 04-00-00, Airworthiness 
Limitations, of Chapter 04, Airworthiness Limitations, of the 
Pilatus PC-6 Maintenance Manual, document number 01975, Revision 19, 
dated May 31, 2014, into your FAA-accepted maintenance program 
(maintenance manual).
    (3) Actions new to this AD for all airplanes in the 
Applicability section of this AD except for the Models PC-6/B2-H2 
and PC-6/B2-H4 airplanes: Before further flight after January 16, 
2015 (the effective date of this AD) incorporate the maintenance 
requirements as specified in Pilatus ALS, document number 02334, 
Revision 4, dated May 31, 2014, into your FAA-accepted maintenance 
program (maintenance manual).
    (4) Actions new to this AD for all airplanes in the 
Applicability section of this AD:
    (i) For airplanes with Halon Fire Extinguishers that have not 
yet reached the 10 year life limit after January 16, 2015 (the 
effective date of this AD), when the Halon Fire Extinguisher reaches 
its life limit of 10 years, before further flight, replace with an 
airworthy Halon Fire Extinguisher following Section 04-00-00, 
Airworthiness Limitations, of Chapter 04, Airworthiness Limitations, 
of the Pilatus PC-6 Maintenance Manual, document number 01975, 
Revision 19, dated May 31, 2014; or Pilatus ALS document number 
02334, Revision 4, dated May 31, 2014; as applicable.
    (ii) For airplanes with Halon Fire Extinguishers that have 
reached the 10 year life limit on or before January 16, 2015 (the 
effective date of this AD), within the next 6 months after January 
16, 2015 (the effective date of this AD), replace with an airworthy 
Halon Fire Extinguisher following Section 04-00-00, Airworthiness 
Limitations, of Chapter 04, Airworthiness Limitations, of the 
Pilatus PC-6 Maintenance Manual, document number 01975, Revision 19, 
dated May 31, 2014; or Pilatus ALS document number 02334, Revision 
4, dated May 31, 2014; as applicable.
    (iii) Repetitively, after replacing the airplanes Halon Fire 
Extinguisher as required in paragraphs (f)(4)(i) or (f)(4)(ii), 
within 10 years after each last replacement, replace with an 
airworthy Halon Fire Extinguisher.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to 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; email: 
[email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane 
to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), 
or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (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.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 2014-
0181, dated July 31, 2014, for related information. The MCAI can be 
found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0717.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Pilatus Airworthiness Limitations document number 02334, 
Revision 4, dated May 31, 2014. The revision level of this document 
is indicated only in the Record of Revisions.
    (ii) Section 04-00-00, Airworthiness Limitations, of Chapter 04, 
Airworthiness Limitations, of the Pilatus PC-6 Maintenance Manual, 
document number 01975, Revision 19, dated May 31, 2014.
    (3) For Pilatus Aircraft Limited service information identified 
in this AD, contact PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD., Customer Liaison Manager, 
CH-6371 STANS, Switzerland; telephone: +41 (0) 41 619 65 80; fax: 
+41 (0) 41 619 65 76; Internet: http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com; 
email: aircraft.com">fodermatt@pilatus-aircraft.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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 December 2, 2014.
Robert Busto,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-28730 Filed 12-11-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P