[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 33 (Monday, February 22, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10451-10453]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-01783]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0849; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01036-A; 
Amendment 39-21374; AD 2020-26-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 airplanes. This AD results from 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an 
aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. This AD requires revising the 
Airworthiness Limitations section (ALS) of the existing aircraft 
maintenance manual (AMM) to introduce new mandatory repetitive 
inspections for the flap pivot arm assemblies and for certain wing 
angle brackets, and to implement a change to the Oxygen cylinder and 
pressure reducer task item. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 29, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 29, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH-6371, Customer Technical Support 
(MCC), P.O. Box 992, CH-6371, Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 (0)41 619 
67 74; fax: +41 (0)41 619 67; email: aircraft.com">techsupport@pilatus-aircraft.com; 
website: https://www.pilatus-aircraft.comen/. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. 
It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0849.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0849; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the 
MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The address for 
Docket Operations is 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, 
901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; phone: (816) 329-
4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Pilatus Aircraft 
Ltd. Model PC-7 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on September 24, 2020 (85 FR 60097). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI 
originated by the Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA), which is 
the aviation authority for Switzerland. FOCA has issued FOCA AD HB-
2020-007, dated July 23, 2020 (referred to after this as the MCAI), to 
correct an unsafe condition with new mandatory instructions for 
continued airworthiness for all Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations and certification maintenance 
instructions for Pilatus PC-7 aeroplanes, which are approved by 
FOCA, are currently defined and published in the Pilatus PC-7 AMM 
Chapter 5. These instructions have been identified as mandatory for 
continued airworthiness.
    Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an 
unsafe condition [discrepancies of life-limited and overhauled 
components, which could result in reduced structural integrity and 
system reliability of the airplane].
    Previously, FOCA issued AD HB-2019-004 (later corrected) to 
require implementation of the maintenance tasks and airworthiness 
limitations as specified in Pilatus PC-7 AMM Document Number 01715, 
or Document Number 02416, both at issue 44, as applicable. [These 
tasks included the added wing angle bracket at rib 23 repetitive 
inspections.]
    Since that AD was issued, Pilatus amended the ALS, as defined in 
this AD, to introduce new mandatory repetitive inspection for the 
flap pivot arm assemblies and a change to the Oxygen cylinder and 
pressure reducer task (Chapter 35--Oxygen) to remove the reference 
to the part numbers.
    For the reason described above, this [Swiss] AD retains the 
requirements of FOCA

[[Page 10452]]

AD HB-2019-004 including its correction, which is superseded, and 
requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the ALS.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0849.
    The NPRM proposed to require revising the ALS of the existing AMM 
to introduce the new mandatory repetitive inspections for the flap 
pivot arm assemblies and for certain wing angle brackets, and to 
implement a change to the Oxygen cylinder and pressure reducer task 
item. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed. 
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is 
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. has issued Section 05-10-10, ``Lifed and 
Overhauled Components,'' dated June 30, 2020, of Chapter 05, Time 
Limits/Maintenance Checks, of the Pilatus PC-7 Maintenance Manual. This 
document provides updated limitations, inspections, and procedures for 
the airworthiness limitations in chapter 5 of the existing AMM. This 
service information contains new mandatory repetitive inspections for 
the flap pivot arm assemblies and for the wing angle brackets on middle 
rib 23, and a change to the oxygen cylinder and pressure reducer task 
item to remove the reference to the part numbers.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI requires incorporating all of the updated Chapter 05-00-00 
for the Swiss State of Design type certificate because they deem the 
complete chapter 5 as the mandatory ALS of the PC-7 AMM. This AD only 
requires Section 05-10-10, ``Lifed and Overhauled Components,'' dated 
June 30, 2020, of Chapter 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks, of the 
Pilatus PC-7 Maintenance Manual, because it is the only mandatory 
section of the ALS for the U.S. type certificate.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 18 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
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1 work-hours x $85 per hour = $85............................              $0              $85           $1,530
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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.
    The FAA is 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

    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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2020-26-19 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd: Amendment 39-21374; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0849; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01036-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 29, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 airplanes, 
all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the need to revise the Airworthiness 
Limitation section of the existing aircraft maintenance manual 
(AMM). The FAA is issuing this AD to revise the Airworthiness 
Limitations section of the existing AMM to introduce new mandatory 
repetitive inspections for the flap pivot arm assemblies and for the 
wing angle brackets on middle rib 23, and to implement a change to

[[Page 10453]]

the Oxygen cylinder and pressure reducer task item. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural 
integrity and system reliability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Unless already done, before further flight: Incorporate the 
revised Airworthiness Limitation section as specified in Section 05-
10-10, ``Lifed and Overhauled Components,'' dated June 30, 2020, of 
Chapter 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks, of the Pilatus PC-7 
Maintenance Manual, into the Airworthiness Limitations section of 
your FAA-accepted maintenance program (maintenance manual).

(g) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the Airworthiness Limitations section of the existing 
maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by 
paragraph (f) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) 
or intervals may be used unless the actions or intervals are 
approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance 
with the procedures specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    AMOCs: The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has 
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to Doug Rudolph, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; phone: (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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; phone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Federal Office for Civil Aviation AD HB-2020-007, dated July 
23, 2020, for more information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2020-0849.

(j) 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) Section 05-10-10, ``Lifed and Overhauled Components,'' dated 
June 30, 2020, of Chapter 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks, of the 
Pilatus PC-7 Maintenance Manual.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Pilatus Aircraft Ltd service information identified in 
this AD, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Technical Support 
(MCC), P.O. Box 992, CH-6371, Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 (0)41 
619 67 74; fax: +41 (0)41 619 67 73; email: aircraft.com">techsupport@pilatus-aircraft.com; website: https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/en.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on December 30, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-01783 Filed 2-19-21; 8:45 am]
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