[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 46 (Thursday, March 11, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13838-13841]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-01625]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0812; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01317-A]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes

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 Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-24 airplanes. This 
proposed AD results

[[Page 13839]]

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. The MCAI identifies the unsafe 
condition as the need to revise certain airworthiness limitations and 
certification maintenance instructions. The FAA is proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 26, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     For service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Support General Aviation, CH-
6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7 365; email: 
aircraft.com">techsupport.ch@pilatus-aircraft.com; website: https://www.pilatus-
aircraft.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0812; 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 NPRM, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety 
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:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket Number FAA-2020-0812; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2020-01317-A'' at the beginning of your comments. The 
most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting 
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Doug 
Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft 
Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Background

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued 
EASA AD No. 2020-0202, dated September 22, 2020 (referred to after this 
as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for Pilatus Model PC-
24 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations and certification maintenance 
instructions for Pilatus PC-24 aeroplanes, which are approved by 
EASA, are currently defined and published in Pilatus PC-24 AMM 
[Aircraft Maintenance Manual] Chapter 04-00-00. These instructions 
have been identified as mandatory for continued airworthiness.
    Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an 
unsafe condition.
    Previously, EASA issued AD 2020-0074, [dated March 27, 2020,] 
requiring the actions described in the Pilatus PC-24 AMM Chapter 04-
00-00, Document Number 02378 Issue 005 at Revision 14.
    Since that AD was issued, Pilatus published the ALS 
[Airworthiness Limitations section, at Issue 005 Revision 19], which 
contains the following new and/or more restrictive tasks as 
specified in Mandatory Structural Inspection Items data module PC24-
AA04-20-0000-00A-000A-A Issue 005 Revision 00:

--AL-27-00-025 and AL-27-00-026: Control column sprocket gear 
assembly, and
--AL-27-00-027: Control wheel column assembly.

    In addition, Airworthiness Limitations Description data module 
PC24-A-A04-00-0000-00A-040A-A Issue 008 Revision 00 includes:

--The new limit of validity following the completion of the Full 
Scale Fatigue Test, and
--Usage assumptions/conditions for operations on unpaved and grass 
runaways.

    EASA AD No. 2020-0074, dated March 27, 2020, required revising the 
Airworthiness Limitations section (ALS) to correct an error in the 
horizontal stabilizer primary trim system secondary power source 
operational test. The MCAI retains the requirements of EASA AD No. 
2020-0074, dated March 27, 2020, which the MCAI supersedes, and 
requires the additional revisions discussed previously. You may examine 
the MCAI at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2020-0812.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations, of Pilatus 
PC-24 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, data module PC24-A-A04-00-0000-00A-
040A-A, Issue 008, Revision 00, dated May 26, 2020. This service 
information contains the parent data module and the new limit of 
validity and updates the usage assumptions and conditions for 
operations on unpaved and grass runways. This document also contains 
the revised subsections with revised maintenance actions.

[[Page 13840]]

    The FAA also reviewed Pilatus PC-24 Aircraft Maintenance Manual 
Horizontal stabilizer primary trim system secondary power source--
Operation test, data module PC24-A-E27-40-0000-01A-320A-A, Issue 007, 
Revision 00, dated September 25, 2019. This service information 
contains revised procedures for task number AL-27-40-022 in the CMR.
    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.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it has 
notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after 
determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require replacing the revised sections of 
the ALS described previously into the existing AMM or instructions for 
continued airworthiness. Updating the entire ALS, including all 
subsections and referenced data modules, would be acceptable for 
compliance with this proposed AD. An owner/operator (pilot) may 
incorporate the ALS revisions, and the owner/operator must enter 
compliance with the applicable paragraphs of the AD into the aircraft 
records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 
91.417(a)(2)(v). This is an exception to our standard maintenance 
regulations.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 42 products of 
U.S. registry. The FAA also estimates that it would take about 1 work-
hour per product to comply with the requirements of this proposed AD. 
The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of the proposed 
AD on U.S. operators would be $3,570 or $85 per product.

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

    The FAA 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. FAA-2020-0812; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2020-01317-A.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by April 26, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-24 airplanes, 
all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2740: Stabilizer 
Control System.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the need to revise the Airworthiness 
Limitations section (ALS) of the existing aircraft maintenance 
manual (AMM) to add new and more restrictive tasks for the control 
column sprocket gear assembly and control wheel column assembly, to 
address the new limit of validity and update the usage assumptions 
and conditions for operations on unpaved and grass runways, and to 
correct an error in the horizontal stabilizer primary trim system 
secondary power source operational test. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to prevent reduction in the structural integrity of the airframe and 
components, as well as an unrecognized failure of the manual pitch 
trim. These conditions, if not addressed, could result in loss of 
airplane control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    (1) Before further flight, unless already done, revise the ALS 
of the existing AMM or instructions for continued airworthiness 
(ICA) for your airplane by incorporating the following documents.
    (i) Pilatus PC-24 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Airworthiness 
Limitations, AMM data module PC24-A-A04-00-0000-00A-040A-A, Issue 
008, Revision 00, dated May 26, 2020.
    (ii) Pilatus PC-24 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Mandatory 
structural inspection items, data module PC24-A-A04-20-0000-00A-
000A-A, Issue 005, Revision 00, dated May 26, 2020.
    (iii) Pilatus PC-24 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Certification 
maintenance requirements, data module PC24-A-A04-30-0000-00A-000A-A, 
Issue 007, Revision 00, dated October 14, 2019.
    (iv) Pilatus PC-24 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Horizontal 
stabilizer primary trim system secondary power source--Operation 
test, data module PC24-A-E27-40-0000-01A-320A-A, Issue 007, Revision 
00, dated September 25, 2019. Your ALS must require this procedure 
for task number AL-27-40-022 in the certification maintenance 
requirements.

    Note 1 to paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: Pilatus PC-24 Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual, Airworthiness Limitations, AMM data module PC24-
A-A04-00-0000-00A-040A-A, Issue 008, Revision 00, dated May 26, 
2020, is the parent data module for chapter 4 of the PC-24 AMM and 
consists of four subsections (sub-data modules). The parent data 
module and four sub-data modules

[[Page 13841]]

comprise the complete ALS of the PC-24 Aircraft Maintenance Manual. 
Incorporating Pilatus PC-24 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, 
Airworthiness Limitations, AMM data module PC24-A-A04-00-0000-00A-
040A-A, Issue 008 Revision 00, dated May 26, 2020, and all four 
subsections listed in Section 1 General, is acceptable, but not 
required, for compliance with this AD.

    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, except as provided in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative replacement times, 
inspection intervals, or tasks may be approved for the affected 
parts.
    (3) The actions required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD may be 
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private 
pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records 
showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) 
through (4), and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be 
maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (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. Before using any approved AMOC, 
notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal 
inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district 
office/certificate holding district office.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2020-
0202, dated September 22, 2020 for related information. You may 
examine the MCAI at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0812. For service information related 
to this AD, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Support General 
Aviation, CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7 365; 
email: aircraft.com">techsupport.ch@pilatus-aircraft.com; website: https://
www.pilatus-aircraft.com. You may review this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Technical 
Innovation Policy Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call (816) 329-4148.

    Issued on January 14, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-01625 Filed 3-10-21; 8:45 am]
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