[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 38 (Monday, February 27, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12273-12276]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-03924]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0421; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01360-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 certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-
12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by 
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 insufficient grounding of the vapor cycle cooling system 
(VCCS) compressor/condenser. This proposed AD would require inspecting 
the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment points at frame 
37, including the attachment parts, and depending on the inspection 
results, corrective action. This proposed AD would also require 
modifying the installation of the VCCS compressor/condenser power 
return cables and installing an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground 
cable. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by April 13, 2023.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0421; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket

[[Page 12274]]

contains this NPRM, the MCAI, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this NPRM, 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: pilatus-aircraft.com.
     You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; 
phone: (816) 329-4059; 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 No. FAA-2023-0421; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-01360-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 
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 NPRM. 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, MO 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 2022-0212, dated October 18, 2022 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on certain serial-
numbered Pilatus Model PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E 
airplanes.
    The MCAI was prompted by a reported occurrence of a burning odor 
coming from the air conditioning vents during the climb phase of a 
Pilatus Model PC-12/47E airplane. An investigation identified that 
insufficient grounding of the VCCS compressor/condenser at frame 37 
resulted in severe heat damage to the baseplate and adjacent metal 
support structure. It was determined that this condition may occur on 
airplanes equipped in production with the large oxygen bottle installed 
on the right-hand side of the rear fuselage.
    To address the unsafe condition, the MCAI requires a one-time 
inspection of the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment 
point at frame 37, including the attachment parts, and modification of 
the installation of the VCCS.
    This condition, if not addressed, could, in the case of damage to 
the oxygen supply line, lead to an uncontrolled fire with damage to the 
airplane and injury to the occupants.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0421.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 21-016, dated 
August 15, 2022, which specifies procedures for inspecting the power 
return and chassis grounding cable attachment point on the airframe at 
frame 37, including the attachment parts, modifying the installation of 
the VCCS compressor/condenser power return cables, and installing an 
additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable. This service bulletin 
also specifies contacting Pilatus if any damage is found.
    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 ADDRESSES.

FAA's Determination

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI and service information described 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 these 
same type designs.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the MCAI, except as discussed under ``Differences Between this 
Proposed AD and the MCAI.''

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI requires contacting the manufacturer for approved 
corrective action instructions if any discrepancy is found during the 
inspection. This proposed AD would require contacting either the 
Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Pilatus's 
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 8 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

[[Page 12275]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect...........................  3 work-hours x $85     Not Applicable.......            $255          $2,040
                                     per hour = $255.
Modify............................  5 work-hours x $85     667..................           1,092           8,736
                                     per hour = $425.
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    The repair instructions that may be needed as a result of the 
inspection could vary significantly from airplane to airplane. The FAA 
has no data to determine the costs to accomplish the repair or the 
number of airplanes that would need this repair.

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-2023-0421; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-01360-A.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by April 13, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12, PC-12/45, 
PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes, serial numbers 466, 467, 725, 
861, 1032, 1052, 1082, 1115, 1232, 1411, 1428, 1439, 1530, 1541, 
1663, 1725, and 1802, certificated in any category.

 (d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2197, Air 
Conditioning System Wiring.

 (e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by 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 insufficient 
grounding of the vapor cycle cooling system (VCCS) compressor/
condenser. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could, in the case of damage to 
the oxygen supply line, lead to an uncontrolled fire with damage to 
the airplane, and injury to the occupants.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment points at 
frame 37, including the attachment parts, for physical and heat 
damage, de-lamination, and corrosion in accordance with steps (2) 
through (6) of Section 3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions in 
Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin (SB) 21-016, dated August 15, 2022 
(Pilatus PC-12 SB 21-016).
    (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, any physical or heat damage, de-lamination, or corrosion as 
identified in steps (2) through (6) of Section 3.B. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions in Pilatus PC-12 SB 21-016 is detected, 
before further flight, repair using a method approved by the 
Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; the European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Pilatus's EASA Design Organization 
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include 
the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the installation of the VCCS compressor/condenser power return 
cables and install an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable 
in accordance with Section 3.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions 
in Pilatus PC-12 SB 21-016. Where the service bulletin specifies 
discarding the stop angle, this AD requires removing the stop angle 
from service.

(h) 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 Sec.  39.19. In accordance with Sec.  39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, mail 
it to the address identified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD or email 
to: [email protected]. If mailing information, also submit 
information by email. 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.

(i) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to EASA AD 2022-0212, dated October 18, 2022, for 
related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0421.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4059; email: [email protected].

[[Page 12276]]

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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 PC-12 Service Bulletin 21-016, dated August 15, 
2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in 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: pilatus-aircraft.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on February 17, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-03924 Filed 2-24-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P