[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 72 (Friday, April 14, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22903-22905]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07773]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1404; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01044-A;
Amendment 39-22410; AD 2023-07-08]
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
certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-12/47E airplanes. 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 corrosion of the actuator
attachment lug areas underneath the anti-rotation pads of the main
landing gear (MLG) and nose landing gear (NLG). This AD requires
replacing certain MLG and NLG electro-mechanical actuators. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 19, 2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No.FAA-2022-1404; 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, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International
Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone:
(816) 329-4059; 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 certain serial-numbered
Pilatus Model PC-12/47E airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on November 7, 2022 (87 FR 66971). The NPRM was prompted by
EASA AD 2022-0158, dated August 4, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0158) (referred
to after this as ``the MCAI''), issued by the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union.
The MCAI was prompted by occurrences of corrosion on the MLG and
NLG actuator attachment lugs, underneath the anti-rotation pads of
Pilatus Model PC-12/47E airplanes. The MCAI states that investigations
revealed that extending or retracting the affected landing gear results
in fretting between the anti-rotation pads and the actuator attachment
lugs. This decreases the effectivity of surface protection, allows
corrosion to develop on the attachment lug areas underneath the anti-
rotation pads, and leads to cracking and failure of the attachment
lugs.
This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of
functionality of the MLG and NLG, which could result in damage to the
airplane and injury to the occupants. The MCAI requires inspecting, and
if required, replacing affected MLG and NLG electro-mechanical
actuators with serviceable actuators and prohibits the installation of
an affected actuator unless it has been reworked to become a
serviceable actuator.
Since issuance of the NPRM, EASA superseded EASA AD 2022-0158 with
EASA AD 2022-0245, dated December 12, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0245). EASA AD
2022-0245 retains the requirements of EASA AD 2022-0158 and references
revised service information.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing affected MLG and
NLG actuators with serviceable actuators and prohibit the installation
of an affected actuator unless it has been reworked (inspection and
modification) to become a serviceable actuator. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1404.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from Pilatus. The following
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response.
[[Page 22904]]
Request To Reference Revised Service Information
Pilatus stated that since the NPRM was published, revised service
information was issued and requested that the FAA change paragraph
(f)(2)(i) in the proposed AD to reference Pilatus PC-12 Service
Bulletin 32-030, Rev. 2, dated October 7, 2022; and Tamagawa Seiki Co.,
Ltd., Service Bulletin SB21-0001, Issue 3, dated August 25, 2022,
instead of Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 32-030, dated June 27, 2022;
and Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., Service Bulletin SB21-0001, dated March
31, 2022. The commenter also noted that after the NPRM was published,
EASA released Proposed Airworthiness Directive (PAD) 22-149, dated
November 9, 2022, which indicated that EASA AD 2022-0158 would be
superseded.
The FAA agrees with the commenter's request. The FAA reviewed
Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 32-030, Rev. 2, dated October 7, 2022,
which references Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., SB SB21-0001, Issue 3, dated
August 25, 2022, and determined that no additional work is specified.
The FAA revised paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this AD to reference this
revised service information. The FAA added paragraph (i) to this AD
(and redesignated the subsequent paragraphs of this AD accordingly) to
provide credit for actions done before the effective date of this AD
using Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 32-030, dated June 27, 2022; and
Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., Service Bulletin SB21-0001, dated March 31,
2022.
As discussed in the Background section of this final rule, EASA
superseded EASA AD 2022-0158 with EASA AD 2022-0245. The FAA did not
update the reference to the MCAI in this AD to refer to EASA AD 2022-
0245 because in the NPRM, the FAA already proposed to require the
actions in EASA AD 2022-0245. The FAA discussed this in the
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI'' section of the
NPRM.
Request To Extend the Compliance for Certain Airplanes
Pilatus requested that the FAA revise the 3-month compliance time
in paragraph (h)(1) of the proposed AD and explained this compliance
time should only be applicable to older airplanes on which the affected
actuators were installed and the initial failures were identified.
The FAA agrees. The FAA is keeping the compliance time for
replacement of each affected part for the older airplanes with serial
numbers (S/Ns) 1300 and 1451 to 1663 inclusive, which is within 3
months after the effective date of the AD. The FAA is extending the
compliance time for replacement of each affected part from what was
called out in the NPRM for the rest of airplanes as follows:
For airplanes with S/Ns 1664 through 1719 inclusive, and
S/Ns 1721 through 1942 inclusive, within 300 hours time-in-service
(TIS) after the effective date of this AD or within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
For airplanes with S/Ns 1720, 2001 through 2202 inclusive,
2204, and 2206, within 600 hours TIS after the effective date of this
AD or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first.
Conclusion
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 referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and determined that air safety
requires 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, and any other changes described previously,
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes
increase the economic burden on any operator.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI bases the compliance time for the replacement of affected
MLG and NLG electro-mechanical actuators on the corrosion environment
of the airplane. FAA regulations do not require operators to track
operations in different environmental conditions and thus there is no
way to determine whether an airplane is in the category of moderate to
severe or mild corrosion environment.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 440 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates that the costs of one of the two actions below
will be required to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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* Rework (inspection and 5 work-hours x $85 Up to $1,245........... $1,670 (for rework $734,800
modification). per hour = $425. of all three
actuators).
* Replacement.................. 3 work-hours x $85 $4,750 (Actuator Part $16,105 (for 7,086,200
per hour = $255. Number (P/N) replacement of
959.56.01.852, nose all three
landing gear) and actuators).
$11,100 (for 2
actuators--Actuator P/
N 659.56.01.853, main
landing gear).
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* Only the rework (inspection and modification) or the replacement will be required by this AD. Both actions
will not be required.
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 that this AD:
[[Page 22905]]
(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:
2023-07-08 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-22410; Docket No.
FAA-2022-1404; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01044-A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 19, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12/47E
airplanes, serial number (S/N) 1300 and S/Ns 1451 and higher,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3211, Main Landing
Gear Attach Section; and JASC Code 3221, Nose/Tail Landing Gear
Attach Section.
(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 corrosion
leading to cracks on the actuator attachment lug areas underneath
the anti-rotation pads of the main landing gear (MLG) and nose
landing gear (NLG). The FAA is issuing this AD to address this
condition. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
loss of functionality of the MLG and NLG, which could result in
damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants.
(f) Definitions
For the purposes of this AD, the following definitions apply:
(1) Affected parts are defined as MLG electro-mechanical
actuators having part number (P/N) 959.56.01.823 or P/N
959.56.01.845 and NLG electro-mechanical actuators having P/N
959.56.01.824 or P/N 959.56.01.844.
(2) Serviceable parts are defined as one of the following:
(i) MLG electro-mechanical actuators having P/N 959.56.01.823 or
P/N 959.56.01.845 and NLG electro-mechanical actuators having P/N
959.56.01.824 or P/N 959.56.01.844 that have been reworked
(inspection and modification) in accordance with the instructions in
Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 32-030, Rev. 2, dated October 7,
2022; and Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., Service Bulletin SB21-0001,
Issue 3, dated August 25, 2022; or
(ii) MLG electro-mechanical actuators having P/N 959.56.01.853
and NLG electro-mechanical actuators having P/N 959.56.01.852.
(g) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(h) Required Actions
(1) Replace each affected part as defined in paragraph (f)(1) of
this AD with a serviceable part as defined in either paragraph
(f)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD, as follows:
(i) For airplanes with S/Ns 1300 and 1451 through 1663
inclusive, within 3 months after the effective date of the AD.
(ii) For airplanes with S/Ns 1664 through 1719 inclusive, and S/
Ns 1721 through 1942 inclusive, within 300 hours time-in-service
(TIS) after the effective date of this AD or within 12 months after
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(iii) For airplanes with S/Ns 1720, 2001 through 2202 inclusive,
2204, and 2206, within 600 hours TIS after the effective date of
this AD or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an
affected part as defined in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD on any
airplane unless it has been reworked (inspection and modification)
and made a serviceable part as defined in paragraph (f)(2)(i) of
this AD.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD if those actions were done before the
effective date of this AD using Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 32-
030, dated June 27, 2022; and Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., Service
Bulletin SB21-0001, dated March 31, 2022.
(j) 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 (k)(2) of this AD or email
to: [email protected]. If mailing information, also submit
information by email.
(k) Additional Information
(1) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2022-0158, dated August 4, 2022, for related information. This EASA
AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No.
FAA-2022-1404.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301,
Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4059; email:
[email protected].
(3) For Pilatus and Tamagawa Seki Co., Ltd. service information
that is not incorporated by reference in this AD, contact Pilatus
Aircraft Limited, 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.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on April 8, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-07773 Filed 4-13-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P