[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 116 (Wednesday, June 18, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25909-25911]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-11276]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0917; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00740-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 was prompted by a report of an inaccurate flight director
calculation on approach. This proposed AD would require incorporating a
temporary revision into the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) for
the affected airplanes, which revises the Abnormal Procedures Section.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by August 4, 2025.
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-2025-0917; 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, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference
For European Union Aviation Agency (EASA) material
identified in this NPRM, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected];
website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website
at ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this material 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, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
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-2025-0917; Project Identifier
MCAI-2024-00740-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,
[[Page 25910]]
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2024-0240, dated December 10, 2024
(EASA AD 2024-0240) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition on Pilatus Model PC-24 airplanes, all manufacturer
serial numbers. The MCAI states there was a report of inaccurate flight
director calculation on approach with APEX Build 5.3 and below software
installed. Further investigation revealed that heading splits can cause
errors in the flight director calculation resulting in lateral offsets
to the desired approach course. The MCAI also states that the AD is
considered an interim action and further AD action may follow. This
condition, if not addressed, could result in increased pilot workload,
resulting in a reduction of the safety margins. The FAA is proposing
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-2025-0917.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0240, which specifies procedures for
incorporating Pilatus PC-24 AFM Temporary Revision 02371-075 (also
referred to as AFM-TR) into the AFM, which revises the Abnormal
Procedures Section. EASA AD 2024-0240 also specifies informing all
flight crews of the change, and, thereafter, operating the airplane
accordingly, and allows for the incorporation of a later AFM revision
that includes the same AFM amendment content. This material 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
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 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 accomplishing the actions specified
in the MCAI described previously, except for any differences identified
as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. See
``Differences Between this AD and the MCAI'' for a discussion of the
general differences included in this AD. The owner/operator (pilot)
holding at least a private pilot certificate may revise the existing
AFM for your airplane and must enter compliance with the applicable
paragraph of this proposed AD into the airplane maintenance records in
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The pilot may
perform this action because it only involves revising the AFM. This
action could be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This
is an exception to the FAA's standard maintenance regulations.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has since
coordinated with other manufacturers and CAAs to use this process. As a
result, the FAA proposes to incorporate by reference EASA AD 2024-0240
in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2024-0240 in its entirety through that
incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in
the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are
the same as the heading of a particular section in the EASA AD does not
mean that operators need comply only with that section. For example,
where the AD requirement refers to ``all required actions and
compliance times,'' compliance with this AD requirement is not limited
to the section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in
EASA AD 2024-0240. Service information required by the EASA AD for
compliance will be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-
2025-0917 after the FAA final rule is published.
Differences Between This NPRM and the MCAI
EASA AD 2024-0240 includes requirements to ``inform all flight
crews and, thereafter, operate the [airplane] accordingly'', and this
proposed AD would not specifically require those actions because those
actions are already required by FAA regulations.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this proposed AD would be an interim action.
This unsafe condition is still under investigation by the manufacturer
and, depending on the results of that investigation, the FAA may
consider further rulemaking action.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 150 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Revise AFM........................ 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $12,750
hour = $85.
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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
[[Page 25911]]
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-2025-0917; Project Identifier
MCAI-2024-00740-A.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by August 4, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd Model PC-24 airplanes,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3400, Navigation
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an inaccurate flight
director calculation on approach. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent heading splits that can cause errors in flight director
calculations resulting in lateral offsets to the desired approach
course. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an
increased pilot workload, resulting in a reduction of the safety
margins.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with
all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2024-0240,
dated December 10, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0240).
(2) The actions required by paragraph (g)(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)
and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14
CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0240
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0240 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0240 specifies to
implement the AFM-TR, this AD requires revising the Abnormal
Procedures Section of the existing AFM for your airplane by
inserting a copy of the AFM-TR as defined in EASA AD 2024-0240.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0240 specifies to inform
all flight crews and, thereafter, operate the [airplane]
accordingly, this AD does not require those actions.
(4) This AD does not adopt the Remarks section of EASA AD 2024-
0240.
(i) 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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Validation Branch, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and
email to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office/certificate
holding district office.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329-4059; email:
[email protected].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0240,
dated December 10, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find this EASA AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material 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 material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on June 10, 2025.
Christopher R. Parker,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-11276 Filed 6-17-25; 8:45 am]
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