Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 109 (Friday, June 6, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33840-33842]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-13793]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-CE-53-AD; Amendment 39-13176; AD 2003-11-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and 
PC-12/45 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models PC-12 and PC-
12/45 airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect the front and rear 
surfaces of the pressure dome for damage and cracks, and, if necessary, 
accomplish repairs. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority 
for Switzerland. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
detect and correct damage and cracks to the pressure dome, which could 
lead to rapid decompression.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on July 28, 2003.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of July 
28, 2003.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD 
from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans, 
Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 63 19; facsimile: +41 41 619 6224; 
or from Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd., Product Support Department, 
11755 Airport Way, Broomfield, Colorado 80021; telephone: (303) 465-
9099; facsimile: (303) 465-6040. You may view this information at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-53-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, 
DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This AD?

    The Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA), which is the 
airworthiness authority for Switzerland, recently notified FAA that an 
unsafe condition may exist on certain Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 
airplanes. The FOCA reports that drill and/or rivet tool damage could 
have occurred in areas around the edges of the rear pressure dome 
during assembly of the Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes.
    Pilatus has received 19 reports of damaged pressure domes. The 
reported damage included nicks and scratches. This type of damage could 
also occur on the forward surface of the pressure dome.

Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?

    We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to 
certain Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. This proposal was 
published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) on January 14, 2003 (68 FR 1802). The NPRM proposed to require 
you to inspect the front and rear surfaces of the pressure dome for 
damage and cracks, and, if necessary, accomplish repairs.

What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?

    The damage to the pressure dome could result in cracks in the 
pressure dome and lead to rapid decompression.

Was the Public Invited To Comment?

    The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making 
of this amendment. The following presents the comment received on the 
proposal and FAA's response to the comment:

Comment Issue: How To Obtain a Repair Scheme Is Unclear

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    The commenter states that the current wording in the proposed AD is 
incorrect and implies that the repair scheme will come from FAA. 
Additionally, the commenter states that the repair scheme will come 
from the manufacturer; FAA will provide approval of the repair.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    We do not concur that the current wording of the proposed AD is 
incorrect. Since the service information, which is referenced in the 
proposed AD, does not address repairs for this type of damage, FAA has 
to individually approve each repair as needed. This gives the 
manufacturer the option to develop other generic repair procedures, 
which were not developed at the time of the NPRM, for this type of 
damage and submit them to FAA for approval. Therefore, we have not 
changed the final rule AD based on this comment.

FAA's Determination

What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?

    We carefully reviewed all available information related to the 
subject presented above and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for the 
changes discussed above and minor editorial questions. We have 
determined that these changes and minor corrections:

--Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the 
unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed in the NPRM.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?

    We estimate that this AD affects 280 airplanes in the U.S. 
registry.

What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected 
Airplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Total cost
            Labor cost                    Parts cost           per            Total cost on U.S. operators
                                                             airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 workhours x $60 per hour = $480.  No parts required....         $480  $480 x 280 = $134,400.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 33841]]

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary repairs 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need such 
repair:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Total cost per
            Labor cost                   Parts cost          airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 workhours x $60 per hour = $960  No parts required...           $960.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Compliance Time of This AD

What Will Be the Compliance Time of This AD?

    The compliance time of this AD is within 90 days after the 
effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

Why Is the Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead of Hours 
Time-in-Service (TIS)?

    Failure of the pressure dome is only unsafe during airplane 
operation. However, this unsafe condition is not a result of the number 
of times the airplane is operated. The chance of this situation 
occurring is the same for an airplane with 10 hours TIS as it would be 
for as airplane with 500 hours TIS. For this reason, FAA has determined 
that a compliance based on calendar time will be utilized in this AD in 
order to assure that the unsafe condition is addressed on all airplanes 
in a reasonable time period.

Regulatory Impact

Does This AD Impact Various Entities?

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.

Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this 
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (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. FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2003-11-17 Pilatus Aircraft Company Ltd.: Amendment 39-13176; Docket 
No. 2002-CE-53-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes, that are certificated in any 
category, with the following serial numbers: 101 through 380, 382 
through 385, 387 through 395, 398 through 406, 408, 409, 413, 415, 
and 417.
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must 
comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to detect and correct damage and cracks to the 
pressure dome, which could lead to rapid decompression.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the pressure      Within the next 90    In accordance with
 dome for nick/scratch         days after July 28,   Pilatus Aircraft
 damage.                       2003 (the effective   Ltd. PC-12 Service
                               date of this AD),     Bulletin No. 53-
                               unless already        003, Revision 1,
                               accomplished.         dated July 26,
                                                     2002, and the
                                                     applicable
                                                     maintenance manual.
(2) If during the inspection  Prior to further      In accordance with
 required by paragraph         flight after the      Pilatus Aircraft
 (d)(1) of this AD, type       inspection in which   Ltd. PC-12 Service
 ``A'' or ``B'' nick/scratch   the type ``A'' or     Bulletin No. 53-
 damage (as specified in the   ``B'' nick/scratch    003, Revision 1,
 service information) is       damage is found.      dated July 26,
 found, accomplish repairs.                          2002, and the
                                                     applicable
                                                     maintenance manual.
(3) If any nick or scratch    Inspect for cracks    In accordance with
 is found that is more than    prior to further      Pilatus Aircraft
 0.008 inches (0.2             flight and every 10   Ltd. PC-12 Service
 millimeter) during the        hours TIS             Bulletin No. 53-
 inspection required in        thereafter. Obtain    003, Revision 1,
 paragraph (d)(1) of this      an FAA approval       dated July 26,
 AD, then you have type        before further        2002, and the
 ``C'' damage and you must:    flight, if cracks     applicable
(i) Use a 10X magnified        are found. An FAA     maintenance manual.
 visual inspection to          approval is
 inspect for cracks..          required to fly
(ii) You may fly the           pressurized beyond
 airplane pressurized with     90 days or 600
 type ``C'' damage for 90      landings/takeoffs,
 days or 600 takeoff/          whichever occurs
 landings after the type       first, from the
 ``C'' damage is found,        date of the type
 whichever occurs first..      ``C'' damage
(iii) After the 90 days or     finding.
 600 takeoff/landings
 (whichever occurs first),
 to fly pressurized, you
 must do one of the
 following:.

[[Page 33842]]

 
        (A) Incorporate an
         FAA-approved repair
         scheme obtained
         from the
         manufacturer; or
        (B) Fly the airplane
         ``unpressurized
         only'' and continue
         to inspect for
         cracks every 10
         hours TIS.
        (iv) If any crack is
         found during an
         inspection required
         by paragraph
         (d)(3), the
         airplane may not be
         utilized until an
         FAA-approved repair
         scheme (obtained
         from the
         manufacturer) is
         incorporated.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: As earlier specified in this AD, flight is not permitted 
if crack damage is found.


    Note 2: As earlier specified in this AD, FAA approval is 
required to fly pressurized beyond 90 days or 600 takeoffs/landings, 
whichever occurs first, from date of repair for type ``C'' damage.

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Standards Office Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Standards Office Manager.

    Note 3: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, 
or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For 
airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the 
performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/
operator must request approval for an alternative method of 
compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request 
should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, 
alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; 
and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific 
actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Doug Rudolph, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: 
(816) 329-4090.
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
Sec. Sec.  21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance 
with Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-12 Service Bulletin No. 53-003, 
Revision 1, dated July 26, 2002. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get copies from Pilatus Aircraft 
Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; 
telephone: +41 41 619 63 19; facsimile: +41 41 619 6224; or from 
Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd., Product Support Department, 11755 
Airport Way, Broomfield, Colorado 80021; telephone: (303) 465-9099; 
facsimile: (303) 465-6040. You may view copies at the FAA, Central 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas 
City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swiss AD Number 
HB 2002-608, dated November 1, 2002.

    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on July 28, 2003.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 27, 2003.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-13793 Filed 6-5-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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