Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12/47E Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 159 (Wednesday, August 18, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50869-50871]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-19821]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0583 Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-028-AD; 
Amendment 39-16401; AD 2010-17-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12/47E 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Reports have been received indicating that, if the power control 
friction wheel is tightened, the reverse thrust latch may stick and 
subsequently allow the Power Control Lever (PCL) to be inadvertently 
retarded aft of the idle detent.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in undesired 
reverse thrust activation which, especially during approach, could 
result in reduced control of the aeroplane.

    We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 22, 2010.
    On September 22, 2010, the Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in this AD.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, 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, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR

[[Page 50870]]

part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 10, 2010 (75 FR 
32863). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Reports have been received indicating that, if the power control 
friction wheel is tightened, the reverse thrust latch may stick and 
subsequently allow the Power Control Lever (PCL) to be inadvertently 
retarded aft of the idle detent.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in undesired 
reverse thrust activation which, especially during approach, could 
result in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    For the reason described above, this AD requires an inspection 
of the PCL reverse thrust latch and the accomplishment of corrective 
actions as necessary.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a Note within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 80 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. 
operators to be $6,800 or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 9 work-hours and require parts costing $100, for a cost of 
$865 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products 
that may need these actions.

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.
    We are 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

    We determined that 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 this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

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 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 AD:

2010-17-09 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-16401; Docket No. 
FAA-2010-0583; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-028-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective 
September 22, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model PC-12/47E airplanes, manufacturer 
serial numbers (MSN) 1001 and MSN 1003 through 1140, certificated in 
any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 76: Engine 
Controls.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Reports have been received indicating that, if the power control 
friction wheel is tightened, the reverse thrust latch may stick and 
subsequently allow the Power Control Lever (PCL) to be inadvertently 
retarded aft of the idle detent.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in undesired 
reverse thrust activation which, especially during approach, could 
result in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    For the reason described above, this AD requires an inspection 
of the PCL reverse thrust latch and the accomplishment of corrective 
actions as necessary.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within 30 days after September 22, 2010 (the effective date 
of this AD), inspect the power control lever reverse thrust latch 
handle for free movement following the accomplishment instructions 
in paragraph 3.A. of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Service Bulletin No: 76-
002, dated October 15, 2009.
    (2) If during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of 
this AD you determine the reverse thrust latch sticks or the idle 
detent is not present, do the following actions:

[[Page 50871]]

    (i) Before further flight, insert Temporary Revision No. 12 to 
PC-12/47E Pilot's Operating Handbook, dated October 15, 2009, into 
the normal procedures section of the aircraft flight manual (AFM).
    (ii) Within 12 months after September 22, 2010 (the effective 
date of this AD), modify the engine control console assembly 
following the accomplishment instructions in paragraph 3.B. of 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Service Bulletin No: 76-002, dated October 15, 
2009.
    (iii) Before further flight after the modification required by 
paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this AD, remove Temporary Revision No. 12 to 
PC-12/47E Pilot's Operating Handbook, dated October 15, 2009, from 
the AFM.
    (3) If during the inspection specified in paragraph (f)(1) of 
this AD you determine the reverse thrust latch moves freely and the 
idle detent is present, no further action is required.

FAA AD Differences

    Note:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090. 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.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 
2010-0093, dated May 20, 2010; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Service 
Bulletin No: 76-002, dated October 15, 2009; and Temporary Revision 
No. 12 to PC-12/47E Pilot's Operating Handbook, dated October 15, 
2009, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Service Bulletin No: 76-
002, dated October 15, 2009; and Temporary Revision No. 12 to PC-12/
47E Pilot's Operating Handbook, dated October 15, 2009, to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD., Customer Service Manager, CH-6371 STANS, 
Switzerland; telephone: +41 (0) 41 619 62 08; fax: +41 (0) 41 619 73 
11; Internet: http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com; e-mail: 
aircraft.com">SupportPC12@pilatus-aircraft.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the 
Central Region, call (816) 329-3768.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 5, 2010.
Brian A. Yanez,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-19821 Filed 8-17-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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