Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 209 (Friday, October 29, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66655-66657]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-27214]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0849; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-043-AD; 
Amendment 39-16488; AD 2010-22-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 
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:

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to an 
occurrence when an aircraft had a partial in-flight separation of 
the aileron outboard bearing support.
    The aileron outboard bearing supports are attached with two 
forward attachment bolts and two aft attachment bolts. The forward 
attachment bolts are approximately 3.2 mm (0.125 inch) longer than 
the aft attachment bolts. If the aileron outboard bearing supports 
have been removed, it is possible that during the reinstallation of 
the aileron outboard bearing supports, the attachment bolts can be 
installed in wrong positions. Bolts that are installed in wrong 
positions can damage the threads in the rear attachment anchor nuts.
    Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to in-flight 
separation of the aileron outboard bearing support, and as a 
consequence, the loss or limited controllability of the aircraft.

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

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 3, 2010.
    On December 3, 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 service information identified in this AD, contact Pilatus 
Aircraft Ltd.,

[[Page 66656]]

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. You may review copies of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 816-329-4148.

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; e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 26, 2010 (75 
FR 52482). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to an 
occurrence when an aircraft had a partial in-flight separation of 
the aileron outboard bearing support.
    The aileron outboard bearing supports are attached with two 
forward attachment bolts and two aft attachment bolts. The forward 
attachment bolts are approximately 3.2 mm (0.125 inch) longer than 
the aft attachment bolts. If the aileron outboard bearing supports 
have been removed, it is possible that during the reinstallation of 
the aileron outboard bearing supports, the attachment bolts can be 
installed in wrong positions. Bolts that are installed in wrong 
positions can damage the threads in the rear attachment anchor nuts.
    Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to in-flight 
separation of the aileron outboard bearing support, and as a 
consequence, the loss or limited controllability of the aircraft.
    In order to correct and control the situation, this AD requires 
a one time inspection to verify that the bolts are installed in the 
correct positions and the threads of the anchor nuts are in good 
condition. The replacement of the attachment hardware is required if 
any damage on the anchor nut threads or a bolt at the wrong location 
is found.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comment received. Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. 
supports the NPRM and its adoption as a final rule AD action.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have determined 
that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

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 12 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours 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 on U.S. 
operators to be $2,040, or $170 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 25 work-hours and require parts costing $200, for a cost of 
$2,325 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; 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.

[[Page 66657]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2010-22-09 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-16488; Docket No. 
FAA-2010-0849; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-043-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
3, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 
airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 101 through 618, 
certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 57: Wings.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to an 
occurrence when an aircraft had a partial in-flight separation of 
the aileron outboard bearing support.
    The aileron outboard bearing supports are attached with two 
forward attachment bolts and two aft attachment bolts. The forward 
attachment bolts are approximately 3.2 mm (0.125 inch) longer than 
the aft attachment bolts. If the aileron outboard bearing supports 
have been removed, it is possible that during the reinstallation of 
the aileron outboard bearing supports, the attachment bolts can be 
installed in wrong positions. Bolts that are installed in wrong 
positions can damage the threads in the rear attachment anchor nuts.
    Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to in-flight 
separation of the aileron outboard bearing support, and as a 
consequence, the loss or limited controllability of the aircraft.
    In order to correct and control the situation, this AD requires 
a one time inspection to verify that the bolts are installed in the 
correct positions and the threads of the anchor nuts are in good 
condition. The replacement of the attachment hardware is required if 
any damage on the anchor nut threads or a bolt at the wrong location 
is found.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within 1 month after December 3, 2010 (the effective date of 
this AD), check the airplane maintenance records to determine if the 
left and/or right aileron outboard bearing supports have been 
removed at any time during the life of the airplane. Do this check 
following paragraph 3.A. of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-7 Service 
Bulletin No. 57-015, Rev. No. 1, dated July 23, 2010.
    (2) If an entry is found during the airplane maintenance records 
check required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD or it is unclear 
whether or not the left and/or right aileron outboard bearing 
supports have been removed at any time during the life of the 
airplane, before further flight, do the actions specified in 
paragraphs 3.A.(2) through paragraph 3.E of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. 
PC-7 Service Bulletin No. 57-015, Rev. No. 1, dated July 23, 2010.

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, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

Special Flight Permit

    (h) Special flight permits will not be issued.

Related Information

    (i) Refer to MCAI Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) AD HB-
2010-010, dated July 29, 2010; and Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-7 
Service Bulletin No. 57-015, Rev. No. 1, dated July 23, 2010, for 
related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-7 Service Bulletin No. 
57-015, Rev. No. 1, dated July 23, 2010, 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.
    (3) You may review copies of the referenced service information 
at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call 816-329-4148.
    (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 October 21, 2010.
Christina L. Marsh,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-27214 Filed 10-28-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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