Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Model PC-12/47E Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 37 (Thursday, February 25, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8473-8476]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-3521]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-1158; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-063-AD; 
Amendment 39-16211; AD 2010-05-02]
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 superseding an existing 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:

    Field reports have indicated that the possibility exists that 
both Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) could indicate a roll attitude 
offset of up to 10 degrees in the same direction if an accelerated 
turn onto the active runway is performed immediately followed by 
take-off. In addition, annunciated heading splits have been 
reported. This condition has been reported to correct itself after 
several minutes.
    Additionally, if the aeroplane is operating in geographical 
latitudes with low horizontal magnetic field strength, incorrect 
heading may be displayed if the ADAHRS switches from GPS track to 
magnetometer heading while the aeroplane is on the ground.

[[Page 8474]]

    This situation, if not corrected, could result in an undesired 
bank angle, heading splits and/or incorrect heading, which would 
constitute an unsafe condition.

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

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 1, 2010.
    On April 1, 2010, the Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of Honeywell International Inc. Service 
Bulletin KSG 7200-34-09, Revision 0, dated September 24, 2009; and 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No.: 34-022, dated 
October 5, 2009, listed in this AD.
    As of April 20, 2009 (74 FR 17384, April 15, 2009), the Director of 
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Pilatus 
Aircraft Ltd. Temporary Revision No. 11 to PC-12/47E Pilot's Operating 
Handbook, Report No. 02277, dated March 18, 2009, listed in this AD.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket 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, ACE-112, 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 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 10, 2009 
(74 FR 65493), and proposed to supersede AD 2009-08-10, Amendment 39-
15883 (74 FR 17384, April 15, 2009). That NPRM proposed to correct an 
unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states that:

    Field reports have indicated that the possibility exists that 
both Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) could indicate a roll attitude 
offset of up to 10 degrees in the same direction if an accelerated 
turn onto the active runway is performed immediately followed by 
take-off. In addition, annunciated heading splits have been 
reported. This condition has been reported to correct itself after 
several minutes.
    Additionally, if the aeroplane is operating in geographical 
latitudes with low horizontal magnetic field strength, incorrect 
heading may be displayed if the ADAHRS switches from GPS track to 
magnetometer heading while the aeroplane is on the ground.
    This situation, if not corrected, could result in an undesired 
bank angle, heading splits and/or incorrect heading, which would 
constitute an unsafe condition.
    As a short-term interim measure, AD 2009-0028-E has been 
released in February 2009 to limit at 30[deg] the bank angle during 
climb. Afterwards, as a result of the ongoing investigation, the 
problem has been temporarily addressed with some limitations in the 
take-off procedure. These limitations have been mandated by AD 2009-
0080-E which superseded AD 2009-0028-E.
    In order to terminate the operational limitations, an updated 
ADAHRS version with improved software was developed.
    For the reasons described above, this AD supersedes AD 2009-
0080-E and mandates as a terminating action either an update of the 
ADAHRS software or the replacement of the ADAHRS unit.
    From MSN 1181 and subsequent an improved ADAHRS unit was 
implemented during production.

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 comments received.

Comment Issue No. 1: Limit the Applicability to Manufacturer Serial 
Numbers (MSN) 545, and 1001 Through 1180

    Mr. Scott Lania, Alpha Flying, Inc., requests limiting the 
applicability to MSN 545, and 1001 through 1180, which have the 
affected air data, attitude, and heading reference system (ADAHRS) unit 
installed. Paragraph (f)(4) of the proposed AD addresses the issue of 
installing one of the affected ADAHRS units on other Pilatus Model PC-
12/47E airplanes.
    Mr. Lania requests this change in the applicability since Pilatus 
is installing a new version of the ADAHARS at production on MSN 1181 
and subsequent.
    The FAA partially agrees with the commenter. We agree that Pilatus 
is installing a new version of the ADAHRS in production. However, we 
disagree with changing the applicability of this AD. To prevent future 
installation of the defective ADAHARS unit on airplanes, the 
applicability must be for all airplanes, thus preventing the 
introduction of the unsafe condition on these airplanes. Paragraph 
(f)(4), which prohibits installation of the affected ADAHRS on other 
Pilatus Model PC-12/47E airplanes, would not apply unless the 
applicability was for all airplanes.
    We are not changing the final rule AD action based on this comment.

Comment Issue No. 2: Use ``Serviceable'' or ``Modified'' in Describing 
the ADAHRS Unit

    Mr. Lania also requests that the word ``new'' in paragraph 
(f)(2)(ii) of the Actions and Compliance section of the proposed AD be 
replaced with the word ``serviceable'' or ``modified.''
    Mr. Lania states that when accomplishing the Pilatus service 
bulletin to comply with this AD, the ADAHRS unit is not being replaced 
with a new unit; instead, it is being modified with upgraded software 
and the data plate of the ADAHRS unit is being changed to the new part 
number (P/N). Mr. Lania concludes that in the accomplishment of this AD 
on all the affected airplanes, relatively few, if any, of the ADAHRS 
units will be replaced with new units.
    We disagree with the commenter. The word ``new'' refers to a new 
Honeywell unit from the manufacturer, so the word ``serviceable'' is 
not an appropriate substitution here. We believe the commenter's intent 
is to use modified components instead of getting a new ADAHRS unit. The 
use of modified components is addressed in paragraph (f)(2)(i) of the 
proposed AD. In paragraph (f)(2)(i) of the proposed AD, the operator 
may accomplish the Honeywell service bulletin, which changes the P/N 
after the unit gets new software uploaded.
    We are not changing the final rule AD action based on this comment.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, 
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 50 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 6 work-

[[Page 8475]]

hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about 
$0 per product. Where the service information lists required parts 
costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will 
be no charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage 
for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than 
estimated here.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. 
operators to be $25,500 or $510 per product.

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.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-15883 (74 FR 
17384, April 15, 2009) and adding the following new AD:

2010-05-02 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-16211; Docket No. 
FAA-2009-1158; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-063-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 1, 
2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2009-08-10, Amendment 39-15883.

Applicability

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

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 34: 
Navigation.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Field reports have indicated that the possibility exists that 
both Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) could indicate a roll attitude 
offset of up to 10 degrees in the same direction if an accelerated 
turn onto the active runway is performed immediately followed by 
take-off. In addition, annunciated heading splits have been 
reported. This condition has been reported to correct itself after 
several minutes.
    Additionally, if the aeroplane is operating in geographical 
latitudes with low horizontal magnetic field strength, incorrect 
heading may be displayed if the ADAHRS switches from GPS track to 
magnetometer heading while the aeroplane is on the ground.
    This situation, if not corrected, could result in an undesired 
bank angle, heading splits and/or incorrect heading, which would 
constitute an unsafe condition.
    As a short-term interim measure, AD 2009-0028-E has been 
released in February 2009 to limit at 30[deg] the bank angle during 
climb. Afterwards, as a result of the ongoing investigation, the 
problem has been temporarily addressed with some limitations in the 
take-off procedure. These limitations have been mandated by AD 2009-
0080-E which superseded AD 2009-0028-E.
    In order to terminate the operational limitations, an updated 
ADAHRS version with improved software was developed.
    For the reasons described above, this AD supersedes AD 2009-
0080-E and mandates as a terminating action either an update of the 
ADAHRS software or the replacement of the ADAHRS unit.
    From MSN 1181 and subsequent an improved ADAHRS unit was 
implemented during production.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) For MSN 545 and MSN 1001 through MSN 1180, before further 
flight after April 20, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-08-10), 
incorporate Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Temporary Revision No. 11 to PC-
12/47E Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), Report No. 02277, dated 
March 18, 2009, into the Pilatus PC-12/47E POH. The owner/operator 
holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by 
section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 14 CFR 43.7 may do 
this action. Make an entry in the aircraft records showing 
compliance with this portion of the AD following 14 CFR 43.9.
    (2) For MSN 545 and MSN 1001 through MSN 1180, within 180 days 
after April 1, 2010 (the effective date of this AD):
    (i) Update the air data, attitude, and heading reference system 
(ADAHRS) software following the accomplishment instructions of 
Honeywell International Inc. Service Bulletin KSG 7200-34-09, 
Revision 0, dated September 24, 2009; or
    (ii) Replace ADAHRS unit KSG 7200 Honeywell Part Number (P/N) 
065-00188-5102, Software Version MOD 02/02 (Pilatus P/N 
985.99.12.192) with a new ADAHRS unit with Honeywell P/N 065-00188-
5103 (Pilatus P/N 985.99.12.205) following the accomplishment 
instructions of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 
No. 34-022, dated October 5, 2009.
    (3) For MSN 545 and 1001 through 1180, before further flight 
after the actions required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, remove 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Temporary Revision No. 11 to PC-12/47E Pilot's 
Operating Handbook, Report No. 02277, dated March 18, 2009.
    (4) Do not install an ADAHRS unit with Honeywell P/N 065-00188-
5102 (Pilatus

[[Page 8476]]

P/N 985.99.12.192) on any affected Model PC-12/47E airplane, as 
follows:
    (i) For MSN 545 and 1001 through 1180 airplanes, as of 180 days 
after April 1, 2010 (the effective date of this AD); and
    (ii) For all other MSNs, as of April 1, 2010 (the effective date 
of this AD).

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. 
2009-0249, dated November 20, 2009, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Temporary 
Revision No. 11 to PC-12/47E Pilot's Operating Handbook, Report No. 
02277, dated March 18, 2009; Honeywell International Inc. Service 
Bulletin KSG 7200-34-09, Revision 0, dated September 24, 2009; and 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No: 34-022, 
dated October 5, 2009, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Temporary Revision No. 11 
to PC-12/47E Pilot's Operating Handbook, Report No. 02277, dated 
March 18, 2009; Honeywell International Inc. Service Bulletin KSG 
7200-34-09, Revision 0, dated September 24, 2009; and Pilatus 
Aircraft Ltd. Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No: 34-022, dated 
October 5, 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 Honeywell International Inc. Service 
Bulletin KSG 7200-34-09, Revision 0, dated September 24, 2009; and 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No: 34-022, 
dated October 5, 2009, under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) On April 20, 2009 (74 FR 17384, April 15, 2009), the 
Director of the Federal Register previously approved the 
incorporation by reference of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Temporary 
Revision No. 11 to PC-12/47E Pilot's Operating Handbook, Report No. 
02277, dated March 18, 2009.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD:
    (i) Pilatus service information: 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, or e-mail: aircraft.com">SupportPC12@pilatus-aircraft.com. You may get Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Temporary Revision 
No. 11 to PC-12/47E Pilot's Operating Handbook, Report No. 02277, 
dated March 18, 2009, from the Web site of the Swiss Federal Office 
of Civil Aviation (FOCA): http://www.bazl.admin.ch/fachleute/lufttechnik/entwicklung/00677/index.html?lang=en.
    (ii) Honeywell service information: contact Honeywell 
International Inc., 23500 West 105th Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061-
8425, U.S.A., CAGE: 22373; telephone: (800) 601-3099 (toll free 
U.S.A./Canada); telephone: (602) 365-3099 (international direct); 
telephone: 00-800-601-30999 (EMEA Toll Free); telephone: 420-234-
625-500 (EMEA Direct); Internet: http://www.bendixking.com; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone: (913) 712-2301; fax: (913) 
712-2301.
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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 February 16, 2010.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-3521 Filed 2-24-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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