Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 136 (Thursday, July 16, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42018-42020]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-17200]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1177; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-009-AD; 
Amendment 39-18208; AD 2015-14-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. 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 PILATUS 
AIRCRAFT LTD. Model PC-12/47 and PC-12/47E airplanes. 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 the aileron trim tab disconnecting above 10,000 feet 
altitude. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 20, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of August 20, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
1177; 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, Customer Support Manager, CH-6371 STANS, Switzerland; 
phone: +41 (0)41 619 33 33; fax: +41 (0)41 619 73 11; email: 
aircraft.com">SupportPC12@pilatus-aircraft.com; internet: http://www.pilatus-
aircraft.com. You may review this 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; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to adding an AD that would apply to PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Model 
PC-12/47 and PC-12/47E airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on May 1, 2015 (80 FR 24854). The NPRM proposed to correct an 
unsafe condition for the specified products and was based on mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country. The MCAI states:

    During a continued airworthiness review, a potential unsafe 
condition was identified that could result from a disconnected 
aileron trim tab occurring above an altitude of 10.000 feet.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead, in case of a 
disconnection of an aileron trim tab, to undamped aeroplane 
vibrations, potentially resulting in structural failure.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Pilatus Aircraft 
Ltd. issued SB No. 27-021 to provide instructions for replacement of 
the aileron tab counter balance weight.
    For the reason described above, this AD requires replacement of 
the aileron tab counter balance weight with a new, slightly heavier, 
aileron tab counter balance weight.

    The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-1177-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request Revision of Paragraph (e) Reason of the AD

    Johan Kruger stated the sentence of paragraph (e) Reason in the 
proposed AD was incomplete and misleading:

    We are issuing this AD to prevent a disconnected aileron trim 
tab, which could lead to undamped airplane vibrations, potentially 
resulting in structural failure.

    Johan Kruger proposed replacing the above sentence with this 
sentence similar to the MCAI:

    We are issuing this AD to prevent undamped airplane vibrations, 
potentially resulting in structural failure in case of a 
disconnected aileron trim tab.

    We agree with the commenter that the proposed sentence is 
clarification of the unsafe condition. We have adopted the proposed 
sentence in paragraph (e) of the AD.

Request Correction of Part Number (P/N)

    Johan Kruger stated the cited part number (P/N) 27.15.12.037 of the 
aileron trim tab assembly quoted is wrong in paragraphs (f)(2) and 
(f)(3) of the proposed AD; the correct P/N is 527.15.12.037. We infer 
that the commenter requested correction of the incorrect P/N.
    We agree with the commenter that the P/N in the proposed AD is 
incorrect. We have changed the incorrect P/N to 527.15.12.037 in 
paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of the AD.

Request Correction of Misleading Wording in Paragraph (f)(4) of the AD

    Johan Kruger commented the wording in paragraph 2(f)(4) is 
misleading, ``. . . provided that an aileron trim tab assembly, P/N 
527.15.12.037 or 527.15.12.038 is not installed on the airplane.''
    Johan Kruger further wrote that Pilatus proposed the wording be 
changed to read, ``. . . provided that an

[[Page 42019]]

aileron trim tab assembly, P/N 527.15.12.037 or 527.15.12.038 is not 
installed on that aileron assembly.''
    We infer the commenter means paragraph (f)(4) of the AD.
    We agree with the commenter. Aileron trim tab assemblies will only 
be associated with aileron assemblies and not by airplane. The aileron 
assemblies themselves are associated with the airplane number. We have 
adopted the proposed wording in paragraph (f)(4) of the AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 24854, May 1, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 24854, May 1, 2015).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Relative Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. PILATUS PC-12 Service Bulletin 
No: 27-021, dated January 20, 2015. The service information describes 
procedures for replacement of the aileron tab counter balance weight. 
This service information 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 of this final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 303 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 5.5 work hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $1,000 per 
product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $444,652.50, or $1,467.50 per product.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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 the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
1177; 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

    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:

2015-14-10 PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD.: Amendment 39-18208; Docket No. 
FAA-2015-1177; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-009-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 20, 
2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. model and 
serial number airplanes, certificated in any category.
    (1) Model PC-12/47, manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs) 684 
through MSN 888; and
    (2) Model PC-12/47E, MSNs 545, and 1001 through 1520.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated 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 the aileron trim 
tab disconnecting above 10,000 feet altitude. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent undamped airplane vibrations, potentially resulting in 
structural failure in case of a disconnected aileron trim tab.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) For airplanes equipped with aileron trim tab assembly, part 
number (P/N) 527.15.12.037 or 527.15.12.038; or aileron assembly, P/
N 557.05.12.015, 557.05.12.016, 557.05.12.017, or 557.05.12.018: 
Within 12 months after August 20, 2015 (the effective date of this 
AD), replace the aileron tab counter balance weight and re-identify 
the aileron trim tab assembly following the

[[Page 42020]]

instructions of PILATUS PC-12 Service Bulletin No: 27-021, dated 
January 20, 2015.
    (2) For airplanes that on August 20, 2015 (the effective date of 
this AD) has an aileron trim tab assembly, P/N 527.15.12.037 or 
527.15.12.038, installed: After modification of that airplane as 
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, do not install another 
aileron trim tab assembly with P/N 527.15.12.037 or 527.15.12.038.
    (3) For airplanes that on August 20, 2015 (the effective date of 
this AD) does not have an aileron trim tab assembly, P/N 
527.15.12.037 or 527.15.12.038, installed: After August 20, 2015 
(the effective date of this AD), do not install an aileron trim tab 
assembly with P/N 527.15.12.037 or 527.15.12.038.
    (4) For all airplanes: After August 20, 2015 (the effective date 
of this AD), you are allowed to install on an airplane an aileron 
assembly, having a P/N 557.05.12.015, 557.05.12.016, 557.05.12.017, 
or 557.05.12.018, provided that an aileron trim tab assembly, P/N 
527.15.12.037 or 527.15.12.038 is not installed on that aileron 
assembly.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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; email: 
[email protected]. 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.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2015-0060, dated April 10, 2015, for related information. The MCAI 
can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-1177-0002.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. PILATUS PC-12 Service Bulletin No: 27-
021, dated January 20, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. service information identified in 
this AD, contact PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD, Customer Support Manager, CH-
6371 STANS, Switzerland; phone: +41 (0)41 619 33 33; fax: +41 (0)41 
619 73 11; email: aircraft.com">SupportPC12@pilatus-aircraft.com; internet: http:/
/www.pilatus-aircraft.com.
    (4) You may view this 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. In addition, you can access this service information 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2015-1177.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 7, 2015.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-17200 Filed 7-15-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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