Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 160 (Tuesday, August 18, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50772-50774]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17983]



[[Page 50772]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0842; Product Identifier 2018-CE-025-AD; Amendment 
39-21205; AD 2020-16-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD 2018-
04-09 for Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL 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 incorrectly marked and annunciated low oil-
pressure indication warnings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 22, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 22, 
2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of April 
12, 2018 (83 FR 9793, March 8, 2018).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Pacific Aerospace Limited, Airport Road, Hamilton, Private Bag 3027, 
Hamilton 3240, New Zealand; telephone: +64 7 843 6144; facsimile: +64 7 
843 6134; email: [email protected]; internet: https://www.aerospace.co.nz. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 
901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. It is 
also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for Docket No. FAA-2018-0842.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0842; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations is 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: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, 
901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 
329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) 
to amend 14 CFR part 39 by removing AD 2018-04-09, Amendment 39-19205 
(83 FR 9793, March 8, 2018) (AD 2018-04-09) and adding a new AD. AD 
2018-04-09 applied to Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes 
and was based on MCAI issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), 
which is the aviation authority for New Zealand. The SNPRM published in 
the Federal Register on June 10, 2019 (84 FR 26775). The FAA preceded 
the SNPRM with a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that published in 
the Federal Register on October 23, 2018 (83 FR 53409).
    The NPRM proposed to require revising the existing airplane flight 
manual (AFM) (pilot's operating handbook (POH)) with updated 
provisions, clarify that the pressure switch for the low oil pressure 
light may be replaced or modified, and retain the requirement to 
replace the oil pressure/temperature indicator. The NPRM was based on 
the CAA's revision to its previous MCAI, CAA AD DCA/750XL/19A, dated 
April 26, 2018 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to mandate the 
AFM revisions and also to include an option to modify certain oil 
pressure switches. The MCAI states: DCA/750XL/19A revised to introduce 
revision 30 March 2018 for PAL 750XL POH AIR3237, and clarify the AD 
requirements.
    After issuing the NPRM, the FAA discovered an error in the title of 
one of the flight manuals to be revised. The SNPRM proposed to correct 
the error. The FAA is issuing this AD to require new revisions of the 
existing AFM, clarify the requirement to replace or modify the pressure 
switch for the low oil pressure light, and retain the requirement to 
replace a certain oil pressure/temperature indicator.
    You may examine the MCAI on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0842-0002.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this AD. The FAA received no comments on the SNPRM or on the 
determination of the cost to the public.

Changes to the AD

    The FAA identified an incorrect Air Transport Association of 
America (ATA) Code of 57 for Wing in paragraph (d), Subject, of the 
SNPRM. The FAA has changed paragraph (d), Subject, of this AD to 
identify the correct ATA Code of 79 for Engine Oil.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
the correction to the ATA Code. The FAA has determined that this 
change:
    <bullet> Is consistent with the proposal in the SNPRM for 
correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Does not add any burden upon the public than was already 
proposed in the SNPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Pacific Aerospace Temporary Revision Instruction 
Letter, dated October 2017, which includes Pacific Aerospace Temporary 
Revisions XL/POH/00/001, XL/POH/02/001, and XL/POH/03/001; and Pacific 
Aerospace Revision Instruction Letter, dated March 2018, which includes 
Pacific Aerospace POH AIR 3237 Revision, dated March 30, 2018, for 
750XL airplanes. For the applicable configurations, the service 
information includes revisions to the AFM that corrects the incorrect 
instrument markings.
    The FAA also reviewed Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 
PACSB/XL/088, dated August 11, 2017, which was previously approved for 
incorporation by reference on April 12, 2018 (83 FR 9793, March 8, 
2018), and describes procedures for replacement or modification of the 
low oil-pressure light, pressure switch, and indicator. 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.

[[Page 50773]]

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it has 
notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD because the 
agency evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 22 products of U.S. 
registry. The FAA also estimates that it would 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. Required parts would cost 
about $500 per product.
    Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $14,740, or $670 per product.
    Since this AD requires the same actions as AD 2018-04-09, the costs 
of compliance remain the same and do not impose any additional costs on 
U.S. operators.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-04-09, Amendment 39-19205 
(83 FR 9793, March 8, 2018); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2020-16-20 Pacific Aerospace Limited: Amendment 39-21205; Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0842; Product Identifier 2018-CE-025-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September 
22, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-04-09, Amendment 39-19205 (83 FR 9793, 
March 8, 2018) (2018-04-09).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL 
airplanes, all serial numbers up to 217, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 79: Engine Oil.

(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 incorrectly 
marked and annunciated low oil-pressure indication warnings. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to prevent engine oil pressure from dropping 
below safe limits, which could cause possible engine damage or 
failure.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs 
(f)(1) through (4) of this AD, as applicable:
    (1) For airplanes with Pacific Aerospace Pilot's Operating 
Handbook and Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand Approved Flight 
Manual AIR 2825 (AIR 2825): Within the next 30 days after September 
22, 2020 (the effective date of this AD), insert Pacific Aerospace 
Temporary Revisions XL/POH/00/001, XL/POH/02/001, and XL/POH/03/001 
into the Pacific Aerospace Limited 750XL AIR 2825 Airplane Flight 
Manual as specified in Pacific Aerospace Temporary Revision 
Instruction Letter, dated October 2017.
    (2) For airplanes with Pacific Aerospace Pilot's Operating 
Handbook and Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand Approved Flight 
Manual AIR 3237 (AIR 3237): Within the next 30 days after September 
22, 2020 (the effective date of this AD), insert the Revision dated 
March 30, 2018, into the PAL 750XL AIR 3237 Airplane Flight Manual 
as specified in Pacific Aerospace Revision Instruction Letter, dated 
March 30, 2018.
    (3) For Pacific Aerospace 750XL airplanes up to serial number 
217: Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after April 12, 
2018 (the effective date of AD 2018-04-09) or within the next 12 
months after April 12, 2018 (the effective date of AD 2018-04-09), 
whichever occurs first, replace or modify the pressure switch for 
the low oil pressure light by following the Part A--Accomplishment 
Instructions of PAL Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) PACSB/XL/088, 
dated August 11, 2017.
    (4) For Pacific Aerospace 750XL airplanes up to serial number 
217 with a part number (P/N) INS 60-8 oil pressure/temperature 
indicator installed: Within the next 100 hours TIS after April 12, 
2018 (the effective date of AD 2018-04-09) or within the next 12 
months after April 12, 2018 (the effective date of AD 2018-04-09), 
whichever occurs first, replace the oil pressure/temperature 
indicator with P/N INS 60-15 by following the Part B--Accomplishment 
Instructions of PAL MSB PACSB/XL/088, paragraphs 1) through 6), 
dated August 11, 2017.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to Mike Kiesov, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; 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.

[[Page 50774]]

(h) Related Information

    Refer to CAA MCAI AD No. DCA/750XL/19A, dated April 26, 2018, 
for related information. The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on 
the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2018-0842-0002.

(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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
September 22, 2020 (the effective date of this AD):
    (i) Pacific Aerospace Temporary Revision Instruction Letter, 
dated October 2017.
    (ii) Pacific Aerospace Revision Instruction Letter, dated March 
2018.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 12, 2018 (83 FR 9793, March 8, 2018).
    (i) Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/088, 
dated August 11, 2017.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For Pacific Aerospace Limited service information identified 
in this AD, contact Pacific Aerospace Limited, Airport Road, 
Hamilton, Private Bag 3027, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand; telephone: 
+64 7 843 6144; facsimile: +64 7 843 6134; email: 
[email protected]; internet: www.aerospace.co.nz.
    (6) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2018-0842.
    (7) 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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on August 12, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-17983 Filed 8-17-20; 8:45 am]
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