Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 83 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33206-33209]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09084]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-0045; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01088-A; 
Amendment 39-22740; AD 2024-08-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-12-
17, which applied to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-12, PC-
12/45,

[[Page 33207]]

PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes. AD 2023-12-17 required revising the 
airworthiness limitation section (ALS) of the existing aircraft 
maintenance manual (AMM) or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness 
(ICA) for your airplane by introducing new and more restrictive 
instructions and maintenance tasks as specified in the component 
limitations section, which includes repetitive inspections for cracks 
in the lower main spar connection of the horizontal stabilizer. Since 
the FAA issued AD 2023-12-17, the FAA has determined that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires 
revising the ALS of your existing AMM or ICA and your existing approved 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, as specified in a 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated 
by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 3, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 3, 
2024.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-0045; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For EASA material, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: 
[email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this material 
on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    <bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 
MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-0045.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (816) 329-4059; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2023-12-17, Amendment 39-22475 (88 FR 
42604, July 3, 2023) (AD 2023-12-17). AD 2023-12-17 applied to Pilatus 
Model PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes. AD 2023-12-17 
required incorporating new revisions to the ALS of the existing AMM or 
ICA for your airplane to establish new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations that include repetitive inspections for 
cracks in the lower main spar connection of the horizontal stabilizer. 
The FAA issued AD 2023-12-17 to address cracks in the lower main spar 
connection of the horizontal stabilizer and failure of certain parts, 
which could result in loss of airplane control.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 2, 2024 (89 
FR 7297). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2023-0184, dated October 19, 
2023 (EASA AD 2023-0184) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by 
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union. The MCAI states that new or more restrictive tasks and 
limitations have been developed. These new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations include repetitive eddy current inspections 
for cracks in the main landing gear yoke fitting.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-0045.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the ALS of your 
existing AMM or ICA and your existing approved maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, as specified in EASA AD 2023-0184. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of certain parts, which 
could result in asymmetric main landing gear failure that could lead to 
loss of airplane control during take-off, landing, and taxiing 
operations. Additionally, the actions required to address the unsafe 
condition in AD 2023-12-17 are included in ``the applicable ALS,'' as 
defined in EASA AD 2023-0184.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from two anonymous commenters, an 
individual, and the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA). 
All commenters supported the NPRM without change.

Conclusion

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, 
considered the comments received, and determined that air safety 
requires adopting the AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is 
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2023-0184 requires certain actions and associated 
thresholds and intervals, including life limits and maintenance tasks. 
EASA AD 2023-0184 also requires doing corrective actions if any 
discrepancy (as defined in ``the applicable ALS'' as defined in EASA AD 
2023-0184) is found during accomplishment of any task required by 
paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0184 and revising the aircraft 
maintenance program (AMP) by incorporating the limitations, tasks, and 
associated thresholds and intervals described in ``the applicable ALS'' 
as defined in EASA AD 2023-0184. This material is reasonably available 
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal 
course of business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0184 requires replacing each 
component before exceeding the applicable life limit and within the 
identified thresholds and intervals accomplishing all applicable 
maintenance tasks as specified in the applicable ALS for that airplane. 
Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0184 requires corrective actions in 
accordance with the applicable Pilatus maintenance documentation or 
contacting Pilatus for approved instructions and accomplishing those 
instructions accordingly. Paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2023-0184 provides 
credit for performing actions in accordance with previous revisions of 
the Pilatus AMM. Paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2023-0184 explains that after 
revision of the AMP, it is not necessary to record accomplishment of 
individual actions for demonstration of AD compliance. This AD does not 
require compliance

[[Page 33208]]

with paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of EASA AD 2023-0184.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,030 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the ALS........................  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85         $87,550
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The FAA has 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 that 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.

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 2023-12-17, Amendment 39-22475 (88 
FR 42604, July 3, 2023); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2024-08-07 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-22740; Docket No. 
FAA-2024-0045; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01088-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 3, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2023-12-17, Amendment 39-22475 (88 FR 42604, 
July 3, 2023) (AD 2023-12-17).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12, PC-12/45, 
PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated 
in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3211, Main Landing 
Gear Attach Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a revision to the airworthiness 
limitations section (ALS) of the existing aircraft maintenance 
manual (AMM) introducing new and more restrictive instructions and 
maintenance tasks as specified in the component limitations section, 
which include repetitive eddy current inspections for cracks in the 
main landing gear yoke fitting. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address failure of certain parts, which could result in asymmetric 
main landing gear failure that could lead to loss of airplane 
control during take-off, landing, and taxiing operations.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2023-0184, dated October 19, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0184).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0184

    (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0184 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in 
paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of EASA AD 2023-0184.
    (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0184 specifies ``Within 
12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the AMP,'' 
replace that text with ``Within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD, revise the airworthiness limitations section of your 
existing airplane maintenance manual or instructions for continued 
airworthiness and your existing approved maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable.''
    (4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0184 is on or before the applicable 
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the 
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0184 or within 30 days 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2023-0184.

(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    No alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals, 
including life limits, are allowed for compliance with paragraph (g) 
of this AD unless they are approved as specified in the provisions 
of the ``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2023-0184.

(j) 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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Validation Branch, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD or 
email to: [email protected]. If mailing information, also 
submit information by email. Before using any approved AMOC,

[[Page 33209]]

notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal 
inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office/
certificate holding district office.

(k) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329-4059; email: 
[email protected].

(l) 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0184, 
dated October 19, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2023-0184, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: 
[email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA 
AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas 
City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on April 17, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-09084 Filed 4-26-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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