Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 116 (Wednesday, June 17, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32975-32977]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-16023]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-CE-08-AD; Amendment 39-10596; AD 98-13-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-12 
airplanes. This AD requires replacing and re-routing the power return 
cables on the starter generator and generator 2, inserting a temporary 
revision to the pilot operating handbook (POH), and installing a 
placard near the standby magnetic compass. This AD is the result of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the 
airworthiness authority for Switzerland. The actions specified by this 
AD are intended to prevent directional deviation on the standby 
magnetic compass caused by an overload of electrical current in the 
airplane structure, which could result in flight-path deviation during 
critical phases of flight in icing conditions and instrument 
meteorologic conditions (IMC).

DATES: Effective July 31, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 31, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Marketing Support Department, CH-6370 
Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 41-6196 233; facsimile: +41 41-6103 
351. This information may also be examined at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-CE-08-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 
800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Roman T. Gabrys, Aerospace 
Engineer, Small Airplane Directorate, Airplane Certification Service, 
FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: 
(816) 426-6934; facsimile: (816) 426-2169.


[[Page 32976]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain Pilatus Model 
PC-12 airplanes was published in the Federal Register as a notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on April 1, 1998 (63 FR 15795). The NPRM 
proposed to require replacing and re-routing the power return cables on 
the starter generator and generator 2; inserting a temporary revision 
to the POH; and installing a placard near the standby magnetic compass, 
using at least 1/8-inch letters, with the following words:
``STANDBY COMPASS FOR CORRECT READING CHECK: WINDSHIELD DE-ICE LH & RH 
HEAVY & COOLING SYSTEM OFF.''
    Accomplishment of the proposed action as specified in the NPRM 
would be in accordance with Pilatus PC XII Service Bulletin No. 24-002, 
Rev. No. 1, dated September 20, 1996.
    The NPRM was the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for 
Switzerland.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposed rule or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

The FAA's Determination

    After careful review of all available information related to the 
subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor 
corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any 
additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 40 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 12 workhours per 
airplane to accomplish the cable re-routing and replacement, and that 
the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts will be 
provided free from the manufacturer upon request. Incorporating the POH 
revisions and installing a placard may be performed by 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), and 
must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this 
AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 
(14 CFR 43.9).
    Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $28,800, or $720 per airplane.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this 
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

98-13-08 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-10596; Docket No. 97-
CE-08-AD.
    Applicability: Model PC-12 airplanes, serial numbers 101 through 
147, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (f) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required within the next 100 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless already 
accomplished.
    To prevent directional deviation on the standby magnetic compass 
caused by an overload of electrical current in the airplane 
structure, which could result in flight-path deviation during 
critical phases of flight in icing conditions and Instrument 
Meteorologic Conditions (IMC), accomplish the following:
    (a) Re-route and replace the starter generator cable and the 
generator 2 power return cables with new cables of improved design 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions section in 
Pilatus PC XII Service Bulletin (SB) No. 24-002, Rev. No. 1, dated 
September 20, 1996.
    (b) Remove the temporary revision titled ``Electrical Cables,'' 
dated March 7, 1996, from the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) and 
insert a temporary revision titled ``Electrical Cables'' Rev. 1, 
dated July 12, 1996, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions section in Pilatus PC XII SB No. 24-002, Rev. No. 1, 
dated September 20, 1996.
    (c) Install a placard with the following words (using at least 
1/8-inch letters) near the standby magnetic compass in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions section in Pilatus PC XII SB 
No. 24-002, Rev. No. 1, dated September 20, 1996:

``STANDBY COMPASS FOR CORRECT READING CHECK: WINDSHIELD DE-ICE LH & RH 
HEAVY & COOLING SYSTEM OFF.''

    (d) Incorporating the POH revisions and installing a placard, as 
required by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD, may be performed by 
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), and must be entered into the aircraft records showing 
compliance with this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, 
suite 900, Kansas

[[Page 32977]]

City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be forwarded through an 
appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then 
send it to the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.

    (g) Questions or technical information related to Pilatus PC XII 
SB No. 24-002, Rev. No. 1, dated September 20, 1996, should be 
directed to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6370 
Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 6196 233; facsimile: +41 41 
6103 351. This service information may be examined at the FAA, 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 
12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    (h) The modification, replacement, insertion, and installation 
required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Pilatus PC XII 
Service Bulletin No. 24-002, Rev. No. 1, dated September 20, 1996. 
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer 
Liaison Manager, CH-6370 Stans, Switzerland. Copies may be inspected 
at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 
1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of 
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swiss AD No. HB-
96-140, dated March 18, 1996, and Swiss AD No. HB 97-001, dated 
January 1, 1997.

    (i) This amendment becomes effective on July 31, 1998.
    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 9, 1998.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-16023 Filed 6-16-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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