Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 65 (Monday, April 6, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16678-16679]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-8580]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-CE-119-AD; Amendment 39-10438; AD 98-07-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and 
PC-12/45 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) Models PC-12 and PC-
12/45 airplanes. This AD requires replacing certain propeller de-icing 
controllers with ones that are not susceptible to electromagnetic 
interference (EMI). 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 improper operation of the propeller de-icing controller caused 
by EMI, which could result in ice build-up on the propeller with 
possible airplane controllability problems.

DATES: Effective April 28, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 28, 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-119-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: Roman T. Gabrys, Aerospace Engineer, 
Small Airplane Directorate, Airplane Certification Service, FAA, 1201 
Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 426-
6932; facsimile: (816) 426-2169.

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 
Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on January 22, 1998 
(63 FR 3276). The NPRM proposed to require replacing certain propeller 
de-icing controllers with ones that are not susceptible to 
electromagnetic interference (EMI). Accomplishment of the proposed 
action as specified in the NPRM would be in accordance with Pilatus 
Service Bulletin No. 30-002, dated August 19, 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.

Compliance Time of This AD

    While the condition described in this AD is unsafe while the 
airplane is in operation, it is not a direct result of airplane 
operation. For example, the unsafe condition exists or could develop on 
an airplane with 500 hours time-in-service (TIS) the same as one with 
10 hours TIS. For this reason, the FAA has determined that a compliance 
based on calendar time should be utilized in this AD in order to assure 
that the unsafe condition is addressed on all airplanes in a reasonable 
time period.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 53 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 workhours per 
airplane to accomplish this replacement, and that the average labor 
rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts will be provided by the 
manufacturer free of charge. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $6,360, or $120 
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.

[[Page 16679]]

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:

98-07-18  Pilatus Aircraft LTD: Amendment 39-10438; Docket No. 97-
CE-119-AD.

    Applicability: Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes, serial 
numbers MSN 101 through MSN 153, 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 (d) 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 as indicated in the body of this AD, unless 
already accomplished.
    To prevent improper operation of the propeller de-icing 
controller caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI), which could 
result in ice build-up on the propeller with possible airplane 
controllability problems, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within the next 9 calendar months after the effective date 
of this AD, accomplish the following in accordance with the 
instructions in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 30-002, dated August 
19, 1996:
    (1) Identify the serial number of the affected propeller de-
icing controller, part number (P/N) 968.29.13.223 (BFG 4E3163-1) (or 
FAA-approved equivalent part number);
    (2) For those airplanes with a propeller de-icing controller, P/
N 968.29.13.223 (BFG 4E3163-1) (or FAA-approved equivalent part 
number), with a serial number of U999 or lower that does not have 
``SB30-1'' marked on it, replace it with a P/N 500.50.12.109 (BFG 
SB4E3163-1-30-1) (or FAA-approved equivalent part number) propeller 
de-icing controller.

    Note 2: The airplanes affected by this AD could have propeller 
de-icing controllers installed that have Parts Manufacturer Approval 
(PMA). For those airplanes having PMA parts that are equivalent (PMA 
by equivalency) to those referenced in this AD, the phrase ``or FAA-
approved equivalent part number'' means that this AD applies to 
airplanes with PMA by equivalency propeller de-icing controllers 
installed.

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on any affected airplane, a propeller de-icing controller, P/N 
968.29.13.223 (BFG 4E3163-1) (or FAA-approved equivalent part 
number), with a serial number of U999 or lower that does not have 
``SB30-1'' marked on it.
    (c) 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.
    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, 
suite 900, Kansas 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.

    (e) Questions or technical information related to Pilatus 
Service Bulletin No. 30-002, dated August 19, 1996, should be 
directed to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Marketing Support Department, 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.
    (f) The identification and replacement required by this AD shall 
be done in accordance with Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 30-002, 
dated August 19, 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., Marketing Support Department, 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.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 28, 1998.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 25, 1998.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-8580 Filed 4-3-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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