Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-6 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 216 (Thursday, November 6, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65977-65978]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-26117]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0990 Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-060-AD; 
Amendment 39-15724; AD 2008-23-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-6 Series 
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 the 
products listed above. 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:

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by a potential 
problem with the freedom of the brake pedals of some PC-6 series 
aircraft.
    The freedom of the brake pedals could be prevented because of an 
insufficient clearance between the rudder bar lugs on a few 
aircraft. In such conditions, it is possible that the master brake 
cylinder is not re-filled with the fluid from the reservoir, which 
can lead to a degradation of brake effectiveness. Mostly during 
landing, this can lead to difficulties with the directional control 
of the aircraft on ground and could cause a runway excursion.

    We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 11, 2008.
    On December 11, 2008, the Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this 
AD.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 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 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on September 17, 2008 
(73 FR 53764). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products. The MCAI states:

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by a potential 
problem with the freedom of the brake pedals of some PC-6 series 
aircraft.
    The freedom of the brake pedals could be prevented because of an 
insufficient clearance between the rudder bar lugs on a few 
aircraft. In such conditions, it is possible that the master brake 
cylinder is not re-filled with the fluid from the reservoir, which 
can lead to a degradation of brake effectiveness. Mostly during 
landing, this can lead to difficulties with the directional control 
of the aircraft on ground and could cause a runway excursion.
    For the reason stated above, the present Airworthiness Directive 
mandates a check of the brake pedals for full and free movement and, 
if any damage is found, the modification of the brake pedals to 
restore their freedom.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD will 
affect 50 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take 
about 2 work-hours per product to comply with basic requirements of 
this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. 
operators to be $8,000 or $160 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 10 work-hours and require parts costing $100, for a cost of 
$900 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products 
that may need these actions.

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 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.

[[Page 65978]]

    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; 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

0
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:

2008-23-03 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd: Amendment 39-15724; Docket No. FAA-
2008-0990; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-060-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
11, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Models PC-6, PC-6-H1, PC-6-H2, PC-6/350, 
PC-6/350-H1, PC-6/350-H2, PC-6/A, PC-6/A-H1, PC-6/A-H2, PC-6/B-H2, 
PC-6/B1-H2, PC-6/B2-H2, PC-6/B2-H4, PC-6/C-H2, and PC-6/C1-H2 
airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 101 through 950 and MSN 
2001 through 2092, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: These airplanes may also be identified as Fairchild 
Republic Company PC-6 airplanes, Fairchild Industries PC-6 
airplanes, Fairchild Heli Porter PC-6 airplanes, or Fairchild-Hiller 
Corporation PC-6 airplanes.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing 
Gear.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    ``This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by a potential 
problem with the freedom of the brake pedals of some PC-6 series 
aircraft.
    ``The freedom of the brake pedals could be prevented because of 
an insufficient clearance between the rudder bar lugs on a few 
aircraft. In such conditions, it is possible that the master brake 
cylinder is not re-filled with the fluid from the reservoir, which 
can lead to a degradation of brake effectiveness. Mostly during 
landing, this can lead to difficulties with the directional control 
of the aircraft on ground and could cause a runway excursion.
    ``For the reason stated above, the present Airworthiness 
Directive mandates a check of the brake pedals for full and free 
movement and, if any damage is found, the modification of the brake 
pedals to restore their freedom.''

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Inspect the brake pedals for full and free movement within 
the next 100 hours time-in-service after December 11, 2008 (the 
effective date of this AD) or within the next 12 months after 
December 11, 2008 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs 
first, following the accomplishment instructions of Pilatus Aircraft 
Ltd. Pilatus PC-6 Service Bulletin No. 32-002, Revision 2, dated 
April 29, 2008.
    (2) If as a result the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) 
of this AD any stiffness or limited movement of a brake pedal is 
found, before further flight, perform the corrective actions in 
accordance with the paragraph 3.C. of the accomplishment 
instructions of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Pilatus PC-6 Service Bulletin 
No. 32-002, Revision 2, dated April 29, 2008.
    (3) As of December 11, 2008 (the effective date of this AD), do 
not install any pilot or co-pilot rudder pedal assembly Part Number 
(P/N) 6232.0011.00, P/N 6232.0255.52, P/N 116.35.06.050, P/N 
116.35.06.053, or P/N 116.35.06.054 unless it has been inspected and 
modified as applicable in accordance with paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(f)(2) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) 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. 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.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et.seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD No.: 2008-
0171, dated September 9, 2008, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Pilatus PC-6 Service 
Bulletin No. 32-002, Revision 2, dated April 29, 2008, to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD., P.O. Box 992, 6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone: 
+41 41 619 65 80; fax: +41 41 619 65 76; Internet: http://
www.pilatus-aircraft.com; e-mail: aircraft.com">fodermatt@pilatus-aircraft.com.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; or 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 October 28, 2008.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-26117 Filed 11-5-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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