82 FR 1172 - Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 3 (January 5, 2017)

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-22-01 for all PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Models PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/ 47E 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 a need to incorporate new revisions into the Limitations section, Chapter 4, of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual). The limitations were revised to include repetitive inspections of the main landing gear (MLG) attachment bolts. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 3 (Thursday, January 5, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1172-1175]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31600]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-7003; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-015-AD; 
Amendment 39-18766; AD 2016-26-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-22-01 for 
all PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Models PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/
47E 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 a need to incorporate new 
revisions into the Limitations section, Chapter 4, of the FAA-approved 
maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual). The limitations were 
revised to include repetitive inspections of the main landing gear 
(MLG) attachment bolts. We are issuing this AD to require actions to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 9, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of February 9, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
7003; or in person at the Docket 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 service information identified in this AD, contact PILATUS 
AIRCRAFT LTD., Customer Service Manager, CH-6371 STANS, Switzerland; 
telephone: +41 (0) 41 619 33 33; fax: +41 (0) 41 619 73 11; Internet: 
http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com or email: aircraft.com">SupportPC12@pilatus-aircraft.com. You may view this referenced service information at the 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 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 http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2016-7003.

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; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all PILATUS 
AIRCRAFT LTD. Models PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E 
airplanes. That SNPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 
31, 2016 (81 FR 59919), and proposed to supersede AD 2014-22-01, 
Amendment 39-18005 (79 FR 67343, November 13, 2014).
    The SNPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations are currently defined and 
published in the Pilatus PC-12 Aircraft Maintenance Manual(s) (AMM) 
under Chapter 4, Structural, Component and Miscellaneous--
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) documents. The limitations 
contained in these documents have been identified as mandatory for 
continued airworthiness.
    Failure to comply with these instructions could result in an 
unsafe condition.

[[Page 1173]]

    EASA issued AD 2014-0170 requiring the actions as specified in 
ALS, Chapter 4 of AMM report 02049 issue 28, for PC-12, PC-12/45 and 
PC-12/47 aeroplanes, and Chapter 4 of AMM report 02300 issue 11, for 
PC-12/47E aeroplanes.
    Since that AD was issued, Pilatus issued Chapter 4 of PC-12 AMM 
report 02049 issue 31, and Chapter 4 of PC-12 AMM report 02300 issue 
14 (hereafter collectively referred to as `the applicable ALS' in 
this AD), to incorporate new six-year and ten-year inspection 
intervals for several main landing gear (MLG) attachment bolts, and 
an annual inspection interval for the MLG shock absorber attachment 
bolts, which was previously included in the AMM Chapter 5 annual 
inspection. After a further review of the in-service data, Pilatus 
issued Service Letter (SL) 186, extending the special compliance 
time applicable for the MLG bolts inspection.
    For the reasons described above, this AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0170, which is superseded, and requires 
the accomplishment of the new maintenance tasks, as described in the 
applicable ALS.

    The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2016-7003-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Incorporate Requirements of the New Revisions to the 
Limitations Section of the FAA-Approved Maintenance Program Into This 
AD

    Fernando Campos of KACALP Flight Operations requested that the 
requirements of the new revisions to the Limitations section of the 
FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual) be written 
into the AD instead of requiring operators to insert these new 
revisions into the Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance 
program (e.g., maintenance manual).
    The commenter stated that most operators do not own a maintenance 
library subscription (hardcopy of the maintenance manual) from PILATUS 
AIRCRAFT LTD. (Pilatus). Therefore, it would be impossible to comply 
with paragraph (f)(1) of the proposed AD.
    The commenter also stated that Pilatus PC-12 airplane operators are 
not subject to 14 CFR 91.409(e) and/or 14 CFR 91.409(f)(3) ``Inspection 
Program'' and operators can maintain their airplane in accordance with 
the operating rules of 14 CFR 91.409(a) and 14 CFR 91.409(b) only.
    We do not agree with the commenter. Although some operators may or 
may not own a current hardcopy subscription of the Pilatus PC-12 
maintenance library (e.g., maintenance manual), 14 CFR 21.50 requires 
that a complete set of instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) 
be delivered with the airplane. Therefore, it is possible for an 
operator to comply with paragraph (f)(1) of this AD using the set of 
ICA delivered with the airplane. Pilatus PC-12 airplanes are bound by 
14 CFR 91.409(a) and 14 CFR 91.409(b) if operated for hire. An option 
for 14 CFR 135 operators, if they desire to use an ``Approved Aircraft 
Inspection Program'' is 14 CFR 91.409(c). An option for using a 
``Progressive Inspection'' is 14 CFR 91.409(d), and the Pilatus PC-12 
ICA has such a program already in it. Operators of a Pilatus PC-12 
airplane are not normally subject to 14 CFR 91.409(e) or 14 CFR 
91.409(f)(3); however, if an exemption to 14 CFR 91.409(e) is granted 
to an operator, then 14 CFR 409(f)(3) is an option as well. 
Incorporating the limitation requirements into the AD could potentially 
cause confusion and/or unintended new unsafe conditions if there were 
any inadvertent changes when rewriting the limitations into this AD. In 
addition, this deviates from the method utilized by the foreign 
airworthiness authority in the MCAI and could cause confusion with 
future rulemaking.
    We have not changed the AD based on this comment.

Request To Allow All A&P Mechanics To Do the Supplemental Structural 
Inspection Document (SSID) Program

    Fernando Campos of KACALP Flight Operations requested that the AD 
be revised to allow all A&P mechanics to do the SSID program.
    The commenter stated that paragraph (f)(3) of the proposed AD 
states that ``only authorized Pilatus Service Centers can do the 
SSID.'' The commenter stated that this is illegal and contrary to U.S. 
antitrust laws. Properly certificated repair stations and A&P mechanics 
cannot be prevented from engaging in aircraft commerce, especially if 
they have the appropriate ratings from the FAA under 14 CFR parts 65 
and 145.
    The FAA does not agree with the commenter that the requirements in 
this AD are illegal and contrary to U.S. antitrust laws. There is 
little margin for error on the safety risk presented in the SSID. 
Although the FAA believes that the requirement to use only Pilatus 
services centers appropriately addresses this risk, we will also 
consider an alternative method of compliance (AMOC), as stated in the 
AD. The FAA can issue an AMOC that allows properly certified mechanics 
to do the actions in the SSID, providing we believe the additional risk 
presented in the SSID is appropriately addressed. For such an AMOC, you 
should contact the FAA at the contact specified in paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD.
    We have not changed this AD based on this comment at this time, 
although we will consider AMOCs as indicated above.

Request Compliance Credit for Using Electronic Versus Hardcopy 
Maintenance Manual

    Fernando Campos of KACALP Flight Operations requested compliance be 
allowed for operators who subscribe to the Pilatus maintenance library 
electronically (instead of hardcopy).
    We agree with the commenter. Although we have to account for the 
actual paper document due to the fact that we have to incorporate by 
reference the documents referenced in this AD and make it part of the 
regulation, we understand the concerns. We added language to this AD 
stating that compliance with the electronic version of the Limitations 
sections to the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance 
manual) is acceptable provided the specifically referenced section is 
followed even though there may be differences with the pagination.
    We have changed this AD based on this comment.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the change described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM.

Related Service Information

    PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. has issued Structural, Component and 
Miscellaneous--Airworthiness Limitations, document 12-A-04-00-00-00A-
000A-A, dated July 12, 2016, and Structural and Component Limitations--
Airworthiness Limitations, document 12-B-04-00-00-00A-000A-A, dated 
July 19, 2016. 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 of the AD.

[[Page 1174]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 770 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 1.5 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD on U.S. operators to be $98,175, or $127.50 per product. This 
breaks down as follows:
     Incorporating new revisions into the Limitations section, 
Chapter 4, of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance 
manual): .5 work-hour for a fleet cost of $32,725, or $42.50 per 
product.
     New inspections of the MLG attachment bolts: 1 work-hour 
with no parts cost for fleet cost of $65,450 or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary corrective actions (on-
condition costs) that must be taken based on the inspections will take 
about 1 work-hour and require parts costing approximately $100 for a 
cost of $185 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these necessary corrective actions.
    The only costs that will be imposed by this AD over that already 
required by AD 2014-22-01 is the costs associated with the insertion of 
the revised Limitation section and the MLG attachment bolts inspection 
and replacement as necessary.

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 the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
7003; 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

    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 removing 39-18005 (79 FR 67343, 
November 13, 2014) and adding the following new AD:

2016-26-08 PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD.: Amendment 39-18766; Docket No. 
FAA-2016-7003; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-015-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 9, 
2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2014-22-01, 39-18005 (79 FR 67343, November 
13, 2014).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Models PC-12, PC-12/45, 
PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers 
(MSNs), certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 5: Time Limits.

(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 a need to 
incorporate new revisions into the Limitations section, Chapter 4, 
of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual). 
The limitations were revised to include repetitive inspections of 
the main landing gear (MLG) attachment bolts. These actions are 
required to ensure the continued operational safety of the affected 
airplanes.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through 
(6) of this AD:
    (1) Before further flight after February 9, 2017 (the effective 
date of this AD), insert the following revisions into the 
Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., 
maintenance manual). Compliance with an electronic version of the 
Limitations section is acceptable provided the specifically 
referenced sections are followed even though there may be 
differences with the pagination:
    (i) STRUCTURAL, COMPONENT AND MISCELLANEOUS--AIRWORTHINESS 
LIMITATIONS, Data module code 12-A-04-00-00-00A-000A-A, dated July 
12, 2016, of the Pilatus Model type--PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47 MSN-
101-888, Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Document No. 02049, 12-
A-AM-00-00-00-I, revision 32, dated July 18, 2016; and
    (ii) STRUCTURAL AND COMPONENT LIMITATIONS--AIRWORTHINESS 
LIMITATIONS, Data module code 12-B-04-00-00-00A-000A-A, dated July 
19, 2016, of the Pilatus Model type--PC-12/47E MSN-1001-UP, Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual (AMM), Document No. 02300, 12-B-AM-00-00-00-I, 
revision 15, dated July 30, 2016.
    (2) The new limitations section revisions listed in paragraphs 
(f)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD specify the following:
    (i) Establish inspections of the MLG attachment bolts,
    (ii) Specify replacement of components before or upon reaching 
the applicable life limit, and
    (iii) Specify accomplishment of all applicable maintenance tasks 
within certain thresholds and intervals.
    (3) Only authorized Pilatus Service Centers can do the 
Supplemental Structural Inspection Document (SSID) as required by

[[Page 1175]]

the documents in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD because 
deviations from the type design in critical locations could make the 
airplane ineligible for this life extension.
    (4) If no compliance time is specified in the documents listed 
in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD when doing any 
corrective actions where discrepancies are found as required in 
paragraph (f)(2)(iii) of this AD, do these corrective actions before 
further flight after doing the applicable maintenance task.
    (5) During the accomplishment of the actions required in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, including all subparagraphs, if a 
discrepancy is found that is not identified in the documents listed 
in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD, before further flight 
after finding the discrepancy, contact PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. at the 
address specified in paragraph (h) of this AD for a repair scheme 
and incorporate that repair scheme.
    (6) Before or upon accumulating 6 years time-in-service (TIS) on 
the MLG attachment bolts or within the next 3 months TIS after 
February 9, 2017 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs 
later, inspect the MLB attachment bolts for cracks and corrosion and 
before further flight take all necessary corrective actions.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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; email: 
[email protected].
    (i) 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.
    (ii) AMOCs approved for AD 2014-22-01, 39-18005 (79 FR 67343, 
November 13, 2014) are not approved as AMOCs for this AD.
    (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.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 
2016-0083, dated April 28, 2016, for related information. You may 
examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2016-7003-0002.

(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.
    (i) STRUCTURAL, COMPONENT AND MISCELLANEOUS--AIRWORTHINESS 
LIMITATIONS, Data module code 12-A-04-00-00-00A-000A-A, dated July 
12, 2016, of the Pilatus Model type--PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47 MSN-
101-888, Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Document No. 02049, 12-
A-AM-00-00-00-I, revision 32, dated July 18, 2016.
    (ii) STRUCTURAL AND COMPONENT LIMITATIONS--AIRWORTHINESS 
LIMITATIONS, Data module code 12-B-04-00-00-00A-000A-A, dated July 
19, 2016, of the Pilatus Model type--PC-12/47E MSN-1001-UP, Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual (AMM), Document No. 02300, 12-B-AM-00-00-00-I, 
revision 15, dated July 30, 2016.
    (3) For PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. service information identified in 
this AD, contact PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD., Customer Service Manager, 
CH-6371 STANS, Switzerland; telephone: +41 (0) 41 619 33 33; fax: 
+41 (0) 41 619 73 11; Internet: http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com or 
email: aircraft.com">SupportPC12@pilatus-aircraft.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 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 http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2016-7003.
    (5) 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 21, 2016.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-31600 Filed 1-4-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P