Proposed Rule2021-21937
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
October 8, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-24 airplanes. This proposed AD results from 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 insufficient performance of the fuel drain system that could lead to fire and damage of the airplane. This proposed AD would require modifying the fuel drain pipe routing and installing a drain mast. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 193 (Friday, October 8, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 193 (Friday, October 8, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56227-56229]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-21937]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0218; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01519-A]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-24 airplanes. This
proposed AD results from 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 insufficient performance of the
fuel drain system that could lead to fire and damage of the airplane.
This proposed AD would require modifying the fuel drain pipe routing
and installing a drain mast. The FAA is proposing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November
22, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12 140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
<bullet> For service information identified in this NPRM, contact
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH-6371, Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7
365; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9aeefff9f2e9efeaeaf5e8eeb4f9f2daeaf3f6fbeeefe9b7a6fbbaf2e8fffca7" http: aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a>">techsupport.ch@pilatus-<a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a></a>; website: https://
www.pilatus-<a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a>. You may view this service information 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 (816) 329-4148.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0218; 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 NPRM, the MCAI,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International
Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone:
(816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#385c574d5f164a4d5c57544850785e5959165f574e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7f1b100a18510d0a1b10130f173f191e1e51181009">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0218;
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01519-A'' at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential
[[Page 56228]]
under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of
this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Doug Rudolph,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO
64106. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
Background
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued
EASA AD 2020-0252, dated November 12, 2020 (referred to after this as
``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. The
MCAI states:
An occurrence was reported where an insufficient performance of
the fuel drain system was detected on certain PC-24 aeroplanes.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead, in case of a fuel
leak, to contamination of the inboard rear fuselage, creating a fuel
vapour which, in combination with an ignition source, could possibly
result in a fire and consequent damage to the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Pilatus Aircraft
issued the [service bulletin] SB providing instructions to modify
the fuel drain pipe routing and to install a drain mast.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires
modification of the fuel drain system.
You may examine the MCAI at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0218.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC-24 Service Bulletin No. 28-003,
Revision 1, dated January 23, 2020 (Pilatus SB 28-003R1). This service
information specifies procedures for modifying the fuel drain pipe
routing and installing a drain mast.
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.
FAA's Determination
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority,
it has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and
service information referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions described
in the service information previously.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 36 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA also estimates that it
would take about 12 work-hours per airplane to do the modification and
installation of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $1,950 per product.
Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of the proposed
AD on U.S. operators would be $106,920 or $2,970 per airplane.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators.
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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed
regulation:
(1) Would not be a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 airworthiness
directive:
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. FAA-2021-0218; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-01519-A.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by November 22, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-24 airplanes,
serial numbers 101 through 184, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2830, Fuel Dump
System.
(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 insufficient
performance of the fuel drain system that could lead to fire and
damage of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fuel
contamination of the inboard rear fuselage. If not addressed, this
unsafe condition, in combination with an ignition source, could
result in fire and loss of control of the airplane.
[[Page 56229]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 5 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the
fuel drain pipe routing and install the drain mast by following
paragraphs A. and B. of the Accomplishment Instructions in Pilatus
PC-24 Service Bulletin No. 28-003, Revision 1, dated January 23,
2020.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) 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 manager of the certification office, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD or
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7b42563a2d28563a3229564c484b563a3634383b1d1a1a551c140d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f4cdd9b5a2a7d9b5bda6d9c3c7c4d9b5b9bbb7b4929595da939b82">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph,
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation
Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816)
329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0e6a617b69207c7b6a61627e664e686f6f20696178"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="45212a30226b3730212a29352d052324246b222a33">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Refer to MCAI European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2020-
0252, dated November 12, 2020, for related information. You may
examine the MCAI at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0218.
(3) For service information related to this AD, contact Pilatus
Aircraft Ltd., Customer Support General Aviation, CH-6371 Stans,
Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7 365; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#582c3d3b302b2d2828372a2c763b3018283134392c2d2b75643978302a3d3e65" http: aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a>">techsupport.ch@pilatus-<a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a></a>; website: https://www.pilatus-<a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a>. You may
review this referenced service information 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 (816) 329-4148.
Issued on September 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-21937 Filed 10-7-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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