Rule2021-26544
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
December 9, 2021
Effective
January 13, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA00634DE installed. This AD was prompted by a report of strake attachment brackets and the fuselage frame failing at the upper most bracket attachment location. This AD requires inspecting the strake, attachment brackets, surrounding structure, and bolts and replacing components and repairing damage if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 234 (Thursday, December 9, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 234 (Thursday, December 9, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69996-69998]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-26544]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0573; Project Identifier 2018-CE-046-AD; Amendment
39-21822; AD 2021-24-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E
airplanes with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA00634DE installed.
This AD was prompted by a report of strake attachment brackets and the
fuselage frame failing at the upper most bracket attachment location.
This AD requires inspecting the strake, attachment brackets,
surrounding structure, and bolts and replacing components and repairing
damage if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 13, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 13,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd., Customer Support Department,
12300 Pilatus Way, Broomfield, CO 80021; phone: (866) 721-2435; fax:
(303) 465-9099; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#dcacaeb3b8a9bfa8afa9acacb3aea89cacb5b0bebdb0f2bfb3b1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="37474558534254434442474758454377475e5b55565b1954585a">[email protected]</span></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. It is also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0573.
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-2021-0573; 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 final rule, any
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket
Operations is 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: Richard R. Thomas, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Denver ACO Branch, FAA, 26805 E 68th Avenue, Denver, CO
80249; phone: (303) 342-1080; fax: (303) 342-1088; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0d34204968637b687f204c647f6e7f6c6b79204e687f794d6b6c6c236a627b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5f66721b3a31293a2d721e362d3c2d3e392b721c3a2d2b1f393e3e71383029">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 69997]]
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
Model PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes with STC SA00634DE
installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2021
(86 FR 38613). The NPRM was prompted by a report of strake attachment
brackets and the fuselage frame failing at the upper most bracket
attachment location. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require
inspecting the strake, attachment brackets, and bolts for movement and
damage, both internal and external, and replacing components and
repairing damage if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
buffeting of the strakes. This condition, if not addressed, could
result in airplane flutter and reduced lateral stability, which may
lead to loss of control of the airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Differences Between the NPRM and the Final Rule
The FAA has clarified the wording of the required inspections in
paragraph (g) of this AD. This is not a substantive change.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
the changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the
NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any
operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Pilatus Service Bulletin PC-12 Series, Report
Number 12-1700-64-0000, Revision B, dated August 10, 2018 (Pilatus
Report 12-1700-64-0000B), which contains procedures for inspection of
all fuselage strake attachment bolts and the surrounding structure.
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 ADDRESSES.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
Pilatus Report 12-1700-64-0000B specifies a one-time inspection
within 10 flight hours of issuance of the service bulletin and
recommends repeat inspections without specifying an inspection
interval. This AD requires repeating the inspection every 150 flight
hours. Pilatus Report 12-1700-64-0000B specifies contacting Pilatus for
further instructions. This AD requires using an FAA-approved repair
method. Pilatus Report 12-1700-64-0000B applies to Pilatus PC-12
aircraft serial numbers 190 to 1575. This AD applies to all Pilatus
Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes,
regardless of serial number, if STC SA00634DE is installed.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD an interim action. Pilatus is working on
a modification with the intent of minimizing, if not eliminating, the
buffeting of the strakes. Once this action is developed, approved, and
available, the FAA may consider additional rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 30 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspection of the strake 1 work-hour x $85 Not applicable.......... $85 per $2,550 per
assemblies. per hour = $85 inspection cycle. inspection
per inspection cycle.
cycle.
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The extent of damage found during the proposed inspections may vary
considerably from airplane to airplane. The FAA has no way of knowing
how many airplanes may have damage or the extent of damage each
airplane may have.
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
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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
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:
[[Page 69998]]
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:
2021-24-01 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-21822; Docket No.
FAA-2021-0573; Project Identifier 2018-CE-046-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 13, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-12/
45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes, all serial numbers,
certificated in any category, with a Spectre Lift Platform System
installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate No.
SA00634DE.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5350, Aerodynamic
Faring.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of the strake attachment
brackets and surrounding structure failing at the upper most bracket
bolt hole. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address any
looseness or damage to the strake, attachment brackets, or
surrounding structure, and missing fasteners or loose bolts, which
could result in airplane flutter and reduced lateral stability,
which may lead to loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection and Corrective Actions
Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date
of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS,
inspect the fuselage strakes for movement (outside inspection), the
strakes and their attachment brackets for loose and missing bolts
and screws and structural deformation (inside and outside
inspection), and the strake attachment brackets and surrounding
structure for discoloration, deformation, cracks, and other
structural damage (inside inspection) by following the
Accomplishment Instructions--Aircraft, steps A through B.(3) and
C.(1) through C.(5), in Pilatus Service Bulletin PC-12 Series,
Report Number 12-1700-64-0000, Revision B, dated August 10, 2018.
(1) You must accomplish the inside fuselage inspection
regardless of the results of the outside fuselage inspection.
(2) If any movement of the strakes, a loose or missing bolt or
screw, discoloration, deformation, a crack, or other structural
damage is found during any of the inspections, before further
flight, repair using FAA-approved procedures.
(h) Special Flight Permit
A special flight permit may be issued to allow flying the
airplane to a maintenance facility where repair of the strake
assembly will be performed with the following operating limitations:
(1) Flight must be conducted under visual flight rules, daytime
only; and
(2) The Spectre Lift Platform System, STC SA00634DE, must be
retracted (not deployed) during the flight.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Denver ACO 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 (j) of this AD.
(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.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Richard R. Thomas,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Denver ACO Branch, FAA, 26805 E. 68th
Avenue, Denver, CO 80249; phone: (303) 342-1080; fax: (303) 342-
1088; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#61584c25040f1704134c20081302130007154c22041315210700004f060e17"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ffc6d2bb9a91899a8dd2be968d9c8d9e998bd2bc9a8d8bbf999e9ed1989089">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) 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) Pilatus Service Bulletin PC-12 Series, Report Number 12-
1700-64-0000, Revision B, dated August 10, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd., Customer Support Department, 12300
Pilatus Way, Broomfield, CO 80021; phone: (866) 721-2435; fax: (303)
465-9099; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e69694898293859295939696899492a6968f8a84878ac885898b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fa8a88959e8f998e898f8a8a95888eba8a9396989b96d4999597">[email protected]</span></a>.
(4) 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.
(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, email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#aaccd884c3c4d9dacfc9dec3c5c4eac4cbd8cb84cdc5dc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6f091d4106011c1f0a0c1b0600012f010e1d0e41080019">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on December 2, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-26544 Filed 12-8-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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