Proposed Rule2022-02130
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
February 3, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-24 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a failure of the dual ethernet communication channel on a dual-channel data concentration and processing unit, which triggered the opening of electronic circuit breakers that caused several unintended system activations. This proposed AD would require installing a software (SW) upgrade to the utility management system (UMS), as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 23 (Thursday, February 3, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 23 (Thursday, February 3, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6087-6089]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02130]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0084; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01312-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 all Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-24 airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by a failure of the dual ethernet
communication channel on a dual-channel data concentration and
processing unit, which triggered the opening of electronic circuit
breakers that caused several unintended system activations. This
proposed AD would require installing a software (SW) upgrade to the
utility management system (UMS), as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation
by reference (IBR). 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 March 21,
2022.
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.
For material that is proposed for IBR in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#66272215260307150748031314091607480313"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="26676255664347554708435354495647084353">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu">https://www.easa.europa.eu</a>.
For service information identified in this NPRM, 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#1064757378636560607f62643e73785060797c716465633d2c7130786275762d" 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 material 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 (817) 222-5110. The
EASA material is also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0084.
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-2022-0084; 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 EASA AD,
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; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#45212a30226b3730212a29352d052324246b222a33"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="55313a20327b2720313a39253d153334347b323a23">[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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0084; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-01312-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 proposal 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 under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. 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 that is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0200, dated September 21, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0200), to correct an unsafe condition on Pilatus Model
PC-24 airplanes, all serial numbers.
EASA AD 2020-0200 was prompted by a report that, during climb, a
Model PC-24 airplane experienced a dual ethernet communication channel
failure on a dual-channel data concentration and processing unit. The
failure triggered the opening of electronic circuit breakers, which led
to degradation of environmental control system functionalities, the
deployment of all passenger oxygen masks, and the autopilot entering
into emergency descent mode. According to EASA, various crew alerting
system messages were displayed and the functionality of other systems
(such as flaps, fuel indication, and the ice protection system) was
significantly degraded.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address the failure of the dual
ethernet communication channel on a dual-channel data concentration and
processing unit. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result
in an increased pilot workload and reduced control of the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2020-0200, which specifies upgrading the
UMS SW and prohibits installing an earlier version of the SW. This
material is reasonably available because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course of business
[[Page 6088]]
or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC-24 Service Bulletin No. 42-010, dated
January 21, 2020. This service information contains procedures for
upgrading the UMS SW to Build 7.3.
FAA's Determination
These airplanes have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. 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 specified
in EASA AD 2020-0200, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except as discussed under ``Differences Between this
Proposed AD and the EASA AD.''
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a
process to use some EASA ADs as the primary source of information for
compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation
authorities to use this process. As a result, the FAA proposes to
incorporate EASA AD 2020-0200 by reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would require compliance with portions of EASA AD 2020-
0200, except for any differences identified in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Service information required by EASA AD 2020-0200 for
compliance will be available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0084 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
Where EASA AD 2020-0200 requires compliance after its effective
date, this proposed AD would require using the effective date of this
AD. Where EASA AD 2020-0200 prohibits the installation of an affected
part ``from the effective date'' of EASA AD 2020-0200, this proposed AD
would require using ``as of the effective date of this AD.'' Although
the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0200 specifies
reporting information to the manufacturer, this proposed AD would not
include that requirement.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 42 airplanes of U.S. Registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost airplane operators
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Install SW upgrade to UMS............. 8 work-hours x $85 per $5,000 $5,680 $238,560
hour = $680.
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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) Is not 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-2022-0084; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-01312-A
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by March 21, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-24 airplanes,
all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2200, Auto Flight
System; 2400, Electrical Power System; 3140, Central
[[Page 6089]]
Computers (EICAS); 3500, Oxygen System; and 4500, Central Maint,
Computer.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a failure of the dual ethernet
communication channel on a dual-channel data concentration and
processing unit, which triggered the opening of electronic circuit
breakers that caused several unintended system activations. The FAA
is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the dual ethernet
communication channel on a dual-channel data concentration and
processing unit. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in increased pilot workload and reduced control of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For Group 1 airplanes as defined under the ``Definitions''
section in European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2020-0200, dated
September 21, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0200): Install the build 7.3
standard software upgrade to the utility management system software
in accordance with paragraph 1 and the ``Ref. Publications'' section
of EASA AD 2020-0200, except you are required to comply within 30
days after the effective date of this AD. After updating the
software, do not install on that airplane utility management system
software that is earlier than version 7.3.
(2) For Group 2 airplanes as defined under the ``Definitions''
section in EASA AD 2020-0200: As of the effective date of this AD,
do not install utility management system software that is earlier
than version 7.3 on any airplane.
(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 International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(2) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7a43573b2c29573b3328574d494a573b3735393a1c1b1b541d150c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="21180c6077720c6068730c1612110c606c6e62614740400f464e57">[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 EASA AD 2020-0200, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3c7d784f7c595d4f5d1259494e534c5d125949"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d39297a093b6b2a0b2fdb6a6a1bca3b2fdb6a6">[email protected]</span></a>. You may view this material 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. This material may
be found in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0084.
(2) For more information about this AD, 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; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#82e6edf7e5acf0f7e6edeef2eac2e4e3e3ace5edf4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b5d1dac0d29bc7c0d1dad9c5ddf5d3d4d49bd2dac3">[email protected]</span></a>.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, 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#daaebfb9b2a9afaaaab5a8aef4b9b29aaab3b6bbaeafa9f7e6bbfab2a8bfbce7" 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 material 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
(817) 222-5110.
Issued on January 27, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02130 Filed 2-2-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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