Rule2023-11447
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
May 31, 2023
Effective
July 5, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/ 47, and PC-12/47E airplanes. This AD is 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 identifies the unsafe condition as insufficient grounding of the vapor cycle cooling system (VCCS) compressor/condenser. This AD requires inspecting the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment points at frame 37, including the attachment parts, and depending on the inspection results, corrective action. This AD also requires modifying the installation of the VCCS compressor/condenser power return cables and installing an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 104 (Wednesday, May 31, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 104 (Wednesday, May 31, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34745-34747]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-11447]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 31, 2023 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 34745]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0421; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01360-A;
Amendment 39-22435; AD 2023-09-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/
47, and PC-12/47E airplanes. This AD is 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 identifies the unsafe
condition as insufficient grounding of the vapor cycle cooling system
(VCCS) compressor/condenser. This AD requires inspecting the power
return and chassis grounding cable attachment points at frame 37,
including the attachment parts, and depending on the inspection
results, corrective action. This AD also requires modifying the
installation of the VCCS compressor/condenser power return cables and
installing an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 5, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 5,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0421; 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, the MCAI, 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For service information identified in this final rule,
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#9febfafcf7eceaefeff0edebb1fcf7dfeff6f3feebeaecb2a3febff7edfaf9a2" http: aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a>">techsupport.ch@pilatus-<a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a></a>; website: pilatus-<a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a>.
<bullet> 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 (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-0421.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety
Engineer, International Validation Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329-4059; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9cf8f3e9fbb2eee9f8f3f0ecf4dcfafdfdb2fbf3ea"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3d5952485a134f485952514d557d5b5c5c135a524b">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered
Pilatus Model PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 27, 2023 (88 FR
12273). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-0212, dated October 18, 2022
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), issued by the European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the
Member States of the European Union.
The MCAI was prompted by a reported occurrence of a burning odor
coming from the air conditioning vents during the climb phase of a
Pilatus Model PC-12/47E airplane. An investigation identified that
insufficient grounding of the VCCS compressor/condenser at frame 37
resulted in severe heat damage to the baseplate and adjacent metal
support structure. It was determined that this condition may occur on
airplanes equipped in production with the large oxygen bottle installed
on the right-hand side of the rear fuselage. To address the unsafe
condition, the MCAI requires a one-time inspection of the power return
and chassis grounding cable attachment point at frame 37, including the
attachment parts, and modification of the installation of the VCCS.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection of
the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment point at frame
37, including the attachment parts, and modification of the
installation of the VCCS. This condition, if not addressed, could, in
the case of damage to the oxygen supply line, lead to an uncontrolled
fire with damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0421.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change. In
addition, an individual commenter submitted a comment to the docket,
but did not comment on the proposed required actions or the
determination of the costs in the NPRM.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comment received, 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
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
[[Page 34746]]
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 21-016, dated
August 15, 2022, which specifies procedures for inspecting the power
return and chassis grounding cable attachment point on the airframe at
frame 37, including the attachment parts, modifying the installation of
the VCCS compressor/condenser power return cables, and installing an
additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable. This service bulletin
also specifies contacting Pilatus if any damage is found.
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 MCAI
The MCAI requires contacting the manufacturer for approved
corrective action instructions if any discrepancy is found during the
inspection. This AD requires contacting either the Manager,
International Validation Branch, FAA; EASA; or Pilatus's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 8 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspect...................... 3 work-hours x $85 per hour = Not Applicable.. $255 $2,040
$255.
Modify....................... 5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $667............ 1,092 8,736
$425.
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The repair instructions that may be needed as a result of the
inspection could vary significantly from airplane to airplane. The FAA
has no data to determine the costs to accomplish the repair or the
number of airplanes that would need this repair.
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:
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:
2023-09-12 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-22435; Docket No.
FAA-2023-0421; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01360-A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 5, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12, PC-12/45,
PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes, serial numbers 466, 467, 725,
861, 1032, 1052, 1082, 1115, 1232, 1411, 1428, 1439, 1530, 1541,
1663, 1725, and 1802, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2197, Air
Conditioning System Wiring.
(e) Unsafe Condition
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 identifies the unsafe condition as insufficient
grounding of the vapor cycle cooling system (VCCS) compressor/
condenser. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could, in the case of damage to
the oxygen supply line, lead to an uncontrolled fire with damage to
the airplane, and injury to the occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect
the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment points at
frame 37, including the attachment parts, for physical and heat
damage, de-lamination, and corrosion in accordance with steps (2)
through (6) of Section 3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions in
Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 21-016, dated August 15, 2022
(Pilatus PC-12 SB 21-016).
(2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, any physical or heat damage, de-lamination, or corrosion as
identified in steps (2) through (6) of Section 3.B. of the
Accomplishment Instructions in Pilatus PC-12 SB 21-016 is detected,
before further flight, repair using a method approved by the
Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; the European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Pilatus's
[[Page 34747]]
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
the installation of the VCCS compressor/condenser power return
cables and install an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable
in accordance with Section 3.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions
in Pilatus PC-12 SB 21-016. Where the service bulletin specifies
discarding the stop angle, this AD requires removing the stop angle
from service.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in Sec. 39.19. In accordance with Sec. 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, mail
it to the address identified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD or email
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1d24305c4b4e305c544f302a2e2d305c50525e5d7b7c7c337a726b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c1f8ec809792ec808893ecf6f2f1ec808c8e8281a7a0a0efa6aeb7">[email protected]</span></a>. If mailing information, also submit
information by email. 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) Additional Information
(1) Refer to EASA AD 2022-0212, dated October 18, 2022, for
related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-0421.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph,
Aviation Safety Engineer, International Validation Branch, FAA, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329-
4059; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#dcb8b3a9bbf2aea9b8b3b0acb49cbabdbdf2bbb3aa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c0a4afb5a7eeb2b5a4afacb0a880a6a1a1eea7afb6">[email protected]</span></a>.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 PC-12 Service Bulletin 21-016, dated August 15,
2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in 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#c5b1a0a6adb6b0b5b5aab7b1eba6ad85b5aca9a4b1b0b6e8f9a4e5adb7a0a3f8" http: aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a>">techsupport.ch@pilatus-<a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a></a>; website: pilatus-<a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</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 (817) 222-5110.
(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#096f7b2760677a796c6a7d6066674967687b68276e667f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a0c6d28ec9ced3d0c5c3d4c9cfcee0cec1d2c18ec7cfd6">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on May 9, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-11447 Filed 5-30-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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