[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 14, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 18382-18384]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-9249]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-CE-122-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and
PC-12/45 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 98-13-08, which currently requires replacing and re-routing the
power return cables on the starter generator and the generator 2 on
certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models PC-12 and PC-12/45
airplanes. AD 98-13-08 also requires inserting a temporary revision to
the pilot operating handbook (POH), and installing a placard near the
standby magnetic compass. The proposed AD would retain the actions
currently required by AD 98-13-08 on all airplanes affected by that AD,
and would require replacing the temporary revision to the POH and the
placard near the standby magnetic compass with an improved procedural
POH revision and placard. The proposed AD would also require the
placard and the temporary revision to the POH for additional serial
number Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes; and would require
accomplishing improved Standby Magnetic Compass Swing procedures and
incorporating a temporary revision to the maintenance manual on all of
the affected airplanes. The proposed AD is the result of mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness
authority for Switzerland. The actions specified by the proposed AD are
intended to prevent directional deviation on the standby magnetic
compass caused by modifications made to the airplane since manufacture,
which could result in flight-path deviation during critical phases of
flight.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 19, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-122-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays
excepted. Service information that applies to the proposed AD may be
obtained from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Marketing Support Department, CH-
6370 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 41-6196 233; facsimile: +41 41-
6103 351. This information also may be examined at the Rules Docket at
the address above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roman T. Gabrys, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 426-6934; facsimile: (816) 426-2169.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned
with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket No. 98-CE-122-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention:
Rules Docket No. 98-CE-122-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas
City, Missouri 64106.
Discussion
AD 98-13-08, Amendment 39-10596 (63 FR 32975, June 17, 1998),
currently requires the following on certain Pilatus Models PC-12 and
PC-12/45 airplanes (serial numbers 101 through 147):
--Replacing and re-routing the power return cables on the starter
generator and generator 2;
--Inserting a temporary revision to the POH; and
--Installing a placard near the standby magnetic compass, using at
least \1/8\-inch letters, with the following words:
``STANDBY COMPASS FOR CORRECT READING CHECK: WINDSHIELD DE-ICE LH & RH
HEAVY & COOLING SYSTEM OFF.''
Accomplishment of the actions of 98-13-08 is required in accordance
with Pilatus PC XII Service Bulletin No. 24-002, Rev. No. 1, dated
September 20, 1996.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
The Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA), which is the
airworthiness authority for Switzerland, recently notified the FAA that
an unsafe condition may exist on certain Pilatus Model PC-12 and PC-12/
45 airplanes. The FOCA advises that the changes made to the systems
during the accomplishment of AD 98-13-08, along with other system
modifications incorporated during the service life of the affected
aircraft, have made certain revisions to the standby magnetic compass
swing procedures necessary.
[[Page 18383]]
These changes, if not incorporated in a timely manner, could result
in a deviation of the airplane flight path during critical phases of
flight.
Relevant Service Information
Pilatus has issued Service Bulletin No. 34-006, dated September 3,
1998, which specifies:
--Accomplishing the compass swing procedures of the standby magnetic
compass in accordance with PC-12 Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision
No. 34-03, dated July 16, 1998;
--Incorporating PC-12 Pilot's Operating Handbook, Pilatus Report No.
01973-001, Temporary Revision, Standby Compass, dated July 16, 1998;
and
--Installing a revised placard near the standby magnetic compass.
The FOCA classified this service information as mandatory and
issued Swiss AD HB-98-426, dated November 6, 1998, in order to assure
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Switzerland.
The FAA's Determination
These airplane models are manufactured in Switzerland and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the FOCA has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above.
The FAA has examined the findings of the FOCA; reviewed all
available information, including the service information referenced
above; and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this
type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of the Provisions of the Proposed AD
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop in other Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes
of the same type design registered for operation in the United States,
the FAA is proposing AD action to supersede AD 98-13-08. The proposed
AD would retain the actions currently required by AD 98-13-08 on all
airplanes affected by that AD (manufacturer serial numbers 101 through
147), and would require replacing the temporary revision to the POH and
the placard near the standby magnetic compass with an improved
procedural POH revision and placard. The proposed AD would also require
the placard and the temporary revision to the POH for additional serial
number Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes; and would require
accomplishing improved Standby Magnetic Compass Swing procedures and
incorporating a temporary revision to the maintenance manual on all of
the affected airplanes. The placard will incorporate the following
language:
STANDBY COMPASS
FOR CORRECT READING SWITCH:
AVIONICS ON
NAV & INSTRUMENT LIGHTING AS REQUIRED
WINDSHIELD DE-ICE LH & RH OFF
AUXILIARY HEATING SYSTEMS OFF
AUXILIARY COOLING SYSTEM OFF
Accomplishment of the replacement and re-routing of the power
return cables would be required in accordance with Pilatus PC XII
Service Bulletin No. 24-002, Rev. No. 1, dated September 20, 1996.
The Standby Magnetic Compass Swing procedures would be accomplished
in accordance with PC-12 Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision No. 34-
03, dated July 16, 1998, as specified in Pilatus Service Bulletin No.
34-006, dated September 3, 1998.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 70 airplanes in the U.S. registry would be
affected by the proposed AD.
Approximately 40 of these airplanes are affected by the proposed
power return cable replacement and re-routing requirements that are
being retained from AD 98-13-08. The FAA estimates that it would take
approximately 12 workhours per airplane to accomplish these proposed
actions, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour.
Pilatus will provide parts at no cost to the owners/operators of the
affected airplanes. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the
proposed replacement and re-routing requirements on U.S. operators is
$28,800, or $720 per airplane. The proposed AD imposes no additional
replacement and re-routing cost impact upon U.S. operators of the
affected airplanes over that currently required by AD 98-13-08.
Accomplishing the improved Standby Magnetic Compass Check Swing
procedures would be required for approximately 70 airplanes and would
take approximately 3 workhours per airplane to accomplish at an average
labor rate of $60 per hour. Based on these figures, the proposed cost
impact on U.S. operators to accomplish the improved Standby Magnetic
Compass Check Swing procedures would be $12,600, or $180 per airplane.
The proposed POH revision and placard requirements would be
required for approximately 70 airplanes. Incorporating the POH
revisions and fabricating and installing a placard may be performed by
the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as
authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
43.7), and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance
with the proposed AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). The only cost impact the proposed
placard and POH revision requirements impose is the time it would take
each owner/operator of the affected airplanes to incorporate this
information into the POH and fabricate and install the placard.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if promulgated,
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. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation
prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of
it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location
provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as
follows:
[[Page 18384]]
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 98-13-08, Amendment 39-10596 (63 FR 32975, June 17, 1998), and by
adding a new AD to read as follows:
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. 98-CE-122-AD; Supersedes AD 98-13-
08, Amendment 39-10596.
Applicability: Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes, serial
numbers 101 through 230), certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (g) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless
already accomplished.
To prevent directional deviation on the standby magnetic compass
caused by modifications made to the airplane since manufacture,
which could result in flight-path deviation during critical phases
of flight, accomplish the following:
(a) For airplanes incorporating serial numbers 101 through 147,
within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after July 31, 1998
(the effective date of AD 98-13-08), accomplish the following:
(1) Replace the starter generator cable and the generator 2
power return cables with new cables of improved design and re-route
these cables, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
section in Pilatus PC XII Service Bulletin (SB) No. 24-002, Rev. No.
1, dated September 20, 1996.
(2) Remove the temporary revision titled ``Electrical Cables,''
dated March 7, 1996, from the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) and
insert a temporary revision titled ``Electrical Cables'' Rev. 1,
dated July 12, 1996. Accomplish this action in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions section in Pilatus PC XII SB No. 24-002,
Rev. No. 1, dated September 20, 1996.
(b) For airplanes incorporating serial numbers 101 through 147,
within the next 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD,
replace the placard installed near the standby magnetic compass that
is required by AD 98-13-08, with a new placard that incorporates the
following words (using at least 1/8-inch letters):
STANDBY COMPASS
FOR CORRECT READING SWITCH:
AVIONICS ON
NAV & INSTRUMENT LIGHTING AS REQUIRED
WINDSHIELD DE-ICE LH & RH OFF
AUXILIARY HEATING SYSTEMS OFF
AUXILIARY COOLING SYSTEM OFF
This placard is referenced in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 34-006,
dated September 3, 1998.
(c) For airplanes incorporating serial numbers 148 through 230,
within the next 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD,
install a placard with the following words (using at least 1/8-inch
letters) near the standby magnetic compass:
STANDBY COMPASS
FOR CORRECT READING SWITCH:
AVIONICS ON
NAV & INSTRUMENT LIGHTING AS REQUIRED
WINDSHIELD DE-ICE LH & RH OFF
AUXILIARY HEATING SYSTEMS OFF
AUXILIARY COOLING SYSTEM OFF
This placard is referenced in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 34-006,
dated September 3, 1998.
(d) For all serial number airplanes, within the next 50 hours
TIS after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the following:
(1) Insert Pilatus Report No. 01973-001, Temporary Revision,
Standby Compass, dated July 16, 1998, into the Pilot Operating
Handbook (POH).
(2) Accomplish the improved Standby Magnetic Compass Check Swing
procedures in accordance with Pilatus PC-12 Maintenance Manual
Temporary Revision No. 34-03, dated July 16, 1998, as specified in
Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 34-006, dated September 3, 1998.
(3) Insert Pilatus PC-12 Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision
No. 34-03, dated July 16, 1998, in chapter 34-21-00 facing page 502
of the maintenance manual. Disregard existing pages 502 through 506.
(e) Accomplishment of the POH revision, maintenance manual
insertions, and placard fabrication and installation, as required by
paragraphs (a)(2), (b), (c), (d)(1), and (d)(3) of this AD, may be
performed by the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot
certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and must be entered into the aircraft
records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with section
43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
(f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(g) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut,
suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri, 64106.
(1) The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance
with AD 98-13-08 are not considered approved as alternative methods
of compliance for this AD.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.
(h) Questions or technical information related to the service
information referenced in this AD should be directed to Pilatus
Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6370 Stans, Switzerland;
telephone: +41 41 6196 233; facsimile: +41 41 6103 351. This service
information may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106.
(i) This amendment supersedes AD 98-13-08, Amendment 39-10596.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swiss AD HB-98-
426, dated November 6, 1998.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 7, 1999.
Carolanne L. Cabrini,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-9249 Filed 4-13-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
