03-8198. Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. This AD requires you to replace certain push switch caps on the electrical power management overhead panel with parts of improved design. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the inability to operate the switch, which could result in failure to activate the related operational system. Such failure could adversely affect the operation and control of the airplane.

DATES:

This AD becomes effective on May 12, 2003.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of May 12, 2003.

ADDRESSES:

You may get the service information referenced in this AD from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: [phone]; facsimile: [phone]; or from Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd., Product Support Department, 11755 Airport Way, Broomfield, Colorado 80021; telephone: [phone]; facsimile: [phone]. You may view this information at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-02-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: [phone]; facsimile: [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

What events have caused this AD? The Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA), which is the airworthiness authority for Switzerland, recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. The FOCA reports that certain push switch cap spigots on the electrical power management overhead panel have failed to activate their related operational system when engaged. The plastic these push switch cap spigots are made of is not strong enough and causes the switch cap spigots to break when engaged. The defective switch caps have the caption of ON, OPEN, or have no caption or symbol located on the electrical power management overhead panel, part number 972.81.32.102, that has not been modified to Mod A status.

The FOCA has reported the following three incidents in which the switch failed to activate its related operational system when engaged:

—Inability to switch the probe heating on;

—Inability to open the Inertial Separator; and

—Inability to switch the Taxi Light on.

What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure to activate certain operational systems. Such failure could result in adverse operation and control of the airplane.

Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on February 7, 2003 (68 FR 6376). The NPRM proposed to require you to replace certain push switch caps on the electrical power management overhead panel with parts of improved design.

Was the public invited to comment? The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule or on our determination of the cost to the public.

FAA's Determination

What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We carefully reviewed all available information related to the subject presented above and determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for the changes discussed above and minor editorial questions. We have determined that these changes and minor corrections:

—Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and

—Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.

How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 2002, FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to special flight permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. This material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.

Cost Impact

How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD affects 45 airplanes in the U.S. registry.

What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the replacements:

Labor cost	Parts cost	Total cost per airplane	Total cost on U.S. operators
3 workhours × $60 = $180	The manufacturer will provide replacement parts free of charge	$180	$180 × 45 = $8,100

Regulatory Impact

Does this AD impact various entities? The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

Does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? 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) 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 final evaluation prepared for this action is contained 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
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

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.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. FAA amends § 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2003-07-10 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-13106; Docket No. 2003-CE-02-AD.

(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 321, 401 through 457, and 463 that:

(1) Have an overhead panel, part number (P/N) 972.81.32.102 (or FAA-approved equivalent part number), installed that has not been modified to Mod A status; and

(2) Are certificated in any category.

(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must comply with this AD.

(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the inability to activate certain operational systems. Such failure could adversely affect the operation and control of the airplane.

(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To address this problem, you must accomplish the following, unless already accomplished:

Actions	Compliance	Procedures
(1) Replace all switch caps that have a caption of ON, OPEN, and ones with no caption or symbol on them	Within the next 100 hours time-in-service after May 12, 2003 (the effective date of this AD)	In accordance with Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No. 31-003, dated September 27, 2002.
(2) Using a permanent marker, mark MOD Status A on the overhead panel identification label	Prior to further flight after completing the actions required in paragraph (d)(1) of this AD	In accordance with Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No. 31-003, dated September 27, 2002.
(3) Do not install an overhead panel, P/N 972.81.32.102, unless it has been modified to Mod A status	As of May 12, 2003 (the effective date of the AD)	In accordance with Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No. 31-003, dated September 27, 2002.

(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? To use an alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time, use the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Send these requests to the Manager, Standards Office, Small Airplane Directorate. For information on any already approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: [phone]; facsimile: [phone].

(f) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance with Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No. 31-003, dated September 27, 2002. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get copies from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: [phone]; facsimile: [phone]; or from Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd., Product Support Department, 11755 Airport Way, Broomfield, Colorado 80021; telephone: [phone]; facsimile: [phone]. You may view copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

Note:

The subject of this AD is addressed in Swiss AD Number HB 2002-659, dated November 30, 2002.

(g) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment becomes effective on May 12, 2003.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 28, 2003.

Michael Gallagher,

Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.