2010-27214. Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to an occurrence when an aircraft had a partial in-flight separation of the aileron outboard bearing support.

The aileron outboard bearing supports are attached with two forward attachment bolts and two aft attachment bolts. The forward attachment bolts are approximately 3.2 mm (0.125 inch) longer than the aft attachment bolts. If the aileron outboard bearing supports have been removed, it is possible that during the reinstallation of the aileron outboard bearing supports, the attachment bolts can be installed in wrong positions. Bolts that are installed in wrong positions can damage the threads in the rear attachment anchor nuts.

Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to in-flight separation of the aileron outboard bearing support, and as a consequence, the loss or limited controllability of the aircraft.

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD becomes effective December 3, 2010.

On December 3, 2010, the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD.

ADDRESSES:

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, 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 service information identified in this AD, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Service Manager, CH-6371 STANS, Switzerland; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; Internet: http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 816-329-4148.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 26, 2010 (75 FR 52482). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to an occurrence when an aircraft had a partial in-flight separation of the aileron outboard bearing support.

The aileron outboard bearing supports are attached with two forward attachment bolts and two aft attachment bolts. The forward attachment bolts are approximately 3.2 mm (0.125 inch) longer than the aft attachment bolts. If the aileron outboard bearing supports have been removed, it is possible that during the reinstallation of the aileron outboard bearing supports, the attachment bolts can be installed in wrong positions. Bolts that are installed in wrong positions can damage the threads in the rear attachment anchor nuts.

Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to in-flight separation of the aileron outboard bearing support, and as a consequence, the loss or limited controllability of the aircraft.

In order to correct and control the situation, this AD requires a one time inspection to verify that the bolts are installed in the correct positions and the threads of the anchor nuts are in good condition. The replacement of the attachment hardware is required if any damage on the anchor nut threads or a bolt at the wrong location is found.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We have considered the comment received. Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. supports the NPRM and its adoption as a final rule AD action.

Conclusion

We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:

• Are consistent with 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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information.

We might also have required different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD will affect 12 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.

Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $2,040, or $170 per product.

In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will take about 25 work-hours and require parts costing $200, for a cost of $2,325 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions.

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.

We are 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

We determined that 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 this AD:

(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.

We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov;​; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone [phone]) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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 FAA amends 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. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2010-22-09 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-16488; Docket No. FAA-2010-0849; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-043-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 3, 2010.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 101 through 618, certificated in any category.

Subject

(d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 57: Wings.

Reason

(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:

This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to an occurrence when an aircraft had a partial in-flight separation of the aileron outboard bearing support.

The aileron outboard bearing supports are attached with two forward attachment bolts and two aft attachment bolts. The forward attachment bolts are approximately 3.2 mm (0.125 inch) longer than the aft attachment bolts. If the aileron outboard bearing supports have been removed, it is possible that during the reinstallation of the aileron outboard bearing supports, the attachment bolts can be installed in wrong positions. Bolts that are installed in wrong positions can damage the threads in the rear attachment anchor nuts.

Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to in-flight separation of the aileron outboard bearing support, and as a consequence, the loss or limited controllability of the aircraft.

In order to correct and control the situation, this AD requires a one time inspection to verify that the bolts are installed in the correct positions and the threads of the anchor nuts are in good condition. The replacement of the attachment hardware is required if any damage on the anchor nut threads or a bolt at the wrong location is found.

Actions and Compliance

(f) Unless already done, do the following actions:

(1) Within 1 month after December 3, 2010 (the effective date of this AD), check the airplane maintenance records to determine if the left and/or right aileron outboard bearing supports have been removed at any time during the life of the airplane. Do this check following paragraph 3.A. of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-7 Service Bulletin No. 57-015, Rev. No. 1, dated July 23, 2010.

(2) If an entry is found during the airplane maintenance records check required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD or it is unclear whether or not the left and/or right aileron outboard bearing supports have been removed at any time during the life of the airplane, before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraphs 3.A.(2) through paragraph 3.E of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-7 Service Bulletin No. 57-015, Rev. No. 1, dated July 23, 2010.

FAA AD Differences

Note:

This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.

(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

Special Flight Permit

(h) Special flight permits will not be issued.

Related Information

(i) Refer to MCAI Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) AD HB-2010-010, dated July 29, 2010; and Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-7 Service Bulletin No. 57-015, Rev. No. 1, dated July 23, 2010, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(j) You must use Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-7 Service Bulletin No. 57-015, Rev. No. 1, dated July 23, 2010, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Service Manager, CH-6371 STANS, Switzerland; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; Internet: http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com.

(3) You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 816-329-4148.

(4) You may also review copies of the service information incorporated by reference for this AD at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call [phone], or go to: http://www.archives.gov/​federal_​register/​code_​of_​federal_​regulations/​ibr_​locations.html.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 21, 2010.

Christina L. Marsh,

Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.