[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 191 (Monday, October 2, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58675-58678]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-25152]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-55-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 adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models 
PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes that are equipped with a certain 
windshield configuration. The proposed AD would require you to 
incorporate pilot's operating handbook (POH) information that would 
prohibit the operation of the windshield heating system in the 
``LIGHT'' mode, and would require you to modify the windshield deicing 
system wiring and circuit breakers. You could remove the POH 
information after accomplishing the modification. 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 loss of electrical 
power to the windshield deicing system due to operation in the 
``LIGHT'' mode, which could result in icing of the windshield and loss 
of control of the airplane.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before November 7, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to FAA, Central Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-55-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, 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., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans, 
Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 63 19; facsimile: +41 41 619 6224; 
or from Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd., Product Support Department, 
11755 Airport Way, Broomfield, Colorado 80021; telephone: (303) 465-
9099; facsimile: (303) 465-6040. 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, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4141; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

[[Page 58676]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on the proposed AD? The FAA invites comments on 
this proposed rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or 
arguments you choose. You need to include the rule's docket number and 
submit your comments in triplicate to the address specified under the 
caption ADDRESSES. The FAA will consider all comments received on or 
before the closing date. We may amend the proposed rule in light of 
comments received. Factual information that supports your ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
proposed AD action and determining whether we need to take additional 
rulemaking action.
    Are there any specific portions of the proposed AD I should pay 
attention to? The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 
rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may examine all 
comments we receive before and after the closing date of the rule in 
the Rules Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that 
summarizes each FAA contact with the public that concerns the 
substantive parts of the proposed AD.
    We are re-examining the writing style we currently use in 
regulatory documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of 
June 1, 1998. That memorandum requires federal agencies to communicate 
more clearly with the public. We are interested in your comments on 
whether the style of this document is clearer, and any other 
suggestions you might have to improve the clarity of FAA communications 
that affect you. You can get more information about the Presidential 
memorandum and the plain language initiative at http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
    How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? If you want us to 
acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you must include a self-
addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to 
Docket No. 2000-CE-55-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard 
back to you.

Discussion

    What events have caused this proposed AD? 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 Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. The FOCA 
reports that the electrical load of the left hand (LH) and right hand 
(RH) windshields can become too high during flight at cruise altitudes 
when the ``LIGHT'' mode is selected on the windshield deicing system. 
The FOCA references eight instances where prolonged operation of the 
windshield deicing system in the ``LIGHT'' mode caused this system to 
temporarily shut down.
    The airplanes involved in the above instances were equipped with 
part number (P/N) 959.81.10.107 LH and P/N/ 959.81.10.108 RH 
windshields.
    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? 
Operation of the existing design windshield deicing system in the 
``LIGHT'' position can overload the electrical capacity of the wiring 
and circuit breakers. This could result in complete electrical power 
loss to the windshield and icing of the windshield.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Pilatus 
has issued the following:

--Temporary Revision No. 21 to PC-12 Pilot's Operating Handbook, Report 
No. 01973-001, Section 2, Windshield Heater Operation 101-320, Issued: 
May 19, 2000: This document specifies operating procedures and 
limitations for airplanes with the affected windshield configurations; 
and
--Service Bulletin No. 30-006, dated May 22, 2000: This document 
includes procedures for modifying the windshield deicing system wiring 
and circuit breakers.

    What action did FOCA take? The FOCA classified Pilatus Service 
Bulletin No. 30-006, dated May 22, 2000, as mandatory and issued Swiss 
AD HB 2000-393, dated September 6, 2000, in order to assure the 
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Switzerland.
    Was this in accordance with the bilateral airworthiness agreement? 
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 FAA informed of 
the situation described above.

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of the 
Proposed AD

    What has FAA decided? The FAA has examined the findings of the 
FOCA; reviewed all available information, including the service 
information referenced above; and determined that:

--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other Pilatus PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes of the same type 
design that incorporate this windshield configuration;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service 
information should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

    What does the proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require 
you to incorporate POH information that would prohibit the operation of 
the windshield heating system in the ``LIGHT'' mode, and would require 
you to modify the windshield deicing system wiring and circuit 
breakers. You could remove the POH information after accomplishing the 
modification.

Cost Impact

    How many airplanes does the proposed AD impact? We estimate that 
the proposed AD affects 108 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What is the cost impact of the proposed AD on owners/operators of 
the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish 
the proposed modification:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Total cost on
               Labor cost                         Parts cost            Total cost per airplane    U.S. airplane
                                                                                                     operators
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18 workhours  x  $60 per hour = $1,080..  Pilatus will provide free-  $1,080 per airplane.......       $116,640.
                                           of-charge.
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[[Page 58677]]

Compliance Time of the Proposed AD

    What is the compliance time of the proposed AD? The compliance time 
of the proposed AD is as follows:

--Incorporation of the POH temporary revision: ``Within the next 30 
days after the effective date of this AD;'' and
--Modification: ``Within the next 12 months after the effective date of 
this AD.''

    Why is the compliance of the proposed AD in calendar time instead 
of hours time-in-service (TIS)? Although loss of electrical power to 
the windshield deicing system due to operation in the ``LIGHT'' mode is 
unsafe during flight, the condition is not a direct result of airplane 
operation. The chance of this situation occurring is the same for an 
airplane with 10 hours TIS as it would be for an airplane with 500 
hours TIS. A calendar time for compliance will assure that the unsafe 
condition is addressed on all airplanes in a reasonable time period.

Regulatory Impact

    Does this proposed AD impact various entities? The regulations 
proposed herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this 
proposed rule would not have federalism implications under Executive 
Order 13132.
    Does this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory 
action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
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:

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 adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. 2000-CE-55-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes, manufacturer serial number 
(MSN) 101 through MSN 320, that are:
    (1) certificated in any category; and
    (2) equipped with part number (P/N) 959.81.10.107 LH and P/N 
959.81.10.108 RH windshields (or FAA-approved equivalent part 
numbers).
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes on the U.S. Register must comply with 
this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent loss of electrical power to the 
windshield deicing system due to operation in the ``LIGHT'' mode, 
which could result in icing of the windshield and loss of control of 
the airplane.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Action                Compliance time         Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Insert Temporary          Within the next 30    Anyone who holds at
 Revision No. 21 to PC-12      days after the        least a private
 Pilot's Operating Handbook,   effective date of     pilot certificate,
 Report No. 01973-001,         this AD, unless       as authorized by
 Section 2, Windshield         already               section 43.7 of the
 Heater Operation 101-320,     accomplished.         Federal Aviation
 Issued May 19, 2000.                                Regulations (14 CFR
                                                     43.7), may
                                                     incorporate the
                                                     pilot's operating
                                                     handbook (POH)
                                                     revision required
                                                     by this AD. You
                                                     must make an entry
                                                     into the aircraft
                                                     records that shows
                                                     compliance with
                                                     this AD, in
                                                     accordance with
                                                     section 43.9 of the
                                                     Federal Aviation
                                                     Regulations (14 CFR
                                                     43.9).
(2) Modify the windshield     Within the next 12    In accordance with
 deicing system wires and      months after the      the modification
 circuit breakers. You may     effective date of     procedures in the
 remove the POH temporary      this AD, unless       Accomplishment
 revision referenced in        already               Instructions
 paragraph (d)(1) of this AD   accomplished.         section of Pilatus
 after accomplishing this                            Service Bulletin
 modification.                                       No. 30-006, dated
                                                     May 22, 2000.
(3) Do not install, on any    As of the effective   Not applicable.
 affected airplane, P/N        date of this AD.
 959.81.10.107 LH and P/N
 959.81.10.108 RH
 windshields (or FAA-
 approved equivalent part
 numbers), without
 incorporating the
 modification required in
 paragraph (d)(2) of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: Temporary Revision No. 21 to PC-12 Pilot's Operating 
Handbook, Report No. 01973-001, Section 2, Windshield Heater 
Operation 101-320, Issued: May 19, 2000, eliminates the need for 
Temporary Revision No. 14 in the POH.

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, approves your 
alternative. Submit your request through a FAA Principal Maintenance 
Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Small Airplane Directorate.

    Note 2: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, 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

[[Page 58678]]

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 (e) 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific 
actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Roman T. Gabrys, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, 
suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4141; 
facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? 
You may obtain copies of the documents referenced in this AD from 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans, 
Switzerland; or from Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd., Product Support 
Department, 11755 Airport Way, Broomfield, Colorado 80021. You may 
examine these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swiss AD HB 2000-
393, dated September 6, 2000.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 26, 2000.
Michael K. Dahl,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-25152 Filed 9-29-00; 8:45 am]
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