[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 2, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29-31]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-32151]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-CE-07-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).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and 
PC-12/45 airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to replace the 
metered connector and oxygen tubing and related components in the rear 
seat bench. This proposed AD is the result of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority 
for Switzerland. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended 
to correct for insufficient oxygen quantity available to occupants of 
the rear seat bench in some emergency conditions, which could result in 
reduced occupant safety at the rear bench seat location.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before February 19, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-CE-07-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any 
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD 
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. You may also view this information at 
the Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on this 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 to the address specified under the caption 
ADDRESSES. We will consider all comments received on or before the 
closing date. We may amend this proposed rule in light of comments 
received. Factual information that supports your ideas and suggestions 
is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of this proposed 
AD action and determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking 
action.
    Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay 
attention to? The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this 
proposed rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may 
view 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 contact we have with the public that concerns the 
substantive parts of this proposed AD.
    How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? If you want FAA to 
acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you must include a self-
addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to 
Docket No. 2001-CE-07-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 FAA that an unsafe condition may exist 
on certain Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. The FOCA 
reports that, because of a design problem, the flow of oxygen to each 
occupant on the rear seat bench is insufficient. The current 
configuration uses two-metered connectors, which restricts the flow of 
oxygen.
    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? If not 
corrected, insufficient oxygen quantity available to occupants of the 
rear seat bench in some emergency conditions could occur which could 
result in reduced occupant safety at the rear bench seat location.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Pilatus 
has issued Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No: 35-002, dated December 
19, 2000.
    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
bulletin includes procedures for replacing the two-metered connector 
and oxygen tubing with a system that incorporates a single-metered 
connector. This includes replacements in the following areas:
    --The tubing assembly--oxygen (with coupling);
    --Assembly--bracket and grommet; and
    --Clamp-hose.
    What action did the FOCA take? The FOCA classified this service 
bulletin as mandatory and issued Swiss AD Number HB 2001-001, dated 
December 28, 2000, in order to ensure 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 
this 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 Model PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes of the same 
type design that are on the U.S. registry;
    --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 would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require 
you to incorporate the actions in the previously-referenced service 
bulletin.

[[Page 30]]

Cost Impact

    How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that 
this proposed AD affects 5 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to 
accomplish the proposed replacements:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Total cost on
              Labor cost                         Parts cost            Total cost per airplane   U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 workhours at $60 per hour = $120...  $0. Pilatus will provide free  $120 per airplane.......              $600
                                        parts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Compliance Time of this Proposed AD

    What would be the compliance time of this proposed AD? The 
compliance time of this proposed AD is within the next 30 calendar days 
after the effective date of this AD.
    Why is the compliance time presented in calendar time instead of 
hours time-in-service (TIS)? The oxygen flow on the rear bench seat is 
reduced through two metered connectors when only one reduction is 
necessary. Because these parts of poor design could have been installed 
in the field or at the factory, the problem has the same chance of 
occurring on an airplane with 50 hours TIS as one with 1,000 hours TIS. 
Therefore, we believe that 30 calendar days will:
    --Ensure that the unsafe condition does not go undetected for a 
long period of time on the affected airplanes; and
    --Not inadvertently ground any of the affected airplanes.

Regulatory Impact

    Would 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.
    Would 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, under 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

Pilatus Aircraft LTD.: Docket No. 2001-CE-07-AD

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
following airplane models and serial numbers with rear bench seats 
(part number 525.22.12.016) installed, that are certificated in any 
category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Model                           Serial numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All PC-12 and PC-12/45....................  From 101 through 365
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to correct for insufficient oxygen quantity 
available to occupants of the rear seat bench in some emergency 
conditions, which could result in reduced occupant safety at the 
rear bench seat location.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions                  Compliance          Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Replace the tubing assembly-- Within the next 30  Follow the
 oxygen (with coupling) (P/N       days after the      ACCOMPLISHMENT
 957.10.25.231), assembly--        effective date of   INSTRUCTIONS
 bracket and grommet (P/N          this AD.            section of
 Service 525.22.12.044), and                           Pilatus Aircraft
 clamp--hose (946.33.21.301), or                       Ltd. PC-12
 FAA-approved equivalent parts                         Service Bulletin,
 in the rear bench seat (part                          35-002, dated
 number (P/N) 525.22.12.016)                           December 19, 2000
 with a new tubing assembly--
 oxygen (with coupling) (P/N
 957.10.25.232), assembly--
 bracket and grommet (P/N
 525.22.12.049), and clamp--hose
 (P/N 946.33.21.302), or FAA-
 approved equivalent part.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Do not install any rear       As of the           Not Applicable
 bench seat (P/N 525.22.12.016),   effective date of
 or any FAA-approved equivalent    this AD.
 part unless installed with
 tubing assembly--oxygen (with
 coupling) (P/N 957.10.25.232),
 assembly--bracket and grommet
 (P/N 525.22.12.049), clamp--
 hose (946.33.21.302), or FAA-
 approved equivalent parts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Do not install tubing         As of the           Not Applicable
 assembly--oxygen (with            effective date of
 coupling) (P/N 957.10.25.231),    this AD.
 assembly--bracket and grommet
 (P/N 525.22.12.044), clamp--
 hose (946.33.21.301), or FAA-
 approved equivalent parts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 31]]

    (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 an FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.


    Note 1: 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 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 Doug Rudolph, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; 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 get copies of the documents referenced in this AD 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. You may view 
these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swiss AD HB 2001-
001, dated December 28, 2000.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 21, 2001.
Michael K. Dahl,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-32151 Filed 12-31-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U