Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 1 / Wednesday, January 2, 2002 / Proposed Rules 29

Dated: December 26, 2001. 

John Pitchford, 

Acting Administrator, Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration.

[FR Doc. 01–32154 Filed 12–31–01; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 3410–EN–U

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 selfaddressed, 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. 

30 Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 1 / Wednesday, January 2, 2002 / Proposed Rules 

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:

Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane Total cost on 

U.S. operators 

2 workhours at $60 per hour = $120 ................... $0. Pilatus will provide free parts ....................... $120 per airplane ......... $600 

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 timein-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.

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

2. FAA amends § 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—oxygen (with coupling) (P/N 

957.10.25.231), assembly—bracket and grommet (P/N Service 

525.22.12.044), and clamp—hose (946.33.21.301), or FAA-approved equivalent parts in the rear bench seat (part number (P/N) 

525.22.12.016) 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.

Within the next 30 days after the 

effective date of this AD.

Follow the ACCOMPLISHMENT 

INSTRUCTIONS section of 

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–12 Service Bulletin, 35–002, dated December 19, 2000 

(2) Do not install any rear bench seat (P/N 525.22.12.016), or any 

FAA-approved equivalent 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.

As of the effective date of this AD Not Applicable 

(3) Do not install tubing assembly—oxygen (with coupling) (P/N 

957.10.25.231), assembly—bracket and grommet (P/N 

525.22.12.044), clamp—hose (946.33.21.301), or FAA-approved 

equivalent parts.

As of the effective date of this AD Not Applicable 

Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 1 / Wednesday, January 2, 2002 / Proposed Rules 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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. 2001–NM–350–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model 

A330 and A340 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: This document proposes the 

adoption of a new airworthiness 

directive (AD) that is applicable to 

certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 

series airplanes. This proposal would 

require a one-time inspection of the 

hydraulically operated valve of the 

parking brake of the main landing gear 

to identify the part and serial numbers, 

and follow-on actions, if necessary. This 

action is necessary to prevent leakage of 

the valve, which could result in failure 

of the ‘‘blue’’ hydraulic system and 

consequent failure of alternate parking 

brake and emergency braking systems. 

This action is intended to address the 

identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by 

February 1, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in 

triplicate to the Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), Transport 

Airplane Directorate, ANM–114, 

Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001–NM–

350–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 

Renton, Washington 98055–4056. 

Comments may be inspected at this 

location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., 

Monday through Friday, except Federal 

holidays. Comments may be submitted 

via fax to (425) 227–1232. Comments 

may also be sent via the Internet using 

the following address: 9-anmnprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent 

via fax or the Internet must contain 

‘‘Docket No. 2001–NM–350–AD’’ in the 

subject line and need not be submitted 

in triplicate. Comments sent via the 

Internet as attached electronic files must 

be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for 

Windows or ASCII text. 

The service information referenced in 

the proposed rule may be obtained from 

Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice 

Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. 

This information may be examined at 

the FAA, Transport Airplane 

Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 

Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan 

Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 

International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, 

Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 

Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 

98055–4056, telephone (425) 227–2125; 

fax (425) 227–1149.

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 shall 

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 action may be changed in light 

of the comments received. 

Submit comments using the following 

format: 

• Organize comments issue-by-issue. 

For example, discuss a request to 

change the compliance time and a 

request to change the service bulletin 

reference as two separate issues. 

• For each issue, state what specific 

change to the proposed AD is being 

requested. 

• Include justification (e.g., reasons or 

data) for each request. 

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 

summarizing 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 action 

must submit a self-addressed, stamped 

postcard on which the following 

statement is made: ‘‘Comments to 

Docket Number 2001–NM–350–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, Transport Airplane Directorate, 

ANM–114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 

2001–NM–350–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, 

SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056. 

Discussion 

The Direction Ge ́ne ́rale de l’Aviation 

Civile (DGAC), which is the 

airworthiness authority for France, 

notified the FAA that an unsafe 

condition may exist on certain Airbus