Document ID: FAA-2014-0770-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: PILATUSAircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-10-07T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 194 (Tuesday, October 7, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60389-60391]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-23880]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0770; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-024-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 airplanes. This proposed AD results 
from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated 
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 possible cracking from stress corrosion on various parts 
of the aircraft structure made of aluminum alloy AA2024-T351. We are 
issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 21, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD., Customer Technical Support (MCC), P.O. Box 992, 
CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 (0)41 619 67 74; fax: +41 (0)41 
619 67 73; email: aircraft.com">Techsupport@pilatus-aircraft.com; internet: http://
www.pilatus-aircraft.com. You may review this 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0770; 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 this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments 
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0770; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-024-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Switzerland, has issued AD HB-2014-001, dated July 25, 
2014 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 airplanes and was based 
on mandatory continuing airworthiness information originated by an 
aviation authority of another country. The MCAI states:

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to the 
possibility of cracks in

[[Page 60390]]

some critical parts. It is possible that stress corrosion cracks may 
occur on various parts of the aircraft structure initially made of 
aluminium alloy AA2024-T351 which is susceptible to Stress Corrosion 
Cracking (SCC). Later in production, the material specification was 
changed to aluminium alloy AA2124-T851 to decrease the risk of 
stress corrosion. The Part Number (P/N) of the affected structural 
parts are not always changed when the new material was introduced.
    Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to failure of 
critical parts on the aircraft structure and will prejudice the 
structural integrity of the aircraft.
    In order to correct and control the situation, this AD requires 
a one-time check to identify the material specification and inspect 
the affected areas of the airframe that are made of aluminium alloy 
AA2024-T351. Any structural parts of the aircraft structure found to 
be cracked must be reported to Pilatus prior to further flight.

    The MCAI also requires replacement of the elevator center control-
rod, P/N 116.35.07.271 or 116.35.07.345; and shackle, P/N 
116.35.07.183. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0770.

Relevant Service Information

    PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. has issued PILATUS PC-7 Service Bulletin No: 
51-001, Revision No. 1, dated August 26, 2014. The actions described in 
this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition 
identified in the MCAI. PILATUS PC-7 Service Bulletin No: 51-001 was 
revised to Revision No. 1 after the issuance of the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 10 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 30 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost 
about $4,700 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $72,500, or $7,250 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 14 work-hours and require parts costing $10,000, for a cost 
of $11,190 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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

PILATUS Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. FAA-2014-0770; Directorate 
Identifier 2014-CE-024-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 21, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 51: Standard 
Practices/Structures.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated 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 possible 
cracking from stress corrosion on various parts of the aircraft 
structure made of aluminum alloy AA2024-T351. We are issuing this 
proposed AD to detect and correct stress corrosion cracks that may 
occur on various parts of the airplane structure initially made of 
aluminum alloy AA2024-T351, which is susceptible to stress corrosion 
cracking (SCC). Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to 
failure of critical parts on the airplane structure and weaken the 
structural integrity of the aircraft.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, within the next 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD, perform a one-time conductivity test of 
items 6 through 9 and 11 through 13 as listed in paragraph 1.A.(2) 
of PILATUS PC-7 Service Bulletin No: 51-001, Revision No. 1, dated 
August 26, 2014, to check the material of the parts--determine 
whether they are made of aluminum alloy AA2124-T851 or aluminum 
alloy AA2024-T351. Do not install any item

[[Page 60391]]

unless it has been inspected following the applicable paragraph of 
PILATUS PC-7 Service Bulletin No: 51-001, Revision No. 1, dated 
August 26, 2014.
    (1) For airplanes with any parts made of aluminum alloy AA2124-
T851: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, make an 
entry in the aircraft logbook as required by paragraph 3.D.(3) of 
PILATUS PC-7 Service Bulletin No: 51-001, Revision No. 1, dated 
August 26, 2014. The only other actions of this AD that apply to 
airplanes with all parts made of aluminum alloy AA2124-T851 are the 
actions in paragraphs (f)(3), (f)(4), and (f)(5) of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes with any parts made of aluminum alloy AA2024-
T351: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions in paragraphs (f)(2)(i) through (f)(2)(iii) as applicable, 
including all subparagraphs:
    (i) For items 7 through 9 and 11 through 13 as listed in 
paragraph 1.A.(2) of PILATUS PC-7 Service Bulletin No: 51-001, 
Revision No. 1, dated August 26, 2014, within 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD, do a one-time inspection for cracks. If 
any cracks are found as a result of the inspection, before further 
flight, you must contact PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. to obtain FAA-
approved repair instructions approved specifically for compliance 
with this AD and incorporate those instructions. Use the contact 
information found in paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (ii) For item 6 as listed in paragraph 1.A.(2) of PILATUS PC-7 
Service Bulletin No: 51-001, Revision No. 1, dated August 26, 2014, 
within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace with a 
part made of aluminum alloy AA2124-T851.
    (iii) For Items 1, 2, 4, 5, and 10 as listed in paragraph 
1.A.(2) of PILATUS PC-7 Service Bulletin No: 51-001, Revision No. 1, 
dated August 26, 2014, within 12 months after the effective date of 
this AD, do the following actions in paragraphs (f)(2)(iii)(A) and 
(f)(2)(iii)(B), as applicable.
    (A) For items 1, 2, 4, and 10 as listed in paragraph 1.A.(2) of 
PILATUS PC-7 Service Bulletin No: 51-001, Revision No. 1, dated 
August 26, 2014, do a one-time inspection for cracks. If any cracks 
are found, before further flight, you must contact PILATUS Aircraft 
Ltd. to obtain FAA-approved repair instructions approved 
specifically for compliance with this AD and incorporate those 
instructions. Use the contact information found in paragraph (h) of 
this AD.
    (B) For item 5 as listed in paragraph 1.A.(2) of PILATUS PC-7 
Service Bulletin No: 51-001, Revision No. 1, dated August 26, 2014, 
replace with a part made of aluminum alloy AA2124-T851.
    (3) For all airplanes: For item 3 as listed in paragraph 1.A.(2) 
of PILATUS PC-7 Service Bulletin No: 51-001, Revision No. 1, dated 
August 26, 2014, within 12 months after the effective date of this 
AD, replace with a part made of aluminum alloy AA2124-T851. You must 
replace the elevator center control-rods (item 3 as listed in 
paragraph 1.A.(2) of PILATUS PC-7 Service Bulletin No: 51-001, 
Revision No. 1, dated August 26, 2014) because it is difficult to 
inspect them for cracks.
    (4) For all airplanes: As of 12 months after the effective date 
of this AD, do not install the parts listed in items 1 and 2, 4, and 
7 through 13 of paragraph 1.A.(2) of PILATUS PC-7 Service Bulletin 
No: 51-001, Revision No. 1, dated August 26, 2014, that are made of 
aluminum alloy AA2024-T351 unless they have been inspected and found 
free of cracks.
    (5) For all airplanes: As of 12 months after the effective date 
of this AD, do not install the parts listed in items 3, 5, and 6 of 
paragraph 1.A.(2) of PILATUS PC-7 Service Bulletin No: 51-001, 
Revision No. 1, dated August 26, 2014, that are made of aluminum 
alloy AA2024-T351.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
doug.rudolph@faa.gov. 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.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) AD HB-2014-001, 
dated July 25, 2014, for related information. You may examine the 
MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0770. For service information 
related to this AD, contact PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD., Customer 
Technical Support (MCC), P.O. Box 992, CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; 
phone: +41 (0)41 619 67 74; fax: +41 (0)41 619 67 73; email: 
aircraft.com">Techsupport@pilatus-aircraft.com; Internet: http://www.pilatus-
aircraft.com. You may review this 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 30, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-23880 Filed 10-6-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P