[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 116 (Wednesday, June 17, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32975-32977]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-16023]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-CE-08-AD; Amendment 39-10596; AD 98-13-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-12
airplanes. This AD requires replacing and re-routing the power return
cables on the starter generator and generator 2, inserting a temporary
revision to the pilot operating handbook (POH), and installing a
placard near the standby magnetic compass. This AD is the result of
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the
airworthiness authority for Switzerland. The actions specified by this
AD are intended to prevent directional deviation on the standby
magnetic compass caused by an overload of electrical current in the
airplane structure, which could result in flight-path deviation during
critical phases of flight in icing conditions and instrument
meteorologic conditions (IMC).
DATES: Effective July 31, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 31, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained
from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Marketing Support Department, CH-6370
Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 41-6196 233; facsimile: +41 41-6103
351. This information may also be examined at the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-CE-08-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register,
800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Roman T. Gabrys, Aerospace
Engineer, Small Airplane Directorate, Airplane Certification Service,
FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone:
(816) 426-6934; facsimile: (816) 426-2169.
[[Page 32976]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain Pilatus Model
PC-12 airplanes was published in the Federal Register as a notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on April 1, 1998 (63 FR 15795). The NPRM
proposed to require replacing and re-routing the power return cables on
the starter generator and generator 2; inserting a temporary revision
to the POH; and installing a placard near the standby magnetic compass,
using at least 1/8-inch letters, with the following words:
``STANDBY COMPASS FOR CORRECT READING CHECK: WINDSHIELD DE-ICE LH & RH
HEAVY & COOLING SYSTEM OFF.''
Accomplishment of the proposed action as specified in the NPRM
would be in accordance with Pilatus PC XII Service Bulletin No. 24-002,
Rev. No. 1, dated September 20, 1996.
The NPRM was the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for
Switzerland.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the
proposed rule or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
The FAA's Determination
After careful review of all available information related to the
subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for
minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor
corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any
additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 40 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 12 workhours per
airplane to accomplish the cable re-routing and replacement, and that
the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts will be
provided free from the manufacturer upon request. Incorporating the POH
revisions and installing a placard may be performed by the owner/
operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by
section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and
must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this
AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations
(14 CFR 43.9).
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $28,800, or $720 per airplane.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this 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) 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 final evaluation prepared for this
action is contained 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, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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:
98-13-08 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-10596; Docket No. 97-
CE-08-AD.
Applicability: Model PC-12 airplanes, serial numbers 101 through
147, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, 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 (f) 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 the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required within the next 100 hours time-in-service
(TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless already
accomplished.
To prevent directional deviation on the standby magnetic compass
caused by an overload of electrical current in the airplane
structure, which could result in flight-path deviation during
critical phases of flight in icing conditions and Instrument
Meteorologic Conditions (IMC), accomplish the following:
(a) Re-route and replace the starter generator cable and the
generator 2 power return cables with new cables of improved design
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions section in
Pilatus PC XII Service Bulletin (SB) No. 24-002, Rev. No. 1, dated
September 20, 1996.
(b) Remove the temporary revision titled ``Electrical Cables,''
dated March 7, 1996, from the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) and
insert a temporary revision titled ``Electrical Cables'' Rev. 1,
dated July 12, 1996, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions section in Pilatus PC XII SB No. 24-002, Rev. No. 1,
dated September 20, 1996.
(c) Install a placard with the following words (using at least
1/8-inch letters) near the standby magnetic compass in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions section in Pilatus PC XII SB
No. 24-002, Rev. No. 1, dated September 20, 1996:
``STANDBY COMPASS FOR CORRECT READING CHECK: WINDSHIELD DE-ICE LH & RH
HEAVY & COOLING SYSTEM OFF.''
(d) Incorporating the POH revisions and installing a placard, as
required by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD, may be performed by
the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as
authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 43.7), and must be entered into the aircraft records showing
compliance with this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut,
suite 900, Kansas
[[Page 32977]]
City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be forwarded through an
appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then
send it to the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.
(g) Questions or technical information related to Pilatus PC XII
SB No. 24-002, Rev. No. 1, dated September 20, 1996, should be
directed to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6370
Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 6196 233; facsimile: +41 41
6103 351. This service information may be examined at the FAA,
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E.
12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
(h) The modification, replacement, insertion, and installation
required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Pilatus PC XII
Service Bulletin No. 24-002, Rev. No. 1, dated September 20, 1996.
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. Copies may be obtained from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer
Liaison Manager, CH-6370 Stans, Switzerland. Copies may be inspected
at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room
1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700,
Washington, DC.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swiss AD No. HB-
96-140, dated March 18, 1996, and Swiss AD No. HB 97-001, dated
January 1, 1997.
(i) This amendment becomes effective on July 31, 1998.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 9, 1998.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-16023 Filed 6-16-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U