Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., PC-6 Series Airplanes, 64653-64655 [E6-18574]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 213 / Friday, November 3, 2006 / Proposed Rules for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. 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 FAA proposes to amend 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Docket No. FAA–2006–26241; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–155–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by December 4, 2006. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC–8–400 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–78–01, Revision ‘A,’ dated September 15, 2005. mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from a report of a discrepancy found during a maintenance inspection on a V-band clamp located on the engine exhaust duct shroud. The clamp ends were touching (although the correct fastener torque had been applied), resulting in reduced clamp force on the flanges. We are issuing this AD to prevent vibration in the duct shroud and fretting of the V-band clamp and flanges, which could result in cracking of the flanges and consequent release of hot exhaust gases from the engine tailpipe and damage to adjacent structure. This situation could trigger the fire warning system and result in an in-flight emergency, such as the flightcrew shutting down the engine and activating the fire suppression system. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:43 Nov 02, 2006 Jkt 211001 Actions Accomplished According to Previous Issue of Service Bulletin (h) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD according to Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–78–01, dated March 22, 2005, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph (f) of this AD. Affected ADs (b) None. Inspection/Investigative and Corrective Actions (f) Within 5,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Inspect to determine the part number (P/N) of the V-band clamps on the engine exhaust duct shroud in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–78–01, Revision ‘A,’ dated September 15, 2005. For any V-band clamp having P/N VC1642A–2030–A or VC1642A–1875–A, before further flight, determine the manufacturer’s date and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions (including inspecting the flange of the shroud assemblies for discrepancies), by accomplishing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin; except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. (g) If, during the accomplishment of the corrective actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD, the service bulletin specifies contacting the manufacturer for repair instructions, before further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) (or its delegated agent). Parts Installation (i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a V-band clamp, P/N VC1642A–2030–A or VC1642A–1875–A, with a manufacturer batch stamp dated before ‘‘08–02,’’ on any airplane. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, New York ACO, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information (k) Canadian airworthiness directive CF– 2006–06, dated April 4, 2006, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 26, 2006. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6–18573 Filed 11–2–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 64653 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–25929; Directorate Identifier 2006–CE–54–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., PC–6 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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 the discovery of exfoliation corrosion in the fittings of some PC–6 airplanes. These fittings are installed exterior to the bottom skin of the wing skin. If not corrected, undetected corrosion in this area could lead to failure of the fitting and subsequent loss of control of the airplane. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 4, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590– 0001. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov; 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 E:\FR\FM\03NOP1.SGM 03NOP1 64654 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 213 / Friday, November 3, 2006 / Proposed Rules proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647– 5227) 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 Street, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329– 4059; fax: (816) 329–4090. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Streamlined Issuance of AD The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance of ADs related to MCAI. The streamlined process will allow us to adopt MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products. mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS 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–2006–25929; Directorate Identifier 2006–CE–54–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 https:// dms.dot.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 for Civil Aviation (FOCA), which is the airworthiness authority for Switzerland, has issued FOCA AD HB–2006–400, effective date September 28, 2006 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states the FOCA AD was prompted due to the discovery of exfoliation corrosion in the fittings of some PC–6 airplanes. These fittings are installed exterior to the bottom skin of VerDate Aug<31>2005 12:59 Nov 02, 2006 Jkt 211001 the wing skin. If not corrected, undetected corrosion in this area could lead to failure of the fitting and subsequent loss of control of the airplane. In order to correct and control the situation, the MCAI requires a one time inspection of the wing strut fitting and the replacement of corroded wing strut fittings with new retrofit wing strut fittings. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Required parts would cost about $2,500 per wing, or $5,000 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $350,840, or $7,160 per product. Relevant Service Information Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., has issued Service Bulletin No. 57–003, dated June 13, 2006. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. 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. 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. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service Information We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information. We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are described in a separate paragraph of the proposed AD. These requirements, if ultimately adopted, will take precedence over the actions copied from the MCAI. Costs of Compliance Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 49 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 27 work-hours per product to comply with the proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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); 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. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. E:\FR\FM\03NOP1.SGM 03NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 213 / Friday, November 3, 2006 / Proposed Rules 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 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. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: FAA–2006–25929; Directorate Identifier 2006–CE–54–AD Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by December 4, 2006. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Models PC–6, PC– 6-H1, PC–6–H2, PC–6/350, PC–6/350–H1, PC–6/350–H2, PC–6/A, PC–6/A–H1, PC–6/ A–H2, PC–6/B–H2, PC–6/B1–H2, PC–6/B2– H2, PC–6/B2–H4, PC–6/C–H2, and PC–6/C1– H2 airplanes; manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 101 through 949, MSN 951, and MSN 2001 through 2092; that are certificated in any category. These airplanes are also identified as Fairchild Republic Company PC–6 airplanes, Fairchild Industries PC–6 airplanes, Fairchild Heli Porter PC–6 airplanes, or Fairchild-Hiller Corporation PC–6 airplanes. mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS Reason (d) The Switzerland Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA) Airworthiness Directive (AD) was prompted due to the discovery of exfoliation corrosion in the fittings of some PC–6 airplanes. These fittings are installed exterior to the bottom skin of the wing skin. If not corrected, undetected corrosion in this area could lead to failure of the fitting and subsequent loss of control of the airplane. Actions and Compliance (e) Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD and repetitively thereafter not to exceed 12 months, perform an inspection required by paragraph 3.B.(2) of PILATUS PC–6 Service Bulletin (SB) No. 57–003, dated June 13, 2006, of the fittings Part Number (P/ N) 6102.0041.00, P/N 111.35.06.055 or P/N 111.35.06.056 for signs of corrosion. Minor surface corrosion is permitted according to the Repair and Overhaul Manual (ROM) (Report No. 1391), Chap. 2 and 4. Corrosion outside these limits is not permitted. (2) If during any of the inspections required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, any minor surface corrosion is found, prior to further flight, remove the minor surface corrosion (Ref. ROM. Chap. 2 and 4). (3) If during any of the inspections required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, any VerDate Aug<31>2005 12:59 Nov 02, 2006 Jkt 211001 corrosion out of limits is found (Ref. ROM, Chap. 2 and 4), prior to further flight, replace the fittings in accordance with paragraph 4. of PILATUS PC–6 SB No. 57–003, dated June 13, 2006, with new (retrofit) fittings P/N 111.35.06.185 and/or P/N 111.35.06.186. (4) Replacement of the fittings with new (improved) fittings P/N 111.35.06.185 (left hand side) and/or 111.35.06.186 (right hand side) terminates the repetitive inspection for that side. FAA AD Differences Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: (1) The FAA AD is requiring repetitive inspections, not just a one time inspection as required in the MCAI. (2) The Service Bulletin specifies ‘‘subsequent inspection for corrosion will be included in chapter 5 of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM).’’ The only way we (FAA) can mandate these repetitive inspections is through an AD. Other FAA AD Provisions (f) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Staff, FAA, Attn: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4059; facsimile: (816) 329–4090, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (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 FAAapproved 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, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et.seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. Related Information (g) This AD is related to FOCA AD HB– 2006–400, effective date September 28, 2006, which references Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. SB No. 57–003, dated June 13, 2006. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 27, 2006. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6–18574 Filed 11–2–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 64655 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 18 CFR Parts 38 and 284 [Docket Nos. RM96–1–027 and RM05–5– 001] Standards for Business Practices for Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines; Standards for Business Practices for Public Utilities October 25, 2006. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, DOE. ACTION: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) proposes to amend its open access regulations governing standards for business practices and electronic communications with interstate natural gas pipelines and public utilities. The Commission is proposing to incorporate by reference certain standards promulgated by the Wholesale Gas Quadrant (WGQ) and the Wholesale Electric Quadrant (WEQ) of the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB). These standards will establish communication protocols between interstate pipelines and power plant operators and transmission owners and operators. Through this rulemaking, the Commission is seeking to improve coordination between the gas and electric industries in order to limit miscommunications about scheduling of gas-fired generators. DATES: Comments are due December 18, 2006. ADDRESSES: Comments and reply comments may be filed electronically via the eFiling link on the Commission’s Web site at https://www.ferc.gov. Documents created electronically using word processing software should be filed in the native application or printto-PDF format and not in a scanned format. This will enhance document retrieval for both the Commission and the public. The Commission accepts most standard word processing formats and commenters may attach additional files with supporting information in certain other file formats. Attachments that exist only in paper form may be scanned. Commenters filing electronically should not make a paper filing. Service of rulemaking comments is not required. Commenters that are not able to file electronically must send an original and 14 copies of their comments to: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Office of the Secretary, E:\FR\FM\03NOP1.SGM 03NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 213 (Friday, November 3, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64653-64655]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-18574]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-25929; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-54-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., PC-6 Series 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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 the discovery of exfoliation corrosion in the fittings of 
some PC-6 airplanes. These fittings are installed exterior to the 
bottom skin of the wing skin. If not corrected, undetected corrosion in 
this area could lead to failure of the fitting and subsequent loss of 
control of the airplane. The proposed AD would require actions that are 
intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 4, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov; 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

[[Page 64654]]

proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 
(800) 647-5227) 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 Street, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Streamlined Issuance of AD

    The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance 
of ADs related to MCAI. The streamlined process will allow us to adopt 
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce 
safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD 
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure 
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our 
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct 
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.

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-2006-
25929; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-54-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 https://
dms.dot.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 for Civil Aviation (FOCA), which is the 
airworthiness authority for Switzerland, has issued FOCA AD HB-2006-
400, effective date September 28, 2006 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states the FOCA AD was prompted due to the discovery of 
exfoliation corrosion in the fittings of some PC-6 airplanes. These 
fittings are installed exterior to the bottom skin of the wing skin. If 
not corrected, undetected corrosion in this area could lead to failure 
of the fitting and subsequent loss of control of the airplane. In order 
to correct and control the situation, the MCAI requires a one time 
inspection of the wing strut fitting and the replacement of corroded 
wing strut fittings with new retrofit wing strut fittings. You may 
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., has issued Service Bulletin No. 57-003, 
dated June 13, 2006. The actions described in this service information 
are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in 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.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
described in a separate paragraph of the proposed AD. These 
requirements, if ultimately adopted, will take precedence over the 
actions copied from the MCAI.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 49 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 27 work-hours per product to comply with the 
proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required 
parts would cost about $2,500 per wing, or $5,000 per product. Where 
the service information lists required parts costs that are covered 
under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these 
costs. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, 
some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $350,840, or $7,160 per product.

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); 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

[[Page 64655]]

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

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

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: FAA-2006-25929; Directorate Identifier 2006-
CE-54-AD

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by December 4, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Models PC-6, PC-6-H1, PC-6-H2, PC-6/350, 
PC-6/350-H1, PC-6/350-H2, PC-6/A, PC-6/A-H1, PC-6/A-H2, PC-6/B-H2, 
PC-6/B1-H2, PC-6/B2-H2, PC-6/B2-H4, PC-6/C-H2, and PC-6/C1-H2 
airplanes; manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 101 through 949, MSN 
951, and MSN 2001 through 2092; that are certificated in any 
category. These airplanes are also identified as Fairchild Republic 
Company PC-6 airplanes, Fairchild Industries PC-6 airplanes, 
Fairchild Heli Porter PC-6 airplanes, or Fairchild-Hiller 
Corporation PC-6 airplanes.

Reason

    (d) The Switzerland Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA) 
Airworthiness Directive (AD) was prompted due to the discovery of 
exfoliation corrosion in the fittings of some PC-6 airplanes. These 
fittings are installed exterior to the bottom skin of the wing skin. 
If not corrected, undetected corrosion in this area could lead to 
failure of the fitting and subsequent loss of control of the 
airplane.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD and 
repetitively thereafter not to exceed 12 months, perform an 
inspection required by paragraph 3.B.(2) of PILATUS PC-6 Service 
Bulletin (SB) No. 57-003, dated June 13, 2006, of the fittings Part 
Number (P/N) 6102.0041.00, P/N 111.35.06.055 or P/N 111.35.06.056 
for signs of corrosion. Minor surface corrosion is permitted 
according to the Repair and Overhaul Manual (ROM) (Report No. 1391), 
Chap. 2 and 4. Corrosion outside these limits is not permitted.
    (2) If during any of the inspections required by paragraph 
(e)(1) of this AD, any minor surface corrosion is found, prior to 
further flight, remove the minor surface corrosion (Ref. ROM. Chap. 
2 and 4).
    (3) If during any of the inspections required by paragraph 
(e)(1) of this AD, any corrosion out of limits is found (Ref. ROM, 
Chap. 2 and 4), prior to further flight, replace the fittings in 
accordance with paragraph 4. of PILATUS PC-6 SB No. 57-003, dated 
June 13, 2006, with new (retrofit) fittings P/N 111.35.06.185 and/or 
P/N 111.35.06.186.
    (4) Replacement of the fittings with new (improved) fittings P/N 
111.35.06.185 (left hand side) and/or 111.35.06.186 (right hand 
side) terminates the repetitive inspection for that side.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows:
    (1) The FAA AD is requiring repetitive inspections, not just a 
one time inspection as required in the MCAI.
    (2) The Service Bulletin specifies ``subsequent inspection for 
corrosion will be included in chapter 5 of the Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual (AMM).'' The only way we (FAA) can mandate these repetitive 
inspections is through an AD.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (f) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Staff, FAA, Attn: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: (816) 329-
4090, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (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, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et.seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (g) This AD is related to FOCA AD HB-2006-400, effective date 
September 28, 2006, which references Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. SB No. 
57-003, dated June 13, 2006.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 27, 2006.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-18574 Filed 11-2-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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