Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 Airplanes, 52482-52484 [2010-21182]

Download as PDF 52482 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 165 / Thursday, August 26, 2010 / Proposed Rules FAA AD Differences DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: No differences. Federal Aviation Administration Other FAA AD Provisions [Docket No. FAA–2010–0849; Directorate Identifier 2010–CE–043–AD] (g) 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: Albert Mercado, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4119; fax: (816) 329– 4090. 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, 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 (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2010–0090, dated May 18, 2010; SOCATA TBM 700 A & B Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), Temporary Revision No. 3, dated March 2009; and DAHER–SOCATA TBM Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 70–168, dated December 2009, for related information. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 20, 2010. John Colomy, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010–21250 Filed 8–25–10; 8:45 am] erowe on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:11 Aug 25, 2010 Jkt 220001 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC–7 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. 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: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to an occurrence when an aircraft had a partial in-flight separation of the aileron outboard bearing support. The aileron outboard bearing supports are attached with two forward attachment bolts and two aft attachment bolts. The forward attachment bolts are approximately 3.2 mm (0.125 inch) longer than the aft attachment bolts. If the aileron outboard bearing supports have been removed, it is possible that during the reinstallation of the aileron outboard bearing supports, the attachment bolts can be installed in wrong positions. Bolts that are installed in wrong positions can damage the threads in the rear attachment anchor nuts. Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to in-flight separation of the aileron outboard bearing support, and as a consequence, the loss or limited controllability of the aircraft. 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 October 12, 2010. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://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, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.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 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. 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–2010–0849; Directorate Identifier 2010–CE–043–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:// www.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– 2010–010, dated July 29, 2010 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to an occurrence when an aircraft had a partial in-flight separation of the aileron outboard bearing support. The aileron outboard bearing supports are attached with two forward attachment bolts and two aft attachment bolts. The forward attachment bolts are approximately 3.2 mm E:\FR\FM\26AUP1.SGM 26AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 165 / Thursday, August 26, 2010 / Proposed Rules (0.125 inch) longer than the aft attachment bolts. If the aileron outboard bearing supports have been removed, it is possible that during the reinstallation of the aileron outboard bearing supports, the attachment bolts can be installed in wrong positions. Bolts that are installed in wrong positions can damage the threads in the rear attachment anchor nuts. Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to in-flight separation of the aileron outboard bearing support, and as a consequence, the loss or limited controllability of the aircraft. In order to correct and control the situation, this AD requires a one time inspection to verify that the bolts are installed in the correct positions and the threads of the anchor nuts are in good condition. The replacement of the attachment hardware is required if any damage on the anchor nut threads or a bolt at the wrong location is found. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. has issued PC–7 Service Bulletin No. 57–015, Rev. No. 1, date July 23, 2010. 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. erowe on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 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 highlighted in a Note within the proposed AD. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:11 Aug 25, 2010 Jkt 220001 Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 12 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $2,040, or $170 per product. In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about 25 work-hours and require parts costing $200, for a cost of $2,325 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); 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. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 52483 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, 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 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.: Docket No. FAA–2010– 0849; Directorate Identifier 2010–CE– 043–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by October 12, 2010. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC–7 airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 101 through 618, certificated in any category. Subject (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 57: Wings. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to an occurrence when an aircraft had a partial in-flight separation of the aileron outboard bearing support. The aileron outboard bearing supports are attached with two forward attachment bolts and two aft attachment bolts. The forward attachment bolts are approximately 3.2 mm (0.125 inch) longer than the aft attachment bolts. If the aileron outboard bearing supports have been removed, it is possible that during the reinstallation of the aileron outboard bearing supports, the attachment bolts can be installed in wrong positions. Bolts that are installed in wrong positions can damage the threads in the rear attachment anchor nuts. Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to in-flight separation of the aileron outboard bearing support, and as a consequence, the loss or limited controllability of the aircraft. In order to correct and control the situation, this AD requires a one time inspection to verify that the bolts are E:\FR\FM\26AUP1.SGM 26AUP1 52484 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 165 / Thursday, August 26, 2010 / Proposed Rules installed in the correct positions and the threads of the anchor nuts are in good condition. The replacement of the attachment hardware is required if any damage on the anchor nut threads or a bolt at the wrong location is found. Related Information (i) Refer to MCAI Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) AD HB–2010–010, dated July 29, 2010; and Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC– 7 Service Bulletin No. 57–015, Rev. No. 1, date July 23, 2010, for related information. Actions and Compliance Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 19, 2010. John Colomy, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. (f) Unless already done, do the following actions: (1) Within 1 month after the effective date of this AD, check the airplane maintenance records to determine if the left and/or right aileron outboard bearing supports have been removed at any time during the life of the airplane. Do this check following paragraph 3.A. of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–7 Service Bulletin No. 57–015, Rev. No. 1, date July 23, 2010. (2) If an entry is found during the airplane maintenance records check required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD or it is unclear whether or not the left and/or right aileron outboard bearing supports have been removed, perform the actions following the instructions in paragraph 3.A.(2) through paragraph 3.E of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–7 Service Bulletin No. 57–015, Rev. No. 1, date July 23, 2010. FAA AD Differences Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: No differences. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0815; Airspace Docket No. 10–ANE–107] Proposed Removal and Amendment of Class E Airspace, Oxford, CT Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: (g) 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. 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, 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. This action proposes to remove Class E surface airspace as an extension to Class D airspace, and amend Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet at Oxford, CT. Decommissioning of the Waterbury Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) at the Waterbury-Oxford airport has made this action necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 12, 2010. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this rule to: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey, SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001; Telephone: 1–800–647– 5527; Fax: 202–493–2251. You must identify the Docket Number FAA–2010– 0815; Airspace Docket No. 10–ANE– 107, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit and review received comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melinda Giddens, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, P.O. Box 20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320; telephone (404) 305–5610. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Special Flight Permit Comments Invited (h) Special flight permits will not be issued. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting Other FAA AD Provisions erowe on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 [FR Doc. 2010–21182 Filed 8–25–10; 8:45 am] VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:11 Aug 25, 2010 Jkt 220001 SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA– 2010–0815; Airspace Docket No. 10–ANE–107) and be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Management System (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Comments wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to Docket No. FAA–2010–0815; Airspace Docket No. 10–ANE–107.’’ The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received before the specified closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this notice may be changed in light of the comments received. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Availability of NPRMs An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded from and comments submitted through https:// www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA’s web page at https://www.faa.gov/ airports_airtraffic/air_traffic/ publications/airspace_amendments/. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office (see the ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at the office of the Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, Room 210, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337. Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future NPRM’s should contact the FAA’s Office of Rulemaking, E:\FR\FM\26AUP1.SGM 26AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 165 (Thursday, August 26, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52482-52484]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-21182]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0849; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-043-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 
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) 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: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to an 
occurrence when an aircraft had a partial in-flight separation of the 
aileron outboard bearing support. The aileron outboard bearing supports 
are attached with two forward attachment bolts and two aft attachment 
bolts. The forward attachment bolts are approximately 3.2 mm (0.125 
inch) longer than the aft attachment bolts. If the aileron outboard 
bearing supports have been removed, it is possible that during the 
reinstallation of the aileron outboard bearing supports, the attachment 
bolts can be installed in wrong positions. Bolts that are installed in 
wrong positions can damage the threads in the rear attachment anchor 
nuts. Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to in-flight 
separation of the aileron outboard bearing support, and as a 
consequence, the loss or limited controllability of the aircraft. 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 October 12, 
2010.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.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 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.

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-2010-0849; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-043-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://www.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-2010-010, dated July 29, 
2010 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to an 
occurrence when an aircraft had a partial in-flight separation of 
the aileron outboard bearing support.
    The aileron outboard bearing supports are attached with two 
forward attachment bolts and two aft attachment bolts. The forward 
attachment bolts are approximately 3.2 mm

[[Page 52483]]

(0.125 inch) longer than the aft attachment bolts. If the aileron 
outboard bearing supports have been removed, it is possible that 
during the reinstallation of the aileron outboard bearing supports, 
the attachment bolts can be installed in wrong positions. Bolts that 
are installed in wrong positions can damage the threads in the rear 
attachment anchor nuts.
    Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to in-flight 
separation of the aileron outboard bearing support, and as a 
consequence, the loss or limited controllability of the aircraft.
    In order to correct and control the situation, this AD requires 
a one time inspection to verify that the bolts are installed in the 
correct positions and the threads of the anchor nuts are in good 
condition. The replacement of the attachment hardware is required if 
any damage on the anchor nut threads or a bolt at the wrong location 
is found.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. has issued PC-7 Service Bulletin No. 57-015, 
Rev. No. 1, date July 23, 2010. 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 
highlighted in a Note within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 12 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $2,040, or $170 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 25 work-hours and require parts costing $200, for a cost of 
$2,325 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); 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, 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

    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.: Docket No. FAA-2010-0849; Directorate 
Identifier 2010-CE-043-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by October 12, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

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

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 57: Wings.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to an 
occurrence when an aircraft had a partial in-flight separation of 
the aileron outboard bearing support.
    The aileron outboard bearing supports are attached with two 
forward attachment bolts and two aft attachment bolts. The forward 
attachment bolts are approximately 3.2 mm (0.125 inch) longer than 
the aft attachment bolts. If the aileron outboard bearing supports 
have been removed, it is possible that during the reinstallation of 
the aileron outboard bearing supports, the attachment bolts can be 
installed in wrong positions. Bolts that are installed in wrong 
positions can damage the threads in the rear attachment anchor nuts.
    Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to in-flight 
separation of the aileron outboard bearing support, and as a 
consequence, the loss or limited controllability of the aircraft.
    In order to correct and control the situation, this AD requires 
a one time inspection to verify that the bolts are

[[Page 52484]]

installed in the correct positions and the threads of the anchor 
nuts are in good condition. The replacement of the attachment 
hardware is required if any damage on the anchor nut threads or a 
bolt at the wrong location is found.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within 1 month after the effective date of this AD, check 
the airplane maintenance records to determine if the left and/or 
right aileron outboard bearing supports have been removed at any 
time during the life of the airplane. Do this check following 
paragraph 3.A. of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-7 Service Bulletin No. 
57-015, Rev. No. 1, date July 23, 2010.
    (2) If an entry is found during the airplane maintenance records 
check required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD or it is unclear 
whether or not the left and/or right aileron outboard bearing 
supports have been removed, perform the actions following the 
instructions in paragraph 3.A.(2) through paragraph 3.E of Pilatus 
Aircraft Ltd. PC-7 Service Bulletin No. 57-015, Rev. No. 1, date 
July 23, 2010.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) 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. 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, 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.

Special Flight Permit

    (h) Special flight permits will not be issued.

Related Information

    (i) Refer to MCAI Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) AD HB-
2010-010, dated July 29, 2010; and Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-7 
Service Bulletin No. 57-015, Rev. No. 1, date July 23, 2010, for 
related information.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 19, 2010.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-21182 Filed 8-25-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.