Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Airplanes, 26571-26573 [2017-11411]
Download as PDF
26571
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 82, No. 109
Thursday, June 8, 2017
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0194; Directorate
Identifier 2017–CE–006–AD; Amendment
39–18915; AD 2017–11–16]
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
For service information identified in
this AD, contact PILATUS AIRCRAFT
LTD., Customer Support PC–12, CH–
6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 41
619 33 33; fax: +41 41 619 73 11; email:
SupportPC12@pilatus-aircraft.com;
Internet: www.pilatus-aircraft.com. You
may view 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. It is also available
on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
Docket No. FAA–2017–0194.
RIN 2120–AA64
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
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.
Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS
AIRCRAFT LTD. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Model PC–
12/47E airplanes. This 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 an
error within the flight management
system caused by installing Primus
APEX software Build 10 or 10.9, which
could cause deviation from the correctly
calculated barometric vertical
navigation nominal glide path. We are
issuing this AD to require actions to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective July 13,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of July 13, 2017.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0194; or in person at Document
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES
DATES:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:16 Jun 07, 2017
Jkt 241001
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD.
Model PC–12/47E airplanes. The NPRM
was published in the Federal Register
on March 21, 2017 (82 FR 14488). The
NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products and
was based on mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of
another country. The MCAI states:
An occurrence was reported of a split
between the vertical guidance data and the
flight director steering commands during a
Vertical Glide Path (VGP) approach.
Subsequent investigation identified an error
within the Flight Management System (FMS)
that was introduced into Primus APEX
software (S/W) Build 10 and S/W Build 10.9.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to loss of control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
Pilatus issued Temporary Revision (TR) No.
38 to the PC–12/47E Pilot’s Operating
Handbook, (POH) Report No: 02277
(hereafter referred to as ‘‘POH TR 38’’ in this
AD), limiting VGP Approach mode sourced
on baro Vertical Navigation (VNAV) to visual
meteorological conditions (VMC) only, and
providing procedures applicable in case of
VGP deviation occurring during baro VNAV
approaches.
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD requires amendment of the
applicable Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
The MCAI can be found in the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov/
document?D=FAA-2017-0194-0002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comment
received on the proposal and the FAA’s
response to the comment.
Request To Clarify the Unsafe
Condition
Johan Kruger of PILATUS AIRCRAFT
LTD. stated that in the Discussion
section and the Reason section
(paragraph (e)) of the proposed AD, it is
stated that the unsafe condition may
result in loss of control due to following
incorrect data from the flight
management system. The commenter
stated that the loss of control statement
may be misleading.
The commenter further stated that the
autopilot fails to follow the correctly
indicated nominal vertical flight path. If
the pilot does not observe the indicated
vertical deviation, which is the pilot’s
primary duty during instrument
meteorological conditions (IMC) final
approach, it could result in the pilot
losing situational awareness. In a worst
case scenario, the airplane would
descent towards terrain and ultimately,
if no attention is given to terrain
awareness and warning system (TAWS)
call outs, collide with the terrain—
potential controlled flight into terrain
(CFIT).
The commenter requested that the last
sentence of paragraph (e) be changed to
read: ‘‘We are issuing this AD to prevent
the pilot from following incorrect data
from the flight management system,
which could result in the loss of
situational awareness.’’
We agree with the commenter and
have changed the AD based on this
comment.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
with the change described previously
and minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these minor changes:
E:\FR\FM\08JNR1.SGM
08JNR1
26572
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 109 / Thursday, June 8, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
correcting the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these
changes will not increase the economic
burden on any operator or increase the
scope of the AD.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed PILATUS AIRCRAFT
LTD. Temporary Revision No. 38 to PC–
12/47E Pilot’s Operating Handbook,
Airplane Flight Manual 02277, Section
2—Limitations, Report No: 02277, dated
February 8, 2017. The service
information describes procedures for
limiting the use of the autopilot and
flight director to day visual
meteorological conditions (VMC) during
barometric vertical navigation (baro
VNAV) during a vertical glide path
approach (VGP). This service
information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section of this AD.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
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 AD:
(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.
Examining the AD Docket
We estimate that this AD will affect
350 products of U.S. registry. We also
estimate that it will take about 1 workhour per product to comply with the
basic requirements of this AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to
be $29,750, or $85 per product.
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0194; 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 the NPRM, 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.
Authority for This Rulemaking
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES
Costs of Compliance
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:16 Jun 07, 2017
Jkt 241001
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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:
■
2017–11–16 PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD.:
Amendment 39–18915; Docket No.
FAA–2017–0194; Directorate Identifier
2017–CE–006–AD.
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective July 13, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to PILATUS AIRCRAFT
LTD. Model PC–12/47E airplanes, all serial
numbers, that:
(1) Have Primus APEX Software Build 10
with Honeywell part number (P/N)
EB60000487–0110 or Primus APEX Software
Build 10.9 with Honeywell P/N
EB60000487–0112 installed; and
(2) are certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 34: Navigation.
(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 an error
within the flight management system caused
by installing Primus APEX software Build 10
or 10.9, which could cause deviation from
the correctly calculated barometric vertical
navigation nominal guide path. We are
issuing this AD to prevent the pilot from
following incorrect data from the flight
management system, which could result in
the loss of situational awareness.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, within 30 days after
July 13, 2017 (the effective date of this AD),
insert Temporary Revision No. 38 to PC–12/
47E Pilot’s Operating Handbook, Airplane
Flight Manual 02277, Section 2—Limitations,
Report No: 02277, dated February 8, 2017.
Note 1 to paragraph (f) of this AD: For
airplanes affected by this AD, the Pilot’s
Operating Handbook and the Airplane Flight
Manual are the same document with the
Report No.: 02277.
(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
E:\FR\FM\08JNR1.SGM
08JNR1
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 109 / Thursday, June 8, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017–0024, dated
February 13, 2017, for related information.
The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on
the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/
document?D=FAA-2017-0194-0002.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Temporary Revision No. 38 to PC–12/
47E Pilot’s Operating Handbook, Airplane
Flight Manual 02277, Section 2—Limitations,
Report No: 02277, dated February 8, 2017.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. service
information identified in this AD, contact
PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD., Customer
Support PC–12, CH–6371 Stans, Switzerland;
phone: +41 41 619 33 33; fax: +41 41 619 73
11; email: SupportPC12@pilatusaircraft.com; Internet: www.pilatusaircraft.com.
(4) You may view this 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. In
addition, you can access this service
information on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2017–0194.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May
26, 2017.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9115; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–068–AD; Amendment
39–18903; AD 2017–11–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
[FR Doc. 2017–11411 Filed 6–7–17; 8:45 am]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
Boeing Company Model 767–200, –300,
and –400ER series airplanes. This AD
was prompted by an evaluation by the
design approval holder (DAH)
indicating that the fuselage skin lap
splices are subject to widespread fatigue
damage (WFD). This AD requires
repetitive inspections to detect any
crack in the fuselage skin at the skin lap
splices, and corrective actions if
necessary. We are issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective July 13,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of July 13, 2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC
110 SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone: 562–797–1717; Internet:
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also
available on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9115.
DATES:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9115; 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 AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:16 Jun 07, 2017
Jkt 241001
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
26573
other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Wayne Lockett, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6447;
fax: 425–917–6590; email:
wayne.lockett@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all The Boeing Company Model
767–200, –300, and –400ER series
airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on September 28, 2016
(81 FR 66553). The NPRM was
prompted by an evaluation by the DAH
indicating that the fuselage skin lap
splices are subject to WFD. The NPRM
proposed to require repetitive
inspections to detect any crack in the
fuselage skin at the skin lap splices, and
repair of any crack found during the
inspection. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct cracks at the fuselage
skin lap splice, which can rapidly link
up, possibly resulting in rapid
decompression and loss of structural
integrity of the airplane.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM
Boeing and another commenter,
Connor Blevins, stated their support for
the content of the NPRM.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment
of the Proposed Actions
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that
accomplishing the Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) ST01920SE does not
affect the actions specified in the
NPRM.
We concur with the commenter. We
have redesignated paragraph (c) of the
proposed AD as (c)(1) in this AD and
added paragraph (c)(2) to state that
installation of STC ST01920SE does not
affect the ability to accomplish the
actions required by this final rule.
Therefore, for airplanes on which STC
ST01920SE is installed, a ‘‘change in
E:\FR\FM\08JNR1.SGM
08JNR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 109 (Thursday, June 8, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26571-26573]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11411]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 109 / Thursday, June 8, 2017 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 26571]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0194; Directorate Identifier 2017-CE-006-AD;
Amendment 39-18915; AD 2017-11-16]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for PILATUS
AIRCRAFT LTD. Model PC-12/47E airplanes. This 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 an error within the flight management system caused by
installing Primus APEX software Build 10 or 10.9, which could cause
deviation from the correctly calculated barometric vertical navigation
nominal glide path. We are issuing this AD to require actions to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 13, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of July 13,
2017.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0194; or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
For service information identified in this AD, contact PILATUS
AIRCRAFT LTD., Customer Support PC-12, CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland;
phone: +41 41 619 33 33; fax: +41 41 619 73 11; email:
aircraft.com">SupportPC12@pilatus-aircraft.com; Internet: www.pilatus-aircraft.com.
You may view 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. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2017-0194.
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:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Model
PC-12/47E airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on
March 21, 2017 (82 FR 14488). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products and was based on mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country. The MCAI states:
An occurrence was reported of a split between the vertical
guidance data and the flight director steering commands during a
Vertical Glide Path (VGP) approach. Subsequent investigation
identified an error within the Flight Management System (FMS) that
was introduced into Primus APEX software (S/W) Build 10 and S/W
Build 10.9.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to loss of control
of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Pilatus issued
Temporary Revision (TR) No. 38 to the PC-12/47E Pilot's Operating
Handbook, (POH) Report No: 02277 (hereafter referred to as ``POH TR
38'' in this AD), limiting VGP Approach mode sourced on baro
Vertical Navigation (VNAV) to visual meteorological conditions (VMC)
only, and providing procedures applicable in case of VGP deviation
occurring during baro VNAV approaches.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires
amendment of the applicable Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-0194-0002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the proposal
and the FAA's response to the comment.
Request To Clarify the Unsafe Condition
Johan Kruger of PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. stated that in the Discussion
section and the Reason section (paragraph (e)) of the proposed AD, it
is stated that the unsafe condition may result in loss of control due
to following incorrect data from the flight management system. The
commenter stated that the loss of control statement may be misleading.
The commenter further stated that the autopilot fails to follow the
correctly indicated nominal vertical flight path. If the pilot does not
observe the indicated vertical deviation, which is the pilot's primary
duty during instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) final approach,
it could result in the pilot losing situational awareness. In a worst
case scenario, the airplane would descent towards terrain and
ultimately, if no attention is given to terrain awareness and warning
system (TAWS) call outs, collide with the terrain--potential controlled
flight into terrain (CFIT).
The commenter requested that the last sentence of paragraph (e) be
changed to read: ``We are issuing this AD to prevent the pilot from
following incorrect data from the flight management system, which could
result in the loss of situational awareness.''
We agree with the commenter and have changed the AD based on this
comment.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the
AD with the change described previously and minor editorial changes. We
have determined that these minor changes:
[[Page 26572]]
[Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in
the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Temporary Revision No. 38 to PC-
12/47E Pilot's Operating Handbook, Airplane Flight Manual 02277,
Section 2--Limitations, Report No: 02277, dated February 8, 2017. The
service information describes procedures for limiting the use of the
autopilot and flight director to day visual meteorological conditions
(VMC) during barometric vertical navigation (baro VNAV) during a
vertical glide path approach (VGP). This service information is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
the ADDRESSES section of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 350 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $29,750, or $85 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 AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 AD:
(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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0194; 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 the NPRM, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:
2017-11-16 PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD.: Amendment 39-18915; Docket No.
FAA-2017-0194; Directorate Identifier 2017-CE-006-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 13,
2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Model PC-12/47E
airplanes, all serial numbers, that:
(1) Have Primus APEX Software Build 10 with Honeywell part
number (P/N) EB60000487-0110 or Primus APEX Software Build 10.9 with
Honeywell P/N EB60000487-0112 installed; and
(2) are certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 34: Navigation.
(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 an error within
the flight management system caused by installing Primus APEX
software Build 10 or 10.9, which could cause deviation from the
correctly calculated barometric vertical navigation nominal guide
path. We are issuing this AD to prevent the pilot from following
incorrect data from the flight management system, which could result
in the loss of situational awareness.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, within 30 days after July 13, 2017 (the
effective date of this AD), insert Temporary Revision No. 38 to PC-
12/47E Pilot's Operating Handbook, Airplane Flight Manual 02277,
Section 2--Limitations, Report No: 02277, dated February 8, 2017.
Note 1 to paragraph (f) of this AD: For airplanes affected by
this AD, the Pilot's Operating Handbook and the Airplane Flight
Manual are the same document with the Report No.: 02277.
(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
[[Page 26573]]
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.
2017-0024, dated February 13, 2017, for related information. The
MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-0194-0002.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Temporary Revision No. 38 to PC-12/47E Pilot's Operating
Handbook, Airplane Flight Manual 02277, Section 2--Limitations,
Report No: 02277, dated February 8, 2017.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. service information identified in
this AD, contact PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD., Customer Support PC-12, CH-
6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 41 619 33 33; fax: +41 41 619 73
11; email: aircraft.com">SupportPC12@pilatus-aircraft.com; Internet: www.pilatus-
aircraft.com.
(4) You may view this 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. In addition, you can access this service information
on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0194.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 26, 2017.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-11411 Filed 6-7-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P