Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes, 47295-47297 [2020-16989]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 151 / Wednesday, August 5, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Based on the calculations, Dairy
Board importer member representation
will remain the same at one member to
accurately represent the volume of
imported total milk solids compared to
the volume of total solids represented
by each of the 36 domestic producer
members.
Bruce Summers,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–15134 Filed 8–4–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Parts 21, 61, 63, 65, 91, 107,
125, and 141
[Docket No.: FAA–2020–0446; Amdt. No(s).
Amendment Numbers 1–103, 61–146, 63–
44, 65–61, 91–358, 107–4, 125–70, and 141–
22]
RIN 2120–AL64
Limited Extension of Relief for Certain
Persons and Operations During the
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19)
Public Health Emergency
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; correction.
AGENCY:
The FAA is correcting a final
rule published on June 29, 2020 in
which the FAA amended regulatory
relief originally provided in the Relief
for Certain Persons and Operations
during the Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID–19) final rule. The FAA
inadvertently listed incorrect
amendment numbers for the final rule.
This document corrects that error.
DATES: Effective August 5, 2020 through
March 31, 2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
technical questions concerning this
action for pilots, contact Craig Holmes,
General Aviation and Commercial
Division; Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
telephone (202) 267–1100; email 9-AVSAFS800-COVID19-Correspondence@
faa.gov. For technical questions
concerning this action for mechanics
and special flight permits, contact Kevin
Morgan, Aircraft Maintenance Division;
Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20591; telephone (202) 267–1675;
email Kevin.Morgan@faa.gov. For
technical questions concerning this
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SUMMARY:
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action for aircraft dispatchers and flight
engineers, contact Theodora Kessaris
and Sheri Pippin, Air Transportation
Division, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
telephone (202) 267–8166; email 9-AVSAFS200-COVID-Exemptions@faa.gov.
2348 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note) in
Washington, DC, on July 17, 2020.
Brandon Roberts,
Executive Director, Office of Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 2020–16060 Filed 8–4–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Good Cause for Adoption Without Prior
Notice
Federal Aviation Administration
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies
to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency
for ‘‘good cause’’ finds that those
procedures are ‘‘impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public
interest.’’ In addition, section 553(d) of
the APA requires that agencies publish
a rule not less than 30 days before its
effective date, except a substantive rule
that relieves a restriction or ‘‘as
otherwise provided by the agency for
good cause found and published with
the rule.’’ 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1) and (3).
Because this action merely makes a
correction to the amendment number of
a published final rule, the FAA finds
that notice and public comment under
5 U.S.C. 553(b) is unnecessary. For the
same reason, the FAA finds that good
cause exists under 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for
making this rule effective in less than 30
days.
14 CFR Part 39
Background
On June 29, 2020, the FAA published
the Limited Extension of Relief for
Certain Persons and Operations during
the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–
19) Public Health Emergency final rule
(85 FR 38763). After that rule was
published, the FAA discovered a minor
error with the amendment numbers
listed in heading of the final rule that
required correction. The final rule listed
the amendment numbers as Amdt.
No(s). 21–102, 61–145, 63–43, 65–60,
91–357, 107–3, 125–69, and 141–21.
Correction
In the final rule, FR Doc. 2020–13960,
published on June 29, 2020, at 85 FR
38763 make the following correction:
1. On page 38763 in the heading of
the final rule, revise ‘‘Amdt. No(s). 21–
102, 61–145, 63–43, 65–60, 91–357,
107–3, 125–69, and 141–21’’ to read ‘‘1–
103, 61–146, 63–44, 65–61, 91–358,
107–4, 125–70, and 141–22’’.
Issued under authority provided by 49
U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 44701(a), and Sec.
206 of Public Law 111–216, 124 Stat.
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[Docket No. FAA–2019–0536; Product
Identifier 2018–CE–054–AD; Amendment
39–21186; AD 2020–16–02]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus
Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Pilatus
Aircraft Ltd. Models PC–6, 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, PC–6/C1–H2, PC–6–
H1, and PC–6–H2 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 rudder shaft assemblies
with incorrect rivet configurations. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 9,
2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of September 9, 2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact Pilatus
Aircraft Ltd., Customer Technical
Support (MCC), P.O. Box 992, CH–6371
Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 (0)41
619 67 74; fax: +41 (0)41 619 67 73;
email: techsupport@pilatusaircraft.com; internet: https://
www.pilatus-aircraft.com. You may
view this referenced service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 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
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 151 / Wednesday, August 5, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2019–0536.
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–2019–
0536; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this final rule,
the NPRM, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is 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:
Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Standards Branch,
901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–
4059; fax: (816) 329–4090; email:
doug.rudolph@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models
PC–6, 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, PC–
6/C1–H2, PC–6–H1, and PC–6–H2
airplanes. The NPRM was published in
the Federal Register on July 5, 2019 (84
FR 32099). The NPRM proposed to
correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products and was based on AD
No. 2018–0222, dated October 19, 2018,
issued by the European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Community (referred to after
this as ‘‘the MCAI’’). The MCAI states:
During a recent check flight with a PC–6,
the pilot experienced loss of rudder control.
The consequent precautionary landing
resulted in a runway excursion and damage
to the aeroplane, but without serious injuries
to the occupants. The post-event inspection
of the affected rudder shaft assembly found
an incorrect rivet configuration. Subsequent
investigation results identified that the
tapered pins had been replaced with an
insufficient quantity of rivets of unknown
origin, which effectively constituted a
modification that does not conform to any of
the three different Pilatus-approved
configurations. Prompted by this event, five
more aeroplanes were inspected and various
non-standard rivet configurations were found
in the same area. It cannot be excluded that
more PC–6 aeroplanes have had a similar
modification applied.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to failure or loss of
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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rivets, possibly resulting in reduced control
of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd issued the [service
bulletin] SB to provide inspection
instructions.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires a one-time inspection of
the affected part to determine the rivet
configuration and, depending on findings,
accomplishment of applicable corrective
action(s). This [EASA] AD also requires
inspection of affected parts held as spare, and
depending on findings, corrective action(s),
prior to installation.
You may examine the MCAI on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2019–0536.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The FAA received no
comments on the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data
and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC–6
Service Bulletin No. 27–006, Rev. No. 1,
dated September 4, 2018. The service
information contains procedures for
inspecting the rivet configuration on the
rudder shaft assembly for size, quantity,
location, and type and contacting
Pilatus to obtain repair instructions if
any discrepancies are found. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD will
affect 30 products of U.S. registry. The
FAA also estimates that it will take
about 7 work-hours per product to
comply with the inspection requirement
of this AD. The average labor rate is $85
per work-hour.
Based on these figures, the FAA
estimates the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $17,850, or $595 per
product.
Since the repair instructions could
vary significantly from airplane to
airplane if discrepancies are found
during the inspections, the FAA has no
way of determining the number of
products that may need follow-on
actions or what the cost per product
would be.
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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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, 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.
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
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 151 / Wednesday, August 5, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(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.
2020–16–02 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.:
Amendment 39–21186; Docket No.
FAA–2019–0536; Product Identifier
2018–CE–054–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective September 9,
2020.
(h) Related Information
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
(Pilatus) Models PC–6, 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, PC–6/C1–
H2, PC–6–H1, and PC–6–H2 airplanes, all
serial numbers, certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: These
airplanes may also be identified as Fairchild
Republic Company airplanes, Fairchild Heli
Porter airplanes, or Fairchild-Hiller
Corporation airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 55: Stabilizers.
(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 rudder
shaft assemblies with incorrect rivet
configuration. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent rudder shaft assembly failure, which
could result in reduced control of the
airplane.
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(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following
actions in paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this
AD:
(1) Within the next 100 hours time-inservice after September 9, 2020 (the effective
date of this AD) or within the next 12 months
after September 9, 2020 (the effective date of
this AD), whichever occurs first, inspect the
rudder shaft assembly for proper rivet
configuration and repair any discrepancies
before further flight in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions—Part 1,
paragraph 3.B. and table 1, of Pilatus PC–6
Service Bulletin No: 27–006, Rev. No. 1,
dated September 4, 2018.
(2) After September 9, 2020 (the effective
date of this AD), do not install a rudder shaft
assembly on any airplane unless it has been
inspected in accordance with paragraph (f)(1)
of this AD and found to be free of
discrepancies or all discrepancies have been
repaired or replaced.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
The Manager, Small Airplane Standards
Branch, 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
Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:55 Aug 04, 2020
Jkt 250001
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety
Agency AD No. 2018–0222, dated October
19, 2018, for related information. The MCAI
can be found in the AD docket on the
internet at: https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–
2019–0536.
(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) Pilatus PC–6 Service Bulletin No: 27–
006, Rev. No. 1, dated September 4, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.,
Customer Technical Support (MCC), P.O. Box
992, CH–6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone:
+41 (0)41 619 67 74; fax: +41 (0)41 619 67
73; email: techsupport@pilatus-aircraft.com;
internet: https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness
Products Section, 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 and locating Docket No. FAA–
2019–0536.
(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,
email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on July 28, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–16989 Filed 8–4–20; 8:45 am]
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47297
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0212; Product
Identifier 2018–SW–097–AD; Amendment
39–21180; AD 2020–15–17]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S–
76C helicopters. This AD was prompted
by reports of inaccurate main gear box
(MGB) indications in flight. This AD
requires updating the remote data
acquisition unit (RDAU) software and
re-identifying the RDAU and, for certain
helicopters, updating the software of the
display unit (DU) and re-identifying the
DU. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective September 9,
2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of September 9, 2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact your
local Sikorsky Field Representative or
Sikorsky’s Service Engineering Group at
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 124
Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611;
phone: 1–800–946–4337 (1–800–
Winged–S); email: wcs_cust_service_
eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. Operators may
also log on to the Sikorsky 360 website
at https://www.sikorsky360.com. You
may view this service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 817–222–5110.
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–2020–
0212; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this final rule,
any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 151 (Wednesday, August 5, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47295-47297]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16989]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0536; Product Identifier 2018-CE-054-AD; Amendment
39-21186; AD 2020-16-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-6, 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, PC-6/C1-H2, PC-6-H1, and PC-6-H2 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 rudder shaft assemblies with incorrect rivet
configurations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 9, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of September 9,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Technical Support (MCC), P.O. Box 992,
CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 (0)41 619 67 74; fax: +41 (0)41
619 67 73; email: aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com; internet: https://
www.pilatus-aircraft.com. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 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
[[Page 47296]]
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0536.
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-2019-
0536; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, the NPRM, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is 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: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
Models PC-6, 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, PC-6/
C1-H2, PC-6-H1, and PC-6-H2 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on July 5, 2019 (84 FR 32099). The NPRM proposed to
correct an unsafe condition for the specified products and was based on
AD No. 2018-0222, dated October 19, 2018, issued by the European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the
Member States of the European Community (referred to after this as
``the MCAI''). The MCAI states:
During a recent check flight with a PC-6, the pilot experienced
loss of rudder control. The consequent precautionary landing
resulted in a runway excursion and damage to the aeroplane, but
without serious injuries to the occupants. The post-event inspection
of the affected rudder shaft assembly found an incorrect rivet
configuration. Subsequent investigation results identified that the
tapered pins had been replaced with an insufficient quantity of
rivets of unknown origin, which effectively constituted a
modification that does not conform to any of the three different
Pilatus-approved configurations. Prompted by this event, five more
aeroplanes were inspected and various non-standard rivet
configurations were found in the same area. It cannot be excluded
that more PC-6 aeroplanes have had a similar modification applied.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
failure or loss of rivets, possibly resulting in reduced control of
the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd
issued the [service bulletin] SB to provide inspection instructions.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection of the affected part to determine the rivet
configuration and, depending on findings, accomplishment of
applicable corrective action(s). This [EASA] AD also requires
inspection of affected parts held as spare, and depending on
findings, corrective action(s), prior to installation.
You may examine the MCAI on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0536.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this AD. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC-6 Service Bulletin No. 27-006, Rev. No.
1, dated September 4, 2018. The service information contains procedures
for inspecting the rivet configuration on the rudder shaft assembly for
size, quantity, location, and type and contacting Pilatus to obtain
repair instructions if any discrepancies are found. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 30 products of U.S.
registry. The FAA also estimates that it will take about 7 work-hours
per product to comply with the inspection requirement of this AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of this AD on
U.S. operators to be $17,850, or $595 per product.
Since the repair instructions could vary significantly from
airplane to airplane if discrepancies are found during the inspections,
the FAA has no way of determining the number of products that may need
follow-on actions or what the cost per product would be.
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
[[Page 47297]]
2020-16-02 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-21186; Docket No.
FAA-2019-0536; Product Identifier 2018-CE-054-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective September 9, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models PC-6,
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, PC-6/C1-
H2, PC-6-H1, and PC-6-H2 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated
in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: These airplanes may also be
identified as Fairchild Republic Company airplanes, Fairchild Heli
Porter airplanes, or Fairchild-Hiller Corporation airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 55: Stabilizers.
(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 rudder shaft
assemblies with incorrect rivet configuration. The FAA is issuing
this AD to prevent rudder shaft assembly failure, which could result
in reduced control of the airplane.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs
(f)(1) and (2) of this AD:
(1) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service after September 9,
2020 (the effective date of this AD) or within the next 12 months
after September 9, 2020 (the effective date of this AD), whichever
occurs first, inspect the rudder shaft assembly for proper rivet
configuration and repair any discrepancies before further flight in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions--Part 1, paragraph
3.B. and table 1, of Pilatus PC-6 Service Bulletin No: 27-006, Rev.
No. 1, dated September 4, 2018.
(2) After September 9, 2020 (the effective date of this AD), do
not install a rudder shaft assembly on any airplane unless it has
been inspected in accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of this AD and
found to be free of discrepancies or all discrepancies have been
repaired or replaced.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, 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 Standards Branch,
901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816)
329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: [email protected]. 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.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2018-0222,
dated October 19, 2018, for related information. The MCAI can be
found in the AD docket on the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-0536.
(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) Pilatus PC-6 Service Bulletin No: 27-006, Rev. No. 1, dated
September 4, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Technical Support (MCC), P.O. Box
992, CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 (0)41 619 67 74; fax:
+41 (0)41 619 67 73; email: aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com;
internet: https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch,
Airworthiness Products Section, 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 and locating Docket No.
FAA-2019-0536.
(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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on July 28, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-16989 Filed 8-4-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
