Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes, 69138-69140 [2020-24048]

Download as PDF jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES 69138 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 212 / Monday, November 2, 2020 / Rules and Regulations rivets. If there is a loose or sheared rivet, before further flight, replace the rivet. of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (h) Credit for Previous Actions Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD within the previous 5 years or 500 hours TIS, whichever was the most recent, in accordance with the procedures specified in the documents listed in paragraphs (h)(i) through (viii) of this AD as applicable to your airplane are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions in paragraph (g) of this AD. The time between any inspection for which credit is allowed by this paragraph and the next inspection accomplished in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD must not exceed 500 hours TIS or 5 years, whichever occurs first. (i) Cessna Aircraft Company Model 100 Series (1953–1962) Service Manual, Supplemental Inspection Number: 53–10–01, D138–1–13 Temporary Revision Number 8, dated May 18, 2015. (ii) Cessna Aircraft Company Model 100 Series (1963–1968) Service Manual, Supplemental Inspection Number: 53–10–01, D637–1–13 Temporary Revision Number 10, dated May 18, 2015; (iii) Cessna Aircraft Company Model 180/ 185 Series (1969–1980) Service Manual, Supplemental Inspection Number: 53–10–01, D2000–9–13 Temporary Revision Number 9, dated May 18, 2015. (iv) Cessna Aircraft Company Model 180/ 185 Series (1981–1985) Service Manual, Supplemental Inspection Number: 53–10–01, D2067–1TR9 Temporary Revision Number 9, dated May 1, 2016. (v) Cessna Aircraft Company Model 100 Series (1953–1962) Service Manual, Supplemental Inspection Number: 55–10–01, D138–1–13 Temporary Revision Number 7, dated December 1, 2011. (vi) Cessna Aircraft Company Model 100 Series (1963–1968) Service Manual, Supplemental Inspection Number: 55–10–01, D637–1–13 Temporary Revision Number 9, dated December 1, 2011. (vii) Cessna Aircraft Company Model 180/ 185 Series (1969–1980) Service Manual, Supplemental Inspection Number: 55–10–01, D2000–9–13 Temporary Revision Number 7, dated December 1, 2011. (viii) Cessna Aircraft Company Model 180/ 185 Series (1981–1985) Service Manual, Supplemental Inspection Number: 55–10–01, D2067–1–13 Temporary Revision Number 7, dated December 1, 2011. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Tara Shawn, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946–4141; fax: (316) 946–4107; email: tara.shawn@faa.gov or Wichita-COS@faa.gov. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:00 Oct 30, 2020 Jkt 253001 (k) 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) Textron Aviation Single Engine Mandatory Service Letter SEL–55–01, dated December 7, 2017. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Textron Aviation service information identified in this AD, contact Textron Aviation Customer Service, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277, (316) 517– 5800; customercare@txtav.com; internet: https://txtav.com. (4) You may view this service information at 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. (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 October 8, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–24046 Filed 10–30–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0746; Project Identifier 2019–CE–012–AD; Amendment 39–21301; AD 2020–22–05] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC–12/47E airplanes. This AD was results from SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 seizing of a main landing gear (MLG) spring pack assembly. This AD requires replacement of affected parts and prohibits (re)installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective December 7, 2020. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 7, 2020. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Technical Support (MCC), P.O. Box 992, CH–6371 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 (0)41 619 67 74; fax: +41 (0)41 619 67 73; email: Techsupport@pilatusaircraft.com; internet: https:// www.pilatus-aircraft.com/en. You may view this 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 searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0746. 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– 0746; 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 MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The 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, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4059; fax: (816) 329–4090; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR E:\FR\FM\02NOR1.SGM 02NOR1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 212 / Monday, November 2, 2020 / Rules and Regulations part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC–12/47E airplanes with an MLG spring pack assembly part number (P/N) 532.34.12.101 installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 6, 2020 (85 FR 47712). The NPRM proposed to require removing MLG spring pack assembly P/N 532.34.12.101 from service and replacing it with MLG spring pack assembly P/N 532.34.12.120 and was based on MCAI originated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. EASA issued AD No. 2019–0032, dated February 15, 2019 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI states: An occurrence was reported of an unlocked main landing gear (MLG) during landing of a PC–12/47E, equipped with electro-mechanical landing gear. Subsequent investigation identified that the aeroplane was equipped with an affected part [spring pack assemblies having P/N 532.34.12.101], which had completely seized. Serviceable parts [spring pack assemblies having P/N 532.34.12.120] have a special surface treatment on the inner and outer tube, which would have prevented the seizure. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to failure of an MLG spring pack assembly, possibly resulting in inability to safely extend the MLG and consequent loss of control of the aeroplane after landing. To address this potential unsafe condition, Pilatus issued the [service bulletin] SB to provide inspection and modification instructions. For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires replacement of affected parts with serviceable parts, and prohibits (re)installation of affected parts. Forty-two airplanes were built that may have this version of the spring pack assembly installed. An improved spring pack assembly with a hard chrome plated inner tube was introduced in 2014. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0746. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES Comments The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. 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 this final rule as proposed. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:00 Oct 30, 2020 Jkt 253001 Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–12 Service Bulletin No. 32–027, dated January 7, 2019. The service information contains procedures for inspecting the MLG spring pack assembly to determine the part number, removing and discarding any affected spring pack assemblies, and installing the improved design spring pack assemblies. 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 29 products of U.S. registry. The FAA also estimates that it would take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the replacement requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $5,000 per product. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $152,395, or $5,255 per product. According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in this cost estimate. 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 This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 69139 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: ■ 2020–22–05 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39–21301; Docket No. FAA–2020–0746; Project Identifier 2019–CE–012–AD. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 7, 2020. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC–12/47E airplanes, serial numbers 1300 and 1451 through 1944 (except serial number 1720), certificated in any category, with a main landing gear (MLG) spring pack assembly part number (P/N) 532.34.12.101 installed. (d) Subject Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing Gear. (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 E:\FR\FM\02NOR1.SGM 02NOR1 69140 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 212 / Monday, November 2, 2020 / Rules and Regulations describes the unsafe condition as seizing of an MLG spring pack assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the MLG spring pack assembly, which could result in the inability to extend the MLG with consequent loss of control of the airplane after landing. (f) Actions and Compliance (1) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, remove from service MLG spring pack assembly P/N 532.34.12.101 and install MLG spring pack assembly P/N 532.34.12.120 by following the Accomplishment Instructions-Part AAircraft, section 3.B., in Pilatus PC–12 Service Bulletin No. 32–027, dated January 7, 2019. (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an MLG spring pack assembly P/ N 532.34.12.101 on any airplane. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, International Validation 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 Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, 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, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI), or lacking a PI, your local Flight Standards District Office. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES (h) Related Information Refer to European Union Aviation Safety (EASA) Agency AD No. 2019–0032, dated February 15, 2019, for more information. You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0746. (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–12 Service Bulletin No. 32– 027, dated January 7, 2019. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. service information identified in this AD, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Technical Support (MCC), P.O. Box 992, CH–6371 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 (0)41 619 67 74; fax: +41 (0)41 619 67 73; email: Techsupport@pilatus-aircraft.com; internet: https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/en. (4) You may view this 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. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:00 Oct 30, 2020 Jkt 253001 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. 4148. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0745. Issued on October 14, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. Examining the AD Docket [Docket No. FAA–2020–0745; Project Identifier 2019–CE–030–AD; Amendment 39–21296; AD 2020–21–23] You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0745; 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 MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The 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. RIN 2120–AA64 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: [FR Doc. 2020–24048 Filed 10–30–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC–12, PC–12/45, PC–12/47, and PC–12/47E airplanes. This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as improperly manufactured horizontal stabilizer rear attachment bolts. If not corrected, this could lead to fatigue failure of the bolts and loss of airplane control. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective December 7, 2020. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 7, 2020. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Technical Support (MCC), P.O. Box 992, CH–6371 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +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 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– SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; phone: (816) 329–4059; fax: (816) 329–4090; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov. 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–12, PC–12/45, PC–12/47, and PC– 12/47E airplanes with a certain horizontal stabilizer rear attachment bolt installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 6, 2020 (85 FR 47716). The NPRM proposed to require replacing the horizontal stabilizer rear attachment bolts and was prompted by MCAI originated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. EASA issued AD No. 2019–0129, dated June 6, 2019 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI states: On the final assembly line, horizontal stabilizer rear attachment bolts were detected that had not received correct heat treatment. Subsequent investigation determined that certain parts, identified by FAUF, were improperly manufactured and consequently have reduced material properties. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to a fatigue failure of an affected part, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane. To address this potential unsafe condition, Pilatus issued the [service bulletin] SB to provide inspection and replacement instructions. E:\FR\FM\02NOR1.SGM 02NOR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 212 (Monday, November 2, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69138-69140]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-24048]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0746; Project Identifier 2019-CE-012-AD; Amendment 
39-21301; AD 2020-22-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12/47E airplanes. This AD was 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 seizing of a main landing gear (MLG) spring pack assembly. 
This AD requires replacement of affected parts and prohibits 
(re)installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 7, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 7, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Technical Support (MCC), P.O. 
Box 992, CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +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/en. You may view this 
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 searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0746.

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-
0746; 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 MCAI, any comments received, and other 
information. The 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, 
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation 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

[[Page 69139]]

part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12/47E airplanes with an MLG spring pack 
assembly part number (P/N) 532.34.12.101 installed. The NPRM published 
in the Federal Register on August 6, 2020 (85 FR 47712). The NPRM 
proposed to require removing MLG spring pack assembly P/N 532.34.12.101 
from service and replacing it with MLG spring pack assembly P/N 
532.34.12.120 and was based on MCAI originated by the European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the 
Member States of the European Community. EASA issued AD No. 2019-0032, 
dated February 15, 2019 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to 
correct the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI states:

    An occurrence was reported of an unlocked main landing gear 
(MLG) during landing of a PC-12/47E, equipped with electro-
mechanical landing gear. Subsequent investigation identified that 
the aeroplane was equipped with an affected part [spring pack 
assemblies having P/N 532.34.12.101], which had completely seized. 
Serviceable parts [spring pack assemblies having P/N 532.34.12.120] 
have a special surface treatment on the inner and outer tube, which 
would have prevented the seizure.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to failure of an 
MLG spring pack assembly, possibly resulting in inability to safely 
extend the MLG and consequent loss of control of the aeroplane after 
landing.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Pilatus issued the 
[service bulletin] SB to provide inspection and modification 
instructions.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
replacement of affected parts with serviceable parts, and prohibits 
(re)installation of affected parts.

    Forty-two airplanes were built that may have this version of the 
spring pack assembly installed. An improved spring pack assembly with a 
hard chrome plated inner tube was introduced in 2014. You may examine 
the MCAI on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0746.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. 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 this final rule as proposed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-12 Service Bulletin No. 
32-027, dated January 7, 2019. The service information contains 
procedures for inspecting the MLG spring pack assembly to determine the 
part number, removing and discarding any affected spring pack 
assemblies, and installing the improved design spring pack assemblies. 
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 29 products of U.S. 
registry. The FAA also estimates that it would take about 3 work-hours 
per product to comply with the replacement requirements of this AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost 
about $5,000 per product.
    Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $152,395, or $5,255 per product.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in this cost 
estimate.

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

    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:

2020-22-05 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-21301; Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0746; Project Identifier 2019-CE-012-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 7, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12/47E 
airplanes, serial numbers 1300 and 1451 through 1944 (except serial 
number 1720), certificated in any category, with a main landing gear 
(MLG) spring pack assembly part number (P/N) 532.34.12.101 
installed.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing 
Gear.

(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

[[Page 69140]]

describes the unsafe condition as seizing of an MLG spring pack 
assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the MLG 
spring pack assembly, which could result in the inability to extend 
the MLG with consequent loss of control of the airplane after 
landing.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    (1) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, remove 
from service MLG spring pack assembly P/N 532.34.12.101 and install 
MLG spring pack assembly P/N 532.34.12.120 by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions-Part A-Aircraft, section 3.B., in 
Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No. 32-027, dated January 7, 2019.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an MLG 
spring pack assembly P/N 532.34.12.101 on any airplane.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, International Validation 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 Doug Rudolph, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation 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, notify 
your appropriate principal inspector (PI), or lacking a PI, your 
local Flight Standards District Office.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to European Union Aviation Safety (EASA) Agency AD No. 
2019-0032, dated February 15, 2019, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2020-0746.

(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-12 Service Bulletin No. 32-027, dated January 7, 
2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. service information identified in 
this AD, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Technical Support 
(MCC), P.O. Box 992, CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +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/en.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (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 October 14, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-24048 Filed 10-30-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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