Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes, 74627-74630 [2020-25545]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 226 / Monday, November 23, 2020 / Proposed Rules (i) If cargo operations or external-load operations are requested, tests must show, throughout the flight envelope and with the cargo or external-load at the most critical combinations of weight and center of gravity, that— (1) the UA is safely controllable and maneuverable; and (2) the cargo or external-load are retainable and transportable. UAS.305 Probable Failures The UAS must be designed such that a probable failure will not result in a loss of containment or control of the UA. This must be demonstrated by test. (a) Probable failures related to the following equipment, at a minimum, must be addressed. (1) Propulsion systems; (2) C2 link; (3) Global Positioning System (GPS); (4) Critical flight control components with a single point of failure; (5) Control station; and (6) Any other equipment identified by the applicant. (b) Any UAS used for testing must be operated in accordance with the UAS Flight Manual. (c) Each test must occur at the critical phase and mode of flight, and at the highest aircraft-to-pilot ratio. UAS.310 Capabilities and Functions (a) All of the following required UAS capabilities and functions must be demonstrated by test: (1) Capability to regain command and control of the UA after the C2 link has been lost. (2) Capability of the electrical system to power all UA systems and payloads. (3) Ability for the pilot to safely discontinue the flight. (4) Ability for the pilot to dynamically re-route the UA. (5) Ability to safely abort a takeoff. (6) Ability to safely abort a landing and initiate a go-around. (b) The following UAS capabilities and functions, if requested for approval, must be demonstrated by test: (1) Continued flight after degradation of the propulsion system. (2) Geo-fencing that contains the UA within a designated area, in all operating conditions. (3) Positive transfer of the UA between control stations that ensures only one control station can control the UA at a time. (4) Capability to release an external cargo load to prevent loss of control of the UA. (5) Capability to detect and avoid other aircraft and obstacles. (c) The UAS must be designed to safeguard against inadvertent VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:27 Nov 20, 2020 Jkt 253001 discontinuation of the flight and inadvertent release of cargo or externalload. 74627 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12 140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH–6371 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 848 24 7 365; email: techsupport.ch@pilatus-aircraft.com; internet: https://www.pilatusaircraft.com/. You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 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– 0885. Federal Aviation Administration Examining the AD Docket UAS.315 Fatigue The structure of the UA must be shown to be able to withstand the repeated loads expected during its service life without failure. A life limit for the airframe must be established, demonstrated by test, and included in the ICA. UAS.320 Verification of Limits The performance, maneuverability, stability, and control of the UA within the flight envelope described in the UAS Flight Manual must be demonstrated at a minimum of 5% over maximum gross weight with no loss of control or loss of flight. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 16, 2020. Patrick R. Mullen, Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–25659 Filed 11–20–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0885; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00997–A] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC–24 airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as improperly manufactured cockpit and cabin evaporator filters installed during production on some PC–24 airplanes. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 7, 2021. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0885; 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 NPRM, the MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. 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: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2020–0885; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00997–A’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any E:\FR\FM\23NOP1.SGM 23NOP1 74628 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 226 / Monday, November 23, 2020 / Proposed Rules recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. Confidential Business Information CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent 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. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD 2020–0160, dated July 16, 2020 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to address the unsafe condition on Pilatus Model PC–24 airplanes. The MCAI states: An occurrence was reported where, during production, cockpit and cabin evaporator filters were installed on some PC–24 aeroplanes, which were not the proper parts for the affected configuration. This condition, if not corrected, could degrade the fire retardant properties of the filters, possibly resulting in an increase in VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:27 Nov 20, 2020 Jkt 253001 smoke in the cockpit/cabin in case of electrical heater over-temperature. To address this potential unsafe condition, Pilatus issued the [service bulletin] SB to provide replacement instructions. For the reason described above, this AD requires replacement of affected parts with serviceable parts, as defined in this [EASA] AD, and prohibits (re) installation of affected parts. Due to a quality escape, the fire retardant used in the original filters installed in production is not sufficient for the conditions in this configuration, which is close to the heater and blowers. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0885. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC–24 Service Bulletin No. 21–006, dated April 3, 2020. The service information specifies procedures to replace the cockpit and cabin evaporator filters with new filters contained in a modification kit. 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. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD because the FAA determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI This proposed AD would apply to airplanes with a defective filter installed, whereas the EASA AD applies to airplanes that do not have the modification kit, which was installed in production. The proposed AD identifies the individual part numbers (P/Ns) of the defective filters to address any airplanes that may have had a modification kit filter replaced with a defective filter in the field before this proposed AD becomes effective. The proposed AD would also apply to airplanes with a filter where the P/N is PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 unknown. Pilatus advises that the defective filters can only be identified by their packing documents, as they do not have a permanent P/N marked on the actual part. The new filters in the modification kit do have a permanent marking on the frame of the actual part. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 36 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA also estimates that it would take 2.5 workhours per product to comply with the requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $575 per product, if all 4 filters would need to be replaced. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $28,350, or $787.50 per product. The FAA has included all costs in this cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators. 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 proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: E:\FR\FM\23NOP1.SGM 23NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 226 / Monday, November 23, 2020 / Proposed Rules List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:27 Nov 20, 2020 Jkt 253001 § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. FAA–2020– 0885; Project Identifier MCAI–2020– 00997–A. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by January 7, 2021. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–24 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, with any of the following evaporator filter assemblies installed, or if the part number (P/N) of the evaporator filter assembly is unknown: (1) Cockpit filter assembly P/N 959.90.20.291 (PC24EC–6068–1); (2) Cabin front filter assembly P/N 959.90.20.290 (PC24EC–6287–1); (3) Cabin bottom filter assembly P/N 959.90.20.288 (PC24EC–6288–1); or (4) Cabin top filter assembly P/N 959.90.20.289 (PC24EC–6297–1). PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Note: The P/N in parenthesis is an alternative vendor P/N. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2100, AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a reported occurrence where, during production, cockpit and cabin evaporator filters produced with degraded fire retardant properties were installed on some Model PC–24 airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect improper cockpit and cabin evaporator filters installed on Model PC–24 airplanes. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in filters with degraded fire retardant properties, resulting in smoke in the cockpit and cabin in the event of electrical heater over-temperature. (f) Actions and Compliance (1) Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, unless already done, remove each filter assembly from service and replace with a filter assembly as specified in table 1 to paragraph (f)(1) of this AD by following the Accomplishment Instructions, sections 3A. through 3C., of Pilatus PC–24 Service Bulletin No. 21–006, dated April 3, 2020. E:\FR\FM\23NOP1.SGM 23NOP1 EP23NO20.000</GPH> (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. 74629 74630 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 226 / Monday, November 23, 2020 / Proposed Rules (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an evaporator filter assembly with a P/N listed in paragraph (c) of this AD on any airplane. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 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 ATTN: 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, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (h) Related Information Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2020–0160, dated July 16, 2020, 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 it in Docket No. FAA–2020–0885. For service information identified in this AD, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH–6371 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 848 24 7 365; email: techsupport.ch@ pilatus-aircraft.com; internet: https:// www.pilatus-aircraft.com/. You may review 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. Issued on November 13, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–25545 Filed 11–20–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 15 CFR Part 922 [Docket No. 201118–0306] Reopening of Public Comment Period for the Regulatory Impact Review on the Proposed Expansion of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Proposed rule; reopening of public comment period. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:42 Nov 20, 2020 Jkt 253001 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is providing the public with an opportunity to comment on NOAA’s Regulatory Impact Review (RIR), a supporting document to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the expansion of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS). While NOAA summarized the RIR in the proposed rule for this action, due to an oversight, the RIR was not included as a supporting document when the NPRM was published. The comment period for the NPRM that was published on May 1, 2020 closed on July 3, 2020. With this notice, NOAA will only accept comments on the RIR, and any other comments on the proposed expansion will not be considered. DATES: Send comments on or before December 8, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA– NOS–2019–0033, by: • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NOS-20190033, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA. Comments received electronically, including all attachments, must not exceed a 25megabyte file size. Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word or Excel or Adobe PDF file formats only. All comments received are part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George P. Schmahl, Superintendent, Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, 4700 Avenue U, Building 216, Galveston, Texas, at 409–356–0383, or fgbexpansion@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Background On May 1, 2020, NOAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking to expand Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (85 FR 25359). The purpose of the proposed action is to PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 expand the sanctuary to include portions of 14 additional reefs and banks in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, representing a 104 square mile increase in area. The existing FGBNMS regulations would be applied to the expanded locations. The proposed rule allowed for a 60-day public comment period, which ended on July 3, 2020. On November 13, 2020, NOAA discovered that, due to an oversight, the Regulatory Impact Review (RIR) for the proposed rule was not posted for public comment with the rule. The RIR was subsequently posted on regulations.gov on November 16, 2020. The RIR, which was prepared by BOEM in consultation with NOAA in accordance with Executive Order 13795—Implementing an America First Offshore Energy Strategy, analyzed the impact of the proposed sanctuary expansion on offshore energy resources in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. The RIR clarifies the extent of oil and gas development potential within the proposed sanctuary boundaries and supports the assessment that NOAA’s proposed action would not have a significant negative economic impact on Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas development in the Gulf of Mexico. To allow the public the opportunity to meaningfully comment on the RIR, NOAA is reopening the comment period for 15 days. Any new comments should be limited to the RIR’s content, and any new comments not related to the RIR will not be considered. John Armor Director, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. 2020–25838 Filed 11–20–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–NK–P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT 24 CFR Parts 201, 203, and 206 [Docket No. FR–6084–P–01] RIN 2502–AJ43 Acceptance of Private Flood Insurance for FHA-Insured Mortgages Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing Commissioner, HUD. ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: This proposed rule would amend Federal Housing Administration (FHA) regulations to allow mortgagors the option to purchase private flood insurance on FHA-insured mortgages for SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\23NOP1.SGM 23NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 226 (Monday, November 23, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 74627-74630]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-25545]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0885; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00997-A]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-24 airplanes. This 
proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
(MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to 
identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The 
MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as improperly manufactured cockpit 
and cabin evaporator filters installed during production on some PC-24 
airplanes. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 7, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12 140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     For service information identified in this NPRM, contact 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 848 
24 7 365; email: aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.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, MO 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-2020-0885.

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-
0885; 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 NPRM, the MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0885; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2020-00997-A'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any

[[Page 74628]]

recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposal 
because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent 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]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which 
is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public 
docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2020-0160, dated July 16, 2020 (referred to after this 
as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on Pilatus Model PC-
24 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An occurrence was reported where, during production, cockpit and 
cabin evaporator filters were installed on some PC-24 aeroplanes, 
which were not the proper parts for the affected configuration.
    This condition, if not corrected, could degrade the fire 
retardant properties of the filters, possibly resulting in an 
increase in smoke in the cockpit/cabin in case of electrical heater 
over-temperature.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Pilatus issued the 
[service bulletin] SB to provide replacement instructions.
    For the reason described above, this AD requires replacement of 
affected parts with serviceable parts, as defined in this [EASA] AD, 
and prohibits (re) installation of affected parts.

    Due to a quality escape, the fire retardant used in the original 
filters installed in production is not sufficient for the conditions in 
this configuration, which is close to the heater and blowers.
    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0885.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC-24 Service Bulletin No. 21-006, dated 
April 3, 2020. The service information specifies procedures to replace 
the cockpit and cabin evaporator filters with new filters contained in 
a modification kit. 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it has 
notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD 
because the FAA determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI

    This proposed AD would apply to airplanes with a defective filter 
installed, whereas the EASA AD applies to airplanes that do not have 
the modification kit, which was installed in production. The proposed 
AD identifies the individual part numbers (P/Ns) of the defective 
filters to address any airplanes that may have had a modification kit 
filter replaced with a defective filter in the field before this 
proposed AD becomes effective. The proposed AD would also apply to 
airplanes with a filter where the P/N is unknown. Pilatus advises that 
the defective filters can only be identified by their packing 
documents, as they do not have a permanent P/N marked on the actual 
part. The new filters in the modification kit do have a permanent 
marking on the frame of the actual part.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 36 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA also estimates that it 
would take 2.5 work-hours per product to comply with the requirements 
of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. 
Required parts would cost about $575 per product, if all 4 filters 
would need to be replaced.
    Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of this proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $28,350, or $787.50 per product.
    The FAA has included all costs in this cost estimate. According to 
the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
operators.

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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:

[[Page 74629]]

    (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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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:

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. FAA-2020-0885; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2020-00997-A.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by January 7, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-24 airplanes, all 
serial numbers, certificated in any category, with any of the 
following evaporator filter assemblies installed, or if the part 
number (P/N) of the evaporator filter assembly is unknown:
    (1) Cockpit filter assembly P/N 959.90.20.291 (PC24EC-6068-1);
    (2) Cabin front filter assembly P/N 959.90.20.290 (PC24EC-6287-
1);
    (3) Cabin bottom filter assembly P/N 959.90.20.288 (PC24EC-6288-
1); or
    (4) Cabin top filter assembly P/N 959.90.20.289 (PC24EC-6297-1).

    Note:  The P/N in parenthesis is an alternative vendor P/N.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2100, AIR 
CONDITIONING SYSTEM.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a reported occurrence where, during 
production, cockpit and cabin evaporator filters produced with 
degraded fire retardant properties were installed on some Model PC-
24 airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect improper cockpit 
and cabin evaporator filters installed on Model PC-24 airplanes. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in filters with 
degraded fire retardant properties, resulting in smoke in the 
cockpit and cabin in the event of electrical heater over-
temperature.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    (1) Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, unless 
already done, remove each filter assembly from service and replace 
with a filter assembly as specified in table 1 to paragraph (f)(1) 
of this AD by following the Accomplishment Instructions, sections 
3A. through 3C., of Pilatus PC-24 Service Bulletin No. 21-006, dated 
April 3, 2020.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP23NO20.000


[[Page 74630]]


    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an 
evaporator filter assembly with a P/N listed in paragraph (c) of 
this AD on any airplane.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
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 ATTN: 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, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 
2020-0160, dated July 16, 2020, 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 it in Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0885. For service information identified in this AD, 
contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; 
telephone: +41 848 24 7 365; email: aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com; internet: https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/. You may 
review 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.

    Issued on November 13, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-25545 Filed 11-20-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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