Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes, 10736-10738 [2021-03494]
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<![CDATA[
10736
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 34 / Tuesday, February 23, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(4) For Airbus SAS service information,
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—
EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2,
31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33
5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; internet
https://www.airbus.com.
(5) You may view this material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195. This material may be found
in the AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0900.
(6) You may view this material 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 January 14, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–03569 Filed 2–22–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0885; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–00997–A; Amendment
39–21424; AD 2021–04–03]
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 certain
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC–
24 airplanes. 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
identifies the unsafe condition as
improperly manufactured cockpit and
cabin evaporator filters installed during
production on some PC–24 airplanes.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 30,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 30, 2021.
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
21:28 Feb 22, 2021
Jkt 253001
For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH–6371 Stans,
Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7 365;
email: techsupport.ch@pilatusaircraft.com; website: 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–
4148. It is also available at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0885.
ADDRESSES:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket 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
final rule, 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, Aviation Safety
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; phone:
(816) 329–4059; fax: (816) 329–4090;
email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to Pilatus Model PC–24 airplanes
with certain part-numbered evaporator
filter assemblies installed. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
November 23, 2020 (85 FR 74627). The
NPRM 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 Union. EASA has
issued EASA AD No. 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
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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.
The MCAI can be found in the AD
docket at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0885.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on
the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data
and determined that air safety requires
adopting this AD as proposed.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products. This AD is adopted as
proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC–24
Service Bulletin No. 21–006, dated
April 3, 2020. This service information
specifies procedures 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 ADDRESSES.
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI
This AD applies 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. This 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
AD becomes effective. This AD also
applies 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,
E:\FR\FM\23FER1.SGM
23FER1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 34 / Tuesday, February 23, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
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 will
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 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 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 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
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 that 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.
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
10737
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 30, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
Model 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 1 to paragraph (c): 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
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2021–04–03 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.:
Amendment 39–21424; Docket No.
FAA–2020–0885; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–00997–A.
(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.
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (f)(1)—EVAPORATOR FILTER ASSEMBLIES
Item
Remove filter P/N
Cockpit filter assembly .......................................
Cabin front filter assembly ..................................
Cabin bottom filter assembly ..............................
Cabin top filter assembly ....................................
(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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
21:28 Feb 22, 2021
Jkt 253001
P/N
P/N
P/N
P/N
959.90.20.291
959.90.20.290
959.90.20.288
959.90.20.289
or
or
or
or
Replace with filter P/N
PC24EC–6068–1
PC24EC–6287–1
PC24EC–6288–1
PC24EC–6297–1
.........
.........
.........
.........
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, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 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@
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
P/N
P/N
P/N
P/N
959.90.20.303
959.90.20.304
959.90.20.305
959.90.20.306
or
or
or
or
PC24EC–6068–5.
PC24EC–6287–5.
PC24EC–6288–5.
PC24EC–6297–5.
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
E:\FR\FM\23FER1.SGM
23FER1
10738
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 34 / Tuesday, February 23, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
July 16, 2020, for more information. You may
examine the EASA AD at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0885.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference 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–24 Service Bulletin No. 21–
006, dated April 3, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. service
information identified in this AD, contact
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH–6371 Stans,
Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7 365; email:
techsupport.ch@pilatus-aircraft.com;
website: https://www.pilatus-aircraft.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 February 1, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–03494 Filed 2–22–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0976; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–095–AD; Amendment
39–21423; AD 2021–04–02]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault
Aviation Airplanes
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020–04–
22, which applied to certain Dassault
Aviation Model FALCON 2000EX
airplanes. AD 2020–04–22 required
revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations. This AD
VerDate Sep<11>2014
21:28 Feb 22, 2021
Jkt 253001
This AD is effective March 30,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 30, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain other publication listed in
this AD as of May 4, 2020 (85 FR 17487,
March 30, 2020).
DATES:
For EASA material
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000;
email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
IBR material on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Dassault
Aviation service information identified
in this final rule, contact Dassault
Falcon Jet Corporation, Teterboro
Airport, P.O. Box 2000, South
Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone 201–
440–6700; internet https://
www.dassaultfalcon.com. You may
view this IBR material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available in the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0976.
ADDRESSES:
Examining the AD Docket
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY:
continues to require the actions in AD
2020–04–22 and also requires revising
the existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate
additional new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations, as specified
in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is
incorporated by reference. This AD was
prompted by a determination that new
or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0976; 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
Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3226; email
tom.rodriguez@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2020–0114, dated May 20, 2020 (EASA
AD 2020–0114) (also referred to as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition all Dassault Aviation
Model FALCON 2000EX airplanes.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2020–04–22,
Amendment 39–19858 (85 FR 17487,
March 30, 2020) (AD 2020–04–22). AD
2020–04–22 applied to certain Dassault
Aviation Model FALCON 2000EX
airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on November 3, 2020
(85 FR 69522). The NPRM was
prompted by a determination that new
or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. The NPRM
proposed to continue to require the
actions in AD 2020–04–22 and also
require revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate additional
new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations, as specified in EASA AD
2020–0114.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
reduced structural integrity of the
airplane. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
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, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has
determined that these minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
E:\FR\FM\23FER1.SGM
23FER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 23, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10736-10738]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03494]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0885; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00997-A;
Amendment 39-21424; AD 2021-04-03]
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
certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-24 airplanes. 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 identifies
the unsafe condition as improperly manufactured cockpit and cabin
evaporator filters installed during production on some PC-24 airplanes.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 30, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 30,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41
848 24 7 365; email: aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com; website:
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) 329-4148.
It is also available 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 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 final rule, 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, Aviation Safety
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; phone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Pilatus Model PC-24
airplanes with certain part-numbered evaporator filter assemblies
installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 23,
2020 (85 FR 74627). The NPRM 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 Union. EASA has issued EASA
AD No. 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.
The MCAI can be found in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0885.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC-24 Service Bulletin No. 21-006, dated
April 3, 2020. This service information specifies procedures 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 ADDRESSES.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
This AD applies 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. This 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 AD becomes effective. This
AD also applies 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,
[[Page 10737]]
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 will 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 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 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 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
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 that 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.
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:
2021-04-03 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-21424; Docket No.
FAA-2020-0885; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00997-A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 30, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model 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 1 to paragraph (c): 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.
Table 1 to Paragraph (f)(1)--Evaporator Filter Assemblies
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace with filter
Item Remove filter P/N P/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cockpit filter assembly..... P/N 959.90.20.291 or P/N 959.90.20.303 or
PC24EC-6068-1. PC24EC-6068-5.
Cabin front filter assembly. P/N 959.90.20.290 or P/N 959.90.20.304 or
PC24EC-6287-1. PC24EC-6287-5.
Cabin bottom filter assembly P/N 959.90.20.288 or P/N 959.90.20.305 or
PC24EC-6288-1. PC24EC-6288-5.
Cabin top filter assembly... P/N 959.90.20.289 or P/N 959.90.20.306 or
PC24EC-6297-1. PC24EC-6297-5.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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 Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation
Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; phone:
(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
[[Page 10738]]
July 16, 2020, for more information. You may examine the EASA AD at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2020-0885.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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-24 Service Bulletin No. 21-006, dated April 3,
2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. service information identified in
this AD, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland;
phone: +41 848 24 7 365; email: aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com;
website: https://www.pilatus-aircraft.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: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on February 1, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03494 Filed 2-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
