Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes, 66971-66974 [2022-23567]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 214 / Monday, November 7, 2022 / Proposed Rules 7. Amend § 120.470 by revising the introductory paragraph and paragraph (b) and by adding a paragraph (h) to read as follows: ■ § 120.470 What are SBA’s additional requirements for SBLCs? khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS In addition to complying with SBA’s requirements for SBA Lenders and SBA Supervised Lenders, an SBLC (including a Mission-Based SBLC) must meet the requirements contained in this regulation and the SBLC regulations that follow. * * * * * (b) * * * An SBLC must be a corporation (profit or nonprofit) or a limited liability company or limited partnership, except for a Mission-Based SBLC, which must be a nonprofit corporation. * * * * * (h) Mission-Based SBLCs. (1) A Mission-Based SBLC must make a certain percentage of the total number of its loans in an identified capital market gap. An entity applying to become a Mission-Based SBLC must identify in its business plan the capital market gap it will target and the percentage of its total loans it proposes to make in that market. The identified capital market gap may include a geographic area, startup businesses, business sector, demographic, or other underserved market. An identified capital market gap and the percentage of loans made in that market is accepted by SBA, in SBA’s sole discretion, based on whether SBA agrees there is a need in the targeted market and whether the applicant can meet that need. (2) SBA determines, in its sole discretion, a Mission-Based SBLC’s minimum acceptable lender capitalization, percentage of total loans that it will make in its identified capital market gap, maximum loan size, and geographic area of operation. SBA may make these determinations on the basis of the Mission-Based SBLC’s proposed lender capitalization, proposed identified capital market gap, Loan Loss Reserve Account, business plan, experience of staff, or lending history, among other things. ■ 8. Amend § 120.471 by adding paragraph (a)(4) to read as follows: § 120.471 What are the minimum capital requirements for SBLCs? (a) * * * (4) A Mission-Based SBLC must maintain a minimum amount of capital as determined at the discretion of the Administrator in consultation with SBA’s Associate Administrator for the Office of Capital Access (AA/OCA). The capital requirement will ensure VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Nov 04, 2022 Jkt 259001 sufficient risk protection for SBA and lenders while not burdening smaller lenders with large capital requirements. * * * * * ■ 9. Amend § 120.801 by revising the last sentence of paragraph (a) to read as follows: § 120.801 How a 504 Project is financed. issued by SBA. The portion of the processing fee paid by the Borrower may be reimbursed from the Debenture proceeds; * * * * * Isabella Casillas Guzman, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2022–23597 Filed 11–4–22; 8:45 am] (a) * * * SBA issues a loan number if it agrees to guarantee part of the funding for a Project. * * * * * ■ 10. Amend § 120.820 by adding paragraph (g) to read as follows: BILLING CODE 8026–09–P § 120.820 14 CFR Part 39 CDC Affiliation. * * * * * (g) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b), (c), and (e) of this section, a CDC may be affiliated with a Mission-Based SBLC. ■ 11. Amend § 120.842 by revising the last sentence of paragraph (b)(4) and paragraph (b)(5) to read as follows: § 120.842 ALP Express Loans. * * * * * (b) * * * (4) * * * If approved, SBA will notify the ALP CDC of the loan number assigned to the loan. (5) * * * After receiving notification of the loan number from SBA, the ALP CDC is responsible for properly undertaking all actions necessary to close the ALP Express Loan and Debenture in accordance with the expedited loan closing procedures applicable to a Priority CDC and with § 120.960, and in compliance with all applicable Loan Program Requirements. * * * * * 66971 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Docket No. FAA–2022–1404; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01044–A] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: 12. Amend § 120.921 by removing the last sentence in paragraph (a). ■ 13. Amend § 120.960 by revising paragraph (c)(1) to read as follows: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC–12/47E 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 corrosion of the actuator attachment lug areas underneath the anti-rotation pads of the main landing gear (MLG) and nose landing gear (NLG). This proposed AD would require replacing certain MLG and NLG electro-mechanical actuators. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. § 120.960 DATES: § 120.921 [Amended] ■ Responsibility for closing. * * * * * (c) * * * (1) The CDC has failed to comply materially with any Loan Program Requirement as defined in § 120.10; * * * * * ■ 14. Amend § 120.971 by revising paragraph (a)(1) to read as follows: § 120.971 Allowable fees paid by Borrower. (a) * * * (1) Processing fee. The CDC may charge up to 1.5 percent of the net Debenture proceeds to process the financing. Two-thirds of this fee will be considered earned and may be collected by the CDC when the loan number is PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 SUMMARY: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by December 22, 2022. 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 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. E:\FR\FM\07NOP1.SGM 07NOP1 66972 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 214 / Monday, November 7, 2022 / Proposed Rules AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1404; 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329–4059; 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–2022–1404; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01044–A’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any 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 regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Nov 04, 2022 Jkt 259001 placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106. 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 Union, has issued EASA AD 2022–0158, dated August 4, 2022 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition on certain serial-numbered Pilatus Model PC–12/ 47E airplanes. The MCAI was prompted by occurrences of corrosion on the MLG and NLG actuator attachment lugs, underneath the anti-rotation pads of Pilatus Model PC–12/47E airplanes. The MCAI states that investigations revealed that extending or retracting the affected landing gear results in fretting between the anti-rotation pads and the actuator attachment lugs. This decreases the effectivity of surface protection, allows corrosion to develop on the attachment lug areas underneath the anti-rotation pads, and leads to cracking and failure of the attachment lugs. This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of functionality of the MLG and NLG, which could result in damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants. The MCAI requires inspecting, and if required, replacing affected MLG and NLG electromechanical actuators with serviceable actuators and prohibits the installation of an affected actuator unless it has been reworked to become a serviceable actuator. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1404. FAA’s Determination These products have been approved by the aviation authority of another country and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information described above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 on other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would require replacing affected MLG and NLG actuators with serviceable actuators (either improved part number actuators or reworked (inspection and modification) actuators) and prohibits the installation of an affected actuator unless it has been reworked (inspection and modification) to become a serviceable actuator. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI The MCAI bases the compliance time for the replacement of affected MLG and NLG electro-mechanical actuators on the corrosion environment of the airplane. FAA regulations do not require operators to track operations in different environmental conditions and thus there is no way to determine whether an airplane is in the category of moderate to severe or mild corrosion environment. Therefore, this proposed AD would establish the compliance time for the replacement as within 3 months after the effective date of the final rule, regardless of the airplane’s operating environment. The MCAI and the proposed AD affect the same serial-numbered Model PC–12/ 47E airplanes, but the MCAI limits the requirement for replacement to certain serial-numbered PC–12/47E airplanes with an affected electro-mechanical landing gear installed and prohibits installation of the affected landing gear on all airplanes in the applicability. Pilatus has notified the FAA that all the airplanes in the applicability should be part of the proposed replacement requirements and installation prohibition. EASA is considering a revision to the MCAI based on this information. Because of this, the proposed AD would require the replacement on all serial-numbered Model PC–12/47E airplanes in the applicability of the proposed AD. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 440 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that the costs of one of the two actions below would be required to comply with this proposed AD: E:\FR\FM\07NOP1.SGM 07NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 214 / Monday, November 7, 2022 / Proposed Rules 66973 ESTIMATED COSTS Action Rework (inspection and modification) *. Replacement * ................... Labor cost Parts cost 5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $425. 3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255. Cost per product $1,245 (if needed) .................................. $4,750 (Actuator P/N 959.56.01.852, nose landing gear) and $11,100. (for 2 actuators—Actuator P/N 659.56.01.853, main landing gear). $1,670 (for rework of all three actuators). $16,105 (for replacement of all three actuators). Cost on U.S. operators $734,800 7,086,200 * Only the rework (inspection and modification) or the replacement would be required by this proposed AD. Both actions would not be required. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS 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: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Would 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, VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:33 Nov 04, 2022 Jkt 259001 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. FAA–2022– 1404; Project Identifier MCAI–2022– 01044–A. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by December 22, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC–12/47E airplanes, serial number (S/N) 1300 and S/Ns 1451 and higher, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3211, Main Landing Gear Attach Section; and JASC Code 3221, Nose/Tail Landing Gear Attach Section. (e) Unsafe Condition 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 corrosion leading to cracks on the actuator attachment lug areas underneath the anti-rotation pads of the main landing gear (MLG) and nose landing gear (NLG). The FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of functionality of the MLG and NLG, which could result in damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants. (f) Definitions For the purposes of this AD, the following definitions apply: (1) Affected parts are defined as MLG electro-mechanical actuators having part number (P/N) 959.56.01.823 or P/N PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 959.56.01.845 and NLG electro-mechanical actuators having P/N 959.56.01.824 or P/N 959.56.01.844. (2) Serviceable parts are defined as one of the following: (i) MLG electro-mechanical actuators having P/N 959.56.01.823 or P/N 959.56.01.845 and NLG electro-mechanical actuators having P/N 959.56.01.824 or P/N 959.56.01.844 that have been reworked (inspection and modification) in accordance with the instructions in Pilatus PC–12 Service Bulletin No. 32–030, dated June 27, 2022; and Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., Service Bulletin No. SB21–0001, dated March 31, 2022; or (ii) MLG electro-mechanical actuators having P/N 959.56.01.853 and NLG electromechanical actuators having P/N 959.56.01.852. (g) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (h) Actions (1) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, replace each affected part as defined in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD with a serviceable part as defined in either paragraph (f)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD. (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an affected part as defined in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD on any airplane unless it has been reworked (inspection and modification) and made a serviceable part as defined in paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this AD. (i) 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 § 39.19. In accordance with § 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 International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD or email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@ faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit information by email. (j) Additional Information (1) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022–0158, dated August 4, 2022, for related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2022–1404. E:\FR\FM\07NOP1.SGM 07NOP1 66974 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 214 / Monday, November 7, 2022 / Proposed Rules (2) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329–4059; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov. (3) For Pilatus and Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd. service information that is not incorporated by reference in this AD, contact Pilatus Aircraft Limited, Customer Support General Aviation, CH–6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7 365; email: techsupport.ch@pilatus-aircraft.com; website: pilatus-aircraft.com. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on October 25, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–23567 Filed 11–4–22; 8:45 am] Authority for This Rulemaking BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2022–1347; Airspace Docket No. 22–ASO–25] RIN 2120–AA66 Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; Morganton, NC Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to amend Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for Foothills Regional Airport, Morganton, NC, by updating the airport’s name and geographic coordinates. Additionally, the geographic coordinates of Fiddlers NDB would be updated. Also, Grace Hospital would be removed from the descriptor, as all instrument approaches into the hospital have been canceled. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area. DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 22, 2022. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to: the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001; Telephone: (800) 647–5527, or (202) 366–9826. You must identify the Docket No. FAA–2022–1347; Airspace Docket khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Nov 04, 2022 Jkt 259001 No. 22–ASO–25 at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. FAA Order JO 7400.11G Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ publications/. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; Telephone: (202) 267–8783. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Fornito, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; Telephone: (404) 305–6364. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority, as it would amend airspace in Morganton, NC, to support IFR operations in the area. Comments Invited Interested persons are invited to comment on this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers (Docket No. FAA– 2022–1347 and Airspace Docket No. 22– ASO–25) and be submitted in triplicate to DOT Docket Operations (see ADDRESSES section for the address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Persons wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA Docket No. FAA–2022–1347; Airspace Docket No. 22–ASO–25.’’ The postcard will be dated/time-stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received before the specified closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this document may be changed in light of the comments received. All comments submitted will be available for examination in the public docket both before and after the comment closing date. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Availability of NPRMs An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA’s web page at https:// www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/ airspace_amendments/. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office (see the ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. An informal docket may also be examined between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays, at the office of the Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, Room 350,1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337. Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference This document proposes to amend FAA Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 19, 2022, and effective September 15, 2022. FAA Order JO 7400.11G is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order JO 7400.11G lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting points. The Proposal The FAA proposes an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to amend Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for Foothills E:\FR\FM\07NOP1.SGM 07NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 214 (Monday, November 7, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66971-66974]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-23567]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1404; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01044-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-12/47E 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 corrosion of the 
actuator attachment lug areas underneath the anti-rotation pads of the 
main landing gear (MLG) and nose landing gear (NLG). This proposed AD 
would require replacing certain MLG and NLG electro-mechanical 
actuators. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by December 22, 2022.

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 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.

[[Page 66972]]

    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1404; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: 
(816) 329-4059; 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-2022-1404; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-01044-A'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any 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 
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, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft 
Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, MO 64106. 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 Union, has issued 
EASA AD 2022-0158, dated August 4, 2022 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on certain serial-
numbered Pilatus Model PC-12/47E airplanes.
    The MCAI was prompted by occurrences of corrosion on the MLG and 
NLG actuator attachment lugs, underneath the anti-rotation pads of 
Pilatus Model PC-12/47E airplanes. The MCAI states that investigations 
revealed that extending or retracting the affected landing gear results 
in fretting between the anti-rotation pads and the actuator attachment 
lugs. This decreases the effectivity of surface protection, allows 
corrosion to develop on the attachment lug areas underneath the anti-
rotation pads, and leads to cracking and failure of the attachment 
lugs.
    This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of 
functionality of the MLG and NLG, which could result in damage to the 
airplane and injury to the occupants. The MCAI requires inspecting, and 
if required, replacing affected MLG and NLG electro-mechanical 
actuators with serviceable actuators and prohibits the installation of 
an affected actuator unless it has been reworked to become a 
serviceable actuator.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1404.

FAA's Determination

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI and service information described above. The FAA is issuing 
this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require replacing affected MLG and NLG 
actuators with serviceable actuators (either improved part number 
actuators or reworked (inspection and modification) actuators) and 
prohibits the installation of an affected actuator unless it has been 
reworked (inspection and modification) to become a serviceable 
actuator.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI bases the compliance time for the replacement of affected 
MLG and NLG electro-mechanical actuators on the corrosion environment 
of the airplane. FAA regulations do not require operators to track 
operations in different environmental conditions and thus there is no 
way to determine whether an airplane is in the category of moderate to 
severe or mild corrosion environment. Therefore, this proposed AD would 
establish the compliance time for the replacement as within 3 months 
after the effective date of the final rule, regardless of the 
airplane's operating environment.
    The MCAI and the proposed AD affect the same serial-numbered Model 
PC-12/47E airplanes, but the MCAI limits the requirement for 
replacement to certain serial-numbered PC-12/47E airplanes with an 
affected electro-mechanical landing gear installed and prohibits 
installation of the affected landing gear on all airplanes in the 
applicability. Pilatus has notified the FAA that all the airplanes in 
the applicability should be part of the proposed replacement 
requirements and installation prohibition. EASA is considering a 
revision to the MCAI based on this information. Because of this, the 
proposed AD would require the replacement on all serial-numbered Model 
PC-12/47E airplanes in the applicability of the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 440 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates that the costs of one of the two actions below 
would be required to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 66973]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost           Parts cost        Cost per product      operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rework (inspection and             5 work-hours x $85   $1,245 (if needed).  $1,670 (for rework         $734,800
 modification) *.                   per hour = $425.                          of all three
                                                                              actuators).
Replacement *....................  3 work-hours x $85   $4,750 (Actuator P/  $16,105 (for              7,086,200
                                    per hour = $255.     N 959.56.01.852,     replacement of all
                                                         nose landing gear)   three actuators).
                                                         and $11,100.
                                                        (for 2 actuators--
                                                         Actuator P/N
                                                         659.56.01.853,
                                                         main landing gear).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Only the rework (inspection and modification) or the replacement would be required by this proposed AD. Both
  actions would not be required.

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:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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-2022-1404; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-01044-A.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by December 22, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12/47E 
airplanes, serial number (S/N) 1300 and S/Ns 1451 and higher, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3211, Main Landing 
Gear Attach Section; and JASC Code 3221, Nose/Tail Landing Gear 
Attach Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    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 corrosion 
leading to cracks on the actuator attachment lug areas underneath 
the anti-rotation pads of the main landing gear (MLG) and nose 
landing gear (NLG). The FAA is issuing this AD to address this 
condition. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
loss of functionality of the MLG and NLG, which could result in 
damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants.

(f) Definitions

    For the purposes of this AD, the following definitions apply:
    (1) Affected parts are defined as MLG electro-mechanical 
actuators having part number (P/N) 959.56.01.823 or P/N 
959.56.01.845 and NLG electro-mechanical actuators having P/N 
959.56.01.824 or P/N 959.56.01.844.
    (2) Serviceable parts are defined as one of the following:
    (i) MLG electro-mechanical actuators having P/N 959.56.01.823 or 
P/N 959.56.01.845 and NLG electro-mechanical actuators having P/N 
959.56.01.824 or P/N 959.56.01.844 that have been reworked 
(inspection and modification) in accordance with the instructions in 
Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No. 32-030, dated June 27, 2022; and 
Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., Service Bulletin No. SB21-0001, dated 
March 31, 2022; or
    (ii) MLG electro-mechanical actuators having P/N 959.56.01.853 
and NLG electro-mechanical actuators having P/N 959.56.01.852.

(g) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(h) Actions

    (1) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
each affected part as defined in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD with a 
serviceable part as defined in either paragraph (f)(2)(i) or (ii) of 
this AD.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an 
affected part as defined in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD on any 
airplane unless it has been reworked (inspection and modification) 
and made a serviceable part as defined in paragraph (f)(2)(i) of 
this AD.

(i) 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 Sec.  39.19. In accordance with Sec.  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 International Validation Branch, mail 
it to the address identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD or email 
to: [email protected]. If mailing information, also submit 
information by email.

(j) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2022-0158, dated August 4, 2022, for related information. This EASA 
AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. 
FAA-2022-1404.

[[Page 66974]]

    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation 
Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 
329-4059; email: [email protected].
    (3) For Pilatus and Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd. service information 
that is not incorporated by reference in this AD, contact Pilatus 
Aircraft Limited, Customer Support General Aviation, CH-6371 Stans, 
Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7 365; email: aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com; website: pilatus-aircraft.com.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on October 25, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-23567 Filed 11-4-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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