Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes, 21543-21546 [2023-07539]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2023 / Proposed Rules (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, if any service information contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (k) Additional Information SUMMARY: For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206–231–3229; email vladimir.ulyanov@ faa.gov. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022–0190, dated September 14, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2022–0190, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this service information 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. (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 fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued on April 5, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–07531 Filed 4–10–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:47 Apr 10, 2023 Jkt 259001 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2023–0667; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00735–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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022–19–03, which applies to all Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC–12, PC– 12/45, PC–12/47, and PC–12/47E airplanes. AD 2022–19–03 requires incorporating new revisions to the airworthiness limitation section (ALS) of the existing airplane maintenance manual (AMM) or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) to establish a 5-year life limit for certain main landing gear (MLG) actuator bottom attachment bolts and new life limits for the rudder bellcrank. Since the FAA issued AD 2022–19–03, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the ALS section of the existing AMM or ICA for your airplane, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by May 26, 2023. 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. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–0667; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 21543 Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For material that is proposed for IBR in this NPRM, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. • 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 (817) 222–5110. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 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–2023–0667; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00735–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 the 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 E:\FR\FM\11APP1.SGM 11APP1 21544 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2023 / Proposed Rules 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, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 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. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 Background The FAA issued AD 2022–19–03, Amendment 39–22172 (87 FR 57809, September 22, 2022), (AD 2022–19–03), for all Pilatus Model PC–12, PC–12/45, PC–12/47, and PC–12/47E airplanes. AD 2022–19–03 was prompted by MCAI originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2021–0214, dated September 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0214). The unsafe condition in EASA AD 2021–0214 is failure of MLG actuator bottom attachment bolts and failure to accomplish a new life limit for the rudder bellcrank. This prompted the FAA to issue AD 2022–19–03. AD 2022–19–03 requires incorporating new revisions to the ALS of the existing AMM or ICA to establish a 5-year life limit for certain MLG actuator bottom attachment bolts and new life limits for the rudder bellcrank. The FAA issued AD 2022–19–03 to prevent MLG collapse during all phases of airplane operations, including takeoff and landing and also to prevent rudder bellcrank failure, which could lead to loss of airplane control. Actions Since AD 2022–19–03 Was Issued Since the FAA issued AD 2022–19– 03, EASA superseded EASA AD 2021– 0214 and issued EASA AD 2022–0103, dated June 9, 2022 (EASA AD 2022– 0103) (referred to after this as the MCAI), for all Pilatus Model PC–12, PC– 12/45, PC–12/47, and PC–12/47E airplanes. The MCAI states that new or more restrictive tasks and limitations have been developed. These new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations include repetitive inspections for cracks in the lower main VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:47 Apr 10, 2023 Jkt 259001 spar connection of the horizontal stabilizer. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of certain parts, which could result in loss of airplane control. Additionally, the actions required to address the unsafe condition in AD 2022–19–03 are included in ‘‘the applicable ALS,’’ as defined in EASA AD 2022–0103. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2023–0667. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 EASA AD 2022–0103 requires certain actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits and maintenance tasks. EASA AD 2022– 0103 also requires doing corrective actions if any discrepancy (as defined in the applicable ALS) is found during accomplishment of any task required by paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022–0103 and revising the approved aircraft maintenance program (AMP) by incorporating the limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and intervals described in ‘‘the applicable ALS’’ as defined in EASA AD 2022–0103. This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES. 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 the State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI described above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would retain none of the requirements of AD 2022–19–03. This proposed AD would require revising the ALS of the existing AMM or ICA for your airplane as specified in EASA AD 2022–0103, described previously, except as discussed under ‘‘Differences Between this Proposed AD and EASA AD 2022–0103.’’ The owner/ operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may revise the ALS of the existing AMM or ICA for your airplane, and performance of this incorporation must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. Explanation of Required Compliance Information In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2022–0103 by reference in the FAA final rule. Service information required by the EASA AD for compliance will be available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2023–0667 after the FAA final rule is published. Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2022–0103 Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022–0103 requires corrective actions in accordance with the applicable Pilatus maintenance documentation or contacting Pilatus for approved instructions and accomplishing those instructions accordingly. Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022–0103 requires revising the approved AMP. Paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022–0103 provides credit for performing actions in accordance with previous revisions of the Pilatus AMM. Paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2022–0103 explains that after revision of the approved AMP, it is not necessary to record accomplishment of individual actions for demonstration of AD compliance. This proposed AD would not require compliance with paragraphs (2) through (5) of EASA AD 2022–0103. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 1,030 airplanes of U.S. registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates that revising the ALS of the existing AMM or ICA for your airplane would require about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost on U.S. operators of $87,550 or $85 per airplane. 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. E:\FR\FM\11APP1.SGM 11APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2023 / Proposed Rules 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. (a) Comments Due Date Regulatory Findings Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 0500, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. 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 that the 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: ■ a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2022–19–03, Amendment 39–22172 (87 FR 57809, September 22, 2022); and ■ b. Adding the following new AD: ■ Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. FAA–2023– 0667; Project Identifier MCAI–2022– 00735–A. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:47 Apr 10, 2023 Jkt 259001 The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by May 26, 2023. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2022–19–03, Amendment 39–22172 (87 FR 57809, September 22, 2022); (AD 2022–19–03). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC–12, PC–12/45, PC–12/47, and PC– 12/47E airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. (d) Subject (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 states that failure to revise the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) by introducing new and more restrictive instructions and maintenance tasks as specified in the component limitations section, which includes repetitive inspections for cracks in the lower main spar connection of the horizontal stabilizer, could result in an unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of certain parts, which could result in loss of airplane control. 21545 (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD or email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@ faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit information by email. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (2) Global AMOC AIR–730–22–357, dated September 28, 2022, and Global AMOC AIR– 730–23–054 R1, dated February 10, 2023, were approved as AMOCs for the requirements for AD 2022–19–03, and are approved as AMOCs for the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. Other AMOCs previously issued for the requirements of AD 2022–19–03 are not approved as an AMOC for the requirements of this AD. (j) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329–4059; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov. (f) Compliance (k) Material Incorporated by Reference Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2022–0103, dated June 9, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2022–0103, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) 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 (817) 222–5110. (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: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. (g) Required Actions (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, revise the ALS of the existing AMM or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for your airplane by incorporating the requirements specified in paragraph (1) of European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2022–0103, dated June 9, 2022 (EASA AD 2022–0103). (2) The actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be performed by the owner/ operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. (h) Provisions for Alternative Requirements (Airworthiness Limitations) After the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD have been done, no alternative requirements (airworthiness limitations) are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the ‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD 2022– 0103. PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\11APP1.SGM 11APP1 21546 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2023 / Proposed Rules Issued on April 5, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–07539 Filed 4–10–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 Docket No. FAA–2023–0534; Airspace Docket No. 21–AWP–52 RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment of V–388 Near Paradise, CA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to amend the Very High Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway V–388 between the Paradise, CA, VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) and the Palm Springs, CA, VORTAC navigational aids. The FAA is proposing this action to extend V–388 westward to the Seal Beach, CA, VORTAC. DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 26, 2023. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. [FAA–2023–0534] and Airspace Docket No. 21–AWP–52 using any of the following methods: * Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. * Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12–140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590–0001. * Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. * Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493–2251. Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:47 Apr 10, 2023 Jkt 259001 FAA Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ publications/. You may also contact the Rules and Regulations Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Roff, Rules and Regulations Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for This Rulemaking 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 the 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 modify the airway structure as necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the National Airspace System. Comments Invited The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should submit only one time if comments are filed electronically, or commenters should send only one copy of written comments if comments are filed in writing. The FAA will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, the FAA will consider all comments it receives on or before the PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light of the comments it receives. Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL– 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. Availability of Rulemaking Documents An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the internet at www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA’s web page at 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 Operations office (see ADDRESSES section for address, phone number, and hours of operations). An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at the office of the Western Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198. Incorporation by Reference VOR Federal Airways are published in paragraph 6010 of FAA Order JO 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 on an annual basis. This document proposes to amend the current version of that order, FAA Order JO 7400.11G, dated August 19, 2022 and effective September 15, 2022. These updates would be published in the next update to FAA Order JO 7400.11. That order 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. Background FAA proposes to extend V–388 westward from the Paradise VORTAC to the Seal Beach VORTAC following the standard route to enhance safety. The standard routing used by air traffic control (ATC) and issued to aircraft flying between the Paradise VORTAC and the Seal Beach VORTAC is from the Paradise VORTAC northwest along the E:\FR\FM\11APP1.SGM 11APP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 11, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21543-21546]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07539]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0667; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00735-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2022-19-03, which applies to all Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model 
PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes. AD 2022-19-03 
requires incorporating new revisions to the airworthiness limitation 
section (ALS) of the existing airplane maintenance manual (AMM) or 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) to establish a 5-year 
life limit for certain main landing gear (MLG) actuator bottom 
attachment bolts and new life limits for the rudder bellcrank. Since 
the FAA issued AD 2022-19-03, the FAA has determined that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD 
would require revising the ALS section of the existing AMM or ICA for 
your airplane, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The 
FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by May 26, 2023.

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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0667; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For material that is proposed for IBR in this NPRM, 
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: 
+49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. 
You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
     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 (817) 222-5110.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA, 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-2023-0667; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-00735-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 
the 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

[[Page 21544]]

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, General Aviation & 
Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 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 FAA issued AD 2022-19-03, Amendment 39-22172 (87 FR 57809, 
September 22, 2022), (AD 2022-19-03), for all Pilatus Model PC-12, PC-
12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes. AD 2022-19-03 was prompted by 
MCAI originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2021-0214, dated September 
17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0214). The unsafe condition in EASA AD 2021-0214 
is failure of MLG actuator bottom attachment bolts and failure to 
accomplish a new life limit for the rudder bellcrank. This prompted the 
FAA to issue AD 2022-19-03.
    AD 2022-19-03 requires incorporating new revisions to the ALS of 
the existing AMM or ICA to establish a 5-year life limit for certain 
MLG actuator bottom attachment bolts and new life limits for the rudder 
bellcrank. The FAA issued AD 2022-19-03 to prevent MLG collapse during 
all phases of airplane operations, including take-off and landing and 
also to prevent rudder bellcrank failure, which could lead to loss of 
airplane control.

Actions Since AD 2022-19-03 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2022-19-03, EASA superseded EASA AD 2021-
0214 and issued EASA AD 2022-0103, dated June 9, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-
0103) (referred to after this as the MCAI), for all Pilatus Model PC-
12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes. The MCAI states that 
new or more restrictive tasks and limitations have been developed. 
These new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations include 
repetitive inspections for cracks in the lower main spar connection of 
the horizontal stabilizer. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
failure of certain parts, which could result in loss of airplane 
control. Additionally, the actions required to address the unsafe 
condition in AD 2022-19-03 are included in ``the applicable ALS,'' as 
defined in EASA AD 2022-0103. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket 
at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0667.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2022-0103 requires certain actions and associated 
thresholds and intervals, including life limits and maintenance tasks. 
EASA AD 2022-0103 also requires doing corrective actions if any 
discrepancy (as defined in the applicable ALS) is found during 
accomplishment of any task required by paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-
0103 and revising the approved aircraft maintenance program (AMP) by 
incorporating the limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and 
intervals described in ``the applicable ALS'' as defined in EASA AD 
2022-0103. This material is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in ADDRESSES.

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 the State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI described above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after 
determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to 
exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain none of the requirements of AD 2022-
19-03. This proposed AD would require revising the ALS of the existing 
AMM or ICA for your airplane as specified in EASA AD 2022-0103, 
described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between 
this Proposed AD and EASA AD 2022-0103.'' The owner/operator (pilot) 
holding at least a private pilot certificate may revise the ALS of the 
existing AMM or ICA for your airplane, and performance of this 
incorporation must be entered into the aircraft records showing 
compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation 
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance 
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been 
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the 
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2022-0103 by reference in the FAA 
final rule. Service information required by the EASA AD for compliance 
will be available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0667 after the FAA final rule is published.

Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2022-0103

    Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0103 requires corrective actions in 
accordance with the applicable Pilatus maintenance documentation or 
contacting Pilatus for approved instructions and accomplishing those 
instructions accordingly. Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0103 requires 
revising the approved AMP. Paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0103 provides 
credit for performing actions in accordance with previous revisions of 
the Pilatus AMM. Paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2022-0103 explains that after 
revision of the approved AMP, it is not necessary to record 
accomplishment of individual actions for demonstration of AD 
compliance. This proposed AD would not require compliance with 
paragraphs (2) through (5) of EASA AD 2022-0103.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 1,030 airplanes of U.S. registry. Labor rates are estimated at 
$85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates that 
revising the ALS of the existing AMM or ICA for your airplane would 
require about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost on U.S. operators of 
$87,550 or $85 per airplane.

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.

[[Page 21545]]

    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 that the 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2022-19-03, Amendment 39-22172 (87 
FR 57809, September 22, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. FAA-2023-0667; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-00735-A.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by May 26, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2022-19-03, Amendment 39-22172 (87 FR 57809, 
September 22, 2022); (AD 2022-19-03).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12, PC-12/45, 
PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated 
in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 0500, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(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 states that failure to revise the airworthiness 
limitations section (ALS) of the existing aircraft maintenance 
manual (AMM) by introducing new and more restrictive instructions 
and maintenance tasks as specified in the component limitations 
section, which includes repetitive inspections for cracks in the 
lower main spar connection of the horizontal stabilizer, could 
result in an unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
failure of certain parts, which could result in loss of airplane 
control.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, 
revise the ALS of the existing AMM or Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness for your airplane by incorporating the requirements 
specified in paragraph (1) of European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
AD 2022-0103, dated June 9, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0103).
    (2) The actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be 
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private 
pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records 
showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) 
and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 
CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

(h) Provisions for Alternative Requirements (Airworthiness Limitations)

    After the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD have been 
done, no alternative requirements (airworthiness limitations) are 
allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of 
the ``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2022-0103.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD or 
email to: [email protected]. If mailing information, also 
submit information by email. Before using any approved AMOC, notify 
your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal 
inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (2) Global AMOC AIR-730-22-357, dated September 28, 2022, and 
Global AMOC AIR-730-23-054 R1, dated February 10, 2023, were 
approved as AMOCs for the requirements for AD 2022-19-03, and are 
approved as AMOCs for the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. 
Other AMOCs previously issued for the requirements of AD 2022-19-03 
are not approved as an AMOC for the requirements of this AD.

(j) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4059; email: [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2022-0103, dated 
June 9, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2022-0103, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: 
[email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA 
AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) 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 (817) 222-5110.
    (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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.


[[Page 21546]]


    Issued on April 5, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-07539 Filed 4-10-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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