Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes, 22903-22905 [2023-07773]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 72 / Friday, April 14, 2023 / Rules and Regulations (j) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits are prohibited. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (k) 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 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov. (2) 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. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 (l) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email kristin.bradley@faa.gov. (m) 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 this AD specifies otherwise. (i) Transport Canada AD CF–2022–33, dated June 15, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Transport Canada service information identified in this AD, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, CANADA; telephone 888–663–3639; email TC.AirworthinessDirectivesConsignesdenavigabilite.TC@tc.gc.ca; internet tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) 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 fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued on March 16, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–07779 Filed 4–13–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:10 Apr 13, 2023 Jkt 259001 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2022–1404; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01044–A; Amendment 39–22410; AD 2023–07–08] 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– 12/47E 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 corrosion of the actuator attachment lug areas underneath the anti-rotation pads of the main landing gear (MLG) and nose landing gear (NLG). This AD requires replacing certain MLG and NLG electromechanical actuators. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective May 19, 2023. SUMMARY: ADDRESSES: 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 final rule, the MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, 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: Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 22903 apply to certain serial-numbered Pilatus Model PC–12/47E airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 7, 2022 (87 FR 66971). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2022–0158, dated August 4, 2022 (EASA AD 2022–0158) (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. 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. Since issuance of the NPRM, EASA superseded EASA AD 2022–0158 with EASA AD 2022–0245, dated December 12, 2022 (EASA AD 2022–0245). EASA AD 2022–0245 retains the requirements of EASA AD 2022–0158 and references revised service information. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing affected MLG and NLG actuators with serviceable actuators and prohibit the installation of an affected actuator unless it has been reworked (inspection and modification) to become a serviceable actuator. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1404. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change. The FAA received additional comments from Pilatus. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response. E:\FR\FM\14APR1.SGM 14APR1 22904 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 72 / Friday, April 14, 2023 / Rules and Regulations Request To Reference Revised Service Information Pilatus stated that since the NPRM was published, revised service information was issued and requested that the FAA change paragraph (f)(2)(i) in the proposed AD to reference Pilatus PC–12 Service Bulletin 32–030, Rev. 2, dated October 7, 2022; and Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., Service Bulletin SB21– 0001, Issue 3, dated August 25, 2022, instead of Pilatus PC–12 Service Bulletin 32–030, dated June 27, 2022; and Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., Service Bulletin SB21–0001, dated March 31, 2022. The commenter also noted that after the NPRM was published, EASA released Proposed Airworthiness Directive (PAD) 22–149, dated November 9, 2022, which indicated that EASA AD 2022–0158 would be superseded. The FAA agrees with the commenter’s request. The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC– 12 Service Bulletin 32–030, Rev. 2, dated October 7, 2022, which references Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., SB SB21– 0001, Issue 3, dated August 25, 2022, and determined that no additional work is specified. The FAA revised paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this AD to reference this revised service information. The FAA added paragraph (i) to this AD (and redesignated the subsequent paragraphs of this AD accordingly) to provide credit for actions done before the effective date of this AD using Pilatus PC–12 Service Bulletin 32–030, dated June 27, 2022; and Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., Service Bulletin SB21–0001, dated March 31, 2022. As discussed in the Background section of this final rule, EASA superseded EASA AD 2022–0158 with EASA AD 2022–0245. The FAA did not update the reference to the MCAI in this AD to refer to EASA AD 2022–0245 because in the NPRM, the FAA already proposed to require the actions in EASA AD 2022–0245. The FAA discussed this in the ‘‘Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI’’ section of the NPRM. Request To Extend the Compliance for Certain Airplanes Pilatus requested that the FAA revise the 3-month compliance time in paragraph (h)(1) of the proposed AD and explained this compliance time should only be applicable to older airplanes on which the affected actuators were installed and the initial failures were identified. The FAA agrees. The FAA is keeping the compliance time for replacement of each affected part for the older airplanes with serial numbers (S/Ns) 1300 and 1451 to 1663 inclusive, which is within 3 months after the effective date of the AD. The FAA is extending the compliance time for replacement of each affected part from what was called out in the NPRM for the rest of airplanes as follows: • For airplanes with S/Ns 1664 through 1719 inclusive, and S/Ns 1721 through 1942 inclusive, within 300 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. • For airplanes with S/Ns 1720, 2001 through 2202 inclusive, 2204, and 2206, within 600 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. Conclusion 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 referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 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. Except for minor editorial changes, and any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes increase the economic burden on any operator. Differences Between This 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. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 440 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that the costs of one of the two actions below will be required to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action * Rework (inspection and modification). * Replacement ...................... Labor cost 5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $425. 3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255. Parts cost Cost per product Up to $1,245 .................................................................... $1,670 (for rework of all three actuators). $16,105 (for replacement of all three actuators). $4,750 (Actuator Part Number (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). Cost on U.S. operators $734,800 7,086,200 * Only the rework (inspection and modification) or the replacement will be required by this AD. Both actions will not be required. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:10 Apr 13, 2023 Jkt 259001 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. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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: E:\FR\FM\14APR1.SGM 14APR1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 72 / Friday, April 14, 2023 / Rules and Regulations (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 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ 2023–07–08 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39–22410; Docket No. FAA–2022–1404; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01044–A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 19, 2023. (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. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 (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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:10 Apr 13, 2023 Jkt 259001 (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 32–030, Rev. 2, dated October 7, 2022; and Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., Service Bulletin SB21–0001, Issue 3, dated August 25, 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) Required Actions (1) 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, as follows: (i) For airplanes with S/Ns 1300 and 1451 through 1663 inclusive, within 3 months after the effective date of the AD. (ii) For airplanes with S/Ns 1664 through 1719 inclusive, and S/Ns 1721 through 1942 inclusive, within 300 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. (iii) For airplanes with S/Ns 1720, 2001 through 2202 inclusive, 2204, and 2206, within 600 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. (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) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD if those actions were done before the effective date of this AD using Pilatus PC–12 Service Bulletin 32–030, dated June 27, 2022; and Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., Service Bulletin SB21–0001, dated March 31, 2022. (j) 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 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 22905 District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD or email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@ faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit information by email. (k) 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. (2) For more information about this AD, 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. (3) For Pilatus and Tamagawa Seki 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. 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. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on April 8, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–07773 Filed 4–13–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2022–0546; Airspace Docket No. 22–ASW–10] RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Rogers, Springdale, and Bentonville, AR Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This action amends Class D airspace and Class E surface airspace for the following Arkansas airports: Rogers Executive Airport-Carter Field (new name), Springdale Municipal Airport, and Bentonville Municipal Airport/ Louise M Thaden Field (new name), as well as updating the airport’s names and geographic coordinates. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\14APR1.SGM 14APR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 72 (Friday, April 14, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22903-22905]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07773]


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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; 
Amendment 39-22410; AD 2023-07-08]
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-12/47E 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 corrosion of the actuator 
attachment lug areas underneath the anti-rotation pads of the main 
landing gear (MLG) and nose landing gear (NLG). This AD requires 
replacing certain MLG and NLG electro-mechanical actuators. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 19, 2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    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 final rule, the MCAI, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, 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:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered 
Pilatus Model PC-12/47E airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on November 7, 2022 (87 FR 66971). The NPRM was prompted by 
EASA AD 2022-0158, dated August 4, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0158) (referred 
to after this as ``the MCAI''), issued by the European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union.
    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.
    Since issuance of the NPRM, EASA superseded EASA AD 2022-0158 with 
EASA AD 2022-0245, dated December 12, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0245). EASA AD 
2022-0245 retains the requirements of EASA AD 2022-0158 and references 
revised service information.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing affected MLG and 
NLG actuators with serviceable actuators and prohibit the installation 
of an affected actuator unless it has been reworked (inspection and 
modification) to become a serviceable actuator. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1404.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.
    The FAA received additional comments from Pilatus. The following 
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response.

[[Page 22904]]

Request To Reference Revised Service Information

    Pilatus stated that since the NPRM was published, revised service 
information was issued and requested that the FAA change paragraph 
(f)(2)(i) in the proposed AD to reference Pilatus PC-12 Service 
Bulletin 32-030, Rev. 2, dated October 7, 2022; and Tamagawa Seiki Co., 
Ltd., Service Bulletin SB21-0001, Issue 3, dated August 25, 2022, 
instead of Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 32-030, dated June 27, 2022; 
and Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., Service Bulletin SB21-0001, dated March 
31, 2022. The commenter also noted that after the NPRM was published, 
EASA released Proposed Airworthiness Directive (PAD) 22-149, dated 
November 9, 2022, which indicated that EASA AD 2022-0158 would be 
superseded.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter's request. The FAA reviewed 
Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 32-030, Rev. 2, dated October 7, 2022, 
which references Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., SB SB21-0001, Issue 3, dated 
August 25, 2022, and determined that no additional work is specified. 
The FAA revised paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this AD to reference this 
revised service information. The FAA added paragraph (i) to this AD 
(and redesignated the subsequent paragraphs of this AD accordingly) to 
provide credit for actions done before the effective date of this AD 
using Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 32-030, dated June 27, 2022; and 
Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., Service Bulletin SB21-0001, dated March 31, 
2022.
    As discussed in the Background section of this final rule, EASA 
superseded EASA AD 2022-0158 with EASA AD 2022-0245. The FAA did not 
update the reference to the MCAI in this AD to refer to EASA AD 2022-
0245 because in the NPRM, the FAA already proposed to require the 
actions in EASA AD 2022-0245. The FAA discussed this in the 
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI'' section of the 
NPRM.

Request To Extend the Compliance for Certain Airplanes

    Pilatus requested that the FAA revise the 3-month compliance time 
in paragraph (h)(1) of the proposed AD and explained this compliance 
time should only be applicable to older airplanes on which the affected 
actuators were installed and the initial failures were identified.
    The FAA agrees. The FAA is keeping the compliance time for 
replacement of each affected part for the older airplanes with serial 
numbers (S/Ns) 1300 and 1451 to 1663 inclusive, which is within 3 
months after the effective date of the AD. The FAA is extending the 
compliance time for replacement of each affected part from what was 
called out in the NPRM for the rest of airplanes as follows:
     For airplanes with S/Ns 1664 through 1719 inclusive, and 
S/Ns 1721 through 1942 inclusive, within 300 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) after the effective date of this AD or within 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
     For airplanes with S/Ns 1720, 2001 through 2202 inclusive, 
2204, and 2206, within 600 hours TIS after the effective date of this 
AD or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs first.

Conclusion

    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 referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, 
considered the comments received, 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. Except for 
minor editorial changes, and any other changes described previously, 
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes 
increase the economic burden on any operator.

Differences Between This 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 440 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates that the costs of one of the two actions below 
will be required to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Cost on U.S.
             Action                  Labor cost             Parts cost         Cost per product      operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Rework (inspection and         5 work-hours x $85  Up to $1,245...........  $1,670 (for rework        $734,800
 modification).                   per hour = $425.                             of all three
                                                                               actuators).
* Replacement..................  3 work-hours x $85  $4,750 (Actuator Part    $16,105 (for             7,086,200
                                  per hour = $255.    Number (P/N)             replacement of
                                                      959.56.01.852, nose      all three
                                                      landing gear) and        actuators).
                                                      $11,100 (for 2
                                                      actuators--Actuator P/
                                                      N 659.56.01.853, main
                                                      landing gear).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Only the rework (inspection and modification) or the replacement will be required by this AD. Both actions
  will 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

    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:

[[Page 22905]]

    (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:

2023-07-08 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-22410; Docket No. 
FAA-2022-1404; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01044-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 19, 2023.

(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 32-030, Rev. 2, dated October 7, 
2022; and Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., Service Bulletin SB21-0001, 
Issue 3, dated August 25, 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) Required Actions

    (1) 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, as follows:
    (i) For airplanes with S/Ns 1300 and 1451 through 1663 
inclusive, within 3 months after the effective date of the AD.
    (ii) For airplanes with S/Ns 1664 through 1719 inclusive, and S/
Ns 1721 through 1942 inclusive, within 300 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) after the effective date of this AD or within 12 months after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (iii) For airplanes with S/Ns 1720, 2001 through 2202 inclusive, 
2204, and 2206, within 600 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first.
    (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) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD if those actions were done before the 
effective date of this AD using Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 32-
030, dated June 27, 2022; and Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd., Service 
Bulletin SB21-0001, dated March 31, 2022.

(j) 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 (k)(2) of this AD or email 
to: [email protected]. If mailing information, also submit 
information by email.

(k) 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.
    (2) For more information about this AD, 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].
    (3) For Pilatus and Tamagawa Seki 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. 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.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on April 8, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-07773 Filed 4-13-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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