Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes, 34745-34747 [2023-11447]

Download as PDF 34745 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 88, No. 104 Wednesday, May 31, 2023 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2023–0421; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01360–A; Amendment 39–22435; AD 2023–09–12] 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, PC–12/45, PC–12/47, and PC–12/ 47E airplanes. This AD is 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 insufficient grounding of the vapor cycle cooling system (VCCS) compressor/condenser. This AD requires inspecting the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment points at frame 37, including the attachment parts, and depending on the inspection results, corrective action. This AD also requires modifying the installation of the VCCS compressor/ condenser power return cables and installing an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective July 5, 2023. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 5, 2023. ADDRESSES: AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–0421; or in person at lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:57 May 30, 2023 Jkt 259001 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. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For service information identified in this final rule, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., 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. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–0421. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, International Validation Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 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 apply to certain serial-numbered Pilatus Model PC–12, PC–12/45, PC–12/47, and PC–12/47E airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 27, 2023 (88 FR 12273). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022–0212, dated October 18, 2022 (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 a reported occurrence of a burning odor coming from the air conditioning vents during the climb phase of a Pilatus Model PC–12/47E airplane. An investigation identified that insufficient grounding of the VCCS compressor/ condenser at frame 37 resulted in severe heat damage to the baseplate and PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 adjacent metal support structure. It was determined that this condition may occur on airplanes equipped in production with the large oxygen bottle installed on the right-hand side of the rear fuselage. To address the unsafe condition, the MCAI requires a one-time inspection of the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment point at frame 37, including the attachment parts, and modification of the installation of the VCCS. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection of the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment point at frame 37, including the attachment parts, and modification of the installation of the VCCS. This condition, if not addressed, could, in the case of damage to the oxygen supply line, lead to an uncontrolled fire with damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants. 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–2023–0421. 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. In addition, an individual commenter submitted a comment to the docket, but did not comment on the proposed required actions or the determination of the costs in the NPRM. 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 comment 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, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. E:\FR\FM\31MYR1.SGM 31MYR1 34746 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 31, 2023 / Rules and Regulations Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC–12 Service Bulletin 21–016, dated August 15, 2022, which specifies procedures for inspecting the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment point on the airframe at frame 37, including the attachment parts, modifying the installation of the VCCS compressor/ condenser power return cables, and installing an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable. This service bulletin also specifies contacting Pilatus if any damage is found. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES. requires contacting either the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; EASA; or Pilatus’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI The MCAI requires contacting the manufacturer for approved corrective action instructions if any discrepancy is found during the inspection. This AD Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 8 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Labor cost Parts cost Inspect ....................... Modify ........................ 3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 ......................................... 5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $425 ......................................... Not Applicable ......... $667 ........................ The repair instructions that may be needed as a result of the inspection could vary significantly from airplane to airplane. The FAA has no data to determine the costs to accomplish the repair or the number of airplanes that would need this repair. 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 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 Cost per product Action 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: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:57 May 30, 2023 Jkt 259001 (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: ■ 2023–09–12 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39–22435; Docket No. FAA–2023–0421; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01360–A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 5, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC–12, PC–12/45, PC–12/47, and PC– PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 $255 1,092 Cost on U.S. operators $2,040 8,736 12/47E airplanes, serial numbers 466, 467, 725, 861, 1032, 1052, 1082, 1115, 1232, 1411, 1428, 1439, 1530, 1541, 1663, 1725, and 1802, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2197, Air Conditioning System Wiring. (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 insufficient grounding of the vapor cycle cooling system (VCCS) compressor/condenser. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could, in the case of damage to the oxygen supply line, lead to an uncontrolled fire with damage to the airplane, and injury to the occupants. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment points at frame 37, including the attachment parts, for physical and heat damage, de-lamination, and corrosion in accordance with steps (2) through (6) of Section 3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions in Pilatus PC– 12 Service Bulletin 21–016, dated August 15, 2022 (Pilatus PC–12 SB 21–016). (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, any physical or heat damage, de-lamination, or corrosion as identified in steps (2) through (6) of Section 3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions in Pilatus PC–12 SB 21–016 is detected, before further flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Pilatus’s E:\FR\FM\31MYR1.SGM 31MYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 31, 2023 / Rules and Regulations EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (3) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the installation of the VCCS compressor/condenser power return cables and install an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable in accordance with Section 3.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions in Pilatus PC–12 SB 21–016. Where the service bulletin specifies discarding the stop angle, this AD requires removing the stop angle from service. (h) 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 (i)(2) 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 local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (i) Additional Information (1) Refer to EASA AD 2022–0212, dated October 18, 2022, for related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–0421. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, International Validation Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329–4059; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 (j) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Pilatus PC–12 Service Bulletin 21–016, dated August 15, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Support General Aviation, CH– 6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7 365; email: techsupport.ch@pilatusaircraft.com; website: pilatus-aircraft.com. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:57 May 30, 2023 Jkt 259001 (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. Issued on May 9, 2023. Michael Linegang, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–11447 Filed 5–30–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DELAWARE RIVER BASIN COMMISSION 18 CFR Parts 401 and 420 Regulatory Program Fees and Water Charges Rates Delaware River Basin Commission. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Commission’s regulatory program fees as set forth in tables 1, 2 and 3 of that section are subject to an annual adjustment, commensurate with any increase in the annual April 12-month Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Philadelphia published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics during that year. Pursuant to 18 CFR 420.41(c), the same indexed adjustment applies to the Commission’s schedule of water charges for consumptive and non-consumptive withdrawals of surface water within the basin. The referenced April 12-month CPI for 2023 showed an increase of 4.74%. Commensurate adjustments are thus required. This notice is made in accordance with 18 CFR 401.43(c) and 18 CFR 420.41(c), which provide that a revised fee schedule will be published in the Federal Register by July 1. The revised fees also may be obtained by contacting the Commission during business hours or by checking the Commission’s website. List of Subjects 18 CFR Part 401 Notice is provided of the Commission’s regulatory program fees and schedule of water charges for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023. DATES: This final rule is effective July 1, 2023. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elba L. Deck, CPA, Director of Finance and Administration, 609–883–9500, ext. 201. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Delaware River Basin Commission (‘‘DRBC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) is a Federal-interstate compact agency charged with managing the water resources of the Delaware River Basin on a regional basis without regard to political boundaries. Its members are the governors of the four basin states— Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania—and on behalf of the federal government, the North Atlantic Division Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In accordance with 18 CFR 401.43(c), on July 1 of every year, the SUMMARY: 34747 Administrative practice and procedure, Project review, Water pollution control, Water resources. 18 CFR Part 420 Water supply. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Delaware River Basin Commission amends parts 401 and 420 of title 18 of the Code of Federal Regulations as set forth below: PART 401—RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE 1. The authority citation for part 401 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: Delaware River Basin Compact (75 Stat. 688), unless otherwise noted. Subpart C—Project Review Under Section 3.8 of the Compact 2. In § 401.43, revise tables 1, 2, and 3 to read as follows: ■ § 401.43 * E:\FR\FM\31MYR1.SGM * Regulatory program fees. * 31MYR1 * *

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 104 (Wednesday, May 31, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34745-34747]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-11447]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 31, 2023 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 34745]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0421; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01360-A; 
Amendment 39-22435; AD 2023-09-12]
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, PC-12/45, PC-12/
47, and PC-12/47E airplanes. This AD is 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 insufficient grounding of the vapor cycle cooling system 
(VCCS) compressor/condenser. This AD requires inspecting the power 
return and chassis grounding cable attachment points at frame 37, 
including the attachment parts, and depending on the inspection 
results, corrective action. This AD also requires modifying the 
installation of the VCCS compressor/condenser power return cables and 
installing an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 5, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 5, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0421; 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., 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. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0421.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, International Validation Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 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, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 27, 2023 (88 FR 
12273). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-0212, dated October 18, 2022 
(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 a reported occurrence of a burning odor 
coming from the air conditioning vents during the climb phase of a 
Pilatus Model PC-12/47E airplane. An investigation identified that 
insufficient grounding of the VCCS compressor/condenser at frame 37 
resulted in severe heat damage to the baseplate and adjacent metal 
support structure. It was determined that this condition may occur on 
airplanes equipped in production with the large oxygen bottle installed 
on the right-hand side of the rear fuselage. To address the unsafe 
condition, the MCAI requires a one-time inspection of the power return 
and chassis grounding cable attachment point at frame 37, including the 
attachment parts, and modification of the installation of the VCCS.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection of 
the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment point at frame 
37, including the attachment parts, and modification of the 
installation of the VCCS. This condition, if not addressed, could, in 
the case of damage to the oxygen supply line, lead to an uncontrolled 
fire with damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants. 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-2023-0421.

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. In 
addition, an individual commenter submitted a comment to the docket, 
but did not comment on the proposed required actions or the 
determination of the costs in the NPRM.

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 comment 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, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

[[Page 34746]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 21-016, dated 
August 15, 2022, which specifies procedures for inspecting the power 
return and chassis grounding cable attachment point on the airframe at 
frame 37, including the attachment parts, modifying the installation of 
the VCCS compressor/condenser power return cables, and installing an 
additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable. This service bulletin 
also specifies contacting Pilatus if any damage is found.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI requires contacting the manufacturer for approved 
corrective action instructions if any discrepancy is found during the 
inspection. This AD requires contacting either the Manager, 
International Validation Branch, FAA; EASA; or Pilatus's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must 
include the DOA-authorized signature.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 8 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
            Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost         product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect......................  3 work-hours x $85 per hour =    Not Applicable..            $255          $2,040
                                $255.
Modify.......................  5 work-hours x $85 per hour =    $667............           1,092           8,736
                                $425.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The repair instructions that may be needed as a result of the 
inspection could vary significantly from airplane to airplane. The FAA 
has no data to determine the costs to accomplish the repair or the 
number of airplanes that would need this repair.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2023-09-12 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-22435; Docket No. 
FAA-2023-0421; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01360-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 5, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12, PC-12/45, 
PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes, serial numbers 466, 467, 725, 
861, 1032, 1052, 1082, 1115, 1232, 1411, 1428, 1439, 1530, 1541, 
1663, 1725, and 1802, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2197, Air 
Conditioning System Wiring.

(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 insufficient 
grounding of the vapor cycle cooling system (VCCS) compressor/
condenser. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could, in the case of damage to 
the oxygen supply line, lead to an uncontrolled fire with damage to 
the airplane, and injury to the occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment points at 
frame 37, including the attachment parts, for physical and heat 
damage, de-lamination, and corrosion in accordance with steps (2) 
through (6) of Section 3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions in 
Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 21-016, dated August 15, 2022 
(Pilatus PC-12 SB 21-016).
    (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, any physical or heat damage, de-lamination, or corrosion as 
identified in steps (2) through (6) of Section 3.B. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions in Pilatus PC-12 SB 21-016 is detected, 
before further flight, repair using a method approved by the 
Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; the European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Pilatus's

[[Page 34747]]

EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the installation of the VCCS compressor/condenser power return 
cables and install an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable 
in accordance with Section 3.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions 
in Pilatus PC-12 SB 21-016. Where the service bulletin specifies 
discarding the stop angle, this AD requires removing the stop angle 
from service.

(h) 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 (i)(2) 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 local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.

(i) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to EASA AD 2022-0212, dated October 18, 2022, for 
related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0421.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, International Validation Branch, FAA, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329-
4059; email: [email protected].

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 21-016, dated August 15, 
2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., 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.
    (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.

    Issued on May 9, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-11447 Filed 5-30-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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