Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes, 42604-42606 [2023-14007]
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42604
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 126 / Monday, July 3, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD
2023–0017.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2018–18–21,
Amendment 39–19400 (83 FR 47054,
September 18, 2018) (AD 2018–18–21).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model
A300B4–601, A300B4–603, A300B4–620,
A300B4–622, A300B4–605R, A300B4–622R,
A300C4–605R Variant F, A300F4–605R and
A300F4–622R airplanes, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code: 05, Time Limits/Maintenance
Checks.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination
that new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the risks associated with
the effects of aging on airplane systems. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
change system characteristics, leading to an
increased potential for failure of certain lifelimited parts, and reduced structural
integrity or controllability of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023–0017, dated
January 23, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0017).
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023–0017
(1) This AD does not adopt the
requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and
(2) of EASA AD 2023–0017.
(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023–0017
specifies revising ‘‘the approved AMP’’
within 12 months after its effective date, but
this AD requires revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, within 90 days after the effective
date of this AD.
(3) The initial compliance time for doing
the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA
2023–0017 is on or before the applicable
‘‘limitations’’ as incorporated by the
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD
2023–0017, or within 90 days after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later.
(4) This AD does not adopt the provisions
specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2023–
0017.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’
section of EASA AD 2023–0017.
(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and
Intervals
After the existing maintenance or
inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no
alternative actions (e.g., inspections) and
intervals are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the
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(j) Terminating Action for AD 2018–18–21
For Model A300B4–601, A300B4–603,
A300B4–620, A300B4–622, A300B4–605R,
A300B4–622R, A300C4–605R Variant F,
A300F4–605R and A300F4–622R airplanes
only: Accomplishing the actions required by
this AD terminates the corresponding
requirements of AD 2018–18–21, for the tasks
identified in the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2023–0017 only.
(k) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) 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 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or
responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the International Validation Branch, send
it to the person identified in paragraph (l) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. Before using
any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone 206–231–
3225; email dan.rodina@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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2023–0017, dated January 23,
2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2023–0017, 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: ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th Street, Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
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(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 June 13, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–14005 Filed 6–30–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2023–0667; Project
Identifier MCAI–2022–00735–A; Amendment
39–22475; AD 2023–12–17]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus
Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022–19–
03 which applied to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
(Pilatus) Model PC–12, PC–12/45, PC–
12/47, and PC–12/47E airplanes. AD
2022–19–03 required 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 determined that
new or more restrictive tasks and
limitations are necessary. This AD
requires revising the ALS of the existing
AMM or ICA for your airplane, as
specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is
incorporated by reference (IBR). The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 7,
2023.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of August 7, 2023.
ADDRESSES:
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
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 126 / Monday, July 3, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this final rule, the mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(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 EASA material that is
incorporated by reference in this final
rule, contact EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 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. It is also available
at regulations.gov under Docket No.
FAA–2023–0667.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone:
(816) 329–4059; email: doug.rudolph@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2022–19–03,
Amendment 39–22172 (87 FR 57809,
September 22, 2022) (AD 2022–19–03).
AD 2022–19–03 applied to all Pilatus
Model PC–12, PC–12/45, PC–12/47, and
PC–12/47E airplanes. AD 2022–19–03
required incorporating new revisions to
the ALS of the existing airplane 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.
The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on April 11, 2023 (88 FR
21543). The NPRM was prompted by
EASA AD 2022–0103, dated June 9,
2022 (EASA AD 2022–0103) (referred to
after this as the MCAI), issued by EASA,
which is the Technical Agent for the
Member States of the European Union.
The MCAI states new or more restrictive
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Jkt 259001
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.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2023–0667.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require revising the ALS of the existing
AMM or ICA for your airplane, as
specified in EASA AD 2022–0103. 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.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from
the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA). ALPA supported
the NPRM without change.
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 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.
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
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42605
of business or by the means identified
in ADDRESSES.
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 AD does not
require compliance with paragraphs (2)
through (5) of EASA AD 2022–0103.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 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 requires 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.
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 has determined that 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 126 / Monday, July 3, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
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
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.
[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
airworthiness directive:
■
■
2023–12–17 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.:
Amendment 39–22475; Docket No.
FAA–2023–0667; Project Identifier
MCAI–2022–00735–A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective August 7, 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.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 5511, Horizontal Stabilizer, Spar/Rib.
(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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:10 Jun 30, 2023
Jkt 259001
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
§ 39.13
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.
(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 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, mail it to the address identified in
paragraph (j) of this AD or email: 9-AVS-AIR730-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.
(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.
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(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329–
4059; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov.
(k) 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) 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.
Issued on June 14, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–14007 Filed 6–30–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2023–0654; Project
Identifier MCAI–2022–01505–T; Amendment
39–22467; AD 2023–12–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Canada Limited Partnership (Type
Certificate Previously Held by C Series
Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP);
Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Canada Limited Partnership
Model BD–500–1A10 and BD–500–
1A11 airplanes. This AD was prompted
SUMMARY:
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03JYR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 126 (Monday, July 3, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42604-42606]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-14007]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0667; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00735-A;
Amendment 39-22475; AD 2023-12-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-19-03
which applied to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-12, PC-12/45,
PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes. AD 2022-19-03 required 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 determined that new or more restrictive tasks and
limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the ALS of the
existing AMM or ICA for your airplane, as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference
(IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 7, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 7,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
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
[[Page 42605]]
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (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 EASA material that is incorporated by reference in
this final rule, 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. It is also available at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0667.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety
Engineer, 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 to supersede AD 2022-19-03, Amendment 39-22172 (87 FR
57809, September 22, 2022) (AD 2022-19-03). AD 2022-19-03 applied to
all Pilatus Model PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes.
AD 2022-19-03 required incorporating new revisions to the ALS of the
existing airplane 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.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 11, 2023 (88 FR
21543). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2022-0103, dated June 9, 2022
(EASA AD 2022-0103) (referred to after this as the MCAI), issued by
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union. The MCAI states 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.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0667.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the ALS of the
existing AMM or ICA for your airplane, as specified in EASA AD 2022-
0103. 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.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA). ALPA supported the NPRM without change.
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 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.
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.
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 AD does not require compliance with paragraphs (2)
through (5) of EASA AD 2022-0103.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 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 requires 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.
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 has determined that 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
[[Page 42606]]
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2022-19-03, Amendment 39-22172 (87
FR 57809, September 22, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2023-12-17 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-22475; Docket No.
FAA-2023-0667; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00735-A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 7, 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 5511, Horizontal
Stabilizer, Spar/Rib.
(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 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, mail
it to the address identified in paragraph (j) of this AD or email:
[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.
(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, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329-4059; email:
[email protected].
(k) 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) 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.
Issued on June 14, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-14007 Filed 6-30-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
