Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
The Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA), which is the airworthiness authority for Switzerland, recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. The FOCA reports that, because of a design problem, the flow of oxygen to each occupant on the rear seat bench is insufficient. The current configuration uses two-metered connectors, which restricts the flow of oxygen.
What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?
If not corrected, insufficient oxygen quantity that is available to occupants of the rear seat bench in some emergency conditions could occur. This condition could result in reduced occupant safety at the rear bench seat location.
Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?
We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain PilatusModels PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on January 2, 2002 (67 FR 29). The NPRM proposed to require you to replace the two-metered connector and oxygen tubing with a system that incorporates a single-metered connector in the rear seat bench.
Was the Public Invited To Comment?
The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule or on our determination of the cost to the public.
FAA's Determination
What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?
After careful review of all available information related to the subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:
--Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?
We estimate that this AD affects 5 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish the replacements:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
2 workhours at $60 per hour = $120
Pilatus will provide free parts.
$120
$600
Compliance Time of This AD
What Will Be the Compliance Time of This AD?
The compliance time of this AD is "within the next 30 calendar days after the effective date of this AD".
Why Is the Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead of Hours Time-in-Service (TIS)?
The oxygen flow on the rear bench seat is reduced through two metered connectors when only one reduction is necessary. Because these parts of poor design could have been installed in the field or at the factory, the problem has the same chance of occurring on an airplane with 50 hours TIS as one with 1,000 hours TIS. Therefore, we believe that 30 calendar days will:
--Ensure that the unsafe condition does not go undetected for a long period of time on the affected airplanes; and
--Not inadvertently ground any of the affected airplanes.
Regulatory Impact
Does This AD Impact Various Entities?
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) isnot a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to readas follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows: