AD 2020-21-23

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes. This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as improperly manufactured horizontal stabilizer rear attachment bolts. If not corrected, this could lead to fatigue failure of the bolts and loss of airplane control. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Final rule.

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: \n\n2020-21-23 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-21296; Docket No. FAA-2020-0745; Project Identifier 2019-CE-030-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 7, 2020. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, with a horizontal stabilizer rear attachment bolt part number (P/N) 555.10.12.139 marked with production order number FAUF 10169753, FAUF 10171067, or FAUF 10171267 installed. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tAir Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 55: Stabilizers. \n\n(e) Reason \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by a report of horizontal stabilizer rear attachment bolts that had not received correct heat treatment during the manufacturing process. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fatigue failure of a bolt and subsequent loss of airplane control. \n\n(f) Actions and Compliance \n\n\n\t(1) Within 1,350 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD or within 13 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, replace each horizontal stabilizer rear attachment bolt P/N 555.10.12.139 marked with production order number FAUF 10169753, FAUF 10171067, or FAUF 10171267 by following the Accomplishment Instructions, section 3.B.(2) through (4) and figures 1 and 2, of Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No. 55-004, dated March 29, 2019, except you are not required to return parts to the manufacturer. \n\t(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a horizontal stabilizer rear attachment bolt P/N 555.10.12.139 marked with production order number FAUF 10169753, FAUF 10171067, or FAUF 10171267 on any airplane. \n\n(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\tThe 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. Send information to ATTN: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI), or lacking a PI, your local Flight Standards District Office. \n\n(h) Related Information \n\n\n\tRefer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2019-0129, dated June 6, 2019, for more information. You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA- 2020-0745. \n\n(i) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-12 Service Bulletin No. 55-004, dated March 29, 2019. \n\t(ii) (Reserved) \n\t(3) For Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. service information identified in this AD, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Technical Support (MCC), P.O. Box 992, CH-6371 \n\n((Page 69142)) \n\nStans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 (0)41 619 67 74; fax: +41 (0)41 619 67 73; email: aircraft.com">Techsupport@pilatus-aircraft.com. \n\t(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. \n\t(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: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. \n\n\n\tIssued on October 9, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (FR Doc. 2020-24047 Filed 10-30-20; 8:45 am) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Discussion \n\n\n\tThe FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes with a certain horizontal stabilizer rear attachment bolt installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 6, 2020 (85 FR 47716). The NPRM proposed to require replacing the horizontal stabilizer rear attachment bolts and was prompted by MCAI originated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. EASA issued AD No. 2019- 0129, dated June 6, 2019 (referred to after this as ''the MCAI''), to correct the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI states: \n\n\n\tOn the final assembly line, horizontal stabilizer rear attachment bolts were detected that had not received correct heat treatment. Subsequent investigation determined that certain parts, identified by FAUF, were improperly manufactured and consequently have reduced material properties. \n\tThis condition, if not corrected, could lead to a fatigue failure of an affected part, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane. \n\tTo address this potential unsafe condition, Pilatus issued the (service bulletin) SB to provide inspection and replacement instructions. \n\n((Page 69141)) \n\n\n\tFor the reason described above, this (EASA) AD requires replacement of affected parts, and prohibits (re)installation thereof. \n\n\n\tYou may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0745. \n\nComments \n\n\n\tThe FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comment received. An individual commenter supported the NPRM. \n\nConclusion \n\n\n\tThe FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed. \n\nRelated Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 \n\n\n\tThe FAA reviewed Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-12 Service Bulletin No. 55-004, dated March 29, 2019. The service information contains procedures for checking the rear attachment bolts for the horizontal stabilizer and replacing any defective bolts. 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 the ADDRESSES section. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\n\tThe FAA estimates that this AD will affect 14 products of U.S. registry. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. \n\tThe FAA estimates that the required actions will take 1.5 work- hours and require parts costing $5,000, for a cost of $5,127.50 per product and $71,785 for the U.S. operator fleet. \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\n\tTitle 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. \n\tThe 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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\n\tThis 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. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD: \n\t(1) Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\t(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and \n\t(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. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.