Discussion
The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), which is the aviation authority for Switzerland, has issued AD HB-2013-009, dated October 7, 2013 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted due to a report of chafing of the wiring harness attached to the engine mounting frame on the RH side of the engine compartment. Due to the limited space available in this area the wiring harness can chafe against the RH flexible duct for the condenser.
Such a condition, if left uncorrected, could lead to a short circuit which could cause a fire in the engine compartment.
In order to correct and control the situation, this AD requires a one-time inspection of the wiring harness and flexible duct of the condenser for chafing. If major damage is found, the damaged parts must be replaced. If minor damage is found, this AD requires the installation of a protective sleeve on the wiring harness.
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-0928.
Relevant Service Information
PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. has issued PILATUS PC-7 Service Bulletin No. 24-009, dated September 6, 2013. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because chafing of the wiring harness in the engine compartment could cause a short circuit and could result in a fire in the engine compartment. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0928; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-036-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 10 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $850, or $85 per product.
In addition, we estimate that necessary follow-on actions will take about 5 work-hours to install a protective sleeve on the wiring harness, if minor damage is found, and require parts costing approximately $100, for a cost of $525 per product. We also estimate that it will take about 12 work-hours to replace damaged parts, if major damage is found, and require parts costing approximately $500, for a cost of $1,520 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions.
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.
We are 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
We 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 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
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(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.