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 11 reports of damaged fuel booster pump wires from 9 different aircraft. Within the FAA service difficulty/ accident report system, we found eight occurrences of damaged fuel booster pump wires. This damage to the electrical wires could possibly cause electrical arcing when the wires get in an air/fuel mixture.
What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?
Such electrical arcing could lead to a fire or explosion of a fuel tank.
Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?
Pilatus has issued:
Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No. 28-011, Revision No. 1, dated July 11, 2003;
Pilatus PC12 Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision No. 12-03 (12- 10-01), dated June 6, 2003; and
Pilatus PC12 Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision No. 28-02 (28- 20-04), dated June 6, 2003.
What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?
The service information includes procedures for:
--Inspecting the fuel booster pumps for defects;
--Replacing fuel booster pumps;
--Installing lead protection spiral wrap; and
--Incorporating Temporary Revision No. 7, dated June 6, 2003, or Temporary Revision No. 37, dated June 6, 2003, to the Section 2-- Limitations section of the applicable pilot's operating handbook (POH). This is a temporary option and replacing the subject fuel booster pump or installing the lead protection spiral wrap is mandatory within a certain time frame.
What Action Did the FOCA Take?
The FOCA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Swiss AD Number HB 2003-301, dated July 17, 2003, in order to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Switzerland.
Was This in Accordance With the Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement?
The Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 are manufactured in Switzerland and are type-certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.
Per this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the FOCA has kept us informed of the situation described above.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
What Has FAA decided?
We have examined the FOCA's findings, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes of the same type design that are registered in the United States, this AD is being issued to detect and correct any defective fuel booster pump, which could result in electrical arcing from the leads in an air/fuel mixture. Such failure could lead to a fire or explosion of a fuel tank.
What Does This AD Require?
This AD requires you to incorporate the actions in the previously- referenced service information.
In preparation of this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft operators to obtain technical information and information on operational and economic impacts. We did not receive any information through these contacts. If received, we would have included, in the rulemaking docket, a discussion of any information that may have influenced this action.
How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This AD?
On July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
Compliance Time of This AD
What Would Be the Compliance Time of This AD?
The compliance time of this AD is within the next 7 calendar days after October 10, 2003 (the effective date of this AD).
Why Is This Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead of Hours TIS?
The leads may rub and arc as a result of aircraft operation. Therefore, FAA has determined that a compliance based on calendar time should be utilized in this AD in order to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed on all aircraft in a reasonable time period.
Comments Invited
Will I Have the Opportunity To Comment Prior to the Issuance of the Rule?
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an
opportunity for public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevantdata, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-42-AD'' in the subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the docket number written on it; we will date- stamp your postcard and mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us through a nonwritten communication, and that contact relates to a substantive part of this AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light of those comments.
Regulatory Findings
Will This AD Impact Various Entities?
We have 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.
Will This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
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); 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-42-AD'' in your request.
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 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 (AD):