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 certain push switch cap spigots on the electrical power management overhead panel have failed to activate their related operational system when engaged. The plastic these push switch cap spigots are made of is not strong enough and causes the switch cap spigots to break when engaged. The defective switch caps have the caption of ON, OPEN, or have no caption or symbol located on the electrical power management overhead panel, part number 972.81.32.102, that has not been modified to Mod A status.
The FOCA has reported the following three incidents in which the switch failed to activate its related operational system when engaged:
--Inability to switch the probe heatingon;
--Inability to open the Inertial Separator; and
--Inability to switch the Taxi Light on.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure to activate certain operational systems. Such failure could result in adverse operation and control of the airplane.
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 Pilatus Models PC-12 and PC- 12/45 airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on February 7, 2003 (68 FR 6376). The NPRM proposed to require you to replace certain push switch caps on the electrical power management overhead panel with parts of improved design.
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? We carefully reviewed all available information related to the subject presented above and determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for the changes discussed above and minor editorial questions. We have determined that these changes and 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.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 2002, FAA 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 special flight permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. 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.
Cost Impact
How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD affects 45 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
3 workhours x $60 = $180
The manufacturer will provide replacement parts free of charge.
$180
$180 x 45 = $8,100
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) is not 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 read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
39.13 [Amended]
2. FAA amends 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows: