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 Model PC-6 airplanes. The FOCA reported an instance where unapproved mass balance weights and an improper aileron configuration were found on a Model PC-6 airplane. The FOCA determined the cause as improper configuration control and tracking.
What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?
This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the aileron mass balance weights. Such failure could lead to loss of 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 Model PC-6 airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice ofproposed rulemaking (NPRM) on August 19, 2002 (67 FR 53761). The NPRM proposed to inspect the aileron assembly for correct configuration and modify as necessary.
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 ADImpact?
We estimate that this AD affects 35 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 inspection:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
1 workhour x $60 per hour = $60
No parts required
$60
$60 x 35 = $2,100
We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary modifications that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need such modification:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
16 workhours x $60 = $960
$419
$419 + $960 = $1,379.
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 days after the effective date of this AD."
Why Is the Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead of Hours Time-in-service (TIS)?
This unsafe condition is not a result of the number of times the airplane is operated. The chance of this situation occurring is the same for an airplane with 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) as it would be for an airplane with 500 hours TIS. For this reason, the FAA has determined that a compliance based on calendar time should be utilized in this AD in order to assure that the unsafe condition is addressed on all airplanes in a reasonable time period.
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: