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CFR Citation: 14 CFR Part 39

Docket ID: [Docket No. 2003-CE-29-AD]

RIN ID: RIN 2120-AA64

NOTICE: PROPOSED RULES

ACTION: Airworthiness directives:

DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUBJECT CATEGORY: Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 Airplanes

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any comments on this proposed rule on or before August 4, 2003.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to certain PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC7 airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to inspect the forward and aft dihedral fittings for cracks and replace any cracked fitting. This proposed AD would also require you to modify the aft dihedral fitting and sparcap bolt holes. This proposed AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent cracks from developing in the forward and aft dihedral fittings, which could result in failure of the wing in certain maneuvers. Such failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane.
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SUMMARY: Pilatus Aircraft Ltd,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

How do I comment on this proposed AD? The FAA invites comments on this proposed rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to include the proposed rule's docket number and submit your comments to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all comments received on or before the closing date. We may amend this proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual information that supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of this proposed AD action and determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking action.

Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay attention to? The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each contact we have with the public that concerns the substantive parts of this proposed AD.

How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? If you want FAA to acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments, you must include a selfaddressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to Docket No. 2003CE29AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard back to you.

Discussion

What events have caused this proposed 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 PC7 airplanes. The FOCA reports that an operator of a similar aircraft type design, which uses identical dihedral fittings, reported a crack in one fitting. An inspection of the fleet revealed stress corrosion cracking in six aft dihedral fittings. Each cracked fitting was found on airplanes that had logged more than 3,000 hours timeinservice (TIS) or had been in service for 10 years or more.

What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? Cracks in the forward and aft dihedral fittings could result in failure of the wing in certain maneuvers. Such failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane.

Is there service information that applies to this subject? Pilatus has issued Pilatus PC7 Service Bulletin No. 57006, Revision No. 3, dated January 15, 2003.

What are the provisions of this service information? The service bulletin includes procedures for:
inspecting the forward and aft dihedral fittings for cracks; and modifying the aft dihedral fitting and sparcap bolt holes.

What action did the FOCA take? The FOCA classified this service information as mandatory and issued Swiss AD Number HB 2003196, dated May 12, 2003, in order to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Switzerland.

Was this in accordance with the bilateral airworthiness agreement? These airplane models 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.

Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the FOCA has kept FAA informed of the situation described above.
The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of this Proposed AD

What has FAA decided? The FAA has examined the findings of the FOCA; reviewed all available information, including the service information referenced above; and determined that:
the unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could develop on other Pilatus Model PC7 airplanes of the same type design that are on the U.S. registry;
the actions specified in the previouslyreferenced service
information should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require you to:
inspect the forward and aft dihedral fittings for cracks;
replace any cracked fittings found; and

modify the aft dihedral fittings and sparcap bolt holes.

How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed 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 would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that this proposed AD affects 10 airplanes in the U.S. registry.

What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/ operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed actions of this AD:
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Inspections Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane Total cost on U.S. operators 3 workhours per fitting (4 fittings Not applicable.................... $180 x 4 fittings per airplane = $720.. $720 x 10 = $7,200. per airplane) x $60 per hour = $180
per fitting.
Forward Dihedral Fitting Replacement Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane 93 workhours per fitting (2 $142 per replacement fitting........... $5,722 per fitting fittings per airplane) x $60 per
hour = $5,580 per fitting.
Aft Dihedral Fitting Replacement and Modification Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane 20 workhours per fitting for replacement $76 per replacement fitting and $66 for $1,200 + $76 + $66 = $1,342 (labor, replacement, and and modification (2 fittings per modification bolts. modification per fitting). airplane) x $60 per hour = $1,200 per
fitting.
10 workhours per fitting for ............................................ $600 + $66 = $666 (labor and modification per fitting). modification only (2 fittings per
airplane) x $60 per hour = $600 per
fitting.

Compliance Time of This Proposed AD

What would be the compliance time of this proposed AD? The compliance time of this proposed AD is whichever occurs later: (1) upon the accumulation of 3,000 hours timeinservice (TIS) on the dihedral fittings or 10 years after installation of the dihedral fittings, whichever occurs first; or (2) within 90 days after the effective date of the proposed AD.

Why is the compliance time of this proposed AD presented in both hours TIS and calendar time? Cracking of the dihedral fittings on the affected airplanes is caused by stress corrosion, which starts as a result of high local stress incurred through operation. Corrosion can then develop regardless of whether the airplane is in flight or on the ground. The cracks may not be noticed initially as a result of the stress loads, but could then progress as a result of corrosion. The stress incurred during flight operations or temperature changes could then cause rapid crack growth. In order to ensure that these stress corrosion cracks do not go undetected, a compliance time of specific hours TIS and calendar time is utilized.

Regulatory Impact

Would this proposed AD impact various entities? The regulations proposed herein would 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 proposed rule would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 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) if promulgated, 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 draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action has been placed 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, Safety. The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows:
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Docket No. 2003CE29AD
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects Model PC7 airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 101 through 618, that are:
(1) equipped with forward and aft dihedral fittings, part number (P/N) 111.34.07.469, 111.34.07.470, 111.34.07.471, and P/N 111.34.07.472; and
(2) certificated in any category.
(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent cracks from developing in the forward and aft dihedral fittings, which could result in failure of the wing in certain maneuvers. Such failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Accomplish the following At whichever of the following occurs Inspect in accordance with Pilatus inspections: later, unless already accomplished: PC7 Service Bulletin No. 57006, (i) Using ImpedancePlane Eddy upon the accumulation of 3,000 Revision No. 3, dated January 15, Current inspection procedures, hours timeinservice (TIS) on the 2003. inspect the aft dihedral fittings, dihedral fittings or 10 years after P/N 111.34.07.469 and P/N installation of the dihedral 111.34.07.470, for cracks; and fittings, whichever occurs first; (ii) Using Radiographic inspection or within 90 days after the procedures, inspect the forward effective date of this AD. dihedral fittings, P/N
111.34.07.471 and P/N
111.34.07.472, for cracks.
(2) If a crack is found in any aft Prior to further flight after the Modify in accordance with Pilatus PC dihedral fittings, P/N inspection required in paragraph 7 Service Bulletin No. 57006, 111.34.07.469 and/or P/N (d)(1) of this AD. Revision No. 3, dated January 15, 111.34.07.470, replace with an 2003. improved fitting, P/N 557.10.09.071
and/or P/N 557.10.09.072 (as
applicable or FAAapproved
equivalent P/N), and modify the
sparcap bolt holes.
(3) If no cracks are found in any Prior to further flight after the Modify in accordance with Pilatus PC aft dihedral fittings, P/N inspection required in paragraph 7 Service Bulletin No. 57006, 111.34.07.469 and P/N (d)(1) of this AD. Revision No. 3, dated January 15, 111.34.07.470, modify the fittings 2003. and the sparcap bolt holes.
(4) If cracks are found in any Prior to further flight after the Not applicable. forward dihedral fittings, P/N inspection required in paragraph 111.34.07.471 and/or P/N (d)(1) of this AD.
111.34.07.472, replace with a new
part.
(5) If no cracks are found in any Not applicable. Not applicable. forward dihedral fittings, P/N
111.34.07.471 and P/N
111.34.07.472, no further action is
required.
(6) Only install aft dihedral As of the effective date of this AD. Modify the sparcap bolt holes in fittings that have a P/N of accordance with Pilatus PC7 557.10.09.071 and P/N Service Bulletin No. 57006, 557.10.09.072. You must also Revision No. 3, dated January 15, accomplish the sparcap bolt hole 2003. modification.
(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? To use an alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Send these requests to the Manager, Standards Office, Small Airplane Directorate. For information on any already approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 3294059; facsimile: (816) 3294090.
(f) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH6371 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 63 19; facsimile: +41 41 619 6224; or from Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd., Product Support Department, 11755 Airport Way, Broomfield, Colorado 80021; telephone: (303) 4659099; facsimile: (303) 4656040. You may view these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swiss AD HB 2003 196, dated May 12, 2003.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 26, 2003. Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 0316844 Filed 7203; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 491013P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 3294059; facsimile: (816) 3294090.