[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 98 (Friday, May 20, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30797-30799]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-10761]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0092; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01428-A; 
Amendment 39-22039; AD 2022-10-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-12/47E airplanes. This 
AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
(MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to 
identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The 
MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as a batch of incorrectly sized 
fuel transfer ejector nozzles that were installed on Model PC-12/47E 
airplanes during production. This AD requires removing the affected 
fuel transfer ejectors from service and prohibits installation of the 
affected fuel transfer ejectors. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 24, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 24, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Support

[[Page 30798]]

General Aviation, CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7 365; 
email: aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com; website: https://
www.pilatus-aircraft.com. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0092.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0092; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the 
MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The address for 
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; 
phone: (816) 329-4059; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered 
Pilatus Model PC-12/47E airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on February 10, 2022 (87 FR 7774). The NPRM was prompted by 
MCAI from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is 
the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA 
issued AD 2020-0229, dated October 20, 2020 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on Pilatus Model PC-12/
47E airplanes with serial number 2001 and larger. The MCAI states:

    An occurrence was reported where, on the production line, a 
batch of fuel transfer ejectors with an incorrect (too small) nozzle 
diameter were installed on some PC-12/47E aeroplanes. Such fuel 
transfer ejectors are not in compliance with the latest approved 
design data.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in a restriction 
of the motive fuel flow due to ice accumulation, possibly resulting 
in a reduction of safety margins in the fuel system.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Pilatus issued the 
SB [Service Bulletin] to provide replacement instructions.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
replacement of the affected parts with serviceable parts, as defined 
in the [EASA] AD. This [EASA] AD also prohibits (re-)installation of 
affected parts.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0092.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require removing the affected fuel 
transfer ejectors from service and proposed to prohibit installation of 
an affected fuel transfer ejector. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from Pilatus and the Airline Pilots 
Association, International (ALPA). The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
    ALPA supported the NPRM without change.
    Pilatus requested the FAA clarify the unsafe condition statement in 
paragraph (e) of the proposed AD. Pilatus disagreed with the conclusion 
that reduction in safety margins in the fuel system could result in 
loss of control of the airplane. Pilatus explained that a reduction in 
safety margins would not lead to loss of control of the airplane; in 
the event the engine is starved of fuel, it will shut down but not 
necessarily lead to a loss of control because the airplane could glide 
controllably for a period of time.
    The FAA agrees and has revised paragraph (e) of this AD to state 
that the unsafe condition could lead to ``loss of engine power or 
engine shutdown.''

Conclusion

    This model has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the 
comments received, and determined that, except for the changes 
described previously, air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. 
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on this product. Except for any changes described previously, this AD 
is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase 
the economic burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No. 28-014, dated 
August 12, 2020. This service information contains the serial numbers 
of the affected fuel transfer ejectors and specifies procedures for 
replacing the affected fuel transfer ejectors. This service information 
is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to 
it through their normal course of business or by the means identified 
in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 10 airplanes of U.S. 
Registry. Although there are 54 affected fuel transfer ejectors 
worldwide, the FAA has no way of knowing how many affected parts may be 
installed on airplanes of U.S. Registry. The estimated cost on U.S. 
operators reflects the maximum possible cost based on the 10 airplanes 
of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost       airplane        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace fuel transfer ejector.........  5.5 work-hours x $85 per          $2,109       $2,576.50         $25,765
                                         hour = $467.50.
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[[Page 30799]]

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.
    The FAA is 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

    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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2022-10-01 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-22039; Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0092; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01428-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 24, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12/47E 
airplanes, serial numbers 2001 and larger, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2800, Aircraft 
Fuel System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as a batch of 
incorrectly sized fuel transfer ejector nozzles that were installed 
on Model PC-12/47E airplanes during production. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to correct the installation of incorrectly sized fuel 
transfer ejectors nozzles. If not addressed, this unsafe condition 
could result in a restriction of motive fuel flow due to ice 
accumulation and lead to a reduction of safety margins in the fuel 
system with loss of engine power or engine shutdown.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Definitions

    (1) For purposes of this AD, an ``affected fuel transfer 
ejector'' is a fuel transfer ejector part number (P/N) 968.84.71.112 
with a serial number listed in the table on page 1 in section 1.C. 
of Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No. 28-014, dated August 12, 2020 
(Pilatus SB 28-014).
    (2) For purposes of this AD, a ``Group 1 airplane'' is an 
airplane with an affected fuel transfer ejector installed.
    (3) For purposes of this AD, a ``Group 2 airplane'' is an 
airplane without an affected fuel transfer ejector installed.

(h) Required Actions

    For Group 1 airplanes: Within 4 months after the effective date 
of this AD, remove each fuel transfer ejector from service and 
install a serviceable part in accordance with Paragraph 3.B.(1) of 
the Accomplishment Instructions in Pilatus SB 28-014.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (2) 
of this AD, do not install an affected fuel transfer ejector on any 
airplane.
    (1) For Group 1 airplanes: After replacing the fuel transfer 
ejector as required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (2) For Group 2 airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of 
this AD and email to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4059; email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2020-0229, dated October 20, 2020, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0092.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No. 28-014, dated August 12, 
2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Support General Aviation, CH-6371 
Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24 7 365; email: 
aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com; website: https://www.pilatus-
aircraft.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on April 30, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-10761 Filed 5-19-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


