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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No.

89 / Tuesday, May 9, 2006 / Proposed Rules 26891

part number of the ailerons. For consequent reduced controllability of routine inspections. Since there is no
airplanes with affected aileron part the airplane. unsafe condition, the proposed AD is
numbers, the proposed AD would have unnecessary.
Comments
required reworking the aileron damper
EMBRAER requests that we withdraw FAA’s Conclusions
fitting, and for certain airplanes,
replacing the rod end of the aileron the NPRM. EMBRAER points out that Upon further consideration, we have
damper assembly with an improved rod the unsafe condition stated in the NPRM determined that there is no unsafe
end. Since the proposed AD was issued, (failure of the aileron damper, which condition associated with structural
we have received new data indicating could result in failure of the aileron failure of the rod end of the aileron
that there is no unsafe condition actuator and consequent reduced damper. Accordingly, the NPRM is
associated with structural failure of the controllability of the airplane) is withdrawn.
rod end of the aileron damper. incorrect. While the NPRM was Withdrawal of the NPRM does not
Accordingly, the proposed AD is intended to address reports of structural preclude the FAA from issuing another
withdrawn. failure of the rod end of the aileron related action or commit the FAA to any
damper, there is no unsafe condition course of action in the future.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD caused by such a failure. The aileron
docket on the Internet at http:// damper was introduced to improve Regulatory Impact
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket safety by increasing redundancy: the Since this action only withdraws an
Management Facility office between 9 aileron damper prevents vibration of the NPRM, it is neither a proposed nor a
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through aileron surface in the event of failure of final rule and therefore is not covered
Friday, except Federal holidays. The both rods of the aileron power control under Executive Order 12866, the
Docket Management Facility office actuator (PCA). Failure of the rod end of Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT
(telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on the aileron damper and subsequent Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44
the plaza level of the Nassif Building at failure of the aileron damper will not FR 11034, February 26, 1979).
the U.S. Department of Transportation, cause vibration of the aileron surface.
400 Seventh Street, SW., Room PL–401, Further, while failure of the rod ends List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Washington, DC. This docket number is of the aileron PCA could result in Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
FAA–2006–23673; the directorate reduced controllability of the airplane, safety, Safety.
identifier for this docket is 2005–NM– this unsafe condition is already
233–AD. addressed by another action. EMBRAER The Withdrawal
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: notes that the FAA has previously Accordingly, we withdraw the NPRM,
Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, issued AD 99–05–04 (64 FR 13894, Docket No. FAA–2006–23673,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, March 23, 1999). That AD requires Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–233–
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 inspections to detect and correct AD, which was published in the Federal
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington cracking or failure of the rod ends of the Register on January 25, 2006 (71 FR
98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–1175; aileron PCA on all EMBRAER Model 4067).
fax (425) 227–1149. EMB–145 series airplanes.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 28,
EMBRAER further states that
2006.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: repetitive inspections of the aileron
damper rod ends and fitting lugs for Ali Bahrami,
Discussion Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
integrity and general condition are
We proposed to amend part 39 of the specified as a Certification Maintenance Aircraft Certification Service.
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Requirement (for Model EMB–135 [FR Doc. E6–7015 Filed 5–8–06; 8:45 am]
part 39) with a notice of proposed airplanes) and a System Inspection BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
rulemaking (NPRM) for a new AD for all Requirement (for Model EMB–145
EMBRAER Model EMB–135 and EMB– airplanes). The failures of the aileron
145, –145ER, –145MR, –145LR, –145XR, damper rod ends that prompted the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
–145MP, and –145EP airplanes. That NRPM were discovered during
Federal Aviation Administration
NPRM was published in the Federal inspections performed under these
Register on January 25, 2006 (71 FR requirements.
14 CFR Part 39
4067). The NPRM would have required We agree with the commenter’s
inspecting to determine the part number request to withdraw the NPRM. [Docket No. FAA–2006–24092; Directorate
of the ailerons. For airplanes with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145–27– Identifier 2006–CE–18–AD]
affected aileron part numbers, the 0108, Revision 01, dated April 28, 2005,
NPRM would have required reworking which the NPRM references as the RIN 2120–AA64
the aileron damper fitting. Also, for appropriate source of service
certain airplanes, the NPRM would have information for the required actions, Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus
required replacing the rod end of the was issued to correct insufficient Aircraft Ltd. Models PC–6, PC–6–H1,
aileron damper assembly with an clearance between the lugs of the PC–6–H2, PC–6/350, PC–6/350–H1, PC–
improved rod end. The NPRM resulted aileron damper fitting and the rod end 6/350–H2, PC–6/A, PC–6/A–H1, PC–6/
from reports of structural failure of the of the aileron damper. We have A–H2, PC–6/B–H2, PC–6/B1–H2, PC–6/
rod end of the aileron damper, which coordinated with EMBRAER and have B2–H2, PC–6/B2–H4, PC–6/C–H2, and
PC–6/C1–H2 Airplanes
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was caused by insufficient clearance determined that the actions in that


between the lugs of the aileron damper service bulletin are not intended to AGENCY: Federal Aviation
fitting and the rod end of the aileron address an unsafe condition. Doing Administration (FAA), Department of
damper. The proposed actions were those actions may provide an economic Transportation (DOT).
intended to prevent failure of the benefit to operators by preventing the
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
aileron damper, which could result in need for an expensive repair in the
(NPRM).
failure of the aileron actuator and event that damage is detected during

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26892 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 89 / Tuesday, May 9, 2006 / Proposed Rules

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede telephone: +41 41 619 63 19; facsimile: This condition, if not corrected, could
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003–09– +41 41 619 6224. result in increased friction in the aileron
01, which applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: control bellcrank assemblies, which
(Pilatus) Model PC–6 airplanes, all Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, could result in failure of the aileron
manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) up FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 flight-control system. Such failure could
to and including 939. AD 2003–09–01 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, lead to problems in controlling flight.
currently requires you to inspect and Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329– Foreign Airworthiness Authority
correct, as necessary, the aileron control 4059; facsimile: (816) 329–4090. Information
bellcrank assemblies at the wing and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
fuselage locations. Since we issued AD The FOCA recently issued Swiss AD
2003–09–01, the FAA determined the Comments Invited Number HB 2005–289, effective date
action should also apply to all the We invite you to send any written August 23, 2005, to ensure the
models of the PC–6 airplanes listed in relevant data, views, or arguments continued airworthiness of all models of
the type certification data sheet of Type regarding this proposed AD. Send your the PC–6 airplanes listed in TC No.
Certificate (TC) No. 7A15 that are comments to an address listed under the 7A15, including those produced in the
produced in the United States through ADDRESSES section. Include the docket United States under a licensing
a licensing agreement between Pilatus number, ‘‘FAA–2006–24092; Directorate agreement with Pilatus and Fairchild
and Fairchild Republic Company (also Identifier 2006–CE–18–AD’’ at the Republic Company (also identified as
identified as Fairchild Industries, beginning of your comments. We Fairchild Industries, Fairchild Heli
Fairchild Heli Porter, or Fairchild-Hiller specifically invite comments on the Porter, or Fairchild-Hiller Corporation).
Corporation). In addition, the intent of overall regulatory, economic, The State of Design for the Pilatus
the applicability of AD 2003–09–01 was environmental, and energy aspects of PC–6 airplanes is Switzerland and the
to all the affected serial numbers of the the proposed AD. We will consider all airplanes are type-certificated for
airplane models listed in TC No. 7A15. comments received by the closing date operation in the United States under the
Consequently, this proposed AD would and may amend the proposed AD in provisions of section 21.29 of the
retain all the actions of AD 2003–09–01, light of those comments. Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
would add those Fairchild Republic We will post all comments we 21.29) and the applicable bilateral
Company airplanes to the applicability receive, without change, to http:// airworthiness agreement.
of this proposed AD, and would list out dms.dot.gov, including any personal Under this bilateral airworthiness
the individual specific airplane models. information you provide. We will also agreement, the FOCA has kept us
We are proposing this AD to detect and post a report summarizing each informed of the situation described
correct increased friction in the aileron substantive verbal contact we receive above.
control bellcrank assemblies, which concerning this proposed AD. FAA’s Determination and Requirements
could result in failure of the aileron of the Proposed AD
Discussion
flight-control system. Such failure could
lead to problems in controlling flight. Mandatory continuing airworthiness We are proposing this AD because we
DATES: We must receive comments on
information and the FAA’s have examined the FOCA’s findings,
this proposed AD by June 9, 2006. determination that an unsafe condition evaluated all information and
existed on a Pilatus Model PC–6 determined the unsafe condition
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following airplane caused us to issue AD 2003– described previously is likely to exist or
addresses to comment on this proposed 09–01, Amendment 39–13130 (68 FR develop on other products of the same
AD: 22582, April 29, 2003). AD 2003–09–01 type design that are certificated for
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to http:// currently requires you to inspect and operation in the United States.
dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions correct, as necessary, the aileron control This proposed AD would supersede
for sending your comments bellcrank assemblies at the wing and AD 2003–09–01 with a new AD that
electronically. fuselage locations on Pilatus Model PC– would retain all the actions of AD 2003–
• Government-wide rulemaking Web 6 airplanes. 09–01 and would:
site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov The Federal Office for Civil Aviation • Add manufacturer serial numbers
and follow the instructions for sending (FOCA), which is the airworthiness (MSN) 2001 through 2092 for all the
your comments electronically. authority for Switzerland, notified the models of the PC–6 airplanes as listed
• Mail: Docket Management Facility; FAA of the need to supersede AD 2003– in TC No. 7A15 and specified in the
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 09–01 to address an unsafe condition applicability section. These MSN are the
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, that may exist or could develop on airplanes produced in the United States
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590– Model PC–6 airplanes, all manufacturer through a licensing agreement with the
0001. serial numbers (MSN) up to and Fairchild Republic Company; and
• Fax: (202) 493–2251. including 939. The FOCA reports that • List all the models of the PC–6
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the AD action should also apply to all airplanes as listed in TC No. 7A15.
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, the models of the PC–6 airplanes listed
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, in the type certification data sheet of TC Costs of Compliance
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday No. 7A15 produced in the United States We estimate that this proposed AD
through Friday, except Federal holidays. through a licensing agreement between would affect 49 airplanes in the U.S.
For service information identified in Pilatus and Fairchild Republic registry.
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this proposed AD, contact Pilatus Company (also identified as Fairchild We estimate the following costs to do
Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Industries, Fairchild Heli Porter, or the proposed inspection and
Manager, CH–6371 Stans, Switzerland; Fairchild-Hiller Corporation). modifications:

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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 89 / Tuesday, May 9, 2006 / Proposed Rules 26893

Total cost Total cost on U.S.


Labor cost Parts cost per airplane operators

7 work hours × $80 per hour = $560 ..................................................................................... $300 $860 $860 × 49 = $42,140.

Authority for This Rulemaking on a substantial number of small entities Pilatus Aircraft LTD.: Docket No. FAA–
under the criteria of the Regulatory 2006–24092; Directorate Identifier 2006–
Title 49 of the United States Code CE–18–AD.
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue Flexibility Act.
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, We prepared a regulatory evaluation Comments Due Date
section 106, describes the authority of of the estimated costs to comply with (a) We must receive comments on this
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, this proposed AD and placed it in the airworthiness directive (AD) action by June 9,
Aviation Programs, describes in more AD docket. 2006.
detail the scope of the Agency’s Examining the AD Docket Affected ADs
authority. (b) This AD supersedes AD 2003–09–01,
We are issuing this rulemaking under You may examine the AD docket that
Amendment 39–13130.
the authority described in subtitle VII, contains the proposed AD, the
part A, subpart III, section 44701, regulatory evaluation, any comments Applicability
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that received, and other information on the (c) This AD affects the following Models
section, Congress charges the FAA with Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or in PC–6, PC–6–H1, PC–6–H2, PC–6/350, PC–6/
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in person at the Docket Management 350–H1, PC–6/350–H2, PC–6/A, PC–6/A–H1,
air commerce by prescribing regulations Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., PC–6/A–H2, PC–6/B–H2, PC–6/B1–H2, PC–
Monday through Friday, except Federal 6/B2–H2, PC–6/B2–H4, PC–6/C–H2, and PC–
for practices, methods, and procedures
6/C1–H2 airplanes that are equipped with
the Administrator finds necessary for holidays. The Docket Office (telephone
turbo-prop engines and are certificated in any
safety in air commerce. This regulation (800) 647–5227) is located at the street category:
is within the scope of that authority address stated in the ADDRESSES section. (1) Group 1 (maintains the actions from AD
because it addresses an unsafe condition Comments will be available in the AD 2003–09–01): All manufacturer serial
that is likely to exist or develop on docket shortly after receipt. numbers (MSN) up to and including 939.
products identified in this rulemaking (2) Group 2: MSN 2001 through 2092.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
action. Note: These airplanes are also identified as
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation Fairchild Republic Company PC–6 airplanes,
Regulatory Findings safety, Safety. Fairchild Heli Porter PC–6 airplanes, or
We have determined that this Fairchild-Hiller Corporation PC–6 airplanes.
The Proposed Amendment
proposed AD would not have federalism Unsafe Condition
implications under Executive Order Accordingly, under the authority
13132. This proposed AD would not (d) This AD results from mandatory
delegated to me by the Administrator, continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
have a substantial direct effect on the the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part issued by the airworthiness authority for
States, on the relationship between the 39 as follows: Switzerland that requires retaining the
national Government and the States, or actions of AD 2003–09–01 and adding MSN
on the distribution of power and PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS 2001 through 2092 for all the models of the
responsibilities among the various DIRECTIVES PC–6 airplanes listed in the type certificate
levels of government. data sheet of Type Certificate (TC) No. 7A15.
For the reasons discussed above, I 1. The authority citation for part 39 We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
certify that the proposed regulation: continues to read as follows: increased friction in the aileron control
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. bellcrank assemblies, which could result in
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; failure of the aileron flight-control system.
§ 39.13 [Amended] Such failure could lead to problems in
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
controlling flight.
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) Compliance
3. Will not have a significant 2003–09–01, Amendment 39–13130, (e) To address this problem, you must do
economic impact, positive or negative, and adding the following new AD: the following:

Actions Compliance Procedures

(1) Inspect, before removal of the wing (A) For Group 1 Airplanes: Within the next Follow Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–6 Service Bul-
bellcrank assemblies, part numbers (P/N) 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after June letin No. 27–001, dated June 5, 2002.
6132.0071.51 and 6132.0071.52, for installed 17, 2003 (the effective date of AD 2003–
circlips, P/N N237: 09–01), unless already done.
(i) If circlips are installed, do the actions re- (B) For Group 2 Airplanes: Within the next
quired in paragraphs (e)(5) and (e)(6) of 100 hours TIS after the effective date of
this AD. this AD, unless already done.
(ii) If circlips are not installed, perform all
actions required by paragraphs (e)(3),
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(e)(4), (e)(5), (e)(6), and (e)(7) of this AD.

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26894 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 89 / Tuesday, May 9, 2006 / Proposed Rules

Actions Compliance Procedures

(2) Inspect, before removal of the fuselage Before further flight after the inspection re- Follow Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–6 Service Bul-
bellcrank assembly, P/N 6232.0118.00, for quired in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. letin No. 27–001, dated June 5, 2002.
the circlip installed on the housing to prevent
axial movement of the bellcrank on its bear-
ing and the flange of the housing to the rear.
If the fuselage bellcrank assembly has either
no circlip and/or it is not installed as required,
perform the actions in paragraphs (e)(8) and
(e)(9) of this AD.
(3) Remove the wing bellcrank assemblies, P/ Before further flight after the inspections re- Follow Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–6 Service Bul-
Ns 6132.0071.51 and 6132.0071.52, and in- quired in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of letin No. 27–001, dated June 5, 2002.
spect for worn or damaged bearings. Re- this AD, as applicable.
place worn or damaged bearings.
(4) Stake and lock the bearing in the housing of Before further flight after the inspections re- Follow Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–6 Service Bul-
the wing bellcranks, P/Ns 6132.0071.51 and quired in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of letin No. 27–001, dated June 5, 2002.
6132.0071.52. this AD, as applicable.
(5) Inspect the wing bellcranks control-cable at- Before further flight after the inspections re- Follow Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–6 Service Bul-
tachment bolts for correct type and for signs quired in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of letin No. 27–001, dated June 5, 2002.
of rub damage on the heads. Replace bolts this AD.
that are damaged and/or have a total length
(including head) of more than 21.5 mm (0.85
in.)
(6) Inspect the wing bellcranks support plate for Before further flight after the inspections re- Follow Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–6 Service Bul-
signs of rub damage caused by the bolts. If quired in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of letin No. 27–001, dated June 5, 2002.
damage is found: this AD.
(i) Obtain a repair scheme from the manu-
facturer through FAA at the address
specified in paragraph (f) of this AD.
(ii) Incorporate this repair scheme.
(7) Reinstall wing bellcrank assemblies ............. Before further flight after the inspections re- Follow Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–6 Service Bul-
quired in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of letin No. 27–001, dated June 5, 2002.
this AD.
(8) Remove the fuselage bellcrank assembly, Before further flight after the inspections re- Follow Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–6 Service Bul-
P/N 6232.0118.00, and inspect the housing quired in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of letin No. 27–001, dated June 5, 2002.
for wear, damage, and signs of axial move- this AD.
ment of the bearing in the housing. Replace
worn or damaged bearings. If any signs of
axial movement of a bearing are found:
(i) Obtain a repair scheme from the manu-
facturer through FAA at the address
specified in paragraph (f) of this AD.
(ii) Incorporate this repair scheme.
(9) Reinstall the fuselage bellcrank assembly. Before further flight after the inspections re- Follow Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–6 Service Bul-
Ensure that the fuselage bellcrank assembly quired in paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2) and letin No. 27–001, dated June 5, 2002.
is installed so that the surface of the (e)(8) of this AD.
bellcrank with the flange of the housing is in-
stalled to the rear. The effect of this is to lock
the bellcrank on the bearing tube and thus
prevent movement.
(10) Do not install any bellcrank assemblies, P/ (A) For Group 1 Airplanes: As of June 17, Follow Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–6 Service Bul-
Ns 6132.0071.51, 6132,0071.52, and 2003 (the effective date of AD 2003–09–01). letin No. 27–001, dated June 5, 2002.
6232.0118.00 (or FAA-approved equivalent (B) For Group 2 Airplanes: As of the effective
part numbers), unless the aileron assembly date of this AD.
has been inspected, modified, and installed.

Note 1: Axial movement of serviceable Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
bearings in the housings of the wing Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; Room PL–401, Washington, DC, or on the
bellcranks is permitted provided no wear or telephone: (816) 329–4059; facsimile: (816) Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket
damage to the bearing is found. 329–4090, has the authority to approve number is Docket No. FAA–2006–24092;
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the Directorate Identifier 2006–CE–18–AD.
Note 2: Any signs of axial movement of a
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
bearing in the housing of the fuselage Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 3,
(g) AMOCs approved for AD 2003–09–01
bellcrank assembly requires that you obtain are approved for this AD. 2006.
a repair scheme from the manufacturer
through FAA at the address specified in Related Information Barry R. Ballenger,
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paragraph (f) of this AD and incorporate the (h) To get copies of the documents Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
repair scheme. referenced in this AD, contact Pilatus Aircraft Aircraft Certification Service.
Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH–6371 [FR Doc. E6–7017 Filed 5–8–06; 8:45 am]
Alternative Methods of Compliance Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 63 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(AMOCs) 19; facsimile: +41 41 619 6224. To view the
(f) The Manager, Standards Office, ATTN: AD docket, go to the Docket Management
Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation,

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