2023-09-12: Air Conditioning System Wiring

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2023-09-12 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-22435; Docket No. FAA-2023-0421; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01360-A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 5, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E airplanes, serial numbers 466, 467, 725, 861, 1032, 1052, 1082, 1115, 1232, 1411, 1428, 1439, 1530, 1541, 1663, 1725, and 1802, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2197, Air Conditioning System Wiring. (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 identifies the unsafe condition as insufficient grounding of the vapor cycle cooling system (VCCS) compressor/condenser. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could, in the case of damage to the oxygen supply line, lead to an uncontrolled fire with damage to the airplane, and injury to the occupants. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the power return and chassis grounding cable attachment points at frame 37, including the attachment parts, for physical and heat damage, de-lamination, and corrosion in accordance with steps (2) through (6) of Section 3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions in Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 21-016, dated August 15, 2022 (Pilatus PC-12 SB 21-016). (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, any physical or heat damage, de-lamination, or corrosion as identified in steps (2) through (6) of Section 3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions in Pilatus PC-12 SB 21-016 is detected, before further flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Pilatus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (3) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the installation of the VCCS compressor/condenser power return cables and install an additional isolated VCCS chassis ground cable in accordance with Section 3.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions in Pilatus PC-12 SB 21-016. Where the service bulletin specifies discarding the stop angle, this AD requires removing the stop angle from service. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in § 39.19. In accordance with § 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, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD or email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit information by email. 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. (i) Additional Information (1) Refer to EASA AD 2022-0212, dated October 18, 2022, for related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0421. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, International Validation Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329-4059; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov. (j) 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 21-016, dated August 15, 2022. (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: techsupport.ch@pilatus-aircraft.com; website: 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 fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on May 9, 2023. Michael Linegang, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-11447 Filed 5-30-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P