AD 2004-06-05 Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 Airplanes

Makes named: pilatus. Models named: PC-12, PC-12/45. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

(c) This AD affects Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any category.

(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:   Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Maintenance Records Check: Within the next 30 calendar days after May 6, 2004 (the effective date of this AD), unless already done No special procedures necessary to check the maintenance records. (i) Check the maintenance records to determine whether the main landing gear (MLG) shock absorber attachment bolts (part number (P/N) 532.10.12.110) have been replaced. The bolts must have been replaced by following Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No: 32-015, dated September 12, 2003. The owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may perform this check. (ii) If, by checking the maintenance records, the owner/operator can definitely show that the MLG gear shock absorber attachment bolts (P/N 532.10.12.110) have been replaced (by following Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No: 32-015, dated September 12, 2003), then report the removal of any bolts to FAA at the address in paragraph (f) of this AD. You must make an entry into the aircraft records that shows compliance with this portion of the AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). (2) If you find as a result of the check in paragraph (e)(1) that there is no record of bolt replacement, inspect the left and right MLG assemblies (P/N 532.10.12.049 and P/N 532.10.12.050) for any serial number beginning with AM001 through AM053. You may choose to do the inspection without doing the logbook check Within the next 30 calendar days after May 6, 2004 (the effective date of this AD), unless already done Follow the Accomplishment Instructions of Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No: 32-015, dated September 12, 2003. (3) If during the inspection required by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, you find any MLG assembly with a serial number beginning with AM001 through AM053, replace any shock absorber bolts (P/N inspection 532.10.12.110) NOT MARKED with “AT” or “VLG” with new bolts Before further flight after the inspection required by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD Follow the Accomplishment Instructions of Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No: 32-015, dated September 12, 2003. (4) After removal of the shock absorber bolts (P/N 532.10.12.110), send the old removed bolts to Pilatus. Report this to FAA at the address in paragraph (f) of this AD. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information collection requirements contained in this regulation under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ) and assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056 Within the next 30 calendar days after May 6, 2004 (the effective date of this AD), unless already done. Not Applicable. (5) Before installing any left or right MLG assembly (P/N 532.10.12.049 or P/N 532.10.12.050) that has a serial number beginning with AM, ensure that the shock absorber bolts (P/N 532.10.12.110) NOT MARKED with “AT” or “VLG” have been replaced, and, if not, replace with new bolts As of May 6, 2004 (the effective date of this AD) Follow Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No: 32-015, dated September 12, 2003

(d) This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect and correct hydrogen embrittlement in the main landing gear shock absorber attachment bolts, which could result in failure of the main landing gear. This failure could lead to main landing gear collapse during operation with consequent loss of airplane control.

(b) None.