AD 2006-08-11 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.

This AD affects Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are equipped with the following crew seat bucket assemblies and are certificated in any category: (1) Crew seats with a recline system, part numbers (P/N): 959.30.01.111, 959.30.01.112, 959.30.01.121, and 959.30.01.122 (2) Crew seats without recline system, P/Ns: 959.30.01.131, 959.30.01.132, 959.30.01.133, and 959.30.01.134

To address this problem, you must do the following:   Actions Compliance Procedures (1) For crew seat bucket assemblies with a recline system, P/Ns 959.30.01.111, 959.30.01.112, 959.30.01.121, and 959.30.01.122 (or FAA-approved equivalent P/Ns), replace the backrest tubes Initially replace upon the accumulation of 5,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) or within the next 100 hours TIS after June 2, 2006 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later, unless already done. Thereafter, replace the backrest tubes upon the accumulation of 5,000 hours TIS (the life limit established in this AD) Replace following the procedures in the applicable component maintenance manual (CMM). (2) For crew seat bucket assemblies without a recline system, P/Ns 959.30.01.131, 959.30.01.132, 959.30.01.133, and 959.30.01.134 (or FAA-approved equivalent P/Ns), and with less than or equal to 10,000 hours TIS replace the backrest tubes Initially replace upon the accumulation of 10,000 hours TIS or within the next 500 hours TIS after June 2, 2006 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later, unless already done. Thereafter, replace the backrest tubes upon the accumulation of 10,000 hours TIS (the life limit established in this AD) Replace following the procedures in the CMM. (3) For crew seat bucket assemblies without a recline system, P/Ns 959.30.01.131, 959.30.01.132, 959.30.01.133, and 959.30.01.134 (or FAA-approved equivalent P/Ns), and with greater than 10,000 hours TIS replace the backrest tubes Initially upon the accumulation of 10,500 hours TIS or within the next 100 hours TIS after June 2, 2006 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later, unless already done. Thereafter, replace the backrest tubes upon the accumulation of 10,000 hours TIS (the life limit established in this AD) Replace following the procedures in the CMM. (4) Do not install: As of June 2, 2006 (the effective date of this AD). The life limits specified in paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and (e)(3) of this AD apply to all parts installed as spares Not applicable. (i) Any crew seat bucket assembly with a recline system, P/N 959.30.01.111, 959.30.01.112, 959.30.01.121, and 959.30.01.122, (or FAA-approved equivalent P/Ns), with unknown hours TIS or which has accumulated 5,000 or more hours TIS; or (ii) Any crew seat bucket assembly without a recline system, P/N 959.30.01.131, 959.30.01.132, 959.30.01.133, and 959.30.01.134 (or FAA-approved equivalent P/Ns), with unknown hours TIS or which has accumulated 10,000 or more hours TIS. (5) 14 CFR 21.303 allows for replacement parts through parts manufacturer approval(PMA). The phrase “or FAA-approved equivalent part number” in this AD is intended to signify those parts that are PMA parts approved through identicality to the design of the part under the type certificate and replacement parts to correct the unsafe condition under PMA (other than identicality). If parts are installed that are identical to the unsafe parts, then the corrective actions of the AD affect these parts also. In addition, equivalent replacement parts to correct the unsafe condition under PMA (other than identicality) may also be installed provided they meet current airworthiness standards, which include those actions cited in this AD Not applicable Not applicable. (6) You must contact the type certificate holder any time a modification or repair is done that affects the parts listed in paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), (e)(3), and (e)(4) of this AD to determine the effect, if any, the modification or repair may have on the life limits established in this AD As of June 2, 2006 (the effective date of this AD) Not applicable. Note 1: The FAA recommends that you return all replaced backrest tubes to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Structural Analysis Group ECE, Ch-6371 Stans, Switzerland. Include the following information: crew seat P/N and serial number, aircraft manufacturer serial number, aircraft flying hours, number of flights, and replacement date of the replaced backrest tubes. Note 2: Pilatus PC-12 Aircraft Maintenance Manual Revision 17/Interactive Electronic Technical Publication (IETP) Revision 9, Chapter 4, section 04-00-00, references the crew seat bucket assembly replacements. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (f) The Manager, Standards Office, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (g) Swiss AD Number HB-2005-470, Effective Date: December 30, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 12, 2006. Kim Smith, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-3725 Filed 4-18-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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 prevent cracks in the backrest tubes of certain crew seat bucket assemblies, which could result in failure of the seat system. This failure could lead to the pilot and co-pilot's reduced ability to control the airplane. This failure could also affect the proper function of the seat restrain system in the case of an emergency landing.