AD 2017-04-03 Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes

Makes named: pilatus. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to PILATUS Models PC-6, PC-6-H1, PC-6-H2, PC-6/350, PC-6/350-H1, PC-6/350-H2, PC-6/A, PC-6/A-H1, PC-6/A-H2, PC-6/B-H2, PC-6/B1-H2, PC-6/B2-H2, PC-6/B2-H4, PC-6/C-H2, and PC-6/C1-H2 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN), including MSN 2001 through 2092, certificated in any category. Note 1 of paragraph (c) of this AD: For MSN 2001-2092, these airplanes are also identified as Fairchild Republic Company PC-6 airplanes, Fairchild Industries PC-6 airplanes, Fairchild Heli Porter PC-6 airplanes, or Fairchild-Hiller Corporation PC-6 airplanes.

Unless already done, do the following actions as specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this AD: (1) Within the next 12 months after April 7, 2017 (the effective date of this AD) or the next time the ailerons or aileron counterweights are removed or installed, whichever occurs first, and thereafter anytime the ailerons or aileron counterweights are removed or installed, remove each aileron counterweight to inspect the type and number of washers required for the installation of a counterweight on each aileron following the accomplishment instructions of paragraphs 3.B.(2) and 3.B.(3) of Pilatus PC-6 Service Bulletin (SB) No. 57-006, dated May 13, 2016. (2) Before further flight after the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, reinstall each aileron counterweight on the airplane following the accomplishment instructions of paragraph 3.B.(3) of Pilatus PC-6 SB No. 57-006, dated May 13, 2016.

The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to 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; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.

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 certain combinations of the aileron counterweight and the attaching parts possibly resulting in reduced thread engagement and leading to disconnection of the aileron counterweight from the aileron. We are issuing this AD to prevent disconnection of the aileron counterweight from the aileron, which could result in loss of control.

None.