AD 98-16-16 Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 Airplanes

Makes named: pilatus. Models named: PC-7. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model PC-7 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) up to and including MSN 609, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent main landing gear (MLG) or nose landing gear (NLG) failure caused by deterioration of a MLG or NLG leg seal unit, which could result in damage to the airplane or airplane control problems during takeoff, landing, or taxi operations, accomplish the following: (a) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, replace the seal unit on both MLG legs and the NLG leg in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 32-018, dated March 6, 1998. (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on an affected airplane, a MLG leg or NLG leg that does not have an improved seal unit installed in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 32-018, dated March 6, 1998. (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate. [[Page 42205]] Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate. (e) Questions or technical information related to Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 32-018, dated March 6, 1998, should be directed to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland; telephone: +41 41 619 6233; facsimile: +41 41 610 3351. This service information may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. (f) The replacements required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 32-018, dated March 6, 1998. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Customer Liaison Manager, CH-6371 Stans, Switzerland. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swiss AD HB 98- 069, dated March 23, 1998. (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 21, 1998. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 28, 1998. Michael Gallagher, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-20838 Filed 8-6-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U