AD 2021-10-28 Results From Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI)

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-24  airplanes.

This AD results from 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 the need to revise certain airworthiness limitations and certification maintenance instructions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective July 15, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Pilatus Model PC-24 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 11, 2021 (86 FR 13838). The NPRM was based on MCAI from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2020-0202, dated September 22, 2020 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”) to correct an unsafe condition for Pilatus Model PC-24 airplanes.

The MCAI states:

• The airworthiness limitations and certification maintenance instructions for Pilatus PC-24 aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in Pilatus PC-24 AMM [Aircraft Maintenance Manual] Chapter 04-00-00. These instructions have been identified as mandatory for continued airworthiness.
• Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an unsafe condition.
• Previously, EASA issued AD 2020-0074, [dated March 27, 2020,] requiring the actions described in the Pilatus PC-24 AMM Chapter 04-00-00, Document Number 02378 Issue 005 at Revision 14.
• Since that AD was issued, Pilatus published the ALS [Airworthiness Limitations section, at Issue 005 Revision 19], which contains the following new and/or more restrictive tasks as specified in Mandatory Structural Inspection Items data module PC24-AA04-20-0000-00A-000A-A Issue 005 Revision 00:
  • –AL-27-00-025 and AL-27-00-026: Control column sprocket gear assembly, and
  • –AL-27-00-027: Control wheel column assembly.
• In addition, Airworthiness Limitations Description data module PC24-A-A04-00-0000-00A-040A-A Issue 008 Revision 00 includes:
  • –The new limit of validity following the completion of the Full Scale Fatigue Test, and
  • –Usage assumptions/conditions for operations on unpaved and grass runaways.

EASA AD 2020-0074, dated March 27, 2020, required revising the Airworthiness Limitations section (ALS) to correct an error in the horizontal stabilizer primary trim system secondary power source operational test. The MCAI retains the requirements of EASA AD 2020-0074, dated March 27, 2020, which the MCAI supersedes, and requires the additional revisions discussed previously. 

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0812. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing the revised sections of the ALS described previously into the existing AMM or instructions for continued airworthiness. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMI: www.regulations.gov