Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14357 · Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 Airplanes
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 Airplanes
This AD affects Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes, Manufacturers Serial Numbers (MSN) 101 through 620, that are certificated in any category.
The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect the left and right main landing gear (MLG) assemblies for any part number (P/N) 532.10.12.077 or FAA- approved equivalent part number bolts that do not have white primed and painted heads; and replace any bolt found with new P/N 532.10.12.077F or FAA-approved equivalent part number bolts in all MLG assemblies. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any P/N 532.10.12.077 or FAA- approved equivalent part number bolts that do not have white primed and painted heads, which could result in corrosion of the bolt and consequent failure of the bolt. This failure could lead to MLG collapse during airplane landing and take-off operations with consequent loss of airplane control.
To address this problem, you must do the following:
| Actions | Compliance | Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Inspect the main landing gear (MLG) assemblies, part number (P/N) 532.10.12.049 and P/N 532.10.12.050 or FAA-approved equivalent part number, for any P/N 532.10.12.077 or FAA-approved equivalent part number bolts that do not have white primed and painted heads | Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 90 days after December 19, 2005 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first, unless already done | Follow Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No. 32-018, dated May 2, 2005. |
| (2) Replace any P/N 532.10.12.077 bolts that do not have white primed and painted heads found as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. Replace with new bolts (new P/N 532.10.12.077F or FAA-approved equivalent part number) in both MLG assemblies | Before further flight after inspection required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD | Follow Pilatus PC12 Service Bulletin No. 32-018, dated May 2, 2005. |
| (3) 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. |
| (4) Do not install: | ||
| (i) Any P/N 532.10.12.077 (or FAA-approved equivalent part number) bolt that does not have a white primed and painted head in any MLG assembly (P/N 532.10.12.049, P/N 532.10.12.050, or FAA-approved equivalent part number); and | ||
| (ii) Any MLG assembly (P/N 532.10.12.049, P/N 532.10.12.050 or FAA-approved equivalent part number) that does not have P/N 532.10.12.077F (or FAA-approved equivalent part number) bolts with white primed and painted heads. | As of December 19, 2005 (the effective date of this AD) | Not Applicable. |
Note: The FAA recommends that you return any removed bolts to Pilatus.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
