Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18277 · Flight controls
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
This AD applies to PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Models PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47E airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers 244, 307, 409, 646, 1447 through 1450, 1461, 1462, 1466 through 1514, 1516 through 1520, and 1523, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Models PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47E airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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 a malfunction of the universal joint. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, to include all subparagraphs.
(1) For airplanes equipped with aileron control system universal joints part number (P/N) 944.61.73.012 or P/N 527.10.12.195, purchased between March 1, 2014, and February 28, 2015; or universal joints installed in service through an aileron control system inspection kit P/N 500.50.12.314, purchased between March 1, 2014, and February 28, 2015, do one of the following actions as applicable:
(i) For airplanes with less than 200 flight cycles since first flight of the airplane or less than 200 flight cycles since installation of an affected universal joint or inspection kit, whichever applies: Within 10 flight cycles after November 3, 2015 (the effective date of this AD) or 3 months after November 3, 2015 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first, replace with a new universal joint P/N 527.10.12.195 purchased after March 1, 2015, and marked with a placard “RT iO” following the Accomplishment Instructions in PILATUS PC-12 Service Bulletin No: 27-022, dated March 17, 2015.
(ii) For airplanes with 200 flight cycles or more since first flight of the airplane or 200 flight cycles or more since installation of an affected universal joint or inspection kit, whichever applies: Within 12 months after November 3, 2015 (the effective date of this AD), replace with a new universal joint P/N 527.10.12.195 purchased after March 1, 2015, and marked with a placard “RT iO” following the Accomplishment Instructions in PILATUS PC-12 Service Bulletin No: 27-022, dated March 17, 2015.
(iii) For all airplanes where total flight cycles are not tracked: The conversion formula is one flight cycle equals one flight hour.
(2) For all airplanes: After November 3, 2015 (the effective date of this AD), do not install the following parts on any airplane after the modification of the airplane as required in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (f)(1)(ii) of this AD or any airplane that does not have an affected part installed:
(i) A universal joint P/N 944.61.73.012 or P/N 527.10.12.195 (except for a P/N 527.10.12.195 marked with a placard “RT iO”).
(ii) Inspection kit P/N 500.50.12.314 purchased between March 1, 2014, and February 28, 2015.
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.
