FR 2021-03511

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new regulation affecting specific Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-24 airplanes. This regulation arises from concerns that the airplanes' electrical harness installations do not conform to the approved design. These nonconforming installations pose several safety risks, including wire chafing, which could lead to electrical arcing, potential system failures, and in severe cases, the loss of important safety features such as power plant fire protection.

Summary of the Document

The core of the newly adopted regulation is a requirement for airplane operators to modify the electrical harness installations of the affected aircraft. The estimated cost per aircraft for these modifications is approximately $1,775, which includes labor and parts. This directive is based on mandatory continuing airworthiness information from an aviation authority external to the United States, which flagged the design discrepancies and subsequently led to the involvement of the FAA.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are multiple issues worth noting in this document. First, it does not clarify whether the modification costs might be covered by Pilatus, the aircraft manufacturer, under warranty, leaving some uncertainty about the financial implications for the operators. Additionally, while a cost estimate has been provided by the FAA, it remains unclear how this was calculated without input or comments from the affected operators. This might raise concerns about the accuracy or comprehensiveness of the estimate.

The language used in discussing the unsafe conditions could also be seen as overly technical. Terms like "MCAI" are used without explanation, potentially alienating readers who are not familiar with such jargon. Further detail on why the current harness installations are noncompliant with design standards would help clarify the situation, as would a definition of what constitutes "appropriate slack" in electrical wiring.

Public and Stakeholder Impact

The directive seeks to enhance safety by preventing potential hazards associated with the current electrical harness installations. For the general public, particularly those who travel on or live near routes serviced by the affected airplanes, the implementation of this directive could mean increased safety and reduced risk of incidents.

For operators of the Pilatus Model PC-24 airplanes, the directive imposes additional responsibilities and costs. While safety is paramount, operators might view these changes as an unwelcome financial burden, especially if costs are not covered by warranty. Pilatus, as the manufacturer, also has a stake in this regulation, as it highlights a potential oversight in their aircraft production process, which might affect their brand reputation.

Overall, while the directive aims to improve safety — a goal that arguably benefits everyone — its execution and clarity could be improved to ensure broader understanding and smoother compliance. Further efforts to simplify technical language, provide alternative compliance solutions, and clearly outline economic impacts would likely enhance the document's effectiveness and reception.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule concerning certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-24 airplanes. This rule requires modifications to the electrical harness installations to address an unsafe condition. The financial implications of this directive are significant for those involved in the implementation process.

Summary of Financial References

According to the information provided, the FAA has estimated that the cost to comply with this airworthiness directive (AD) will involve several financial factors. The average labor rate is stated to be $85 per work-hour, and required parts will cost about $75 per product. Additionally, it is estimated that the directive will take 20 work-hours per product. Given these details, the FAA calculates that the total cost of compliance will amount to $63,900 for U.S. operators, which breaks down to $1,775 per product.

Analysis of Financial Implications

These financial allocations are crucial for manufacturers, operators, and maintenance organizations involved with Pilatus Model PC-24 airplanes. The labor costs, when multiplied by the average labor rate and combined with the cost of parts, represent a considerable investment for compliance with the directive. The directive affects a total of 36 products in the U.S. registry.

One of the identified issues in the document relates to the uncertainty about whether any costs will be refunded under warranty, which could potentially offset these financial burdens. If the manufacturer, Pilatus, offers warranty coverage for some aspects of the modifications, operators might face reduced out-of-pocket expenses. However, without explicit confirmation or clarity on this issue, there is financial uncertainty that operators must navigate.

Furthermore, there was no feedback received from the affected parties regarding these cost estimations. This lack of input potentially raises questions about the accuracy or realism of the FAA's cost projections. Without comments or engagement from those directly affected, it is unclear how comprehensive the financial analysis is. The absence of detailed explanations about the cost determination process, including an understanding of average work required, suggests an opportunity for further transparency.

Overall, while the FAA has provided clear financial projections in terms of labor and parts, the issues concerning warranty coverage and the determinative process for these costs highlight areas where additional information could benefit those required to comply with the directive. As a result, stakeholders should prepare for these potential expenditures while remaining alert to any updates or clarifications from either the FAA or Pilatus the manufacturer.