AD 2020-21-12 Replacing The Grommets In The Upper Panel Assembly On The Left-Hand (LH) And Right-Hand (RH) Emergency Exits

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

This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition  as the vinyl grommets on the upper panel assembly on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) emergency exits becoming rigid after exposure to low temperatures, which could result in failure of the emergency exits to open during an evacuation. This AD requires replacing the grommets. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective December 8, 2020.

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 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd Model PC-24 airplanes with an emergency exit grommet part number (P/N) 944.87.32.001 installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 7, 2020 (85 FR 47919). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition of the specified products and was based on MCAI originated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD No. 2019-0293, dated December 4, 2019 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), which states:

• After exposure to low temperatures, the vinyl grommets which hold the upper panel assembly in position on the left-hand and right-hand emergency exits were found to become rigid.
• This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the emergency exits to open during an evacuation, possibly resulting in injury to occupants.
• To address this potential unsafe condition, Pilatus issued the [service bulletin] SB to provide modification instructions.

For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires replacement of affected parts with serviceable parts, as defined in this AD, and prohibits (re-)installation of affected parts.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0744.

FMI: www.regulations.gov