Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 Airplanes

The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Models PC-12 and PC-12/45 airplanes. This AD requires you to check the airplane logbook to determine whether any main landing gear (MLG) actuator (part number (P/N) 960.30.01.103) with serial numbers (SNs) 830E through 881E is installed. If any MLG actuator with one of these SNs is installed, you are required to replace the MLG actuator with a P/N 960.30.01.103 actuator that has a SN other than 830E through 881E. The pilot is allowed to do the logbook check. If the pilot can positively determine that no MLG actuator with one of these SNs is installed, then no further action is required. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Switzerland. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the MLG actuator caused by an incorrect heat treating process, which could result in loss of hydraulic extension/retraction of the MLG. This failure could lead to loss of control during ground operations.