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[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 16 (Monday, January 26, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3921-3924]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-01218]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0080; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-189-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; ATR--GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by several reports of a cracked floor 
beam at frame (FR) 26, and of discrepancies in certain wing inspection 
tasks in maintenance documents that could lead to errors in scheduling 
inspection intervals of structurally significant items (SSIs). This 
proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of certain floor beams 
and revision of the maintenance or inspection program to include 
inspections of several areas of the wings. We are proposing this AD to 
detect and correct any cracking of the floor beam at FR 26 and several 
areas of the wings, which could lead to reduced structural integrity of 
the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 12, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional, 1, All[eacute]e Pierre 
Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; 
fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.aerochain.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0080; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; 
fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-0080; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-189-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0193, dated September 25, 2012 (referred 
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all ATR--GIE Avions 
de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Floor beam at Frame 26: During maintenance checks, the floor 
beam at frame (FR) 26 was found cracked on several ATR 42 
aeroplanes.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
reduce the structural integrity of the aeroplane. A new Structural 
Significant Items (SSI) task will be introduced in the next revision 
of the ATR42 Time Limits document in order to address this issue.
    MRBR/MPD discrepancy on Wings item: A discrepancy has been 
noticed between the Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR)/
Maintenance Planning Document (MPD) and the Time Limits document. 
ATR modifications 02805 and 08039 were erroneously stated similar in 
the MRBR/MPD, inducing misleading applicability of the SSI tasks 
depending upon the document used and leading operators to miss 
several inspections, as evidenced during a recent review.
    Following the structural investigation, new inspection 
thresholds have been calculated and will be introduced in the next 
revisions of the ATR Time Limits documents (Revision 8 and Revision 
9, as applicable to the aeroplane models) and MRBR/MPD documents.

[[Page 3922]]

    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the FR26 floor beam, and of several areas 
of the wings, as defined in the ATR42 Time Limits document and, 
depending on findings, the accomplishment of applicable corrective 
action(s).

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0080.

Related Service Information

    Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional (ATR) has issued Job 
Instruction Card 535100 DVI 10097, ``DVI of FR26 Floor Beam Around Cut-
outs for Cooling & Hydrau Ducts,'' dated February 9, 2012 (for Model 
ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes). The service information 
describes procedures for a detailed inspection for damage (cracks, 
corrosion, dents, scratches, scores and abrasions) of the floor beam at 
FR 26, on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides, and, for 
certain inspection findings, contacting the manufacturer for repair 
instructions. The actions described in this service information are 
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Difference Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI

    Although the MCAI specifies doing repetitive actions (e.g., 
structurally significant item (SSI) inspections) in accordance with 
certain tasks in the maintenance or inspection program, this NPRM 
proposes to revise the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. By 
requiring a revision of the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, instead of requiring individual repetitive inspections, 
operators are only required to record AD compliance once when the 
maintenance or inspection program is revised instead of every time an 
inspection is accomplished. The repetitive inspections specified in the 
airworthiness limitations must be complied with in accordance with 14 
CFR 91.403(c).
    Also, the MCAI specifies that, if there are findings from the 
inspections, then corrective action must be accomplished in accordance 
with ATR maintenance documentation. But this proposed AD does not 
include that requirement because operators of U.S.-registered airplanes 
are required by general airworthiness and operational regulations to 
use FAA-acceptable methods when performing maintenance. We consider 
those methods to be adequate to address any corrective action 
necessitated by the findings of airworthiness limitations section (ALS) 
inspections specified in the maintenance or inspection program revision 
required by this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 31 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $10,540, per 
inspection cycle, or $340, per inspection cycle, per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

    ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Docket No. FAA-
2015-0080; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-189-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 12, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all ATR--GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional (ATR) Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Codes 53, Fuselage; 
and 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked floor beam at 
frame (FR) 26 on several Model ATR42 airplanes, and of discrepancies 
in certain wing inspection tasks in maintenance documents that could 
lead to errors in scheduling inspection intervals of structurally 
significant items

[[Page 3923]]

(SSIs). We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any cracking of 
the floor beam at FR 26 and several areas of the wings, which could 
lead to reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions for FR 26 Floor Beam 
for All Model ATR42 Airplanes

    (1) For all Model ATR42 airplanes: At the later of the 
compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of 
this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12,000 flight 
cycles, accomplish a detailed inspection for damage (cracks, 
corrosion, dents, scratches, scores and abrasions) of the floor beam 
at FR 26, on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides, in 
accordance with the instructions of ATR Job Instruction Card 535100 
DVI 10097, ``DVI of FR26 Floor Beam Around Cut-outs for Cooling & 
Hydrau Ducts,'' dated February 9, 2012 (for Model ATR42-200, -300, -
320, and -500 airplanes).
    (i) Before the accumulation of 24,000 total flight cycles.
    (ii) Within 5,000 flight hours or 24 months, whichever occurs 
first, after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, any damage (corrosion or scratches that are greater than 
allowed, cracks, dents, scores and abrasions) is found: Before 
further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or 
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA).

(h) SSI Tasks for Certain Model ATR42 Airplanes

    For Model ATR42 airplanes on which ATR modification 02805 was 
not embodied in production: Within 6 months after the effective date 
of this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, by incorporating the SSI tasks identified in table 1 to 
paragraph (h) of this AD, in accordance with a method approved by 
the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA.

                 Table 1 to Paragraph (h) of this AD--Applicable SSI Tasks and Compliance Times
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              At this initial     And repeat at intervals not to
            For Model--                 Use SSI Task--            time--                     exceed--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATR-42-500 airplanes..............  572301-1 or -3, as     Before 45,000 total   7,300 flight cycles.
                                     applicable.            flight cycles or
                                                            within 6 months
                                                            after the effective
                                                            date of this AD,
                                                            whichever occurs
                                                            later.
ATR-42-500 airplanes..............  572305...............  Before 46,000 total   3,900 flight cycles.
                                                            flight cycles or
                                                            within 6 months
                                                            after the effective
                                                            date of this AD,
                                                            whichever occurs
                                                            later.
ATR42-200, -300, and -320           572301-1, -3, -4, or - Before 45,000 total   7,300 flight cycles.
 airplanes.                          5, as applicable.      flight cycles or
                                                            within 6 months
                                                            after the effective
                                                            date of this AD,
                                                            whichever occurs
                                                            later.
ATR42-200, -300, and -320           572305-1.............  Before 46,000 total   3,900 flight cycles.
 airplanes.                                                 flight cycles or
                                                            within 6 months
                                                            after the effective
                                                            date of this AD,
                                                            whichever occurs
                                                            later.
ATR42-200, -300, and -320           572409...............  Before 42,000 total   9,000 flight cycles.
 airplanes.                                                 flight cycles or
                                                            within 6 months
                                                            after the effective
                                                            date of this AD,
                                                            whichever occurs
                                                            later.
ATR42-200, -300, and -320           572410, 572411,        Before 43,000 total   10,000 flight cycles.
 airplanes.                          572412, 572413,        flight cycles or
                                     572414, and 572415.    within 6 months
                                                            after the effective
                                                            date of this AD,
                                                            whichever occurs
                                                            later.
ATR42-200, -300, and -320           572416 and 572417....  Before 44,000 total   7,300 flight cycles.
 airplanes.                                                 flight cycles or
                                                            within 6 months
                                                            after the effective
                                                            date of this AD,
                                                            whichever occurs
                                                            later.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD:  For ATR42-500 airplanes, 
additional guidance for the maintenance or inspection program 
revision may be found in the ATR ATR 42-400/-500 Maintenance Review 
Board Report, Revision 13, dated November 30, 2011.

    Note 2 to paragraph (h) of this AD:  For ATR42-200, -300, and -
320 airplanes, additional guidance for the maintenance or inspection 
program revision may be found in the ATR ATR 42-200/-300/-320 
Maintenance Review Board Report, Revision 13, dated November 30, 
2011.

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or 
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of 
this AD.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom 
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; fax 425-227-1149. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or EASA; or 
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional's EASA DOA. If approved 
by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012-0193, dated September 25, 
2012, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-0080.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact ATR--
GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional, 1, All[eacute]e Pierre 
Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; 
fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.aerochain.com. You may view this service 
information at the FAA,

[[Page 3924]]

Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 15, 2015.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-01218 Filed 1-23-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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