Document ID: FAA-2013-0799-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: ATR - GIE Avions de Transport Regional Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-02-19T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 19, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9387-9389]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-02774]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0799; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-153-AD; 
Amendment 39-17746; AD 2014-03-09]
RIN 2120-AA64

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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final Rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and Model 
ATR72 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of defective sealing 
between the nacelle lower fairing and the underwing box. This AD 
requires a one-time general visual inspection for damaged (worn, torn, 
or abraded) or missing seals between the nacelle lower fairing and the 
underwing box of both the left-hand and right-hand engine nacelles, and 
replacement of the seal and/or shims if necessary. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent the decrease of the fire extinguishing agent efficiency, 
which could delay fire extinction and allow fire propagation out of the 
nacelle fire protected area, resulting in damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 26, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 26, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0799; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
    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 continued.airworthiness@atr.fr; 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.

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: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain ATR--GIE Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and Model ATR72 airplanes. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 25, 2013 (78 FR 
58967). The NPRM was prompted by reports of defective sealing between 
the nacelle lower fairing and the underwing box. The NPRM proposed to 
require a one-time general visual inspection for damaged (worn, torn, 
or abraded) or missing seals between the nacelle lower fairing and the 
underwing box of both the left-hand and right-hand engine nacelles, and 
replacement of the seal and/or shims if necessary. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent the decrease of the fire extinguishing agent efficiency, 
which could delay fire extinction and allow fire propagation out of the 
nacelle fire protected area, resulting in damage to the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0160, dated August 24, 2012 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    Some cases of defective sealing have been reported on in-service 
aeroplanes on Left-Hand (LH) and Right-Hand (RH), between the 
nacelle lower fairing and the underwing box.
    Investigation results have shown that this issue was due to 
either damaged or missing seal and/or incorrect adjustment of the 
nacelle lower fairing.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, may decrease the 
extinguishing agent efficiency, delay the fire extinction and allow 
fire propagation out of the nacelle fire protected area, possibly 
resulting in damage to the aeroplane.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time [general visual] inspection of the affected area [between the 
nacelle lower fairing and the underbox wing for damaged (worn, torn, 
or abraded) or missing seals] and, depending on findings, 
accomplishment of applicable corrective actions to restore the area 
integrity.

[[Page 9388]]

    Corrective actions include replacing the seal and/or shims. You may 
examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0799-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 58967, September 
25, 2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 58967, September 25, 2013) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 58967, September 25, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 42 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 4 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $14,280, or $340 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 36-work-hours and require parts costing $341, for a cost of 
$3,401 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need this action.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA 
at 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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 AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
    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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0799; 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 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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 AD:

2014-03-09 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment 
39-17746. Docket No. FAA-2013-0799; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
153-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 26, 
2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-
200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes, certificated in any category, 
manufacturer serial numbers 003 through 623 inclusive.
    (2) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72-
101, -201, -102, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes, certificated 
in any category, manufacturer serial numbers 108 through 710 
inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/
pylons.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of defective sealing between the 
nacelle lower fairing and the underwing box. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent the decrease of the fire extinguishing agent efficiency, 
which could delay fire extinction and allow fire propagation out of 
the nacelle fire protected area, resulting in damage to the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Corrective Actions

    Within 5,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: 
Do a one-time general visual

[[Page 9389]]

inspection for damaged (worn, torn, or abraded) and missing shims 
and seals, between the nacelle lower fairing and the underwing box 
of both the left-hand and right-hand engine nacelles, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR42-54-0029; or ATR72-54-1023; 
both dated July 18, 2012; as applicable. If any seal or shim is 
damaged or missing, before further flight, replace, as applicable, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR42-54-0029; or ATR72-
54-1023; both dated July 18, 2012; as applicable.

(h) Reporting

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) 
of this AD: Submit a report using the applicable Accomplishment 
Report of Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin 
ATR42-54-0029; or ATR72-54-1023; both dated July 18, 2012; to ATR 
Engineering, Service Bulletin Group, 1 Allee Pierre Nadot, 31712 
Blagnac Cedex, France; phone: +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax: +33 (0) 5 
62 21 69 41; email: techdesk@atr.fr.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(i) 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: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All 
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments 
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing 
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. 
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, AES-200.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2012-
0160, dated August 24, 2012, for related information. This MCAI may 
be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0799-0002.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-54-0029, dated July 18, 2012.
    (ii) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-54-1023, dated July 18, 2012.
    (3) 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 continued.airworthiness@atr.fr; 
Internet http://www.aerochain.com.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 21, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-02774 Filed 2-18-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P