Document ID: FAA-2013-0975-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: ATR - GIE Avions de Transport Regional Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-04-03T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 64 (Thursday, April 3, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18619-18622]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-07317]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0975; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-082-AD; 
Amendment 39-17813; AD 2014-06-09]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-18-18 for 
certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and 
ATR72 airplanes. AD 2009-18-18 required repetitive inspections for 
damage and absence of repair of the cockpit forward side windows, and 
replacement if necessary. This new AD requires repetitive detailed 
inspections of the cockpit forward side window for damage and 
discrepancies; and replacement if necessary. Replacing both cockpit 
forward side windows with approved windows terminates the repetitive 
detailed inspections. This new AD also expands the applicability of AD 
2009-18-18. The actions required by AD 2009-18-18 are not required by 
this AD. This AD was prompted by reports of a cockpit forward right-
hand side blow out during flight. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct air/water leakage of the cockpit forward side window, which 
could lead to rapid cabin decompression, resulting in loss of control 
of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 8, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 8, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0975; 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 PPG Aerospace service information identified in this AD, 
contact PPG Aerospace, 12780 San Fernando Road, Sylmar, CA 91342; 
phone: 818-362-6711; fax: 818-362-0603; Internet: http://corporateportal.ppg.com/na/aerospace.
    For ATR 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 to supersede AD 2009-18-18, Amendment 39-16014 (74 FR 46336, 
September 9, 2009). AD 2009-18-18 applied to certain ATR--GIE Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on November 27, 2013 (78 FR 70892). 
The NPRM was prompted by reports of a cockpit forward right-hand side 
blow out during flight. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive 
detailed inspections of the cockpit forward side window for damage and 
discrepancies; and replacement if necessary. Replacing both cockpit 
forward side windows with approved windows would terminate the 
repetitive detailed inspections. The NPRM also proposed to expand the 
applicability of AD 2009-18-18. The actions required by AD 2009-18-18 
are not required by the NPRM. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct air/water leakage of the cockpit forward side window, which 
could lead to rapid cabin decompression, resulting in loss of control 
of 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 2013-0087, dated April 9, 2013 (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 ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 
airplanes; and Model ATR72-101, -201, -102, -202, -211, -212, and -212A 
airplanes; all manufacturer serial numbers. The MCAI states:

    In 2009, a Left-Hand (LH) forward side glass window of an ATR 
72-212 aeroplane blew out while performing a ground pressure test. 
The investigation results revealed some anomalies on the forward 
side window at the level of the z-bar on the windows external side 
and at the level of the inner retainer on the windows internal side. 
Such anomalies are considered as precursors of this kind of failure. 
Air or water leakages between the z-bar and the outer glass ply, or 
between the inner retainer and inner glass ply indicate the presence 
of deteriorating structural components in the window.
    Neither ATR nor PPG Aerospace have authorized repairs on the 
window z-bar or z-bar sealant. Any attempted repairs on these 
forward side window z-bars and/or z-bar sealants could lead to a 
similar event as described above.
    In-flight loss of a forward side window would cause rapid cabin 
decompression, possibly resulting in flight crew incapacitation and 
consequent reduced control, or loss of control of the aeroplane, and 
cause the risk of injury to persons on the ground. The loss of a 
forward side window while the aeroplane is on the ground, due to 
differential cabin pressure, could result in injury to aeroplane 
occupants or to persons outside the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2009-
0159-E [dated July 20, 2009] (http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2009_0159E_superseded.pdf/EAD_2009-0159-E_1) [which 
corresponds to FAA AD 2009-18-18, Amendment 39-116014 (74 FR 46336, 
September 9, 2009)] to require repetitive inspections of the 
affected LH and right-hand (RH) cockpit forward side glass windows 
and, in case discrepancies are found as defined in PPG Aerospace 
Service Bulletin (SB) NP-158862-001, the replacement of the 
window(s).
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, a cockpit forward RH-side 
window blew out during flight on an ATR72-212 aeroplane. Degradation 
of the window is considered to have been the cause for this failure.
    * * * [T]his [EASA] AD * * * requires to accomplish the 
[detailed] inspections in accordance with the instructions of 
Revision 1 of PPG Aerospace SB NP-158862-001, which provides more 
information on examples of [damaged and] discrepant conditions.
    This [EASA] AD also requires the removal from service of the 
affected Part Number (P/N) NP158862-1 and P/N NP158862-2 cockpit 
forward side windows, which constitutes terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections required by this AD.

[[Page 18620]]

The corrective action is replacing windows, if damage and discrepancies 
are found. Damage and discrepancies to detect during the inspection 
include z-bar existing sealant repair, z-bar deformation, separation or 
gap in the sealant bond between the retainer and inner glass ply, z-bar 
deformation and retainer gap at same location, or z-bar deformation and 
retainer gap in window corner. You may examine the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0975-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 70892, November 27, 
2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available 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 70892, November 27, 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 70892, November 27, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 43 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                    Labor cost         Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed Inspection.............  1 work-hour x $85                $0   $85 per inspection   $3,655 per
                                   per hour = $85 per                    cycle.               inspection cycle.
                                   inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this 
replacement.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement..................................  4 work-hours x $85 per hour =           $18,546          $18,886
                                                $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Where the service information lists required parts costs that are 
covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge 
for these costs. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected 
parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here.

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-2013-0975; 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.

[[Page 18621]]

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2009-18-18, Amendment 39-16014 (74 FR 46336, September 9, 2009), and 
adding the following new AD:

2014-06-09 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment 
39-17813. Docket No. FAA-2013-0975; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
082-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 8, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2009-18-18, Amendment 39-16014 (74 FR 
46336, September 9, 2009).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all ATR--GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes; and 
Model ATR72-101, -201, -102, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes; 
certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 56, Windows.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of a cockpit forward right-hand 
side blow out during flight. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct air/water leakage of the cockpit forward side window, which 
could lead to rapid cabin decompression, resulting in loss of 
control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

(g) Inspections

    For airplanes that are equipped with any PPG Aerospace cockpit 
forward side glass window having part number (P/N) NP158862-1 or P/N 
NP158862-2: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or 
(g)(2) of this AD, do a detailed inspection of the cockpit forward 
side window to detect any damage and discrepancies (z-bar existing 
sealant repair, z-bar deformation, separation or gap in the sealant 
bond between the retainer and inner glass ply, z-bar deformation and 
retainer gap at same location, or z-bar deformation and retainer gap 
in window corner), in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of PPG Aerospace Component Service Bulletin NP-158862-
001 Revision 1, dated January 10, 2013. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 550 flight hours or 750 flight 
cycles, whichever occurs first, except as required by paragraph (h) 
of this AD.
    (1) For windows for which the total flight cycles can be 
established, inspect within 2,000 flight cycles since first 
installation of the cockpit forward side window, or within 10 days 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (2) For windows for which the total flight cycles cannot be 
established, inspect before the accumulation of 2,000 total flight 
cycles on the airplane, or within 10 days after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(h) Conditions for Reduced Interval

    If any of the conditions specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), 
and (h)(3) of this AD is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, reduce the interval of each subsequent 
inspection as required by paragraph (g) of this AD to 50 flight 
cycles or 7 days, whichever occurs later.
    (1) Sealant separation between the z-bar and the outer glass 
ply, with depth less than 4 millimeter (mm) (0.160 inches (in)).
    (2) Sealant separation between the inboard retainer and inner 
glass ply, with depth less than 7.5 mm (0.300 in) and cumulative 
length less than 300 mm (12.000 in).
    (3) Window showing both sealant separation between the z-bar and 
the outer ply, and separation between inboard retainer and inner 
glass ply, common to the same hole location with a length less than 
225 mm (8.860 in), and not covering the entire arc of a window 
corner.

(i) Replacement

    If, during any inspection required by this AD, any damage or 
discrepant condition, as defined in PPG Aerospace Component Service 
Bulletin NP-158862-001 Revision 1, dated January 10, 2013 (z-bar 
existing sealant repair, z-bar deformation, separation or gap in the 
sealant bond between the retainer and inner glass ply, z-bar 
deformation and retainer gap at same location, or z-bar deformation 
and retainer gap in window corner), is found, except for the 
conditions specified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this 
AD, before further pressurized flight or within 10 days after the 
inspection, whichever occurs first, replace the affected window(s) 
using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent, or the Design Approval 
Holder (DAH) with EASA design organization approval). For a 
replacement method to be approved, the repair must specifically 
refer to this AD.

    Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD:  Guidance for unpressurized 
flight conditions and limitations can be found in ATR Master Minimum 
Equipment List (MMEL) item 21-30-1 and Dispatch Deviation Guide 
(DDG) item 21-30-1.(4).

    Note 2 to paragraph (i) of this AD:  Guidance for the 
replacement required by paragraph (i) of this AD can be found in 
ATR42/72 Job Instruction Card airplane maintenance manual (AMM) JIC 
56-12-00 RAI 10000.

(j) Reporting Requirement

    Submit a report of the findings of the inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD to ATR techdesk, 1 ALLEE PIERRE NADOT, 
31712 BLAGNAC CEDEX, France, phone: +33 (0)5 62 21 62 21; fax: +33 
(0)5 62 21 67 18; email: techdesk@atr.fr; and PPG Aerospace, ATTN: 
Andrew Troller, P.O. Box 2200, Huntsville, AL 35811 USA, phone: 1-
256-859-2500 ext. 2544; fax 1-256-859-8155; email: atroller@ppg.com; 
at the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of 
this AD. The report must include the information specified in PPG 
Aerospace Service Bulletin NP-158862-001, Revision 1, dated January 
10, 2013.
    (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.

(k) Window Replacement Provisions

    Replacing only the affected window, as required by paragraph (i) 
of this AD, with a cockpit forward side window having P/N NP158862-1 
left-hand (LH) or P/N NP158862-2 right-hand (RH), as applicable, is 
not terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by 
this AD.

(l) Terminating Action

    Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
each PPG Aerospace P/N NP-158862-1 LH and P/N NP-158862-2 RH cockpit 
forward side window with an approved cockpit forward side window. 
Replacing both PPG Aerospace P/N NP158862-1 LH and P/N NP158862-2 RH 
cockpit forward side windows with approved windows is a terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections required by this AD. 
Replacement windows and procedures for their installation must be 
approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA (or its delegated agent, by 
the DAH with EASA design organization approval).

(m) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of 72 months after the effective date of this AD, no person 
may install any PPG Aerospace cockpit forward side window having P/N 
NP158862-1 LH or P/N NP158862-2 RH on any airplane.

(n) 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

[[Page 18622]]

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, use these actions if they 
are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if 
they were approved by the State of Design Authority (or its 
delegated agent, or the DAH with a State of Design Authority's 
design organization approval). For a repair method to be approved, 
the repair approval must specifically refer to this AD. You are 
required to ensure 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.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0087, dated April 9, 2013, 
for related information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0975-0002.
    (2) For ATR service information identified in this AD that is 
not incorporated by reference 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 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.

(p) 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) PPG Aerospace Component Service Bulletin NP-158862-001 
Revision 1, dated January 10, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact PPG 
Aerospace, 12780 San Fernando Road, Sylmar, CA 91342; phone: 818 362 
6711; fax: 818 362 0603; Internet: http://corporateportal.ppg.com/na/aerospace.
    (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 March 14, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-07317 Filed 4-2-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P