Document ID: FAA-2017-1178-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Regional Airplanes
Posted Date: 2018-01-03T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 3, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 209-212]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-28146]

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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 3, 2018 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 209]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1178; Product Identifier 2014-NM-144-AD; Amendment 
39-19140; AD 2017-26-09]
RIN 2120-AA64

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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR 42-500 airplanes 
and Model ATR 72-212A airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection 
for damage of the engine fire extinguishing pipes and incorrect pipe 
installation, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted 
by a report of damage to an engine fire extinguishing pipe due to 
chafing between the pipe and a fastener assembly; the chafing occurred 
as a result of incorrect installation of the pipe. We are issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 18, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 18, 
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by February 20, 2018.

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 final rule, 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 aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com. You may view this referenced service information at the 
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-
227-1221. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1178.

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-2017-
1178; or in person at the Docket Operations office 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. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1112; fax 425-
227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the aviation 
authority for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0144R1, dated June 10 2014; corrected June 
11, 2014 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional 
Model ATR 42-500 airplanes and Model ATR 72-212A airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    Damage of an engine fire extinguishing pipe was reported on an 
in-service ATR 72-212A aeroplane. The damage was induced by chafing 
between the engine fire extinguishing pipe and a fastener assembly 
installed between flap arm and hinge flap at rib 4 during flaps 
extension to the 30 degrees position. The subsequent investigation 
also determined that the chafing occurred as a result of an 
incorrect (back to front) installation of the pipe.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
damage of the fire extinguishing pipe, possibly generating a leak, 
leading to loss of available extinguishing agent and resulting in 
reduced capability to extinguish an engine fire.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, ATR issued Service 
Bulletins (SB) ATR42-26-0031 and ATR72-26-1027 to provide inspection 
instructions, as applicable to aeroplane model.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time [general] visual inspection [for damage] of the affected area 
[and incorrect pipe installation] and, depending on findings, 
accomplishment of applicable corrective actions.

Damaged pipes are defined as pipes that have wear due to chafing 
without evidence of cracking. Corrective actions include replacing 
damaged pipes, ensuring correct alignment, applying protective sealant 
and corrosion inhibiting compound, replacing damaged fasteners with new 
fasteners, and repairing flap arms and flap hinges. You may examine the 
MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1178.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    ATR has issued the following service information.
     ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-26-0031, dated April 30, 2014. 
This service information describes procedures for inspecting for damage 
and incorrect installation of the left-hand and right-hand engine fire 
extinguishing pipes, and corrective actions.
     ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-26-1027, dated April 30, 2014. 
This service information describes procedures for inspecting for damage 
and incorrect installation of the left-hand and right-

[[Page 210]]

hand engine fire extinguishing pipes, and corrective actions.
    These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane 
models. This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this 
AD.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This 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 issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    There are currently no domestic operators of this product. 
Therefore, we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment are unnecessary. In addition, for the reasons stated 
above, we find that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-1178; Product 
Identifier 2014-NM-144-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this 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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. If an 
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future, we provide the following cost estimates to comply with this AD:
    We estimate that it will take about 2 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 $0 per product. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD will be $170 per 
product.
    We also estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will take 
about 16 work-hours and require parts costing $1,360, for a cost of 
$2,720 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these actions.

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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.

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2017-26-09 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment 
39-19140; Docket No. FAA-2017-1178; Product Identifier 2014-NM-144-
AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective January 18, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 
airplanes; manufacturer serial number (MSN) 859, and MSNs 1001 
through 1010 inclusive.
    (2) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72-
212A airplanes; MSN 988 and 989; MSNs 993 through 1000 inclusive, 
except MSN 996; and MSNs 1020 through 1142 inclusive, except MSNs 
1071, 1135, 1139, 1140, and 1141.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire 
protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of damage of an engine fire 
extinguishing pipe due to chafing between the pipe and a certain 
fastener assembly; the chafing occurred as a result of incorrect 
installation of the pipe. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct

[[Page 211]]

damage of the fire extinguishing pipes, which could generate a leak, 
resulting in the loss of available extinguishing agent and reduced 
capability to extinguish an engine fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection for Damaged Fire Extinguishing Pipes

    Within 150 flight hours or 30 days, whichever occurs first after 
the effective date of this AD, accomplish a one-time inspection for 
damage of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) engine fire 
extinguishing pipes, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-26-0031, dated April 30, 
2014; or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-26-1027, dated April 30, 2014; 
as applicable.

(h) Measurement of Wear Depth

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any damage is detected on an engine fire extinguishing pipe, before 
further flight, remove the damaged pipe, measure the maximum wear 
depth in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR 
Service Bulletin ATR42-26-0031, dated April 30, 2014; or ATR Service 
Bulletin ATR72-26-1027, dated April 30, 2014; as applicable.

(i) Corrective Actions and Related Investigative Actions for Major Wear 
Depth

    If, during a measurement required by paragraph (h) of this AD, a 
depth of wear greater than 0.5 mm (0.0197 inch) is detected, before 
further flight, accomplish the actions specified by paragraphs 
(i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-26-0031, 
dated April 30, 2014; or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-26-1027, dated 
April 30, 2014; as applicable.
    (1) Replace the damaged pipe with a new engine fire 
extinguishing pipe.
    (2) Inspect the LH and RH flap parts (flap fasteners, flap arms, 
hinge flaps) at rib 4 for damage; and, depending on the findings, 
accomplish the applicable corrective actions, except, where ATR 
Service Bulletins ATR42-26-0031 and ATR72-26-1027, both dated April 
30, 2014, specify to contact ATR for appropriate action, before 
further flight, accomplish corrective actions in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD.
    (3) Accomplish a functional test of the engine fire 
extinguishing system. If the part fails the test, before further 
flight, do corrective actions, repeat the test, and do applicable 
corrective actions until the part passes the test.

(j) Corrective Actions for Minor Wear Depth

    If, during a measurement required by paragraph (h) of this AD, a 
depth of wear less than, or equal to, 0.5 mm (0.0197 inch) is 
detected, before further flight, accomplish the actions required by 
paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-26-
0031, dated April 30, 2014; or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-26-1027, 
dated April 30, 2014; as applicable.
    (1) Do the actions specified by either paragraph (j)(1)(i) or 
(j)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Replace the damaged pipe with a new engine fire 
extinguishing pipe.
    (ii) Re-install the damaged pipe correctly, and, within 30 days 
after the inspection as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
replace the damaged pipe with a new engine fire extinguishing pipe.
    (2) Inspect the LH and RH flap parts (flap fasteners, flap arms, 
hinge flaps) at rib 4 for damage; and, depending on the findings, 
accomplish all applicable corrective actions before further flight, 
except, where ATR Service Bulletins ATR42-26-0031 and ATR72-26-1027, 
both dated April 30, 2014, specify to contact ATR for appropriate 
action, before further flight, accomplish corrective actions in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this 
AD.
    (3) Accomplish a functional test of the engine fire 
extinguishing system. If the part fails the test, before further 
flight, do corrective actions, repeat the test, and do applicable 
corrective actions until the part passes the test.

(k) Pipe Replacement

    Within 30 days after the replacement specified by paragraph (h) 
of this AD, unless already accomplished as required by paragraph 
(i)(1) or (j)(1) of this AD, as applicable, replace the damaged fire 
extinguisher pipe in accordance with the instructions of ATR Service 
Bulletin ATR42-26-0031, dated April 30, 2014; or ATR Service 
Bulletin ATR72-26-1027, dated April 30, 2014; as applicable, and, 
concurrently, accomplish the actions specified by paragraphs (j)(2) 
and (j)(3) of this AD.

(l) Corrective Action for Incorrect Pipe Installation

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
no damage is detected, before further flight, verify the correct 
installation of the extinguishing pipes, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletins ATR42-26-0031 
or ATR72-26-1027, both dated April 30, 2014, as applicable. If any 
engine fire extinguishing pipe is found incorrectly installed, 
before further flight, re-install the pipe correctly and accomplish 
a functional test of the engine fire extinguishing system in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service 
Bulletin ATR42-26-0031, dated April 30, 2014; or ATR Service 
Bulletin ATR72-26-1027, dated April 30, 2014; as applicable. If the 
part fails the test, before further flight, do corrective actions, 
repeat the test, and do applicable corrective actions until the part 
passes the test.

(m) Corrective Action for Damage Beyond Limits

    If, during any inspection specified by paragraph (i)(2) or 
(j)(2) of this AD, as applicable, any damage is detected on flap 
arms or hinge flaps that is determined to be beyond the defined 
limits indicated in ATR Structural Repair Manual (SRM) 511010-01-
001-A01, dated October 1, 2014, before further flight, accomplish 
corrective actions in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (n)(2) of this AD.

(n) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 manager of the certification office, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. 
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.
    (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 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA); or ATR--GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0144R1, dated June10, 2014; 
corrected June 11, 2014; for related information. You may examine 
the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1178.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram 
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
telephone 425-227-1112; fax 425-227-1149.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.

(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) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-26-0031, dated April 30, 2014.
    (ii) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-26-1027, dated April 30, 2014.
    (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;

[[Page 212]]

email aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 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 December 20, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-28146 Filed 1-2-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P