AD 2018-20-14

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R(eacute)gional Model ATR42-500 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new and/or more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Final rule.

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\n((Page 52125)) \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): \n\n2018-20-14 ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R(eacute)gional: Amendment 39-19448; Docket No. FAA-2018-0366; Product Identifier 2017-NM-166- AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD is effective November 20, 2018. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tThis AD affects the ADs specified in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD. \n\t(1) AD 2000-23-04 R1, Amendment 39-12174 (66 FR 19381, April 16, 2001) (''AD 2000-23-04 R1''). \n\t(2) AD 2008-04-19 R1, Amendment 39-16069 (74 FR 56713, November 3, 2009) (''AD 2008-04-19 R1''). \n\t(3) AD 2015-26-09,Amendment 39-18357 (81 FR 1483, January 13, 2016) (''AD 2015-26-09''). \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R(eacute)gional Model ATR42-500 airplanes, certificated in any category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness dated on or before May 3, 2017. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tAir Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time limits/ maintenance checks. \n\n(e) Reason \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplane. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision \n\n\n\tWithin 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in ATR ATR42-400/ -500, Time Limits Document (TL), Revision 11, dated May 5, 2015; and ATR ATR42-400/-500 Time Limits Temporary Revision TR01/17, dated May 3, 2017. The initial compliance time for accomplishing the tasks is at the applicable times specified in ATR ATR42-400/-500, Time Limits Document (TL), Revision 11, dated May 5, 2015; and ATR ATR42-400/-500 Time Limits Temporary Revision TR01/17, dated May 3, 2017; or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD; whichever occurs later, except for those certification maintenance requirements (CMRs) tasks identified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. (GRAPHIC) (TIFF OMITTED) TR16OC18.002 \n\n(h) Initial Compliance Times for Certain CMR Tasks \n\n\n\tFor the CMR tasks listed in figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, the initial compliance time for accomplishing the tasks is at the applicable time specified in ATR ATR42-400/-500 Time Limits Temporary Revision TR01/17, dated May 3, 2017; or within the compliance time specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD; whichever occurs later. \n\n(i) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and/or Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs) \n\n\n\tAfter the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and/or CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, and/or CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. \n\n(j) Terminating Action for Certain ADs \n\n\n\tAccomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2000-23-04 R1 and all requirements of the ADs specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD for ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R(eacute)gional Model ATR42-500 airplanes only. \n\t(1) AD 2008-04-19 R1. \n\t(2) AD 2015-26-09. \n\n(k) Other FAA AD ProvisionsThe following provisions also apply to this AD: \n\t(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 International Section, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. 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. \n\t(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 approvedby 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. \n\n(l) Related Information \n\n\n\t(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2017-0222R1, dated December 15, 2017, 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-2018-0366. \n\t(2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport \n\n((Page 52126)) \n\nStandards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3220. \n\n(m) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(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. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) ATR ATR42-400/-500, Time Limits Document (TL), Revision 11, dated May 5, 2015. \n\t(ii) ATR ATR42-400/-500 Time Limits Temporary Revision TR01/17, dated May 3, 2017. \n\t(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 aircraft.com; internet http://www.atr-aircraft.com. \n\t(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. \n\t(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the NationalArchives 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.

Discussion \n\n\n\tWe issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R(eacute)gional Model ATR42-500 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 8, 2018 (83 FR 20748). The NPRM was prompted by a determination that more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary. The NPRM proposed to require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new and/or more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. \n\tWe are issuing this AD to address reduced structural integrity of the airplane. \n\tThe European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0222R1, dated December 15, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ''the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R(eacute)gional Model ATR42-500 airplanes. The MCAI states: \n\n\n\tThe airworthiness limitations and certification maintenance requirements (CMR) for ATR aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in the ATR42-400/-500 Time Limits (TL) document. These instructions have been identified as mandatory for continued airworthiness. \n\tFailure to accomplish these instructions could result in an unsafe condition (i.e., reduced structural integrity of the airplane). \n\tConsequently, ATR published Revision 11 Temporary revision 01 of the ATR42-400/ -500 TL document, which contains new and/or more restrictive CMRs and airworthiness limitations tasks. \n\tFor the reasons described above, this (EASA) AD requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the ATR42-400/-500 TL document Revision 11 Temporary revision \n\n((Page 52124)) \n\n01, hereafter referred to as 'the TLD' in this (EASA) AD.This (EASA) AD, in conjunction with two other (EASA) ADs related to ATR42-200/ -300/-320 (EASA AD 2017-0221) and ATR72-101/-102/-201/ -202/-211/-212/ -212A (EASA AD 2017-0223) aeroplanes, retains the requirements of EASA AD 2009-0242 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2008- 04-19 R1, Amendment 39-16069 (74 FR 56713, November 3, 2009)) and EASA AD 2012-0193 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2015-26-09, Amendment 39-18357 (81 FR 1483, January 13, 2016)). Once all these three (EASA) ADs are effective, EASA will cancel EASA AD 2009-0242 and EASA AD 2012-0193. \n\tThis (EASA) AD is revised to provide the correct issue date (03 May 2017) of the TLD. The original (EASA) AD inadvertently referenced the EASA approval date for that document. \n\n\n\tThe required actions include revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new and/or more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. The unsafe condition is reduced structural integrity of the airplane.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-2018- 0366. \n\nComments \n\n\n\tWe gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to that comment. \n\nRequest To Refer to Revised Service Information \n\n\n\tEmpire Airlines requested that paragraphs (g) and (h) of the proposed AD be revised to refer to ATR ATR42-400/-500 Time Limits Temporary Revision TR02/17, dated October 2, 2017 (''TR02/17'') instead of ATR ATR42-400/-500 Time Limits Temporary Revision TR01/17, dated May 3, 2017 (''TR01/17''). The commenter stated that TR02/17 includes the information in TR01/17. \n\tWe do not agree with the commenter's request; however, we do acknowledge that TR02/17 has been issued. The intent of TR02/17 is to incorporate changes due to ATR42 Modification 7474, which relates to upgraded avionics and is notrelated to the requirements of this AD. The intent of TR01/17 is to incorporate missing certification maintenance requirements related to the air distribution system and cabin pressure and control monitoring. We have not changed this AD in regard to this issue. \n\nConclusion \n\n\n\tWe reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: \n\tAre consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and \n\tDo not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. \n\nRelated Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 \n\n\n\tATR-GIE Avions de Transport R(eacute)gional has issued ATR42-400/- 500, Time Limits Document (TL), Revision 11, dated May 5, 2015. This service information describes life limits and maintenance requirements for theaffected airplanes. \n\tATR-GIE Avions de Transport R(eacute)gional has also issued ATR42- 400/ -500 Time Limits Temporary Revision TR01/17, dated May 3, 2017, to the ATR ATR42-400/-500 Time Limits Document (TL). This service information describes changes to life limits and maintenance requirements of certain tasks for the affected airplanes. \n\tThis 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. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\n\tWe estimate that this AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry. \n\tWe estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: \n\tWe have determined that revising the maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although this figure may vary from operator to operator. In the past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), we have determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour). \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\n\tTitle 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. \n\tWe 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. \n\tThis 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 and associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\n\tThis 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. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\t(1) Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\t(2) Is not a ''significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), \n\t(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and \n\t(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. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.