[Federal Register: June 17, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 116)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 33834-33836]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17jn04-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-301-AD; Amendment 39-13672; AD 2004-12-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-
212A Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A
series airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections for cracking of
the upper closing rib of the vertical fin, related investigative
actions, and corrective actions if necessary. This action is necessary
to prevent interference
[[Page 33835]]
between the upper closing rib and the rudder, which could result in a
rudder jam and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective July 22, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 22, 2004.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex
03, France. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR42-
500 and ATR72-212A series airplanes was published in the Federal
Register on March 17, 2004 (69 FR 12589). That action proposed to
require repetitive inspections for cracking of the upper closing rib of
the vertical fin, related investigative actions, and corrective actions
if necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We have determined that air safety and the public interest require
the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
We estimate that 2 Model ATR42-500 series airplanes of U.S.
registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2
work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that
the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures,
the cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $260,
or $130 per airplane.
Currently, there are no affected Model ATR72-212A series airplanes
on the U.S. Register. However, if an affected airplane is imported and
placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it will be subject to the
same per-airplane cost specified above for the Model ATR42-500 series
airplanes.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2004-12-13 Aerospatiale: Amendment 39-13672. Docket 2002-NM-301-AD.
Applicability: Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A series airplanes;
certificated in any category; on which Aerospatiale Modification
4440 has been accomplished; except those Model ATR42-500 series
airplanes having serial numbers (S/Ns) 618 and subsequent; and
except those Model ATR72-212A series airplanes having S/Ns 682, 683,
684, 687, and 694 and subsequent.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent interference between the upper closing rib and the
rudder, which could result in a rudder jam and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
Service Bulletin References
(a) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de Transport Regional Service
Bulletin ATR42-55-0011, excluding the Accomplishment Report, dated
September 26, 2002 (for Model ATR42-500 series airplanes); and
Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1003,
Revision 1, excluding the Accomplishment Report, dated November 13,
2002 (for Model ATR72-212A series airplanes); as applicable.
(1) For Model ATR72-212A series airplanes: Actions accomplished
before the effective date of this AD per Avions de Transport
Regional Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1003, dated October 11, 2002, are
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions required by
this AD.
(2) Where the service bulletins specify to report inspection
results to the manufacturer, this AD does not require such
reporting.
Repetitive Inspections
(b) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD:
Perform a detailed inspection for cracking of the upper closing rib
of the vertical fin, per the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service bulletin. Repeat this inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
[[Page 33836]]
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate
access procedures may be required.''
Note 2: There is no terminating action available at this time
for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD.
One-Time Follow-On Inspections
(c) Before further flight following the initial detailed
inspection for cracking required by paragraph (b) of this AD,
measure the planarity of the upper closing rib and measure the gap
between the rudder horn and the upper closing rib of the vertical
fin; per paragraphs 2.C.(2) and 2.C.(3) of the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin.
Repair
(d) If any crack is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (b) of this AD; or if any wave, anomaly, or measurement is
found that is outside the limits specified in the applicable service
bulletin: Before further flight, do all applicable actions in and
per paragraph 2.C.(4) of the applicable service bulletin; except,
where the applicable service bulletin says to contact the
manufacturer for an approved repair solution, repair per a method
approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Direction
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated
agent).
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative methods of
compliance for this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with Avions de Transport Regional Service
Bulletin ATR42-55-0011, excluding the Accomplishment Report, dated
September 26, 2002; or Avions de Transport Regional Service Bulletin
ATR72-55-1003, Revision 1, excluding the Accomplishment Report,
dated November 13, 2002; as applicable. Avions de Transport Regional
Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1003, Revision 1, dated November 13, 2002,
contains the following effective pages:
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Revision level
Page number shown on page Date shown on page
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1, 2, 4, 5, 13................ 1 November 13, 2002.
3, 6-12....................... Original October 11, 2002.
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This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Aerospatiale, 316 Route de
Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex 03, France. Copies may be inspected
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington; or 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 2002-506(B) R1, dated December 24, 2002.
Effective Date
(g) This amendment becomes effective on July 22, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-13499 Filed 6-16-04; 8:45 am]
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