[Federal Register: June 11, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 111)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 27695-27698]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11jn09-8]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1237; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-125-AD;
Amendment 39-15932; AD 2009-12-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; ATR Model ATR42-200, ATR42-300, ATR42-
320, ATR42-500, ATR72-101, ATR72-201, ATR72-102, ATR72-202, ATR72-211,
ATR72-212, and ATR72-212A 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 the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
* * * * *
[C]hafed wirings were found in the rear baggage zone, closed
[close] to the forward side of the aft pressure bulkhead, due to
contact with an understructure securing screw. The concerned wiring
harness includes rudder trim, pitch trim and stick pusher control
wires. Damages on those wires might lead to the loss of fail safe
criteria for those critical functions.
* * * * *
The unsafe condition is reduced controllability of the airplane. We
are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective July 16, 2009.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 16,
2009.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 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 include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 26, 2008
(73 FR 71961). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for
the specified products. The MCAI states:
One ATR operator reported some spurious ``Pitch disconnect''
warning and ``AIL and R ELEV'' Anti-Ice Horn Fault caution
annunciations which precluded the use of the autopilot.
During the investigation, chafed wirings were found in the rear
baggage zone, closed [close] to the forward side of the aft pressure
bulkhead, due to contact with an understructure securing screw. The
concerned wiring harness includes rudder trim, pitch trim and stick
pusher control wires. Damages on those wires might lead to the loss
of fail safe criteria for those critical functions.
To address the identified unsafe condition, this AD mandates a
one-time inspection and a routing modification of the electrical
wires in the bulkhead area.
The unsafe condition is reduced controllability of the airplane. The
corrective action also includes contacting ATR for repair instructions
and doing the repair if any damage (chafing or contact between bundles
of cables and the airframe structure) is found during the one-time
inspection. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in
the AD docket.
Explanation of Change to the NPRM
We have revised paragraph (c) of the AD to coincide with the
effectivity of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD.
Explanation of Revised Service Information
ATR has issued the service bulletins identified in the following
table.
Table--Revised Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATR Service Bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATR42-92-0015, including 01 February 11, 2009.
Accomplishment Report.
ATR42-92-0018, including 01 September 4, 2008.
Accomplishment Report.
ATR42-92-0018, including 02 February 13, 2009.
Accomplishment Report.
ATR72-92-1016, including 01 February 11, 2009.
Accomplishment Report.
[[Page 27696]]
ATR72-92-1018, including 01 September 4, 2008.
Accomplishment Report.
ATR72-92-1018, including 02 February 13, 2009.
Accomplishment Report.
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These service bulletins differ from the original issues of those
service bulletins, all dated February 11, 2008 (which were referenced
in the NPRM), by including clarifications and editorial changes that do
not affect the technical content. This AD does not require the
``Additional Work'' described in ATR Service Bulletins ATR42-92-0018
and ATR72-92-1018, both Revision 01, both dated September 4, 2008.
We have changed paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD to
refer to the most recent revisions of the service bulletins identified
in the previous table, and added paragraph (f)(4) of this AD to give
credit for actions done according to the prior issues identified in the
following table.
Table--Acceptable Service Information
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ATR Service Bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
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ATR42-92-0015............... Original........ February 11, 2008.
ATR42-92-0018............... Original........ February 11, 2008.
ATR42-92-0018............... 01.............. September 4, 2008.
ATR72-92-1016............... Original........ February 11, 2008.
ATR72-92-1018............... Original........ February 11, 2008.
ATR72-92-1018............... 01.............. September 4, 2008.
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Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM 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 the AD with the changes described
previously. We determined these changes will not increase the economic
burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 48 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 5 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $131 per product.
Where the service information lists required parts costs that are
covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge
for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected
parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based
on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators
to be $25,488, or $531 per product.
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 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); 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov; 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 the NPRM, 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.
[[Page 27697]]
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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:
2009-12-09 ATR-GIE Avions De Transport R[eacute]gional (Formerly
Aerospatiale): Amendment 39-15932. Docket No. FAA-2008-1237;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-125-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 16,
2009.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) ATR Model ATR42-200, ATR42-300, and ATR42-320 airplanes, all
serial numbers, except serial numbers 1 through 107 inclusive, 110
through 112 inclusive, 114, and 115, and except airplanes on which
ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-92-0018 has been incorporated.
(2) ATR Model ATR42-500 airplanes, all serial numbers, except
serial numbers 667 and subsequent, and except airplanes on which ATR
Service Bulletin ATR42-92-0018 has been incorporated.
(3) ATR Model ATR72-101, ATR72-201, ATR72-102, ATR72-202, ATR72-
211, ATR72-212, and ATR72-212A airplanes, all serial numbers except
serial numbers 756 and subsequent, and except airplanes on which ATR
Service Bulletin ATR72-92-1018 has been incorporated.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24:
Electrical power.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
``One ATR operator reported some spurious ``Pitch disconnect''
warning and ``AIL and R ELEV'' Anti-Ice Horn Fault caution
annunciations which precluded the use of the autopilot.
``During the investigation, chafed wirings were found in the
rear baggage zone, closed [close] to the forward side of the aft
pressure bulkhead, due to contact with an understructure securing
screw. The concerned wiring harness includes rudder trim, pitch trim
and stick pusher control wires. Damages on those wires might lead to
the loss of fail safe criteria for those critical functions.
``To address the identified unsafe condition, this AD mandates a
one-time inspection and a routing modification of the electrical
wires in the bulkhead area.''
The unsafe condition is reduced controllability of the airplane. The
corrective action also includes contacting ATR for repair
instructions and doing the repair if any damage (chafing or contact
between bundles of cables and the airframe structure) is found
during the one-time inspection.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 550 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
perform a one-time detailed inspection for damage of the electrical
routing in the rear baggage zone, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-92-0015 or
ATR72-92-1016, both Revision 01, both dated February 11, 2009, as
applicable.
(2) If any damage is found during the inspection required by
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(2)(i)
and (f)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Before further flight, contact ATR for repair instructions,
and do the repair.
(ii) Before further flight, modify the electrical routing and
protective sleeve in the rear cargo compartment at frame 44 in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service
Bulletin ATR42-92-0018 or ATR72-92-1018, both Revision 02, both
dated February 13, 2009, as applicable.
(3) If no damage is found during the inspection required by
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: Within 5,000 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, modify the electrical routing and replace
the protective sleeve in the rear cargo compartment at frame 44 in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service
Bulletin ATR42-92-0018 or ATR72-92-1018, both Revision 02, both
dated February 13, 2009, as applicable.
(4) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the service bulletins listed in Table 1 of this AD
are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of
this AD.
Table 1--Acceptable Service Information
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ATR Service Bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATR42-92-0015............................ Original...................... February 11, 2008.
ATR42-92-0018............................ Original...................... February 11, 2008.
ATR42-92-0018............................ 01............................ September 4, 2008.
ATR72-92-1016............................ Original...................... February 11, 2008.
ATR72-92-1018............................ Original...................... February 11, 2008.
ATR72-92-1018............................ 01............................ September 4, 2008.
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Note 1: This AD does not require the ``Additional Work''
described in ATR Service Bulletins ATR42-92-0018 and ATR72-92-1018,
both Revision 01, both dated September 4, 2008.
FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows:
Although the MCAI or service information tells you to submit
information to the manufacturer, such submittal is not required by
this AD.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) 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. Send information to ATTN: Tom
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
(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.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Airworthiness Directive 2008-0062, dated April 1, 2008,
[[Page 27698]]
and the ATR service bulletins contained in Table 2 of this AD, for
related information.
Table 2--Related Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATR Service Bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATR42-92-0015, excluding 01 February 11, 2009.
Accomplishment Report.
ATR42-92-0018, excluding 02 February 13, 2009.
Accomplishment Report.
ATR72-92-1016, excluding 01 February 11, 2009.
Accomplishment Report.
ATR72-92-1018, excluding 02 February 13, 2009.
Accomplishment Report.
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Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use the service information contained in Table 3 of
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, as applicable, unless
the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) 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; e-mail continued.airworthiness@atr.fr;
Internet http://www.aerochain.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
(4) You may also review copies of the 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/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Table 3--Material Incorporated by Reference
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ATR Service Bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
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ATR42-92-0015, excluding 01 February 11, 2009.
Accomplishment Report.
ATR42-92-0018, excluding 02 February 13, 2009.
Accomplishment Report.
ATR72-92-1016, excluding 01 February 11, 2009.
Accomplishment Report.
ATR72-92-1018, excluding 02 February 13, 2009.
Accomplishment Report.
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Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 2, 2009.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-13405 Filed 6-10-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P