Rule2021-13782
Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
June 30, 2021
Effective
August 4, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-300, - 320, and -500 airplanes; and all Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, - 211, -212, and -212A airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of defective seat tracks. This AD requires a detailed visual inspection of each affected part for deficiencies (sealant blockage and out of tolerance ligaments), and depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 123 (Wednesday, June 30, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 123 (Wednesday, June 30, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34621-34623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13782]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0790; Project Identifier 2020-NM-077-AD; Amendment
39-21604; AD 2021-12-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-300, -
320, and -500 airplanes; and all Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -
211, -212, and -212A airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of
defective seat tracks. This AD requires a detailed visual inspection of
each affected part for deficiencies (sealant blockage and out of
tolerance ligaments), and depending on findings, accomplishment of
applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 4, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 4,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2b6a6f586b4e4a584a054e5e59445b4a054e5e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e9a8ad9aa98c889a88c78c9c9b869988c78c9c">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website
at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. You may view this IBR material at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available in
the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0790.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0790; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-
3220; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b3c0dbd2dbc1d2de9dd7d2ddd6c0dbded2ddd7daf3d5d2d29dd4dcc5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="36455e575e44575b1852575853455e5b5758525f7650575718515940">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0097R1, dated May 28, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0097R1) (also referred to 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 ATR42-
300, -320, -400, and -500 airplanes; and all Model ATR72-101, -102, -
201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes. Model ATR42-400 airplanes
are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type
certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those
airplanes in the applicability.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain ATR-GIE Avions
de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-300, -320, and -500 airplanes;
and all Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 9,
2020 (85 FR 55619). The NPRM was prompted by reports of defective seat
tracks. The NPRM proposed to require a detailed visual inspection of
each affected part for deficiencies (sealant blockage and out of
tolerance ligaments), and depending on findings, accomplishment of
applicable corrective actions, as specified in EASA AD 2020-0097R1.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address a structural failure of the
seat track attachment during an emergency landing, possibly resulting
in injury to occupants, and affecting emergency evacuation. See the
MCAI for additional background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed,
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0097R1 specifies procedures for a detailed visual
inspection of each affected seat track for deficiencies (sealant
blockage and out of
[[Page 34622]]
tolerance ligaments), and corrective actions if necessary. Corrective
actions include replacement of seat track sections, and replacement of
the entire seat track. This material 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 59 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 28 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up $0 Up to $2,380.............. Up to $140,420.
to $2,380.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition replacements that would be required based on the results of
any required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these on-condition replacements:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
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172 work-hours x $85 per hour = $14,620. (*) $14,620
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* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable us to
provide parts cost estimates for the on-condition replacements
specified in this AD.
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.
The FAA is 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
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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
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:
2021-12-17 ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment
39-21604; Docket No. FAA-2020-0790; Project Identifier 2020-NM-077-
AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 4, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the ATR-GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of
this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Model ATR42-300, -320, and -500 airplanes, all manufacturer
serial numbers, except manufacturer serial numbers 001 through 362
inclusive.
(2) ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A
airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of defective seat tracks. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address a structural failure of the seat
track attachment during an emergency landing, possibly resulting in
injury to occupants, and affecting emergency evacuation.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2020-0097R1, dated May 28, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0097R1).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0097R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0097R1 refers to May 18, 2020 (the
effective date of its original issue), this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0097R1 does not
apply to this AD.
[[Page 34623]]
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0097R1 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer,
this AD does not include that requirement.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 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 responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to
the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it
to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d5ecf8948386f8949c87f8e2e6e5f894989a9695b3b4b4fbb2baa3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b98094f8efea94f8f0eb948e8a8994f8f4f6faf9dfd8d897ded6cf">[email protected]</span></a>.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or 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.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, if any service information contains
procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and
tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests
that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and
tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using
accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or
inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the
airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any
substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC
require approval of an AMOC.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and
fax: 206-231-3220; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#790a1118110b1814571d18171c0a111418171d10391f1818571e160f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="26554e474e54474b0842474843554e4b4748424f6640474708414950">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0097R1,
dated May 28, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0097R1, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer
3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bcfdf8cffcd9ddcfdd92d9c9ced3ccdd92d9c9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="77363304371216041659120205180716591202">[email protected]</span></a>; Internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. This material may be found in the AD
docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0790.
(5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a4c2c1c0d6c1c38ac8c1c3c5c8e4cac5d6c58ac3cbd2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bddbd8d9cfd8da93d1d8dadcd1fdd3dccfdc93dad2cb">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on June 6, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-13782 Filed 6-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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