Rule2023-26381
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
December 1, 2023
Effective
January 5, 2024
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 ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of loose fasteners and cracks in the horizontal stabilizer (HS) left- and right- hand leading edge lateral ribs, the box in between, the center box upper panel, and HS forward back-up fitting. This AD requires an inspection of the HS affected areas for discrepancies and applicable corrective action, 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 88 Issue 230 (Friday, December 1, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 230 (Friday, December 1, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 83820-83822]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-26381]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1713; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00781-T;
Amendment 39-22582; AD 2023-21-10]
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 ATR42-500
and ATR72-212A airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of loose
fasteners and cracks in the horizontal stabilizer (HS) left- and right-
hand leading edge lateral ribs, the box in between, the center box
upper panel, and HS forward back-up fitting. This AD requires an
inspection of the HS affected areas for discrepancies and applicable
corrective action, 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 January 5, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 5,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1713; 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, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For EASA material incorporated by reference 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#4f0e0b3c0f2a2e3c2e612a3a3d203f2e612a3a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d19095a291b4b0a2b0ffb4a4a3bea1b0ffb4a4">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You
may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> For ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional service
information incorporated by reference 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 <a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a>; website
atr-<a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a>.
<bullet> 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. It is also available in the AD docket at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-1713.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
[[Page 83821]]
telephone 206-231-3220; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#55263d343d2734387b31343b30263d38343b313c153334347b323a23"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="691a0108011b0804470d08070c1a010408070d00290f0808470e061f">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
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 ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 14, 2023 (88 FR
54944). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2023-0125, dated June 22, 2023,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union (EASA AD 2023-0125) (also referred to as the MCAI).
The MCAI states that several occurrences of loose fasteners and cracks
on the HS left- and right-hand leading edge lateral ribs, the box in
between, the center box upper panel, and HS forward back-up fitting
have been reported. Subsequent investigations identified possible
manufacturing errors and a list of horizontal tail planes that could be
affected by similar issues. This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could reduce the structural integrity of the airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an inspection of the HS
affected areas (HS left-hand and right-hand leading edge lateral ribs,
the box in between, the center box upper panel, and HS forward back-up
fitting). for discrepancies and applicable corrective action, as
specified in EASA AD 2023-0125. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
loose, missing, or incorrectly installed fasteners, composite
delamination, and cracks in the HS. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the
airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1713.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined
that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product.
Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in
the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any
operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023-0125 specifies procedures for a one-time detailed
inspection of the HS left- and right-hand leading edge lateral ribs,
the box in between, the center box upper panel, and HS forward back-up
fitting for discrepancies (i.e., loose, missing, and incorrectly
installed fasteners, composite delamination, and a cracked fitting);
and applicable corrective action. The corrective action includes
contacting the manufacturer for repair instructions if any discrepancy
is detected during any inspection.
ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0020, dated March 2, 2023; and ATR
Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1013, dated March 2, 2023; identify the
affected airplane serial numbers.
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 16 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680........................... $0 $680 $10,880
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs 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.
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.
[[Page 83822]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2023-21-10 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment
39-22582; Docket No. FAA-2023-1713; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-
00781-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 5, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional
Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0020, dated
March 2, 2023; or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1013, dated March 2,
2023; as applicable.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code: 55,
Stabilizers.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of loose fasteners and cracks in
the horizontal stabilizer (HS) left- and right-hand leading edge
lateral ribs, the box in between, the center box upper panel, and HS
forward back-up fitting. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
loose, missing, or incorrectly installed fasteners, composite
delamination, and cracks in the HS. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2023-0125, dated June 22, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0125).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0125
(1) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0125 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0125 specifies to
``contact ATR for approved repair instructions and, within the
compliance time specified therein, accomplish those instructions
accordingly'' if any discrepancy is detected, for this AD if any
crack is detected, the crack must be repaired before further flight
using a method approved by the Manager, 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) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0125.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0125
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
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 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#497064081f1a6408001b647e7a79640804060a092f2828672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a39a8ee2f5f08ee2eaf18e9490938ee2eeece0e3c5c2c28dc4ccd5">[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, 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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3220; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#74071c151c0615195a10151a11071c19151a101d341215155a131b02"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e3908b828b91828ecd87828d86908b8e828d878aa3858282cd848c95">[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 2023-0125,
dated June 22, 2023.
(ii) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0020, dated March 2, 2023.
(iii) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1013, dated March 2, 2023.
(3) For EASA AD 2023-0125, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cf8e8bbc8faaaebcaee1aababda0bfaee1aaba"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0140457241646072602f6474736e71602f6474">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA
AD on the EASA website ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) For ATR 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
<a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a>; website atr-<a href="http://aircraft.com">aircraft.com</a>.
(5) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th
Street, Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(6) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3d5b4f1354534e4d585e495452537d535c4f5c135a524b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1076623e797e6360757364797f7e507e7162713e777f66">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on October 20, 2023.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-26381 Filed 11-30-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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