Rule2025-03292
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
February 28, 2025
Effective
April 4, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of the main landing gear (MLG) rear hinge pin being ruptured. This AD requires replacing affected parts and prohibits the installation of affected parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 39 (Friday, February 28, 2025)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 39 (Friday, February 28, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10851-10853]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-03292]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2422; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00378-T;
Amendment 39-22962; AD 2025-04-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72 airplanes.
This AD was prompted by reports of the main landing gear (MLG) rear
hinge pin being ruptured. This AD requires replacing affected parts and
prohibits the installation of affected parts, as specified in a
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated
by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 4, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 4,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2422; 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 identified 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#27666354674246544609425255485746094252"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3273764172575341531c5747405d42531c5747">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You may find
this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<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 at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2422.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: 206-231-3220; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#194a7178716b7874375d78777c6a717478777d70597f7878377e766f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ffac979e978d9e92d1bb9e919a8c97929e919b96bf999e9ed1989089">[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 all ATR--GIE Avions de
Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -
212, and -212A airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
November 12, 2024 (89 FR 88913). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0124,
dated July 1, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0124) (also referred to as the MCAI),
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union. The MCAI states several occurrences of a ruptured
MLG rear hinge pin having part number (P/N) D61000 were reported
(including cracked or burnt pins). An investigation on all MLG rear
hinge pin batches revealed six pins were subjected to non-detected
thermal abuse in production during grinding process. This condition, if
not corrected, could lead to structural failure and consequent collapse
of the MLG, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to
the occupants.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing affected parts
and prohibit the installation of affected parts, as specified in EASA
AD 2024-0124.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2422.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change.
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, considered the
comment received, 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2024-0124 specifies replacing certain serial numbered MLG
rear hinge pin P/N D61000 with a serviceable part and prohibits the
installation of affected parts. 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 41 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 10852]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 8 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $14,940.......... Up to $15,620.......... Up to $640,420.
Up to $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact
on affected operators.
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(f), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2025-04-04 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment
39-22962; Docket No. FAA-2024-2422; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-
00378-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 4, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -
212A airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by several occurrences of a ruptured main
landing gear (MLG) rear hinge pin. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address MLG rear hinge pins that might rupture due to a
manufacturing defect. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in structural failure and consequent collapse of the MLG,
possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to the
occupants.
(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
2024-0124, dated July 1, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0124).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0124
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0124 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0124 defines a serviceable part as ``Any
MLG hinge pin, eligible for installation in accordance with
applicable ATR instructions, that is not an affected part,'' for
this AD replace that text with ``Any MLG hinge pin, eligible for
installation, that is not an affected part.''
(3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0124.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0124 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 manager of the
International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1b5a5654585b7d7a7a357c746d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="682925272b280e0909460f071e">[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; phone: 206-231-3220; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a2f1cac3cad0c3cf8ce6c3ccc7d1cacfc3ccc6cbe2c4c3c38cc5cdd4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b4e7dcd5dcc6d5d99af0d5dad1c7dcd9d5dad0ddf4d2d5d59ad3dbc2">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
[[Page 10853]]
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0124,
dated July 1, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#28696c5b684d495b49064d5d5a475849064d5d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="17565364577276647639726265786776397262">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You may find
this EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) 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.
(5) 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="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b08cd190d8c2d5d68d" http: www.archives.gov federal-register cfr ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="046d667629686b6765706d6b6a776b766169656d6862762a6d6a77746167706d6b6a446a6576652a636b72">[email protected]</span></a>"><a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="412823336c2d2e222035282e2f322e33242c20282d27336f282f3231242235282e2f012f2033206f262e37">[email protected]</span></a></a>.
Issued on February 12, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-03292 Filed 2-27-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on February 28, 2025.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.