Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 226 (Tuesday, November 24, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73096-73099]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-29682]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0682; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-074-AD; 
Amendment 39-18329; AD 2015-23-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; ATR--GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional 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 all 
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and ATR72 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by new occurrences of certain cracked 
main landing gear (MLG) rear hinge pins. This AD requires identifying 
the serial number and part number of the MLG rear hinge pins, and 
replacing pins or the MLG if necessary. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct cracked rear hinge pins, which could lead to MLG 
structural failure, possibly resulting in collapse of the MLG and 
consequent injury to the occupants of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 29, 2015. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in this AD as of December 29, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-0682; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
    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; email [email protected]; Internet 
http://www.aerochain.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for

[[Page 73097]]

and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-0682.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 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 by adding an AD that would apply to all ATR--GIE Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on April 10, 2015 (80 FR 19246).
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0074, dated March 21, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all ATR--GIE Avions 
de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    Prompted by cases of rupture of Main Landing Gear (MLG) rear 
hinge pin part number (P/N) D61000 encountered in service in 1994 
and 1996, DGAC France issued [an] AD * * * for ATR 42 aeroplanes and 
[another]AD * * * for ATR 72 aeroplanes to require inspection and, 
depending on findings, corrective action.
    Since those [French] ADs were issued, new occurrences of cracked 
rear hinge pin P/N D61000 were reported on ATR72 MLG.
    The result of subsequent investigation revealed that the 
affected pins were subjected to a non-detected thermal abuse done in 
production during grinding process. Analysis also showed that other 
MLG pin P/N's could be affected by the same nonconformity.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG 
structural failure, possibly resulting in collapse of the MLG and 
consequently injury to the occupants of the aeroplane.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
inspection and, depending on findings, replacement of affected pins.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-0682-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 19246, April 10, 
2015) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 19246, April 10, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 19246, April 10, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Messier-Bugatti-Dowty has issued the following service information, 
which describes procedures for inspecting the MLG hinge pin.
    <bullet> Service Bulletin 631-32-213, dated December 16, 2013.
    <bullet> Service Bulletin 631-32-214, dated January 13, 2014.
    <bullet> Service Bulletin 631-32-215, dated January 13, 2014.
    <bullet> Service Bulletin 631-32-216, Revision 1, dated December 
17, 2013.
    <bullet> Service Bulletin 631-32-219, dated March 3, 2014.
    <bullet> Service Bulletin 631-32-220, dated March 3, 2014.
    This service information 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 of this 
AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 81 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 8 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $16,000 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $1,351,080, or $16,680 per product.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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 that 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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-0682; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, 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.

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:

[[Page 73098]]

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 (AD):

2015-23-12 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment 
39-18329. Docket No. FAA-2015-0682; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
074-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective December 29, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional 
Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes; and Model ATR72-
101, -201, -102, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes; certificated 
in any category; all certified models; all manufacturer serial 
numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by new occurrences of certain cracked main 
landing gear (MLG) rear hinge pins. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct cracked rear hinge pins, which could lead to MLG 
structural failure, possibly resulting in collapse of the MLG and 
consequent injury to the occupants of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Hinge Pin Identification and Replacement for Model ATR72 Airplanes

    For Model ATR72 airplanes: Within 12 months after the effective 
date of this AD, inspect for the serial number of the left-hand (LH) 
and right-hand (RH) MLG rear hinge pins having part number (P/N) 
D61000. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in 
lieu of this identification if the part number and serial number of 
the LH and RH MLG rear hinge pins can be conclusively determined 
from that review. If a rear hinge pin having P/N D61000 has a serial 
number listed in Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-213, 
dated December 16, 2013; or Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 
631-32-216, Revision 1, dated December 17, 2013; as applicable: 
Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the 
pin with a serviceable part as identified in paragraph (h) of this 
AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Messier-
Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-213, dated December 16, 2013; 
or Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-216, Revision 1, 
dated December 17, 2013; as applicable.

(h) Definition of Serviceable Hinge Pin for Model ATR72 Airplanes

    For Model ATR72 airplanes: For purposes of paragraph (g) of this 
AD, a serviceable MLG rear hinge pin is a pin that is specified in 
paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) A hinge pin that is not identified in Messier-Bugatti-Dowty 
Service Bulletin 631-32-213, dated December 16, 2013; or Messier-
Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-216, Revision 1, dated 
December 17, 2013; as applicable.
    (2) A hinge pin that has been inspected and reconditioned, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Messier-Bugatti-
Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-213, dated December 16, 2013; or 
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-216, Revision 1, dated 
December 17, 2013; as applicable.

(i) MLG Pin Identification and Replacement for Model ATR72 Airplanes

    For Model ATR72 airplanes: At the earlier of the times specified 
in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, inspect all LH and RH 
MLG pins for a part number and serial number listed in Messier-
Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-214, dated January 13, 2014; 
or Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-219, dated March 3, 
2014; as applicable. A review of airplane maintenance records is 
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number and serial 
number of the LH and RH MLG pin can be conclusively determined from 
that review. If any affected MLG pin is found: At the earlier of the 
compliance times specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this 
AD, replace the MLG with a serviceable MLG as identified in 
paragraph (j) of this AD, using a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or ATR--GIE Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
    (1) No later than the next MLG overhaul scheduled after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) Within 20,000 flight cycles or 9 years, whichever occurs 
first, accumulated since installation of the MLG on an airplane 
since new or since last overhaul, as applicable.

(j) Definition of Serviceable MLG for Model ATR72 Airplanes

    For Model ATR72 airplanes: For purposes of paragraph (i) of this 
AD, a serviceable MLG is one that incorporates pins specified in 
paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Pins that are not identified in Messier-Bugatti-Dowty 
Service Bulletin 631-32-214, dated January 13, 2014; or Messier-
Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-219, dated March 3, 2014; as 
applicable.
    (2) Pins that have been inspected and reconditioned in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Messier-Bugatti-
Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-214, dated January 13, 2014; or 
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-219, dated March 3, 
2014; as applicable.

(k) MLG Pin Identification and Replacement for Model ATR42 Airplanes

    (1) For Model ATR42 airplanes: Within the compliance time 
identified in paragraph (k)(1)(i) or (k)(1)(ii) of this AD, 
whichever occurs first, inspect for any LH and RH MLG pins having a 
part number and serial number listed in Messier-Bugatti-Dowty 
Service Bulletin 631-32-215, dated January 13, 2014; or Messier-
Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-220, dated March 3, 2014; as 
applicable. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable 
in lieu of this identification if the part number and serial number 
of the LH and RH MLG pin can be conclusively determined from that 
review.
    (i) No later than the next MLG overhaul scheduled after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (ii) Within 20,000 flight cycles or 9 years, whichever occurs 
first, accumulated since installation of the MLG on an airplane 
since new or since last overhaul, as applicable.
    (2) If the MLG pin having a part number and serial number listed 
in Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-215, dated January 
13, 2014; or Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-220, 
dated March 3, 2014; as applicable; is found to be installed during 
the identification required by paragraph (k)(1) of this AD, within 
the compliance time identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD, 
replace the MLG with a serviceable MLG, using a method approved by 
the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; or ATR--GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional's EASA DOA. A serviceable MLG is a part that has 
pins as identified in paragraph (k)(2)(i) or (k)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Pins that are not listed in Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service 
Bulletin 631-32-215, dated January 13, 2014; or Messier-Bugatti-
Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-220, dated March 3, 2014; as 
applicable.
    (ii) Pins that have been inspected and reconditioned, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Messier-Bugatti-
Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-215, dated January 13, 2014; or 
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-220, dated March 3, 
2014; as applicable.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-
216, dated October 30, 2013, which is not incorporated by reference 
in this AD.

(m) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom 
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,

[[Page 73099]]

International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; 
fax 425-227-1149. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; 
or ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional's EASA DOA. If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0074, dated March 21, 2014, 
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-
2015-0682-0002.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD.

(o) 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) Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-213, dated 
December 16, 2013.
    (ii) Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-214, dated 
January 13, 2014.
    (iii) Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-215, dated 
January 13, 2014.
    (iv) Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-216, Revision 
1, dated December 17, 2013. Pages 4, 5, and 8 of this service 
bulletin are the original issue and are dated October 30, 2013.
    (v) Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-219, dated 
March 3, 2014.
    (vi) Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-220, dated 
March 3, 2014.
    (3) 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; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.aerochain.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 12, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-29682 Filed 11-23-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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