Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 38 (Friday, February 26, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9746-9749]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-03689]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1280; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-064-AD; 
Amendment 39-18404; AD 2016-04-10]
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 certain 
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 airplanes, 
and Model ATR72-102, -202, -212, and -212A airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by a report of chafed wires between electrical harnesses. This 
AD requires inspections for wire discrepancies, and corrective actions 
if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged 
wiring and incorrect installation of the wiring harness and adjacent 
air ducts that could lead to wire harness chafing and arcing, possibly 
resulting in an on-board fire.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 1, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 1, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-1280 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 final rule, 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 and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2015-1280.

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 certain ATR--GIE Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 airplanes, and Model ATR72-
102, -202, -212, and -212A airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on May 12, 2015 (80 FR 27114) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was 
prompted by a report of chafed wires between electrical harnesses. The 
NPRM proposed to require inspections for wire discrepancies, and 
corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct damaged wiring and incorrect installation of the wiring harness 
and adjacent air ducts, which could lead to wire harness chafing and 
arcing, possibly resulting in an on-board fire.
    Since the NPRM was issued, the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0171, 
dated August 20, 2015 (referred to after this 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 ATR42-500 airplanes, and Model ATR72-102, -202, -
212, and -212A airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An erroneous cockpit indication has been reported on an in-
service aeroplane. Subsequent investigation identified chafed wiring 
between harnesses (2M-2S-6M) and the metallic structure of the cargo 
lining panel above the electronic rack 90VU shelf. The chafing was 
most likely the result of incorrect harness installation. In some 
cases, the bracket, which supports the harnesses, could be 
incorrectly positioned. Consequently, the wiring harnesses, and in 
certain configurations, the adjacent air duct, could be incorrectly 
routed.

[[Page 9747]]

    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
wiring harness chafing and arcing, possibly resulting in an on-board 
fire.
    Prompted by this unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2014-0052 
(later revised) [http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswrs/main/lib100154/2014-0052.pdf] to require a one-time visual inspection of the affected 
area including a bracket position check and, depending on findings, 
accomplishment of applicable corrective actions.
    Since EASA AD 2014-0052R1 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2014_0052_R1_superseded.pdf/AD_2014-0052R1_1] was issued, 
ATR determined that more aeroplanes are potentially affected 
(referred as Group B aeroplanes) than originally identified. It was 
also determined that some aeroplanes, originally addressed by AD 
2014-0052, are not affected due to their specific configuration. 
Taking into account these findings, ATR issued Revision 03 of 
Service Bulletin (SB) ATR42-92-0024 and SB ATR72-92-1032 to reflect 
the reidentified population of affected aeroplanes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0052R1, which is superseded, and 
requires inspection, and, depending on findings, applicable 
corrective action(s), on the adjusted range of aeroplanes.

    EASA AD 2015-0171, dated August 20, 2015, replaces EASA AD 2014-
0052R1, dated April 7, 2014, which was the referenced MCAI in the NPRM. 
The revised MCAI adds certain airplanes and removes others from the 
applicability, but does not affect any U.S.-registered airplanes. You 
may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-1280-0003.

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.

Changes to This AD

    Since the NPRM was issued, Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional has 
issued Service Bulletin ATR42-92-0024, Revision 03, dated January 21, 
2015; and Service Bulletin ATR72-92-1032, Revision 03, dated January 
21, 2015. No additional work is required for airplanes that have 
accomplished the actions specified in any previous version. We have 
revised paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD to reference this revised 
service information. We have revised paragraph (i) of this AD to give 
credit for actions done before the effective date of this AD using the 
following service bulletins.
    <bullet> Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin 
ATR42-92-0024, Revision 01, dated January 16, 2014.
    <bullet> Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin 
ATR42-92-0024, Revision 02, dated April 17, 2014.
    <bullet> Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin 
ATR72-92-1032, Revision 01, dated January 16, 2014.
    <bullet> Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin 
ATR72-92-1032, Revision 02, dated April 17, 2014.
    We have also revised paragraph (c) of this AD to refer to the 
manufacturer serial numbers of the affected airplanes as identified in 
EASA AD 2015-0171, dated August 20, 2015.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD with the changes described 
previously and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these 
minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional has issued the 
following service bulletins.
    <bullet> Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin 
ATR42-92-0024, Revision 03, dated January 21, 2015. The service 
information describes procedures for inspecting the electrical harness 
routing on top of the 90VU electrical rack, and modification if 
necessary.
    <bullet> Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin 
ATR72-92-1032, Revision 03, dated January 21, 2015. The service 
information describes procedures for inspecting the electrical harness 
routing on top of the 90VU electrical rack, and modification if 
necessary.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 1 airplane of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost 
of this AD on U.S. operators to be $85, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $82, for a cost of 
$337 per product. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need these actions.

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-2015-1280; 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

[[Page 9748]]

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:

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):

2016-04-10 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment 
39-18404. Docket No. FAA-2015-1280; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
064-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 1, 2016.

(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 (c)(2) 
of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Model ATR42-500 airplanes, serial numbers 443 through 1006 
inclusive, and 1014; except serial numbers 811, 1002, and 1005.
    (2) Model ATR72-102, -202, -212, and -212A airplanes, serial 
numbers 475 through 969 inclusive, 971 through 988 inclusive, 1025, 
1028 through 1069 inclusive, 1072, and 1089 through 1175 inclusive; 
except serial numbers 872, 887, 893, 956, 1042, and 1162.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 92, Electrical 
Routing.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of chafed wires between 
electrical harnesses. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
damaged wiring and incorrect installation of the wiring harness and 
adjacent air ducts that could lead to wire harness chafing and 
arcing, possibly resulting in an on-board fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspections

    Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do 
the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR42-92-0024, Revision 
03, dated January 21, 2015; and Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional 
Service Bulletin ATR72-92-1032, Revision 03, dated January 21, 2015; 
as applicable.
    (1) Do a general visual inspection for damage of the electrical 
wires of harnesses 2M-2S-6M.
    (2) Do a general visual inspection for correct routing of 
electrical bundle 2M-2S-6M, and correct routing of the air duct.

(h) Corrective Actions

    (1) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, any damage is found on the electrical wires: Before further 
flight, repair the wires, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin 
ATR42-92-0024, Revision 03, dated January 21, 2015; and Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR72-92-1032, Revision 
03, dated January 21, 2015; as applicable.
    (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD, electrical bundle 2M-2S-6M and/or an air duct is found to 
be incorrectly routed: Within 500 flight hours after the effective 
date of this AD, do a general visual inspection for correct 
positioning of the bracket, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin 
ATR42-92-0024, Revision 03, dated January 21, 2015; and Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR72-92-1032, Revision 
03, dated January 21, 2015; as applicable.
    (i) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of 
this AD, the bracket is found to be correctly positioned: Within 500 
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do all applicable 
corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin 
ATR42-92-0024, Revision 03, dated January 21, 2015; and Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR72-92-1032, Revision 
03, dated January 21, 2015; as applicable.
    (ii) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of 
this AD, the bracket is found to be missing or incorrectly 
positioned: Within 500 flight hours after the inspection required by 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, repair 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).

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by this AD, 
if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD 
using the applicable service bulletins specified in paragraphs 
(i)(1) through (i)(6) of this AD, which are not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.
    (1) Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR42-
92-0024, dated June 6, 2013.
    (2) Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR42-
92-0024, Revision 01, dated January 16, 2014.
    (3) Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR42-
92-0024, Revision 02, dated April 17, 2014.
    (4) Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR72-
92-1032, dated June 6, 2013.
    (5) Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR72-
92-1032, Revision 01, dated January 16, 2014.
    (6) Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR72-
92-1032, Revision 02, dated April 17, 2014.

(j) 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, 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 actions 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0171, dated August 20, 
2015, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-1280-0003.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

(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.

[[Page 9749]]

    (i) Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR42-
92-0024, Revision 03, dated January 21, 2015.
    (ii) Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service Bulletin ATR72-
92-1032, Revision 03, dated January 21, 2015.
    (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 February 16, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-03689 Filed 2-25-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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