Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 241 (Monday, December 18, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59963-59967]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-26949]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1170; Product Identifier 2013-NM-054-AD; Amendment 
39-19129; AD 2017-25-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-300 and -500 
airplanes and Model ATR72-202 and -212A airplanes. This AD requires 
identifying the serial number of the dual distributor valve (DDV), and 
replacement of affected DDVs. This AD was prompted by an investigation 
performed on a failed DDV that revealed a nonconformity of crimping on 
an internal valve. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 2, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 2, 
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by February 1, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    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 aircraft.com">continued.airworthiness@atr-aircraft.com. You 
may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 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-2017-1170.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1170; or in person at the Docket Operations office 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

[[Page 59964]]

800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1112; fax 425-
227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive, 2013-0032, dated February 18, 2013 (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 ATR42-300 and -500 airplanes 
and Model ATR72-202 and -212A airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During the investigation performed on a failed dual distributor 
valve (DDV) shipped to the DDV manufacturer, a non-conformity of 
crimping on an internal valve has been detected by the DDV 
manufacturer. This defective crimping creates a lack of tightness 
that prevents the complete deflation of the related de-icing boot 
chamber during de-icing cycles.
    A batch of serialized DDV, potentially affected with the same 
manufacturing discrepancy, has been identified by the DDV 
manufacturer.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, may affect the 
efficiency of the pneumatic de-icing system, which could reduce 
flight safety in icing conditions.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires a one-time 
inspection of each DDV to identify the serial number (s/n) and 
replacement of the non-conforming DDV units.
    The affected DDV units installed on aeroplanes and those 
delivered as spares have been retraced by ATR and all non-installed 
spare units have been quarantined, which is why this AD only applies 
to specific MSN [manufacturer serial number] aeroplanes.

You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1170.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional has issued the following 
service information:
    <bullet> ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-30-0080, Revision 02, dated 
March 26, 2013.
    <bullet> ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-30-0081, Revision 02, dated 
March 26, 2013.
    <bullet> ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-30-1049, Revision 03, dated 
March 26, 2013.
    <bullet> ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-30-1050, Revision 03, dated 
March 26, 2013.
    This service information describes procedures for identifying and 
replacing affected DDVs. These documents are distinct since they apply 
to different airplane models. 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    There are currently no domestic operators of this product. 
Therefore, we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment are unnecessary. In addition, for the reason(s) stated 
above, we find that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-1170; Product 
Identifier 2013-NM-054-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD based on 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Currently, there are no affected airplanes on the U.S. Register. If 
an affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future, we provide the following cost estimates to comply with this AD. 
We estimate that it will take about 84 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 $12,000 per product. 
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to be $19,140 
per product.

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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:

[[Page 59965]]

    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.

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):

2017-25-15 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment 
39-19129; Docket No. FAA-2017-1170; Product Identifier 2013-NM-054-
AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective January 2, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional 
airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(6) of this AD.

    Note 1 to the introductory text of paragraph (c) of this AD:  In 
EASA AD 2013-0032, dated February 18, 2013, airplanes specified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD are identified as Group 1 
airplanes and airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(3) through 
(c)(6) of this AD are identified as Group 2 airplanes.

    (1) Model ATR42-500 airplanes: Manufacturer serial numbers 
(MSNs) 645, 653, 657, 659, 661, 663, and 665.
    (2) Model ATR72-212A airplanes: MSNs 778, 994, 995, 996, 998, 
999, 1000, and 1020.
    (3) Model ATR42-300 airplanes: MSNs 348 and 415.
    (4) Model ATR42-500 airplanes: MSNs 497, 501, and 514.
    (5) Model ATR72-202 airplanes: MSNs 192, 411, 496, 508, and 509.
    (6) Model ATR72-212A airplanes: MSNs 468, 568, 595, 662, 796, 
920, 926, 950, 1024, 1025, 1028, 1029, 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, 
1036, 1037, 1039, and 1040.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30, Ice and Rain 
Protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an investigation performed on a failed 
dual distributor valve (DDV) that revealed a nonconformity of 
crimping on an internal valve. We are issuing this AD to prevent the 
deflation of the related deicing boot chamber during deicing cycles, 
which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane in 
icing conditions.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Part Identification

    Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, identify 
the serial number of the DDV as specified in paragraph (g)(1) or 
(g)(2) of this AD, as applicable. A review of airplane delivery or 
maintenance records is acceptable to make the identification as 
required by this paragraph, provided those records can be relied 
upon for that purpose, and the serial number of the DDV can be 
conclusively identified from that review.
    (1) For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of 
this AD, identify the serial number of the engine DDV part number 
(P/N) B03AA1060, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-30-0081, Revision 02, dated March 26, 
2013; or ATR72-30-1050, Revision 03, dated March 26, 2013; as 
applicable to airplane model.
    (2) For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(3), (c)(4), 
(c)(5), and (c)(6) of this AD, identify the serial number of the 
wing and/or stabilizer DDV, P/N B03AA1031 or B03AA1040, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service 
Bulletin ATR42-30-0080, Revision 02, dated March 26, 2013; or ATR72-
30-1049, Revision 03, dated March 26, 2013; as applicable to 
airplane model.

(h) Definition of Serviceable DDV

    For purposes of this AD, a serviceable DDV is any DDV having a 
serial number listed in figure 1 to paragraphs (h) and (i) of this 
AD with a suffix ``R'' added to the serial number.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18DE17.003

(i) Corrective Action

    If, during the part identification required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD, any DDV identified in figure 1 to paragraphs (h) and (i) of 
this AD is found: At the applicable time specified in figure 2 to 
the introductory text of paragraph (i) of this AD, depending on the 
location and the number of DDV affected, and on whether the airplane 
is operated in icing conditions or under Extended Operations (ETOPS) 
rules, replace any affected DDV(s) with a new or serviceable DDV, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service information specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(4) of 
this AD.

[[Page 59966]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18DE17.004

    (1) For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(4) of 
this AD: ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-30-0080, Revision 02, dated 
March 26, 2013.
    (2) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD: ATR 
Service Bulletin ATR42-30-0081, Revision 02, dated March 26, 2013.
    (3) For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(5) and (c)(6) of 
this AD: ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-30-1049, Revision 03, dated 
March 26, 2013.
    (4) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD: ATR 
Service Bulletin ATR72-30-1050, Revision 03, dated March 26, 2013.

(j) 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 the service information identified in 
paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(10) of this AD, as applicable. This 
service information is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (1) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-30-0080, dated October 18, 2012 
(for Model ATR42-300 and -500 airplanes).
    (2) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-30-0080, Revision 01, dated 
February 5, 2013 (for Model ATR42-300 and -500 airplanes).
    (3) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-30-0081, dated October 18, 2012 
(for Model ATR42-500 airplanes).
    (4) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-30-0081, Revision 01, dated 
February 5, 2013 (for Model ATR42-500 airplanes).
    (5) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-30-1049, dated October 4, 2012 
(for Model ATR72-202 and -212A airplanes).
    (6) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-30-1049, Revision 01, dated 
October 10, 2012 (for Model ATR72-202 and -212A airplanes).
    (7) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-30-1049, Revision 02, dated 
February 5, 2013 (for Model ATR72-202 and -212A airplanes).
    (8) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-30-1050, dated October 4, 2012 
(for Model ATR72-212A airplanes).
    (9) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-30-1050, Revision 01, dated 
November 6, 2012 (for Model ATR72-212A airplanes).
    (10) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-30-1050, Revision 02, dated 
February 5, 2013 (for Model ATR72-212A airplanes).

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards 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 local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. 
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.
    (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 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2013-0032, dated February 18, 2013, for related 
information. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2017-1170.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram 
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
telephone 425-227-1112; fax 425-227-1149.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (m)(3) and (m)(4) of this AD.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this

[[Page 59967]]

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) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-30-0080, Revision 02, dated March 
26, 2013.
    (ii) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-30-0081, Revision 02, dated 
March 26, 2013.
    (iii) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-30-1049, Revision 03, dated 
March 26, 2013.
    (iv) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-30-1050, Revision 03, dated 
March 26, 2013.
    (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 aircraft.com">continued.airworthiness@atr-aircraft.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 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 December 6, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-26949 Filed 12-15-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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