Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 241 (Monday, December 17, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64438-64441]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-27130]



[[Page 64438]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0167; Product Identifier 2017-NM-131-AD; Amendment 
39-19530; AD 2018-25-18]
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 reports of cracking in main landing 
gear (MLG) universal joints (U-joints). This AD requires repetitive 
detailed inspections of the affected U-joints for cracks, and 
replacement if necessary. This AD also provides an optional terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 22, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 22, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Safran Landing Systems, Inovel Parc Sud--7, rue 
G[eacute]n[eacute]ral Val[eacute]rie Andr[eacute], 78140 VELIZY-
VILLACOUBLAY-FRANCE; phone: +33 (0) 1 46 29 81 00; internet: 
www.safran-landing-systems.com. You may view this service information 
at the FAA, Transport Standards 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 on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0167.

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-2018-
0167; 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 regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3220.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) 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 SNPRM published in 
the Federal Register on September 19, 2018 (83 FR 47318). We preceded 
the SNPRM with an NPRM that published in the Federal Register on March 
29, 2018 (83 FR 13436). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracking in 
MLG U-joints. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive detailed 
inspections of the affected U-joints for cracks, and replacement if 
necessary. The NPRM also proposed to provide an optional terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections. We issued the SNPRM to increase 
the number of affected parts that must be inspected.
    We are issuing this AD to address cracking in MLG U-joints, which 
could lead to MLG structural failure and subsequent collapse of the 
MLG, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to the 
occupants.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0080, dated April 11, 2018 (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 Model ATR72 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Occurrences were reported of finding cracks in certain MLG U-
joints. Subsequent investigation identified a batch of affected U-
joints which have possibly been subjected to non-detected thermal 
abuse during the grinding process by the U-joint manufacturer in 
production, or by a maintenance organization during overhaul and/or 
repair.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG 
structural failure and subsequent collapse of the MLG, possibly 
resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, SLS [Safran Landing 
Systems] published the applicable SB [service bulletin] to provide 
inspection instructions. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2017-0172 to 
require repetitive detailed visual inspection (DVI) of the affected 
U-joints for cracks, and, depending on findings, replacement.
    Since that AD was issued, SLS identified that certain s/n 
[serial numbers] of affected U-joints were inadvertently not 
included in the list of the original issue of the applicable SB. 
Consequently, SLS issued Revision 02 of the applicable SB to clarify 
the s/n tables of P/N [part number] D56805 and P/N D56805-2, and to 
add those missed s/n of affected U-joints.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2017-0172, which is superseded, and includes 
reference to Revision 02 of the applicable SB.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0167.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comment received on the 
SNPRM and the FAA's response to that comment.

Request To Modify Serviceable Parts Definition

    ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional (ATR) requested that we 
revise paragraph (g)(2) of the proposed AD to be consistent with the 
applicable text of the MCAI. ATR stated that the paragraph as written 
could allow an old, never-installed part to be considered serviceable 
even though it is identified as an affected part in the service 
information.
    We agree to clarify the definition of serviceable parts. The 
language of the identified paragraph could be interpreted to allow 
certain affected parts, as defined in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, to 
be installed as serviceable parts if they had never been previously 
installed. Our intent is to exclude installation of an affected part 
even if the part is new or repaired. We have changed the wording of 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule with the change described previously and minor 
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM.

[[Page 64439]]

    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Safran Landing Systems has issued Service Bulletin 631-32-249, 
Revision 2, dated February 13, 2018; Service Bulletin 631-32-250, 
Revision 2, dated February 13, 2018; and Service Bulletin 631-32-251, 
Revision 2, dated February 13, 2018. The service information describes 
procedures for detailed inspections of the affected U-joints for 
cracking, and replacement if necessary. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 62 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Cost on U.S.
             Action                     Labor cost           Parts cost     Cost per product       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.....................  1 work-hour x $85 per                $0   $85 per inspection  $5,270 per
                                  hour = $85 per                            cycle.              inspection
                                  inspection cycle.                                             cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
actions that would be required based on the results of any required 
actions. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need these on-condition actions:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement................................  8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680.         $14,083         $14,763
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some or all 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 known 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.
    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 and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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) 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):

2018-25-18 ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment 
39-19530; Docket No. FAA-2018-0167; Product Identifier 2017-NM-131-
AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 22, 2019.

(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, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212,

[[Page 64440]]

and -212A airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer 
serial numbers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in certain main 
landing gear (MLG) universal joints (U-joints). We are issuing this 
AD to address cracking in MLG U-joints, which could lead to MLG 
structural failure and subsequent 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) Definitions

    (1) For the purposes of this AD, an affected U-joint is any U-
joint identified by part number (P/N) and serial number listed in 
the applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), 
(g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.
    (i) For Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes: Safran 
Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-249, Revision 2, dated 
February 13, 2018.
    (ii) For Model ATR42-500 airplanes: Safran Landing Systems 
Service Bulletin 631-32-250, Revision 2, dated February 13, 2018.
    (iii) For Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -
212A airplanes: Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-251, 
Revision 2, dated February 13, 2018.
    (2) For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable part is an 
affected U-joint, as defined in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, 
released to service by Safran Landing Systems, free of defect, with 
the letter ``V'' added on the part (on the identification plate, or 
in the vicinity of the P/N marking); or any other U-joint with 
chrome-plated faces that were never stripped or repaired; or any 
other U-joint with chrome-plated faces that were stripped and 
repaired as specified in the applicable component maintenance manual 
(CMM) identified in paragraph (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or (g)(2)(iii).
    (i) For Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes: Safran 
Landing Systems CMM 32-18-28, Rev. 10, or Safran Landing Systems CMM 
32-18-30, Rev. 8, both dated June 2, 2017.
    (ii) For Model ATR42-500 airplanes: Safran Landing Systems CMM 
32-18-45, Rev. 5, or Safran Landing Systems CMM 32-18-63, Rev. 6, 
both dated June 2, 2017.
    (iii) For Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -
212A airplanes: Safran Landing Systems CMM 32-18-34, Rev. 9, dated 
June 2, 2017.

(h) Repetitive Inspections

    Within 3 months or 500 flight cycles (FC), whichever occurs 
first, after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 500 FC: Do a detailed inspection for 
cracking of each affected U-joint, as identified in paragraph (g)(1) 
of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
the applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), 
(g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.

(i) Corrective Action

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, 
any cracked U-joint is found, before further flight: Replace the 
cracked U-joint with a serviceable part, as defined in paragraph 
(g)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin specified in 
paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.

(j) Optional Terminating Action for Required Repetitive Inspections

    Replacement of all affected U-joints on an airplane, as 
identified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, with serviceable parts, 
as defined in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) of 
this AD for that airplane.

(k) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, an affected U-joint, as identified in paragraph (g)(1) 
of this AD, unless it is a serviceable part, as defined in paragraph 
(g)(2) of this AD.

(l) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
bulletins identified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), and 
(g)(1)(iii) of this AD specify to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using the applicable service 
bulletin specified in paragraph (m)(1), (m)(2), or (m)(3) of this 
AD, provided that affected U-joints not identified in the service 
bulletin specified in paragraph (m)(1), (m)(2), or (m)(3) of this AD 
comply with the requirements of paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD.
    (1) Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-249, Revision 
1, dated June 26, 2017.
    (2) Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-250, Revision 
1, dated June 26, 2017.
    (3) Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-251, Revision 
1, dated June 26, 2017.

(n) 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 International Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (o)(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.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0080, dated April 11, 2018, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet 
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2018-0167.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram 
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3220.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (p)(3) and (p)(4) of this AD.

(p) 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) Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-249, Revision 
2, dated February 13, 2018.
    (ii) Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-250, 
Revision 2, dated February 13, 2018.
    (iii) Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-251, 
Revision 2, dated February 13, 2018.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Safran Landing Systems, Inovel Parc Sud--7, rue 
G[eacute]n[eacute]ral Val[eacute]rie Andr[eacute], 78140 VELIZY-
VILLACOUBLAY-FRANCE; phone: +33 (0) 1 46 29 81 00; internet: 
www.safran-landing-systems.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (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.


[[Page 64441]]


    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on December 6, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-27130 Filed 12-14-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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