[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 79 (Friday, April 24, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20299-20300]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-10478]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-263-AD; Amendment 39-10483; AD 98-09-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR72 series airplanes, that
requires a one-time high frequency eddy current inspection to detect
cracking of the lower fuselage structure, and repair, if necessary.
This amendment also requires modification of certain fastener holes in
the lower fuselage structure. This amendment is prompted by issuance of
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended
to prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplane due to fatigue
cracking in the lower fuselage structure.
DATES: Effective May 29, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of May 29, 1998.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex
03, France. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington,
DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Aerospatiale Model ATR72
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on February 5,
1998 (63 FR 5900). That action proposed to require a one-time high
frequency eddy current inspection to detect cracking of the lower
fuselage structure, and repair, if necessary. That action also proposed
to require modification of certain fastener holes in the lower fuselage
structure.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the single comment received.
The commenter supports the proposed rule.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comment
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 7 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in Aerospatiale Service
Bulletin ATR72-53-1022 will take approximately 80 work hours per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts
will be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based
on these figures, the cost impact on U.S. operators of the actions
specified in this service bulletin and required by this AD is estimated
to be $4,800 per airplane.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in Aerospatiale Service
Bulletin ATR72-53-1034 will take approximately 65 work hours per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts
will be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based
on these figures, the cost impact on U.S. operators of the actions
specified in this service bulletin and required by this AD is estimated
to be $3,900 per airplane.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in Aerospatiale Service
Bulletin ATR72-53-1053 will take approximately 65 work hours per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts
will be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based
on these figures, the cost impact on U.S. operators of the actions
specified in this service bulletin and required by this AD is estimated
to be $3,900 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
[[Page 20300]]
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-09-04 Aerospatiale: Amendment 39-10483. Docket 97-NM-263-AD.
Applicability: Model ATR72 series airplanes on which
Aerospatiale Modification 2879 or Modification 2628 has not been
incorporated, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplane due to
fatigue cracking in the lower fuselage structure, accomplish the
following:
(a) Prior to the accumulation of 17,500 total flight cycles, or
within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later: Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this
AD, perform a one-time high frequency eddy current inspection to
detect fatigue cracking around the fastener holes in the lower
fuselage structure in the area of the side brace fitting near frame
25 on the left-and right-hand sides, and modify crack-free fastener
holes, as required by paragraph (a)(1) and/or (a)(2) of this AD, as
applicable.
(1) For airplanes on which Aerospatiale Modification 2879 has
not been installed: Perform the inspection and modification in
accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletin ATR72-53-1022,
Revision 2, dated February 20, 1995.
(2) For airplanes on which Aerospatiale Modification 2628 has
not been installed: Perform the inspection and modifications in
accordance with Aerospatiale Service Bulletins ATR72-53-1034,
Revision 1, and ATR72-53-1053, Revision 1, both dated March 28,
1995.
(b) If any crack or oversize hole is found during the
accomplishment of paragraph (a) of this AD, and if any service
bulletin listed in paragraph (a) of this AD specifies to contact the
manufacturer for an appropriate corrective action: Prior to further
flight, repair the discrepancy in accordance with a method approved
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate.
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following
Aerospatiale service bulletins, which contain the following list of
effective pages:
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Service bulletin referenced Revision level
and date Page number shown on page shown on page Date shown on page
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ATR72-53-1034, Revision 1, March 1, 7, 9, 11-17, 20, 21, 23-25, 1.............. March 28, 1995.
28, 1995. 29, 30.
2-6, 8, 10, 18, 19, 22, 26-28.... Original....... November 4, 1994.
ATR72-53-1022, Revision 2, 1, 11, 12, 16.................... 2.............. February 20, 1995.
February 20, 1995.
2................................ 1.............. November 10, 1994.
3-10, 13-15, 17-24............... Original....... July 29, 1994.
ATR72-53-1053, Revision 1, March 1, 6-8, 16, 19................... 1.............. March 28, 1995.
28, 1995.
2-5, 9-15, 17, 18, 20............ Original....... November 7, 1994.
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This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Aerospatiale, 316 Route de
Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex 03, France. Copies may be inspected
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 94-191-022(B), dated August 17, 1994.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on May 29, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-10478 Filed 4-23-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
