2020-10627. Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-17-09, AD 2008-04-19 R1, and AD 2015-26-09; and terminating all requirements of AD 2018-18-05; which applied to ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes. AD 2018-18-05 required updating the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations, and terminated the relevant requirements of AD 2000-17-09, AD 2008-04-19 R1, and AD 2015-26-09. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective June 22, 2020.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 22, 2020.

ADDRESSES:

For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this IBR material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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 in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0102.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0102; 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, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations 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, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax [phone]; email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0256, dated October 17, 2019 (“EASA AD 2019-0256”) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for all ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes. EASA AD 2019-0256 supersedes EASA AD 2017-0221R1, dated December 15, 2017 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2018-18-05, Amendment 39-19384 (83 FR 44463, August 31, 2018) (“AD 2018-18-05”)).

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2000-17-09, Amendment 39-11883 (65 FR 53897, September 6, 2000) (“AD 2000-17-09”); AD 2008-04-19 R1, Amendment 39-16069 (74 FR 56713, November 3, 2009) (”AD 2008-04-19 R1”); and AD 2015-26-09, Amendment 39-18357 (81 FR 1483, January 13, 2016) (“AD 2015-26-09”); for all ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes only. The NPRM also proposed to terminate all requirements of AD 2018-18-05, which specified that accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of that AD terminated all requirements of AD 2000-17-09; AD 2008-04-19 R1; and AD 2015-26-09; for ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes only. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 28, 2020 (85 FR 11876). The NPRM was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The NPRM proposed to revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in an EASA AD.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address reduced structural integrity of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Comments

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Clarification of Paragraph (k) of This AD

Once a maintenance or inspection program is revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, paragraph (i) of this AD does not allow for the later use of alternative actions, intervals, or Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs) unless these alternative actions, intervals, or CDCCLs are approved as specified in the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2019-0256. In paragraph (i) of the proposed AD, the FAA proposed language using the word “except.” To make the language consistent with the language in the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2019-0256, the FAA has changed the wording in paragraph (i) of this AD to “unless they are approved.”

Explanation of Change to the Costs of Compliance Section

In the NPRM, the Costs of Compliance section inadvertently included information for retained actions from AD 2018-18-05. Since this AD does not include any retained actions, the FAA has removed that information.

Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule with the change described previously and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:

• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.

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

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

EASA AD 2019-0256 describes new and more restrictive airworthiness limitations for airplane structure and systems. This material 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

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 33 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

The FAA has determined that revising the maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the past, the agency has estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. Therefore, the agency estimates the average total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour).

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.

The FAA is 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

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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:

a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-17-09, Amendment 39-11883 ( 65 FR 53897, September 6, 2000); AD 2008-04-19 R1, Amendment 39-16069 (74 FR 56713, November 3, 2009); and AD 2015-26-09, Amendment 39-18357 (81 FR 1483, January 13, 2016); and

b. Adding the following new AD:

2020-09-16 GIE Avions de Transport Régional: Amendment 39-19912; Docket No. FAA-2020-0102; Product Identifier 2019-NM-184-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective June 22, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

(1) This AD replaces the ADs identified in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD.

(i) AD 2000-17-09, Amendment 39-11883 (65 FR 53897, September 6, 2000) (“AD 2000-17-09”).

(ii) AD 2008-04-19 R1, Amendment 39-16069 (74 FR 56713, November 3, 2009) (“AD 2008-04-19 R1”).

(iii) AD 2015-26-09, Amendment 39-18357 (81 FR 1483, January 13, 2016) (“AD 2015-26-09”).

(2) This AD affects AD 2018-18-05, Amendment 39-19384 (83 FR 44463, August 31, 2018) (“AD 2018-18-05”).

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to all ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42-200, -300, and -320 airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0256, dated October 17, 2019 (“EASA AD 2019-0256”).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0256

(1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (3) of EASA AD 2019-0256 do not apply to this AD.

(2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2019-0256 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

(3) Paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2019-0256 specifies revising “the approved AMP” within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the “limitations, tasks and associated thresholds and intervals” specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2019-0256 within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.

(4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2019-0256 is at the applicable “associated thresholds” specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2019-0256, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(5) The provisions specified in paragraphs (5) and (6) of EASA AD 2019-0256 do not apply to this AD.

(6) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2019-0256 does not apply to this AD.

(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions, Intervals, and Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs)

After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and CDCCLs are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2019-0256.

(j) Terminating Action for AD 2018-18-05

Accomplishing the maintenance or inspection program revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the requirements of AD 2018-18-05.

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 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 Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [e-mail]. 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 instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-0256 that contains RC procedures and tests: Except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, RC procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(l) Related Information

For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax [phone]; email [e-mail].

(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 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.

(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on June 22, 2020.

(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0256, dated October 17, 2019.

(ii) [Reserved]

(4) For information about EASA AD 2019-0256, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.

(5) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. This material may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0102.

(6) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email [e-mail], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/​federal-register/​cfr/​ibr-locations.html.

Issued on May 8, 2020.

Lance T. Gant,

Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.