01-18256. Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, -500, and ATR72 Series Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Aerospatiale Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, -500, and ATR72 series airplanes, that requires a revision of the Airplane Flight Manual to add instructions that prohibit the flightcrew from selecting the reverse position on the engines in the event of propeller thrust dissymmetry. The actions specified by this AD are intended to ensure that the flightcrew is advised of the hazard associated with selecting reverse thrust during propeller thrust dissymmetry, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane during landing. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES:

Effective August 27, 2001.

ADDRESSES:

Information pertaining to this amendment may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone [phone]; fax [phone].

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 all Aerospatiale Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, -500, and ATR72 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on May 1, 2001 (66 FR 21699). That action proposed to require a revision of the Airplane Flight Manual to add instructions that prohibit the flightcrew from selecting the reverse position on the engines in the event of propeller thrust dissymmetry.

Comments

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

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 69 Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, -500, and ATR72 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $4,140, or $60 per airplane.

The cost impact figure discussed above is 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. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

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
• 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:

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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2001-15-05 Aerospatiale: Amendment 39-12339. Docket 2000-NM-380-AD.

Applicability: All Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, -500, and ATR72 series airplanes; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To ensure that the flightcrew is advised of the hazard associated with selecting reverse thrust during propeller thrust dissymmetry, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane during landing, accomplish the following:

Revision of Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)

(a) Within 5 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Normal Procedures section of the FAA-approved AFM, under “APPROACH AND LANDING,” to include the following. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM.

“NORMAL LANDING

• After nose wheel touchdown

Both PL: GI

Both LO PITCH lights: Check illuminated

CAUTION: If a thrust dissymmetry occurs or if one LO PITCH light is not illuminated, the use of any reverse is not allowed.”

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(b) 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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Operations Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.

Note 1:

Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

(c) 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.

Note 2:

The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 2000-436-080(B) and 2000-437-052(B), both dated October 18, 2000.

Effective Date

(d) This amendment becomes effective on August 27, 2001.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 16, 2001.

Vi L. Lipski,

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.