Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes, 83820-83822 [2023-26381]
Download as PDF
83820
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 230 / Friday, December 1, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
(2) Where paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (b)(3)(i)
of ANAC AD 2023–06–01 specify ‘‘before the
next flight, accomplish the paragraph (c) of
this AD after to accomplish the paragraph
(b)(4) of this AD’’ as corrective actions for
certain conditions, this AD requires replacing
those words with ‘‘before the next flight,
accomplish paragraph (c) of this AD after
accomplishing paragraph (b)(4) of this AD.’’
(3) Where paragraph (b)(3) of ANAC AD
2023–06–01 specifies to ‘‘measure de
distances,’’ this AD requires replacing those
words with ‘‘measure the distances.’’
(4) All applicable related investigative and
corrective actions specified in paragraphs
(b)(4)(iii) and (b)(4)(iii)(a) of ANAC AD 2023–
06–01 must be done before the next flight
after the functional check of the left-hand
(LH) and right-hand (RH) wing aileron
control system.
(5) All applicable related investigative
actions specified in paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of
ANAC AD 2023–06–01 must be done before
the next flight after the detailed inspection
on the LH and RH removed aileron surface,
as applicable.
(6) Where paragraph (d) of ANAC AD
2023–06–01 specifies to repeat the
inspections ‘‘at each 5,500 FH,’’ this AD
requires replacing those words with ‘‘at
intervals not to exceed 5,500 FH.’’
(7) This AD does not adopt paragraph (e)
of ANAC AD 2023–06–01.
(8) Although the service information
specified in ANAC AD 2023–06–01 specifies
returning certain parts the manufacturer, this
AD does not include that requirement.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information in ANAC
AD 2023–05–02 specifies to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, 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
responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, mail it to the address identified in
paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify
your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the responsible Flight Standards 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, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or ANAC; or ANAC’s
authorized Designee. If approved by the
ANAC Designee, the approval must include
the Designee’s authorized signature.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Joshua Bragg, Aviation Safety
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Jkt 262001
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 817–222–
5366; email: joshua.k.bragg@faa.gov.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference 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) Ageˆncia Nacional de Aviac
¸a˜o Civil
(ANAC) AD 2023–06–01, effective June 16,
2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For ANAC AD 2023–06–01, contact
National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC),
Aeronautical Products Certification Branch
(GGCP), Rua Dr. Orlando Feirabend Filho,
230—Centro Empresarial Aquarius—Torre
B—Andares 14 a 18, Parque Residencial
Aquarius, CEP 12.246–190—Sa˜o Jose´ dos
Campos—SP, Brazil; telephone 55 (12) 3203–
6600; email: pac@anac.gov.br; website
anac.gov.br/en/. You may find this ANAC
AD on the ANAC website at
sistemas.anac.gov.br/certificacao/DA/
DAE.asp.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this material at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov.
Issued on November 16, 2023.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–26383 Filed 11–30–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2023–1713; Project
Identifier MCAI–2023–00781–T; Amendment
39–22582; AD 2023–21–10]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; ATR—GIE
Avions de Transport Re´gional
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
ATR—GIE Avions de Transport
Re´gional Model ATR42–500 and
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
ATR72–212A airplanes. This AD was
prompted by reports of loose fasteners
and cracks in the horizontal stabilizer
(HS) left- and right-hand leading edge
lateral ribs, the box in between, the
center box upper panel, and HS forward
back-up fitting. This AD requires an
inspection of the HS affected areas for
discrepancies and applicable corrective
action, as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which is incorporated by reference. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 5,
2024.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of January 5, 2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2023–1713; 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 mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For EASA material incorporated by
reference in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
website easa.europa.eu. You may find
this material on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu.
• For ATR—GIE Avions de Transport
Re´gional service information
incorporated by reference in this AD,
contact ATR—GIE Avions de Transport
Re´gional, 1 Alle´e Pierre Nadot, 31712
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33
(0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax +33 (0) 5 62 21
67 18; email continued.airworthiness@
atr aircraft.com; website atraircraft.com.
• 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.
It is also available in the AD docket at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–
2023–1713.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
E:\FR\FM\01DER1.SGM
01DER1
83821
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 230 / Friday, December 1, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
telephone 206–231–3220; email
shahram.daneshmandi@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain ATR—GIE Avions de
Transport Re´gional Model ATR42–500
and ATR72–212A airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
August 14, 2023 (88 FR 54944). The
NPRM was prompted by AD 2023–0125,
dated June 22, 2023, issued by EASA,
which is the Technical Agent for the
Member States of the European Union
(EASA AD 2023–0125) (also referred to
as the MCAI). The MCAI states that
several occurrences of loose fasteners
and cracks on the HS left- and righthand leading edge lateral ribs, the box
in between, the center box upper panel,
and HS forward back-up fitting have
been reported. Subsequent
investigations identified possible
manufacturing errors and a list of
horizontal tail planes that could be
affected by similar issues. This
condition, if not detected and corrected,
could reduce the structural integrity of
the airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require an inspection of the HS affected
areas (HS left-hand and right-hand
leading edge lateral ribs, the box in
between, the center box upper panel,
and HS forward back-up fitting). for
discrepancies and applicable corrective
action, as specified in EASA AD 2023–
0125. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address loose, missing, or incorrectly
installed fasteners, composite
delamination, and cracks in the HS. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2023–1713.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on
the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country and is approved for operation in
the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s
bilateral agreement with this State of
Design Authority, it has notified the
FAA of the unsafe condition described
in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA
reviewed the relevant data and
determined that air safety requires
adopting this AD as proposed.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on this
product. Except for minor editorial
changes, this AD is adopted as proposed
in the NPRM. None of the changes will
increase the economic burden on any
operator.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023–0125 specifies
procedures for a one-time detailed
inspection of the HS left- and right-hand
leading edge lateral ribs, the box in
between, the center box upper panel,
and HS forward back-up fitting for
discrepancies (i.e., loose, missing, and
incorrectly installed fasteners,
composite delamination, and a cracked
fitting); and applicable corrective action.
The corrective action includes
contacting the manufacturer for repair
instructions if any discrepancy is
detected during any inspection.
ATR Service Bulletin ATR42–55–
0020, dated March 2, 2023; and ATR
Service Bulletin ATR72–55–1013, dated
March 2, 2023; identify the affected
airplane serial numbers.
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 16 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 ..........................................................................................
$0
$680
$10,880
The FAA has received no definitive
data on which to base the cost estimates
for the on-condition repairs specified in
this AD.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:57 Nov 30, 2023
Jkt 262001
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
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(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.
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.
E:\FR\FM\01DER1.SGM
01DER1
83822
§ 39.13
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 230 / Friday, December 1, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2023–21–10 ATR—GIE Avions de
Transport Re´gional: Amendment 39–
22582; Docket No. FAA–2023–1713;
Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00781–T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective January 5, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to ATR—GIE Avions de
Transport Re´gional Model ATR42–500 and
ATR72–212A airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in ATR Service
Bulletin ATR42–55–0020, dated March 2,
2023; or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72–55–
1013, dated March 2, 2023; as applicable.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code: 55, Stabilizers.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of loose
fasteners and cracks in the horizontal
stabilizer (HS) left- and right-hand leading
edge lateral ribs, the box in between, the
center box upper panel, and HS forward
back-up fitting. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address loose, missing, or incorrectly
installed fasteners, composite delamination,
and cracks in the HS. The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in reduced
structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and
(i) of this AD: Comply with all required
actions and compliance times specified in,
and in accordance with, European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023–
0125, dated June 22, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–
0125).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023–0125
(1) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023–
0125 refers to its effective date, this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023–
0125 specifies to ‘‘contact ATR for approved
repair instructions and, within the
compliance time specified therein,
accomplish those instructions accordingly’’ if
any discrepancy is detected, for this AD if
any crack is detected, the crack must be
repaired before further flight using a method
approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or ATR—
GIE Avions de Transport Re´gional’s EASA
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’
section of EASA AD 2023–0125.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:57 Nov 30, 2023
Jkt 262001
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2023–0125 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, 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
responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify
your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the responsible Flight Standards 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, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or ATR—GIE Avions
de Transport Re´gional’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
206–231–3220; email
shahram.daneshmandi@faa.gov.
(l) 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2023–0125, dated June 22, 2023.
(ii) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42–55–0020,
dated March 2, 2023.
(iii) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72–55–1013,
dated March 2, 2023.
(3) For EASA AD 2023–0125, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website
easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD
on the EASA website ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) For ATR service information identified
in this AD, contact ATR—GIE Avions de
Transport Re´gional, 1 Alle´e Pierre Nadot,
31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33
(0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18;
email continued.airworthiness@atr
aircraft.com; website atr-aircraft.com.
(5) You may view this material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th Street, Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
(6) You may view this material at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
visit: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov.
Issued on October 20, 2023.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–26381 Filed 11–30–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2023–1710; Project
Identifier MCAI–2023–00243–T; Amendment
39–22600; AD 2023–22–16]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,
Inc., Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Bombardier, Inc., Model CL–600–2B16
(604 Variant) airplanes. This AD was
prompted by reports from the supplier
that sensing elements of the bleed air
leak detection system were
manufactured with insufficient salt fill,
which can result in an inability to detect
hot bleed air leaks. This AD requires
testing of all affected overheat detection
sensing elements of the bleed air leak
detection system, and replacement if
necessary. This AD also prohibits the
installation of affected parts. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 5,
2024.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of January 5, 2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2023–1710; 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 mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), any comments received, and
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\01DER1.SGM
01DER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 230 (Friday, December 1, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 83820-83822]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-26381]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1713; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00781-T;
Amendment 39-22582; AD 2023-21-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500
and ATR72-212A airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of loose
fasteners and cracks in the horizontal stabilizer (HS) left- and right-
hand leading edge lateral ribs, the box in between, the center box
upper panel, and HS forward back-up fitting. This AD requires an
inspection of the HS affected areas for discrepancies and applicable
corrective action, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 5, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 5,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1713; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For EASA material incorporated by reference in this AD,
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You
may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
For ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional service
information incorporated by reference 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 continued.airworthiness@atr aircraft.com; website
atr-aircraft.com.
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. It is also available in the AD docket at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1713.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
[[Page 83821]]
telephone 206-231-3220; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain ATR--GIE Avions
de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 14, 2023 (88 FR
54944). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2023-0125, dated June 22, 2023,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union (EASA AD 2023-0125) (also referred to as the MCAI).
The MCAI states that several occurrences of loose fasteners and cracks
on the HS left- and right-hand leading edge lateral ribs, the box in
between, the center box upper panel, and HS forward back-up fitting
have been reported. Subsequent investigations identified possible
manufacturing errors and a list of horizontal tail planes that could be
affected by similar issues. This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could reduce the structural integrity of the airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an inspection of the HS
affected areas (HS left-hand and right-hand leading edge lateral ribs,
the box in between, the center box upper panel, and HS forward back-up
fitting). for discrepancies and applicable corrective action, as
specified in EASA AD 2023-0125. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
loose, missing, or incorrectly installed fasteners, composite
delamination, and cracks in the HS. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the
airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1713.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined
that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product.
Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in
the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any
operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023-0125 specifies procedures for a one-time detailed
inspection of the HS left- and right-hand leading edge lateral ribs,
the box in between, the center box upper panel, and HS forward back-up
fitting for discrepancies (i.e., loose, missing, and incorrectly
installed fasteners, composite delamination, and a cracked fitting);
and applicable corrective action. The corrective action includes
contacting the manufacturer for repair instructions if any discrepancy
is detected during any inspection.
ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0020, dated March 2, 2023; and ATR
Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1013, dated March 2, 2023; identify the
affected airplane serial numbers.
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 16 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680........................... $0 $680 $10,880
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD.
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.
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.
[[Page 83822]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2023-21-10 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment
39-22582; Docket No. FAA-2023-1713; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-
00781-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 5, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional
Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0020, dated
March 2, 2023; or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1013, dated March 2,
2023; as applicable.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code: 55,
Stabilizers.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of loose fasteners and cracks in
the horizontal stabilizer (HS) left- and right-hand leading edge
lateral ribs, the box in between, the center box upper panel, and HS
forward back-up fitting. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
loose, missing, or incorrectly installed fasteners, composite
delamination, and cracks in the HS. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in 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 paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2023-0125, dated June 22, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0125).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0125
(1) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0125 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0125 specifies to
``contact ATR for approved repair instructions and, within the
compliance time specified therein, accomplish those instructions
accordingly'' if any discrepancy is detected, for this AD if any
crack is detected, the crack must be repaired before further flight
using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or 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.
(3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0125.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0125
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the International
Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified
in paragraph (k) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or 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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3220; email
[email protected].
(l) 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0125,
dated June 22, 2023.
(ii) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-55-0020, dated March 2, 2023.
(iii) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-55-1013, dated March 2, 2023.
(3) For EASA AD 2023-0125, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
[email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA
AD on the EASA website ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) For ATR 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 continued.airworthiness@atr
aircraft.com; website atr-aircraft.com.
(5) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th
Street, Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(6) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on October 20, 2023.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-26381 Filed 11-30-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P