Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes, 87314-87317 [2024-25369]

Download as PDF 87314 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 212 / Friday, November 1, 2024 / Proposed Rules (j) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206– 231–3220; email: shahram.daneshmandi@ faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024–0171, dated August 27, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA material identified 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. (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 October 28, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024–25368 Filed 10–31–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2024–2418; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00239–T] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that a flight deck emergency escape hatch was difficult to SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:18 Oct 31, 2024 Jkt 265001 open due to the hose ends being connected to the hatch with incorrect parts, which could affect drainage of the hatch. This proposed AD would require inspection of the flight deck emergency escape hatch drain hose for discrepancies and applicable corrective actions, and prohibit accomplishment of maintenance actions using the instructions of certain maintenance tasks, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2024–2418; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For EASA material identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA, KonradAdenauer-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. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2024–2418. • 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 telephone 206–231–3220; email: Shahram.Daneshmandi@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2024–2418; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00239–T’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. Confidential Business Information CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206– 231–3220; email: Shahram.Daneshmandi@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2024–0090, dated April 16, 2024 (also referred to as E:\FR\FM\01NOP1.SGM 01NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 212 / Friday, November 1, 2024 / Proposed Rules the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42– 200, ATR42–300, ATR42–320, ATR42– 400, ATR42–500, ATR72–101, ATR72– 102, ATR72–201, ATR72–202, ATR72– 211, ATR72–212, and ATR72–212A airplanes. Model ATR42–400 airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this proposed AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability. The MCAI states that following a report that a flight deck emergency escape hatch was difficult to open, an ATR investigation revealed hatch drain hose ends connected to the hatch with incorrect parts (zip-tie and ty-rap) and installed collars with a too-small diameter that would not permit the drain hose to slide inside. These installation nonconformities could occur only during maintenance and could affect the hatch drainage and possibly result in difficulties in removing the hatch in case of an emergency evacuation. ATR has updated the maintenance procedures to clarify the correct procedures. The FAA is proposing this AD to address these installation nonconformities, which could prevent flightcrew evacuation from the airplane in case of an emergency, possibly resulting in personal injury. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2024–2418. (including checking for the presence of a fastening system on the drain hoses at the level of the escape hatch drains and checking whether a drain hose slides freely in the clamp (collar)). Discrepancies include any zip-tie/ty-rap that is detected and any drain hose that does not slide freely in the clamp. Corrective actions include removing the fastening system and replacing the clamp. EASA AD 2024–0090 also prohibits accomplishment of maintenance actions using the instructions of Maintenance Procedure (MP) Tasks ATR–A–52–22–XX–00ZZZ– 520Z–A and ATR–A–52–22–XX– 00ZZZ–720Z–A issued December 31, 2023, or earlier. 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. FAA’s Determination 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 is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM EASA AD 2024–0090 specifies procedures for inspecting for discrepancies of the flight deck emergency escape hatch drain hose This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2024–0090 described previously, except for any differences 87315 identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Explanation of Required Compliance Information In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2024–0090 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2024–0090 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section in EASA AD 2024–0090 does not mean that operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to ‘‘all required actions and compliance times,’’ compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section titled ‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)’’ in EASA AD 2024–0090. Material required by EASA AD 2024– 0090 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2024–2418 after the FAA final rule is published. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 80 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators 0.25 work-hour × $85 per hour = $21.25 .................................................................................... $0 $21.25 $1,700 The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacement that would be required based on the results of any required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this replacement: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product 0.25 work-hour × $85 per hour = $21.25 ................................................................................................................ Minimal $21.25 The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some or all VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:18 Oct 31, 2024 Jkt 265001 of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 reducing the cost impact on affected operators. E:\FR\FM\01NOP1.SGM 01NOP1 87316 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 212 / Friday, November 1, 2024 / Proposed Rules § 39.13 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 The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Would 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. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:18 Oct 31, 2024 Jkt 265001 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional; Docket No. FAA–2024–2418; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00239–T. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by December 16, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the ATR—GIE Avions de Transport Régional airplanes, certificated in any category, specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD and identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024–0090, dated April 16, 2024 (EASA AD 2024–0090). (1) Model ATR42–200, –300, –320, and –500 airplanes. (2) Model ATR72–101, –102, –201, –202, –211, –212, and –212A airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report that a flight deck emergency escape hatch was difficult to open due to the hose ends being connected to the hatch with incorrect parts or and installed collars with a too-small diameter that would not permit the drain hose to slide inside. The FAA is issuing this AD to address such installation nonconformities, which could affect drainage of the hatch. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could prevent flightcrew evacuation in case of an emergency, possibly resulting in personal injury. (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, EASA AD 2024– 0090. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024–0090 (1) Where EASA AD 2024–0090 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2024–0090. (3) Where EASA AD 2024–0090 states ‘‘any discrepancy, as defined in the AOM, is detected’’ for this AD replace that text with ‘‘any fastening system (e.g., zip-tie/ty-rap) is detected or any drain hose does not slide freely in the clamp (collar).’’ (i) No Reporting Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024–0090 specifies to submit certain PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email to: 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 Régional’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 of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024–0090, dated April 16, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA material identified 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. (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. E:\FR\FM\01NOP1.SGM 01NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 212 / Friday, November 1, 2024 / Proposed Rules Issued on October 28, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024–25369 Filed 10–31–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2024–2417; Project Identifier AD–2024–00336–E] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020–20–17 and AD 2021–15–05, which apply to all General Electric Company (GE) Model GE90–110B1 and GE90– 115B engines. AD 2020–20–17 prohibits dispatch of an airplane if certain status messages are displayed on the engine indicating and crew alerting system (EICAS) and if certain conditions are present; and as terminating action, requires revision of the existing FAAapproved minimum equipment list (MEL) by incorporating the dispatch restrictions into the MEL. AD 2021–15– 05 requires initial and repetitive replacement of the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) integrated circuit (MN4) microprocessor. Since the FAA issued AD 2020–20–17 and AD 2021–15–05, the manufacturer has developed a software revision for the electronic engine control (EEC) FADEC that further mitigates the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain all the actions of AD 2020–20–17 and AD 2021–15–05, and it would also require upgrading the EEC FADEC software to an EEC FADEC software version eligible for installation as a terminating action. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:18 Oct 31, 2024 Jkt 265001 • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2024–2417; 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 NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For GE material identified in this proposed AD, contact GE, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: (513) 552–3272; email: aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com; website: ge.com. • You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222– 5110. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexander Thickstun, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (202) 267–8292; email: alexander.m.thickstun@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2024–2417; Project Identifier AD–2024–00336–E’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may revise this proposal because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 87317 Confidential Business Information CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Alexander Thickstun, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background The FAA issued AD 2020–20–17, Amendment 39–21273 (85 FR 63443, October 8, 2020) (‘‘AD 2020–20–17’’) and AD 2021–15–05, Amendment 39– 21652 (86 FR 43409, August 9, 2021) (‘‘AD 2021–15–05’’), for all GE Model GE90–110B1 and GE90–115B engines. AD 2020–20–17 was prompted by an in-service occurrence of loss of engine thrust control resulting in uncommanded high thrust. AD 2020– 20–17 prohibits dispatch of an airplane if certain status messages are displayed on the EICAS and if certain conditions are present; and as terminating action, requires revision of the existing FAAapproved MEL by incorporating the dispatch restrictions listed in AD 2020– 20–17 into the MEL. The agency issued AD 2020–20–17 to prevent dispatch of the airplane when certain faults caused by degradation of the MN4 integrated circuit in the FADEC are displayed and certain FADEC conditions are present which, if not addressed, could result in loss of engine thrust control and reduced control of the airplane. AD 2021–15–05 was also prompted by the in-service occurrence of loss of engine thrust control resulting in uncommanded high thrust. AD 2021– 15–05 requires initial and repetitive replacement of the FADEC MN4 microprocessor. The agency issued AD 2021–15–05 to prevent failure of the FADEC MN4 microprocessor solder ball which, if not addressed, could result in E:\FR\FM\01NOP1.SGM 01NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 212 (Friday, November 1, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 87314-87317]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-25369]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2418; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00239-T]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; ATR--GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 
and ATR72 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that a 
flight deck emergency escape hatch was difficult to open due to the 
hose ends being connected to the hatch with incorrect parts, which 
could affect drainage of the hatch. This proposed AD would require 
inspection of the flight deck emergency escape hatch drain hose for 
discrepancies and applicable corrective actions, and prohibit 
accomplishment of maintenance actions using the instructions of certain 
maintenance tasks, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference 
(IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 
16, 2024.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2418; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For EASA material identified in this proposed 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. It is also 
available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2418.
     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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 206-231-3220; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-2418; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00239-T'' at the beginning of your 
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the 
proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include 
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the 
closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart 
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3220; email: 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives that 
is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public 
docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2024-0090, dated April 16, 2024 
(also referred to as

[[Page 87315]]

the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain ATR--GIE Avions 
de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-200, ATR42-300, ATR42-320, 
ATR42-400, ATR42-500, ATR72-101, ATR72-102, ATR72-201, ATR72-202, 
ATR72-211, ATR72-212, and ATR72-212A airplanes. Model ATR42-400 
airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the 
U.S. type certificate data sheet; this proposed AD therefore does not 
include those airplanes in the applicability.
    The MCAI states that following a report that a flight deck 
emergency escape hatch was difficult to open, an ATR investigation 
revealed hatch drain hose ends connected to the hatch with incorrect 
parts (zip-tie and ty-rap) and installed collars with a too-small 
diameter that would not permit the drain hose to slide inside. These 
installation nonconformities could occur only during maintenance and 
could affect the hatch drainage and possibly result in difficulties in 
removing the hatch in case of an emergency evacuation. ATR has updated 
the maintenance procedures to clarify the correct procedures.
    The FAA is proposing this AD to address these installation 
nonconformities, which could prevent flightcrew evacuation from the 
airplane in case of an emergency, possibly resulting in personal 
injury.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2418.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2024-0090 specifies procedures for inspecting for 
discrepancies of the flight deck emergency escape hatch drain hose 
(including checking for the presence of a fastening system on the drain 
hoses at the level of the escape hatch drains and checking whether a 
drain hose slides freely in the clamp (collar)). Discrepancies include 
any zip-tie/ty-rap that is detected and any drain hose that does not 
slide freely in the clamp. Corrective actions include removing the 
fastening system and replacing the clamp. EASA AD 2024-0090 also 
prohibits accomplishment of maintenance actions using the instructions 
of Maintenance Procedure (MP) Tasks ATR-A-52-22-XX-00ZZZ-520Z-A and 
ATR-A-52-22-XX-00ZZZ-720Z-A issued December 31, 2023, or earlier. 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.

FAA's Determination

    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 is issuing this NPRM after determining that 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in EASA AD 2024-0090 described previously, except for any differences 
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation 
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance 
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been 
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the 
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2024-0090 by reference in the FAA 
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with 
EASA AD 2024-0090 in its entirety through that incorporation, except 
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of 
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading 
of a particular section in EASA AD 2024-0090 does not mean that 
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD 
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,'' 
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section 
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2024-
0090. Material required by EASA AD 2024-0090 for compliance will be 
available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2418 after the 
FAA final rule is published.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 80 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.25 work-hour x $85 per hour = $21.25.......................              $0           $21.25           $1,700
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacement that 
would be required based on the results of any required actions. The FAA 
has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this 
replacement:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.25 work-hour x $85 per hour = $21.25         Minimal           $21.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the 
cost impact on affected operators.

[[Page 87316]]

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

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:

ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional; Docket No. FAA-2024-
2418; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00239-T.

 (a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by December 16, 2024.

 (b) Affected ADs

    None.

 (c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the ATR--GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional airplanes, certificated in any category, specified 
in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD and identified in European 
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0090, dated April 16, 
2024 (EASA AD 2024-0090).
    (1) Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes.
    (2) Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A 
airplanes.

 (d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

 (e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that a flight deck emergency 
escape hatch was difficult to open due to the hose ends being 
connected to the hatch with incorrect parts or and installed collars 
with a too-small diameter that would not permit the drain hose to 
slide inside. The FAA is issuing this AD to address such 
installation nonconformities, which could affect drainage of the 
hatch. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could prevent 
flightcrew evacuation in case of an emergency, possibly resulting in 
personal injury.

 (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, EASA AD 2024-0090.

 (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0090

    (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0090 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2024-0090.
    (3) Where EASA AD 2024-0090 states ``any discrepancy, as defined 
in the AOM, is detected'' for this AD replace that text with ``any 
fastening system (e.g., zip-tie/ty-rap) is detected or any drain 
hose does not slide freely in the clamp (collar).''

 (i) No Reporting

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0090 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, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email 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 of the material listed in this paragraph 
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0090, 
dated April 16, 2024.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA material identified 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.
    (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 [email protected].


[[Page 87317]]


    Issued on October 28, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-25369 Filed 10-31-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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