80 FR 19246 - Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 69 (April 10, 2015)

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by new occurrences of certain cracked main landing gear (MLG) rear hinge pins. This proposed AD would require identifying the serial number and part number of the MLG rear hinge pins, and replacement of pins or the MLG if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracked rear hinge pins, which could lead to MLG structural failure, possibly resulting in collapse of the MLG and consequent injury to the occupants of the airplane.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 69 (Friday, April 10, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19246-19248]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-07801]



[[Page 19246]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0682; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-074-AD]
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).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and ATR72 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by new occurrences of certain 
cracked main landing gear (MLG) rear hinge pins. This proposed AD would 
require identifying the serial number and part number of the MLG rear 
hinge pins, and replacement of pins or the MLG if necessary. We are 
proposing this AD to detect and correct cracked rear hinge pins, which 
could lead to MLG structural failure, possibly resulting in collapse of 
the MLG and consequent injury to the occupants of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 26, 2015.

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 http://www.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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For Messier-Bugatti-Dowty service information identified in this 
proposed 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 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.aerochain.com. You 
may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0682; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; 
fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-0682; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-074-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0074, dated March 21, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all ATR-GIE Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    Prompted by cases of rupture of Main Landing Gear (MLG) rear 
hinge pin part number (P/N) D61000 encountered in service in 1994 
and 1996, DGAC France issued [an] AD * * * for ATR 42 aeroplanes and 
[another] AD * * * for ATR 72 aeroplanes to require inspection and, 
depending on findings, corrective action.
    Since those [French] ADs were issued, new occurrences of cracked 
rear hinge pin P/N D61000 were reported on ATR72 MLG.
    The result of subsequent investigation revealed that the 
affected pins were subjected to a non-detected thermal abuse done in 
production during grinding process. Analysis also showed that other 
MLG pin P/N's could be affected by the same nonconformity.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG 
structural failure, possibly resulting in collapse of the MLG and 
consequently injury to the occupants of the aeroplane.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
inspection and, depending on findings, replacement of affected pins.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0682.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Messier-Bugatti-Dowty has issued the following service information.
     Service Bulletin 631-32-213, dated December 16, 2013, 
which describes procedures for inspecting the MLG hinge pin.
     Service Bulletin 631-32-214, dated January 13, 2014, which 
describes procedures for inspecting the MLG pins.
     Service Bulletin 631-32-215, dated January 13, 2014, which 
describes procedures for inspecting the MLG pins.
     Service Bulletin 631-32-216, Revision 1, December 17, 
2013, which describes procedures for inspecting the MLG hinge pin.
     Service Bulletin 631-32-219, dated March 3, 2014, which 
describes procedures for inspecting the MLG hinge pin.
     Service Bulletin 631-32-220, dated March 3, 2014, which 
describes procedures for inspecting the MLG hinge pin.
    The actions described in this service information are intended to 
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. This service 
information is reasonably available; see ADDRESSES for ways to access 
this service information.

Service Information Correction

    Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-215, dated January 
13, 2014, has a typo for the issue month listed in the service 
bulletin. The month listed for Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 
631-32-215, dated January 13, 2014, should read ``January'' instead of 
``Juanary.''

[[Page 19247]]

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 81 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 8 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about 
$16,000 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $1,351,080, or $16,680 per 
product.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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.
    We are 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

    We 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. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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 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 (AD):

ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Docket No. FAA-2015-
0682; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-074-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 26, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional 
Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes; and Model ATR72-
101, -201, -102, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes; certificated 
in any category; all certified models; all manufacturer serial 
numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by new occurrences of certain cracked main 
landing gear (MLG) rear hinge pins. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct cracked rear hinge pins, which could lead to MLG 
structural failure, possibly resulting in collapse of the MLG and 
consequent injury to the occupants of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Hinge Pin Identification and Replacement for Model ATR72 Airplanes

    For Model ATR72 airplanes: Within 12 months after the effective 
date of this AD, inspect for the serial number of the left-hand (LH) 
and right-hand (RH) MLG rear hinge pins having part number (P/N) 
D61000. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in 
lieu of this identification if the part number and serial number of 
the LH and RH MLG rear hinge pins can be conclusively determined 
from that review. If a rear hinge pin having P/N D61000 has a serial 
number listed in Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-213, 
dated December 16, 2013; or Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 
631-32-216, Revision 1, December 17, 2013; as applicable: Within 12 
months after the effective date of this AD, replace the pin with a 
serviceable part as identified in paragraph (h) of this AD, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Messier-Bugatti-
Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-213, dated December 16, 2013; or 
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-216, Revision 1, dated 
December 17, 2013; as applicable.

(h) Definition of Serviceable Hinge Pin for Model ATR72 Airplanes

    For Model ATR72 airplanes: For purposes of paragraph (g) of this 
AD, a serviceable MLG rear hinge pin is a pin that is specified in 
paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) A hinge pin that is not identified in Messier-Bugatti-Dowty 
Service Bulletin 631-32-213, dated December 16, 2013; or Messier-
Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-216, Revision 1, dated 
December 17, 2013; as applicable.
    (2) A hinge pin that has been inspected and reconditioned, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Messier-Bugatti-
Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-213, dated December 16, 2013; or 
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-216, Revision 1, dated 
December 17, 2013; as applicable.

(i) MLG Pin Identification and Replacement for Model ATR72 Airplanes

    For Model ATR72 airplanes: At the earlier of the times specified 
in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, inspect all LH and RH 
MLG pins for a part number and serial number listed in Messier-
Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-214, dated January 13, 2014; 
or Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-219, dated March 3, 
2014; as applicable. A review of airplane maintenance records is 
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number and serial 
number of the LH and RH MLG pin can be conclusively determined from 
that review. If any affected MLG pin is found: At the earlier of the 
compliance times specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this 
AD, replace

[[Page 19248]]

the MLG with a serviceable MLG as identified in paragraph (j) of 
this AD, using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or ATR-GIE Avions de 
Transport R[eacute]gional's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
    (1) No later than the next MLG overhaul scheduled after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) Within 20,000 flight cycles or 9 years, whichever occurs 
first, accumulated since installation of the MLG on an airplane 
since new or since last overhaul, as applicable.

(j) Definition of Serviceable MLG for Model ATR72 Airplanes

    For Model ATR72 airplanes: For purposes of paragraph (i) of this 
AD, a serviceable MLG is one that incorporates pins specified in 
paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Pins that are not identified in Messier-Bugatti-Dowty 
Service Bulletin 631-32-214, dated January 13, 2014; or Messier-
Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-219, dated March 3, 2014; as 
applicable.
    (2) Pins that have been inspected and reconditioned in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Messier-Bugatti-
Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-214, dated January 13, 2014; or 
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-219, dated March 3, 
2014; as applicable.

(k) MLG Pin Identification and Replacement for Model ATR42 Airplanes

    (1) For Model ATR42 airplanes: Within the compliance time 
identified in paragraph (k)(1)(i) or (k)(1)(ii) of this AD, 
whichever occurs first, inspect for any LH and RH MLG pins having a 
part number and serial number listed in Messier-Bugatti-Dowty 
Service Bulletin 631-32-215, dated January 13, 2014; or Messier-
Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-220, dated March 3, 2014; as 
applicable. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable 
in lieu of this identification if the part number and serial number 
of the LH and RH MLG pin can be conclusively determined from that 
review.
    (i) No later than the next MLG overhaul scheduled after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (ii) Within 20,000 flight cycles or 9 years, whichever occurs 
first, accumulated since installation of the MLG on an airplane 
since new or since last overhaul, as applicable.
    (2) If the MLG pin having a part number and serial number listed 
in Messier- Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-215, dated January 
13, 2014; or Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-220, 
dated March 3, 2014; as applicable; is found to be installed during 
the identification required by paragraph (k)(1) of this AD, within 
the compliance time identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD, 
replace the MLG with a serviceable MLG, using a method approved by 
the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; or ATR-GIE Avions de Transport 
R[eacute]gional's EASA DOA. A serviceable MLG is a part that has 
pins as identified in paragraph (k)(2)(i) or (k)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Pins that are not listed in Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service 
Bulletin 631-32-215, dated January 13, 2014; or Messier-Bugatti-
Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-220, dated March 3, 2014; as 
applicable.
    (ii) Pins that have been inspected and reconditioned, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Messier-Bugatti-
Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-215, dated January 13, 2014; or 
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-220, dated March 3, 
2014; as applicable.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-
216, dated October 30, 2013, which is not incorporated by reference 
in this AD.

(m) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 International Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom 
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; fax 425-227-1149. 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 local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; 
or ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional's EASA DOA. If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0074, dated March 21, 2014, 
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2015-0682.
    (2) For Messier-Bugatti-Dowty 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 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.aerochain.com. 
You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on 
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 25, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-07801 Filed 4-9-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P