81 FR 29511 - Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 92 (May 12, 2016)

We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 and Model ATR72-212A airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and certain overhead stowage compartment fittings; removing certain fittings from the overhead stowage compartments and measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and the overhead stowage compartment hooks, if necessary; and re-installing or repairing, as applicable, the Type III Emergency Exit doors. The NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that interference occurred between a Type III Emergency Exit door and the surrounding passenger cabin furnishing during a production check. This action revises the NPRM by adding new proposed requirements for modifying the overhead stowage compartments. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to prevent interference between a Type III Emergency Exit door and the overhead stowage compartment fitting installed on the rail; which could result in obstructed opening of a Type III Emergency Exit door during an emergency evacuation. Since these actions impose an additional burden over those proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 92 (Thursday, May 12, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29511-29514]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11096]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0077; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-254-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY:  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of 
comment period.

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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive 
(AD) for certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model 
ATR42-500 and Model ATR72-212A airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require 
measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and certain 
overhead stowage compartment fittings; removing certain fittings from 
the overhead stowage compartments and measuring the gap between the 
Type III Emergency Exit doors and the overhead stowage compartment 
hooks, if necessary; and re-installing or repairing, as applicable, the 
Type III Emergency Exit doors. The NPRM was prompted by a report 
indicating that interference occurred between a Type III Emergency Exit 
door and the surrounding passenger cabin furnishing during a production 
check. This action revises the NPRM by adding new proposed requirements 
for modifying the overhead stowage compartments. We are proposing this 
supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to prevent interference between a Type III 
Emergency Exit door and the overhead stowage compartment fitting 
installed on the rail; which could result in obstructed opening of a 
Type III Emergency Exit door during an emergency evacuation. Since 
these actions impose an additional burden over those proposed in the 
NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the 
chance to comment on these proposed changes.

DATES: We must receive comments on this SNPRM by June 27, 2016.

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 service information identified in this SNPRM, 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-
0077; 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 
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-2015-0077; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-254-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://

[[Page 29512]]

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

    We 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 Model ATR72-212A 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 23, 
2015 (80 FR 3531) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by a report 
indicating that interference occurred between a Type III Emergency Exit 
door and the surrounding passenger cabin furnishing during a production 
check. The NPRM proposed to require measuring the gap between the Type 
III Emergency Exit doors and certain overhead stowage compartment 
fittings; removing certain fittings from the overhead stowage 
compartments and measuring the gap between the Type III Emergency Exit 
doors and the overhead stowage compartment hooks, if necessary; and re-
installing or repairing, as applicable, the Type III Emergency Exit 
doors.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued the NPRM, we have determined that, in order to 
address the identified unsafe condition, additional requirements are 
needed for modifying the overhead stowage compartments (including 
removing the hooks and fittings from the lateral rails) and re-
identifying the overhead stowage compartments with new part numbers. 
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0018, dated February 5, 2015 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on certain ATR--GIE 
Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 and Model ATR72-
212A airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Interference between a Type III Emergency Exit door opening and 
surrounding passenger cabin furnishing was detected during a 
production check.
    Subsequent investigation identified an insufficient gap between 
the emergency exit door internal skin structure and the overhead 
stowage compartment fitting, installed on the rail, as a cause of 
the interference.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent an 
unobstructed opening of both Type III Emergency Exit doors in case 
of emergency evacuation.
    Prompted by this finding, EASA issued AD 2013-0280 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2013-0280] to require a one-time check of the 
gap between the Type III Emergency Exit door internal skin and a 
relevant fitting and, depending on findings, the accomplishment of 
applicable corrective action(s). That [EASA] AD was considered to be 
a temporary measure.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, ATR developed a design solution 
to ensure that no interference with surrounding structure occurs 
during opening of an emergency exit. ATR Service Bulletins (SB) 
ATR42-25-0185, SB ATR42-25-0186, SB ATR72-25-1148 and SB ATR72-25-
1149 were issued to provide the necessary modification instructions 
for in-service aeroplanes.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2013-0280, which is superseded, and requires 
modification of the overhead bin attachment adjacent to the Type III 
emergency exit doors [The modification includes removing the hooks 
and fittings from the lateral rails and re-identifying the overhead 
stowage compartments].

Required actions include an additional measurement of the gap between 
the internal skin and overhead stowage compartment hooks of both Type 
III Emergency Exits, if necessary. Corrective actions include re-
installing the Type III Emergency Exit doors and doing a repair. 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-
0077.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Service has issued the 
following service information:
     ATR Service Bulletin ATR42 25-0180, dated August 19, 2013, 
which describes procedures for, among other things, removing certain 
fittings from the overhead stowage compartments, measuring the gap 
between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and the overhead stowage 
compartment hooks, re-installing the Type III Emergency Exit doors, and 
repair.
     ATR Service Bulletin ATR72 25-1141, dated August 19, 2013, 
which describes procedures for, among other things, removing certain 
fittings from the overhead stowage compartments, measuring the gap 
between the Type III Emergency Exit doors and the overhead stowage 
compartment hooks, and re-installing the Type III Emergency Exit doors.
     ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0185, dated November 21, 
2014, which describes procedures for modifying the overhead stowage 
compartments.
     ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0186, dated November 21, 
2014, which describes procedures for modifying the overhead stowage 
compartments.
     ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1148, dated November 21, 
2014, which describes procedures for modifying the overhead stowage 
compartments.
     ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1149, dated November 21, 
2014, which describes procedures for modifying the overhead stowage 
compartments.
    This service information 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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this proposed AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the 
determination of the cost to the public.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This SNPRM

    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.
    Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM. As a 
result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment 
period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on 
this SNPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this SNPRM affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours per product 
to comply with the new basic requirements of this SNPRM. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this SNPRM on 
U.S. operators to be $1,360, or $340, or per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 1 work-hour for a cost of $85 per product. We have no way of 
determining the number of aircraft that might need these actions.

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

[[Page 29513]]

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):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2015-0077; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
254-AD.

 (a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 27, 2016.

 (b) Affected ADs

    None.

 (c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category, 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 
airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs) on which ATR 
Modification 6518 has been embodied in production, except those 
airplanes on which ATR Modification 7294 has been embodied in 
production.
    (2) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72-
212A airplanes on which ATR Modification 6517 has been embodied in 
production, except those airplanes on which ATR Modification 7294 
has been embodied in production.

 (d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

 (e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that interference 
occurred between a Type III Emergency Exit door and the surrounding 
passenger cabin furnishing during a production check. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent interference between a Type III Emergency Exit 
door and the overhead stowage compartment fitting installed on the 
rail; which could result in obstructed opening of a Type III 
Emergency Exit door during an emergency evacuation.

 (f) Compliance

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

 (g) Measurement of Gap Between Type III Emergency Exit Doors and 
Certain Overhead Stowage Compartment Fittings

    For all airplanes, except those airplanes on which ATR 
Modification 7152 has been embodied in production and except 
airplanes having MSN 1002, 1005, 1089, 1094, 1095, 1097, 1098, 1099, 
1100, 1101, or 1102: Within 2 months after the effective date of 
this AD, measure the gap between each Type III Emergency Exit door, 
left hand (LH) and right hand (RH), and the overhead stowage 
compartment fitting installed on the rail, by unlocking and slightly 
rotating the LH and RH Type III Emergency Exit doors with the doors 
remaining on the lower fittings. Use a shim gauge 6 millimeters (mm) 
(0.236 inch) thick, to measure the gap between the internal skin of 
the doors and the relevant fittings, part number (P/N) 
S2522924620000 (LH fitting) and P/N S2522924620100 (RH fitting).
    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Illustrations may be found 
in the applicable ATR Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) 25-23-02, 
figure 87, item 90/100.
    Note 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD: It might be necessary to 
pull on the door blanket to correctly see the door internal skin.

 (h) Re-Installation of Type III Emergency Exit Doors

    During the measurement required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if 
it is determined that there is a gap equal to or greater than 6 mm 
(0.236 inch): Before further flight, re-install the LH and RH Type 
III Emergency Exit Doors, in accordance with paragraph 3.C.(1)(d) of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-
0180, dated August 19, 2013; or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1141, 
dated August 19, 2013; as applicable.

 (i) Removal of Fitting and Measurement of Gap Between Door Internal 
Skin and Overhead Stowage Compartment Hooks

    During the measurement required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if 
it is determined that there is a gap less than 6 mm (0.236 inch): 
Before further flight, remove the fitting P/N S2522924620000 (LH 
fitting) or P/N S2522924620100 (RH fitting), and measure the gap 
between the internal skin of the LH and RH Type III Emergency Exit 
Doors and the overhead stowage compartment hooks, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-
0180, dated August 19, 2013; or ATR72-25-1141, dated August 19, 
2013; as applicable.
    (1) If, during the measurement required by paragraph (i) of this 
AD, it is determined that there is a gap equal to or greater than 6 
mm (0.236 inch): Before further flight, re-install the LH and RH 
Type III Emergency Exit Doors, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0180, dated August 19, 
2013; or ATR72-25-1141, dated August 19, 2013; as applicable.
    (2) If, during the measurement required by paragraph (i) of this 
AD, it is determined that there is a gap less than 6 mm (0.236 
inch): Before further flight, repair 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).

 (j) Modification of Overhead Stowage Compartments and Re-
Identification of Part Number

    Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify the 
overhead stowage compartments, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service information identified in 
paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(4) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes identified in ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-
0185, dated November 21, 2014: ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0185, 
dated November 21, 2014.
    (2) For airplanes identified in ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-
0186, dated November 21, 2014: ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-25-0186, 
dated November 21, 2014.
    (3) For airplanes identified in ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-
1148, dated November 21, 2014: ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1148, 
dated November 21, 2014.
    (4) For airplanes identified in ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-
1149, dated November 21, 2014: ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-25-1149, 
dated November 21, 2014.

[[Page 29514]]

 (k) 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 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.

 (l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0018, dated February 5, 
2015, 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-2015-0077.
    (2) For 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 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 4, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-11096 Filed 5-11-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P